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Inspection on 04/05/05 for Abbotts Court

Also see our care home review for Abbotts Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 4th May 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

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 manager and her staff work well as a team to provide a good standard of care in a clean, homely and friendly environment. Comments from service users spoken to included, "Food excellent, staff good", "Being looked after, someone always there", "The best thing for me is the company, plenty of friends to chat to". Records examined were current and up to date. Staff spoken to were aware of their role of responsibility and were eager to provide a good service to the people who lived in the home. A visitor spoken to said he is always made welcome by staff and regularly has a meal in the home, and is impressed with the standard of the food.

What has improved since the last inspection?

What the care home could do better:

The manager is responsible for ensuring staff adhere to the procedure for receipt and recording of medication into the home, an error was highlighted during the inspection. The home should continue working towards 50% of care staff achieving NVQ2 as at present this standard remains unmet. It is important staff are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver a good standard of service to the people who live in the home and other visitors. The system for allowing access to service users for money held on their behalf by the home should be reviewed as at present the system is restrictive outside of office hours which impacts on choice and promotion of independence of service users.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Abbotts Court Wingate Lane Wheatley Hill County Durham DH6 3LP Lead Inspector Belinda Parker Unannounced 4 May 2005 09:30 am th 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 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 B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Abbotts Court Address Wingate Lane, Wheatley Hill, County Durham. DH6 3LP Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 01429 820866 01483 727509 Highfield Home Properties Ltd Angela Proctor Care Home 39 Category(ies) of DE (Dementia) - 33, OP (Old Age) - 6, DE(E) registration, with number (Dementia over 65) - 33 of places Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Service Users in the category of DE over the age of 55 years may be accommodated commensurate with the home`s Statement of Purpose. Date of last inspection 16th November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Abbots Court is located on the edge of the ex mining village of Wheatley Hill. Highfield 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. Since the last inspection 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. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place on 5/5/05 over 4.5 hours. During the inspection we looked around the building, examined a number of records and spoke to staff, service users and one visitor. Since the last inspection one of the two requirements made has been met. Two of the five recommendations made were met. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Since the last inspection evidence that the home is run as an efficient business was available for inspection. A new Activities Co – ordinator has been appointed which is proving popular with service users. A service user commented, “ I love to join in all activities, anything going”. The training programme for staff to achieve NVQ2 in care continues to ensure all staff working in the home have the necessary skills and abilities to provide a good service to the people who live in and visit the home. The manager has commenced the appropriate course to enhance her management skills. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 1, 4 and 5 The home’s Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide are good in providing service users’ and prospective service users with details of the services the home provides enabling an informed decision about admission to be made including pre- admission visits to the home. The manager has a clear understanding of what the home can offer to prospective service users and whether the home can meet their individual needs. EVIDENCE: The manager said all prospective service users’ are given a copy of the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide for information to assist them in making a decision as to whether they wish to move in to the home. Each service user livng in the home has a copy of this document available in their room for information. Inspection of these documents showed that they were up to date setting out the aims, objectives, philosophy of care, services provided and terms and conditions of the home. The manager during discussion was able to demonstrate the home’s capacity to meet the assessed needs of individuals admitted to the home. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 Service users spoken to said they had the opportunity to visit with their family and spend time in the home before deciding to move in. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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 standard(s) 9 The home has failed to improve their procedures for the recording and receipt of medication into the home in one specified area, which potentially places service users at risk. EVIDENCE: At the last inspection an audit of medication recording sheets showed that specified hand written entries of receipt of medication into the home were unsigned. At this inspection this issue was again brought to the attention of the manager as examination of MAR sheets showed up the same problem again on one medication record sheet. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 13, 14 and 15 Service users are able to have visitors at any reasonable time and maintain links with the local community. The registered manager conducts the home in a way that enables service users to exercise personal autonomy and choice. Dietary needs of service users are well catered for with a balanced and varied selection of food available that meets service users needs and choices. EVIDENCE: Service users and a visitor spoken to during the inspection said visiting arrangements in the home were flexible, and some service users said they go out into the local community with staff or their families. Since the last inspection the manager has obtained information on advocacy services in the area, which is displayed in the home for service user information to enable them to exercise personal autonomy and choice. Service users spoke positively about the choice and quality of food served in the home. A visitor commented he regularly had a meal when visitng and was impressed with the standard. The dining areas were bright, tables set appropriately and menu’s available on each individual table offering choice to service users. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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 standard(s) EVIDENCE: This standard section was not assessed at this inspection. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 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 standard(s) EVIDENCE: This standard section was not assessed at this inspection. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 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 considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 and 28 Staff morale is high resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively together to provide service users with a good quality of life. EVIDENCE: Discussion with the registered manager and records examined showed that staff were employed in adequate numbers with an appropriate skill mix to meet the collective needs of the service users. An Activities Co-ordinator has been appointed who the manager said is currently liaising with service users and developing an activity programme within the home, offering a choice of internal and external acivities. Records available showed that a number of staff have achieved NVQ2 in Care, remaining care staff have registered to commence this course. Staff interviewed were able to demonstrate the benefit of having achieved this qualification with reference to providing them with the skills and abilities to deliver a good standard of care service to the people who live in the home. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 The management of this home is satisfactory overall. The home regularly reviews aspects of its performance through a good programme of self- review and consultation with service users, staff and relatives. The arrangements in place to enable service users to access money held on their behalf are restrictive. Staff are able to demonstrate an awareness of their role and responsibility in the provision of a good standard of care to the people who live in the home. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the manager has commenced the Registered Managers Award , which on completion will enhance her skills in the efficient and effective management of the home. The manager during discussion was able to demonstrate that her approach to the management of the home creates an open, positive and inclusive atmosphere. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 The home has in place an effective quality assurance and monitoring system, seeking the views of service users, staff and relatives through meetings and surveys to ensure the aims and objectives and Statement of Purpose of the home are being met. Financial accounts were available for inspection which showed that the home was ran in an effective and efficient manner. The manager had a current development plan for the home to show how the home will continue to improve its service provision for the benefit of the people who live there. Arrangements for service users to access money held on their behalf outside of office hours are restrictive and operated via a pooled system. Since the last inspection the system of formal supervision has been improved and developed. Records examined showed that formal supervision of staff covers all aspects of practice, philosophy of care and career development needs. Staff spoken to said they found this system to be beneficial in enabling them to enhance their role of responsibility and abilities in delivering a good standard of service to the people who live in the home. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 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 ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score 3 x x 3 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 x 8 x 9 2 10 x 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 x 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION x x x x x x x x STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 x 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 x x Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 yes Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? 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. 1. Standard 9 Regulation 13 Requirement The registered manager must ensure all hand written entries on MAR sheets are signed by the staff member responsible for receipt of the medication into the home. (outstanding since the last inspection) Timescale for action immediate RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. Refer to Standard 28 35 Good Practice Recommendations The manager should ensure the programme of training continues towards 50 of care staff achieving NVQ2 in care. The registered provider should review the system for the safe keeping and accessibility by service users for money held on their behalf by the home. Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection No 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington County Durham. 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Abbotts Court B54 S39316 Abbotts Court V224077 040505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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