Inspection on 19/09/06 for Abbotts Court

This inspection was carried out on 19th 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.

Other inspections for this house

Abbotts Court 16/09/08

Abbotts Court 20/09/07

Abbotts Court 10/10/05

Abbotts Court 04/05/05

Abbotts Court 16/11/04

Abbotts Court 14/06/04

Abbotts Court 23/02/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/07/2008.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Abbotts Court Abbotts Court Wingate Lane Wheatley Hill Co Durham DH6 3LP Lead Inspector Belinda Parker Unannounced Inspection 08:45 19 September 2006 th X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Abbotts Court Address Abbotts Court Wingate Lane Wheatley Hill Co Durham DH6 3LP 01429 820866 01429 821010 abbottscourt@highfield-care.com Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Southern Cross Home Properties Limited Angela Proctor Care Home 39 Category(ies) of Dementia (24), Dementia - over 65 years of age registration, with number (24), Old age, not falling within any other of places category (15) Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service Users in the category of DE over the age of 55 years may be accommodated commensurate with the home’s Statement of Purpose. 10th October 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Abbots Court is located on the edge of the ex mining village of Wheatley Hill. Southern Cross Home Properties Limited is the registered provider and the home operates within the private sector. The building is a three-storey building located in its own grounds. Refurbishment has been completed in the main building and offers a high standard of comfort and accommodation. Refurbishment of an additional unit on the ground floor has been completed. Service areas are located on the ground floor. Fees charged by the home for provision of care range from £364:50 - £417:00 Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place on 19/09/2006 over a period of 5 hours. During the visit time was spent talking to service users, the manager and staff. A number of surveys and comment cards had been sent to the home prior to the visit. A number of records were examined and we walked around the building. What the service does well: On entering the home the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Many service users were walking freely around the home. Service users spoken to were satisfied with the care they receive and the standard of the communal and their personal accommodation. During the visit service users made positive comments. These included: “Food good. I like good food but couldn’t manage to cook much at home”. “ I enjoy the company and I like to attend activities in the home”. A group of service users participating in a reminiscence session with the activities co-ordinator said, “ Nice to remember when I was a child”, “Times were hard but we were happy”. The cook said, “ I only use fresh ingredients”, “ I make my own biscuits and cakes”. Records viewed for the protection of service users were up to date. The standard of the environment is good. This provides service users with a comfortable place to live. What has improved since the last inspection? The manager has addressed a requirement made at the last inspection regarding the safe storage of personal toiletries. This will ensure service users are not put at risk. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standard 3, (Standard 6 not applicable) Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The pre-admission assessment process is clear. Prospective service users and their relatives are involved in the process. Staff are provided with the necessary information to enable them to compile the plan of care to meet the needs of individual service users. EVIDENCE: A sample of care plans examined included a full comprehensive pre-admission assessment. The assessment process included the prospective service user and their family. A service user spoken to during the visit confirmed this. The quality of the information in the pre-admission assessments is good. This enables staff to compile the plan of care to meet the individual needs of the service user. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The care planning process is clear. Staff are provided with the necessary information to meet the changing needs of service users. Medication in this home is well managed, promoting the good health of service users. Staff treat service users with respect. EVIDENCE: Four care plans examined included all of the information staff need to satisfactorily meet the health and care needs of individual service users. Evidence was included in the plan of care to show that the service user or their representative had signed as to their agreement. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Care plans are evaluated on a regular basis to ensure the changing needs of service users are met. Evidence is included to show that the service user and their representative are involved in the review process. An audit of medication held in the home was conducted. Medication in this home is well managed. This ensures that service users are not put at risk. Staff spoken to during the visit demonstrated that they treat service users with respect. Service users spoken to while walking around the home confirmed this. One service user said, “ The staff are very good”. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12, 13, 14 and 15 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The activity programme in the home provides a fulfilling social life for service users. But it is their choice if they wish to participate. The routine in the home is flexible and service users are able to maintain contact with relatives and friends. Service users are enabled by staff to take control of their own life. The dietary needs of service users are met. Including service users who have speacial dietary needs. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the home now employs an activities co-ordinator. Evidence is available to show that the programme of activities offered in the home has improved. This provides service users with a wider range and choice of activities to participate in if they so wish. Time was spent with a group of Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 services users enjoying a lively discussion about their childhood during the war years. One service user commented, “ As kids we knew how to enjoy ourselves”, “Nice to remember when I was a child”, “ Times were hard, but we were happy”. Care plans included a record of activities attended by the individual service user. A service user who recently came to live in the home said, “ I enjoy the company and like to attend activities and events in the home”. Service users spoken to confirmed that visiting was flexible and their families were always made welcome by the staff. A service user spoken to said, “ I make my own decisions. But staff help me if I ask them to”. The cook confirmed that she aims to provide a varied and healthy diet for the service users. Home made biscuits and sandwiches sampled during the visit were fresh and tasty. The cook said, “ I only use fresh ingredients. And I make my own biscuits and cakes”. The cook also said she meets the needs of service users who require special diets. The dining areas are spacious and comfortable. A service user who recently came to live in the home said, “ The food is good. I like good food but couldn’t manage to cook much at home”. Care plans included a nutritional assessment that was reviewed on a regular basis to monitor at changes to the dietary needs of individual service users. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 16 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The complaints process is clear. Providing service users and relatives with an opportunity to make their views known. Service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The complaints process in the home is clear. A service user spoken to confirmed that if he was unhappy about any aspect of his care he knew what to do. A complaints record is maintained that also shows the outcome of any recorded complaints. The manager holds a monthly surgery for relatives to call in and discuss any issues or concerns they may have. A thorough recruitment process is in place along with training on POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) for all staff. This will ensure service users are protected from abuse. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 19 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The standard of the environment is good providing service users with a high standard of comfort in safe surroundings. EVIDENCE: We toured the home and found it to be comfortable, well maintained, clean and free from any offensive odours. Discussion with the maintenance staff and domestic confirmed that they work towards providing a safe and clean environment for service users to enjoy. Ancillary staff spoken to confirmed they attend training relevant to their role of responsibility. An issue regarding the safe storage of service users toiletries highlighted at the last inspection has been addressed by the manager to maintain service users safety. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Records were available to show that all services and disability equipment are maintained on a regular basis. This will ensure that the people who live in, work and visit the home are safe. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 27, 28, 29 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home employs competent staff in adequate numbers to meet the needs of the people who live there. The recruitment process is thorough. This ensures service users are not put at risk. EVIDENCE: Duty rotas examined showed that Staff are employed in adequate numbers to meet the needs of the people who live in the home. Training records viewed and discussion with staff confirmed that they are equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to provide a good service. Care staff and ancillary staff receive training relevant to their role of responsibility. The home has a clear and thorough recruitment process for staff in place. Staff personnel files examined included all the required information. This ensures service users are protected from abuse. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 Quality in this outcome area is “Good”. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The manager runs the home in the best interests of service users. Service users and their relatives are given the opportunity to make their views known. The home is maintained to a good standard. Providing service users with a comfortable and safe place to live. EVIDENCE: The manager is a qualified nurse with many years experience in working with older people. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Quality assurance and monitoring systems are in place. This ensures the home is run in the best interests of the people who live there. Service users are given the opportunity to make their views known. A service user spoken to during the visit confirmed that he was aware of the complaints procedure. The manager provides a monthly surgery for relatives to discuss any issues or concerns they may have with the manager. Money held on behalf of service users by the home is recorded and stored appropriately. The manager said if service users are unable to manage their personal finances, their relatives normally do this for them on their behalf. Staff receive training regarding health and safety in the home. Records for maintaining a safe environment examined were up to date. Certificates for the servicing and maintenance of major systems and equipment in the home were up to date and available for inspection. Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 x x 3 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 3 3 x x x x x x 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Abbotts Court DS0000039316.V298736.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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