Inspection on 01/12/05 for Albion Court

This inspection was carried out on 1st December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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.

Other inspections for this house

Albion Court 03/07/08

Albion Court 20/07/07

Albion Court 24/07/06

Albion Court 01/11/04

Albion Court 22/07/04

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 Albion Court Albion Way Blyth Northumberland NE24 5BW Lead Inspector Karena M Reed Unannounced Inspection 1st December 2005 09.15 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 DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Albion Court Address Albion Way Blyth Northumberland NE24 5BW 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) 01670 362354 01670 362354 sartoria@freenet.co.uk Heathdale Care Ltd Mrs L Jones Care Home 31 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (6), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (25) of places DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 8th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Albion Court is a home registered to provide personal care to thirty one older people, six of the places are registered for people with severe memory loss. The home does not provide nursing care. The home is situated in a residential area near the centre of Blyth and its facilities. It is accessible by public transport. All bedrooms are for single occupancy. There are two large lounges, one to the front and one with access to a large rear garden, there is a separate dining room . There are three bathrooms, one of which contains an assisted bath. There are sufficient lavatories around the home. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over two and a half hours. A partial tour of the premises took place and a sample of care records were inspected as well as other records. Records included: 4 care plans, 2 staff files, the fire log record, the accident book, admission/discharge register, complaints record, staffing rotas, daily communication book and service users personal allowance records. The proprietor, deputy manager, three carers, cook and kitchen assistant were spoken to during the inspection . Time was also spent with 11 service users during the inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A pre admission assessment form has been established to assist the home to collect the relevant information in order to make the plan of care. The standard of care plans has improved to assist staff to provide the necessary levels of care and support to service users. The environment is becoming better maintained and there is an on going programme of decoration and refurbishment around the home. The programme of activities and entertainment is becoming varied in order to offer stimulation to service users if they wish to become involved. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): These standards were not assessed at this inspection. EVIDENCE: DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 7,8,9, There are good arrangements in place to ensure that residents’ health and social care needs are met. Care plans contain comprehensive information to ensure that all health care needs are clearly addressed and to ensure that the staff team are fully informed and aware of the support they need to provide. EVIDENCE: Inspection of the records for a recent admission showed that an assessment had been carried out prior to their admission. This was combined with information received from the care manager’s assessment of the resident’s care needs. The resulting care plan recorded detailed information about the health and medical needs of the service user and the amount of staff intervention required in order to provide support. A new pre admission assessment had been introduced by the home which was detailed and allowed information to be collected from the service users and their families in order to ensure a relevant plan of social care needs was drawn up with service users. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Service users have a choice of General Practitioner if they are unable to retain their own when they move into the Home. There was evidence that GPs and Community Nurses were regularly consulted for advice and treatment. Records were available to show district nurses visit the home as required and service users are assisted to access chiropody and optical services at least annually or as often as required. Staff receive training about medication before they are given the responsibility of administering it to service users. The medication system was not examined at this inspection. All of those residents spoken to, who could comment, said that they were treated well by the staff and well cared for. It was apparent during the inspection, that attention was paid to service users’ dignity and staff were seen to act respectfully at all times. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 12,13,14,15 The Home provides support to enable service users to access and use community facilities when possible e.g leisure, health, spiritual and social needs. Meals are managed creatively and provide daily variation and interest for people living in the home. It is not the norm to consult with service users or to keep them involved in the daily running of their lives and the home. Visitors are made welcome and staff support residents to maintain contact with family and friends as they wish. EVIDENCE: There is a programme of activities in place including: videos, art and crafts, armchair exercises, bingo, manicurist, dominoes, pat a dog, clothing and toiletry parties. Church visitors of different nominations call to visit some service users. At the time of inspection arrangements were in hand for the seasonal festivities for service users and families to enjoy. Service users spoken to however were not aware of the activities that were offered by the home, although a varied programme was available for people to take part in if they wished. Some stated there was not much to do, and the days were long. Some service users would like the opportunity to visit the local DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 community with staff, when the weather improves, rather than waiting for the availability of their relatives to take them out. There was no evidence of regular meetings with service users although they did say they were individually asked their views and opinion. People living in the home were spoken to and those who commented on the food said how good it was. On the day of inspection, the lunch comprised: gammon, croquette potatoes or fish and parsley sauce and trifle or mixed berry crumble. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 16,18 There is a suitable complaints procedure. Service users and their relatives have confidence that they can raise any issues and know that they will be dealt with. The home’s staff team do not have a sound grasp of Protection of Vulnerable procedures. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure. There have been no complaints about the home since the last inspection. The service users spoken to confirmed that they would raise any issues of concern with the staff team. A procedure for responding to allegations of abuse is available. The staff have still not received training regarding the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26 The home is becoming better maintained and decorated which creates a pleasant and homely environment for those living there. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. There is a quite a good standard of hygiene around the home. Systems are in place to provide a safe environment for service users and staff. EVIDENCE: The home is becoming better maintained and some areas of the home have recently been decorated. The hallway carpet by the cleaning cupboard however was stained and well worn. There are two lounges and a dining room. There are large, well tended gardens with pleasant sitting areas. Several armchairs in the lounge overlooking the back garden were dirty and threadbare. Service users bedrooms are personalized to their tastes. Three bedrooms:7, 8 and 9 were cold and the heating was not adequate, this had been identified before the inspection and DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 plans were being made to rectify this. There are an adequate number of bathrooms with equipment to help those with physical disabilities and some separate lavatories around the home. There are adequate laundry facilities in place and staff receive training about infection control . DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 27,28,29,30 Excellent staffing levels are maintained which means that there are enough staff on duty to meet the needs of service users. The staff have some understanding of the service users support needs. Staff have a good grounding in the areas they need to know to provide good care and enhance their personal development. EVIDENCE: The home is staffed as follows: 8.00am- 4.00pm 4 4.00 pm- 10.00pm 4 10.00pm-8.00am 3 These numbers include the manager who works some supernumary hours. There is a senior staff member on each shift. Other staff members are employed for duties such as food preparation, cleaning and gardening. The necessary checks are being carried out prior to the workers being appointed. There are currently no staffing vacancies. Staff stated that they enjoyed working in the home and were observed to be kind, caring and respectful to residents. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Staff stated that they receive induction training. Where new inexperienced staff are employed, they work as an extra member of the shift, which is good practice. 100 of the care staff team have now achieved National Vocational Qualifications at level 2 and 3.Eleven staff members have achieved level 2 and seven staff members have achieved level 3. Staff confirmed that they also receive advice and /or training in other areas, such as Osteoporosis, care of people with memory loss as well as the necessary statutory training. Staff have not received training in how to work with behaviour that may be challenging. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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): 31,32,33,35,37,38 The home is being managed to ensure the welfare and safety of service users. Although the home is run in the best interests of service users there is little consultation with service users to involve them in daily decision making about their lives. There is no evidence of consultation with staff members. Service users’ financial interests are safe guarded. There is a good standard of record keeping. EVIDENCE: The registered manager, Mrs Lavinia Jones, has managed the home for a number of years. She has recently achieved the Registered Manager’s award. The home has a formal quality assurance programme, which includes seeking the views of residents, relatives and other interested parties, to feedback on the quality of care provided on an annual basis. There was no evidence of DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 more frequent consultation with service users. There was no evidence of staff meetings. The home’s management do not act as appointees or agents for service users’ finances. There is a system in place to ensure that the staff are given training in moving and handling skills, fire safety, first aid, infection control and food hygiene. The fire log book indicated that fire safety checks are carried out routinely. The bath panel by bedroom 24 was broken however and maintenance contracts were not available to show the regular maintenance of the bath hoist and the contract for the maintenance of the through floor passenger lift had expired. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 x x x x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 4 9 x 10 x 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 2 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 2 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 4 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 x 4 x 3 2 DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES 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 2 3 4 5 6 Standard OP4 OP18 OP12OP32 OP19OP20 OP25 OP23OP38 Regulation 18(1)©(i) 13(6) 16(m)(n) 16(2)© 23(2)(p) 23(2)© Requirement Staff must receive training about challenging behaviour Staff must receive updated training about POVA Service users must be consulted more frequently. Armchairs to be replaced. To ensure safe arrangements are in place for the adequate heating of all areas of the building. The bath hoist and through floor passenger lift to be serviced regularly and an annual maintenance to be supplied. The carpet by the cleaning cupboard must be replaced or made good. The bath panel must be replaced Timescale for action 01/02/06 01/03/06 01/02/06 01/04/06 05/12/05 10/01/06 7 8 OP19 OP38 23(2)(d) 23(2)(b) 31/01/06 05/12/05 DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 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 Refer to Standard OP32 Good Practice Recommendations More regular staff meetings should take place. DS0000052603.V258077.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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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