I READ with disdain your report on Cepen Lodge Care Home. The way it’s written puts a negative light on this very caring establishment. I attend the home almost every day to see my wife who unfortunately has Alzheimer’s and has been there for just over a year.
In my opinion the CQC have been overzealous in their latest assessment. 
In my observations over the past year I have found that safety and responsiveness is extremely good. 
For example I was told in no uncertain manner that I was not to assist my wife in getting in and out of her chair as I did not have the right training. 
My wife needs constant assistance like some of the other residents when moving about such as getting into a wheelchair, showering etc and there is never fewer than two carers to assist in these tasks. 
As for responsiveness, again in my opinion it is excellent, if anything happens a team of carers is on scene in seconds. 
What few complaints I have had since my wife entered the home have been dealt with in a quick and professional manner. If the CQC finds the filling in of paperwork lacking it ought to think about simplifying it. The staff have to balance their time with bureaucracy imposed by the CQC and caring for vulnerable people. 
It’s the carers who know best the residents’ likes and dislikes and what risks are involved in differing tasks, not a piece of paper. 
To take up the report of strong odours at times, on the ground floor there is at certain times of the day strong odours of cooking but surely this is normal for an establishment that caters for 50-plus residents. 
If on the other hand you are talking about odours on the dementia floor you must remember that a lot of vulnerable people on this floor are incontinent. 
The staff and management do their very best to alleviate any problems. 
I must admit I never encounter any strong odours when visiting.
All staff at this care home are very caring and work extremely hard at making life for the residents as comfortable and safe as possible. 
Reporting like this puts a negative light on a very caring home looking after elderly people. 
I suggest the reporter seeks permission and goes to see for himself.
TREFOR WILLIAMS 
Hardens Mead
Chippenham