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Inspection on 28/09/06 for Abacus Care Home

Also see our care home review for Abacus Care Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 28th September 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home provides a very good standard of residential care, for older people and people with dementia related conditions, in a safe, clean and homely atmosphere. Staff within the home were committed to maintaining the best quality of care they could provide. Residents and relatives were very complimentary about the staff and the care they received. They also confirmed that they were treated politely and respectfully at all times. Comments included: " Marvellous" " I am very satisfied with the care and attention my wife receives." " I think all aspects of the home are very good." " I am very happy here." Good interaction between staff and residents was observed. The range of activities provided within the home were plentiful and varied, the home should further evidence `specialist activities` by recording those provided to residents with dementia. The maintenance of the home was excellent and the standard of cleaning was very good. There were a variety of personal items in each bedroom and communal areas were homely and comfortable. Documentation of care delivery was seen; it met requirements and was professionally recorded and meaningful. Abacus House work in partnership with other professional bodies to ensure the best outcome for the residents.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The two recommendations made at the last inspection have been have been completed. These were to offer staff information on Methicillian resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and introduce a receipt book to further strengthen financial procedures.

What the care home could do better:

The Commission evidenced one serious concern during this visit.Suitable and safe arrangements for medication administration and recording need to be provided. These procedures must comply with the requirements of the Medicines Act 1968, guidelines from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Preparing medication and signing medical administration records prior to administration is totally unacceptable and considered unsafe. This was discussed with the responsible individual who assured the Commission that a new system would be introduced within 7 days. In the next few weeks the home will change their system of bottle to person to the blister pack system, which should further improve the situation. The responsible individual needs to undertake unannounced monthly visits to Abacus House and complete an audit; this should include discussions with the staff, residents and their visitors. The responsible individual must ensure staff are provided with training appropriate to the work they are to perform to further evidence the staff team can meet the residents needs, in this instance dementia and mental health training are required. Risk assessments are completed but there is a need for expansion, the responsible individual must ensure risk assessments are completed in all areas to eliminate or minimise risk to staff and residents.

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