Inspection on 20/07/07 for Albion Court

This inspection was carried out on 20th July 2007.

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

Albion Court 03/07/08

Albion Court 24/07/06

Albion Court 01/12/05

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 Reed Key Unannounced Inspection 20th July 2007 09:30 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 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.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. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 F/P 01670 362354 sartoria@freenet.co.uk Heathdale Care Ltd Mrs L Jones Care Home 31 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (17), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (14) of places Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 15th January 2007 Brief Description of the Service: Albion Court is a detached home situated in a residential area near to the centre of Blyth, it is close to local shops, doctors and public houses. It is also close to the Northumbrian coast and the nearby countryside. It is on a bus route. It is 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. All bedrooms are for single occupancy. There are two large lounges, one to the front and one at the back looking onto to a large 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. A Statement of Purpose and service user guide are available at the home for residents who are interested in coming to live at the home. The guides describe the services and facilities provided by the home and how staff are trained to meet service users’ care and support needs. CSCI Inspection reports are also available at the home detailing the quality of care provided by the home. Fees payable for living at the home at the time of inspection in July 2007 vary between £409.40 and £414.70. Additional charges are payable for hairdressing, chiropody, personal toiletries and personal newspapers. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • • • • • Information we have received since the last inspection on 15th January 2007. How the service dealt with any complaints and concerns since the last visit. Any changes to how the home is run. The provider’s view of how well they care for people. The views of people who use the service and their relatives, staff and other professionals. The visit • An unannounced visit was made on July 20th 2007 During the visit we: • • • • • • Talked with people who use the service, relatives, staff, the manager and visitors. Looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met. Looked at other records that must be kept. Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for. Looked around the building to make sure it was clean, safe and comfortable. Checked what improvements had been made since the last inspection. We told the provider what we found. Comments from residents and relatives include: “My mother received information about the home before moving in.” “A very good choice of meals at the home.” “Meals are very good.” “The home is usually clean and fresh.” Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 “Residents receive the care and support needed.” “Activities are sometimes arranged at the home to take part in.” What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? There is an ongoing programme of decoration and refurbishment around the home. The outside of the home has been decorated. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The dining room has been decorated and re-carpeted. Some hallways have been decorated and carpets replaced. The office and some bedrooms have been decorated. A loop system is being installed in the front lounge for the benefit of hearing impaired people. Armchairs are being replaced in the front lounge. The rear garden is being landscaped and new garden furniture has been purchased. The heating system has been made more effective for all areas of the home. The hot water system has been made more effective to all areas of the building to provide an adequate supply of running hot water to all bedrooms and the bathroom. The worn kitchen work surfaces have been replaced. A new medication system has been introduced into the home. What they could do better: More activities and entertainment must be provided to residents in case they wish to become involved. Staffing levels must be reviewed to ensure they are in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the residents taking into account the layout of the building and the dependency levels of residents. The chair in the bathroom must be replaced in the interests of health and safety. The keypad on the bedroom door must be removed. Two written references must be obtained before employing a new staff member. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1,3,4,5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Useful information is given to prospective residents about the home. The home collects enough information about the needs of prospective residents before they move in to help ensure staff are aware of the amount of care and support needs of the resident as they settle in. Staff receive training to give them the knowledge and insight to help understand the needs of residents and to provide the necessary levels of care and support to individual residents. Residents and their relatives are very welcome to visit the home to assess its suitability. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 EVIDENCE: The Home’s Statement of Purpose and service user guide were examined and they contained the necessary information as required by the Care Homes Regulations 2001. Records for four of the residents showed that when they were admitted to the home an assessment of their care needs had been carried out before their admission. The resident and relevant people who knew them were involved in the initial assessment. The assessment form encourages staff to explore issues relating to equality and diversity as it refers to gender, cultural, religious/spirituality, educational and social histories, preferred daily routine and preferences. It also looks at mood, speech, behaviour, mental health, risks, sexuality and living skills. This information and the care manager’s assessment of the resident’s care needs were used to ensure all the needs of the resident could be met by staff. The records contained a range of information. Staff receive training so that they are aware of some of the specialist needs of the residents. Staff have received the necessary statutory training: Fire Training, Moving & Assisting, Food Hygiene, First Aid, Safe Handling of Medication, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Infection Control. Developmental training includes: Falls Awareness, Supervisory Development, Podiatry, Mental Health Awareness, Visual Impairment, Oral Hygiene, Diabetes Awareness, Health and Safety, Dementia Care and National Vocational Qualifications at levels 2 and 3. Residents have the opportunity to visit the home as often as they need in order to decide if they want to live there. A resident may come for meals, have overnight stays and be introduced to other residents at the home at a pace suitable to the individual. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are very good arrangements in place to ensure that the health and social care needs of residents’ are met. There is a system of reviewing the changing care needs of residents. Residents are well supported by staff and care plans show the amount of care and support that staff are providing to residents. There are full arrangements in place to ensure residents health care needs are met. Staff receive training before they are able to administer medication to residents. Residents are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 EVIDENCE: There are detailed assessments in residents’ care plans. A new record has been introduce called “ A Day in the Life of…” which when completed for all residents will give staff more information about residents with memory loss, if they are unable to communicate this information such as likes, dislikes, social interests, things of significance in their personal life which will give staff much more insight into the person as an individual. Personal support needs are well documented and give clear instructions to staff on how to support people in tasks such as washing, bathing, dressing, remaining mobile in order to help retain some independence. Care plans are amended and reviewed on a monthly basis by the resident’s key workers, (staff who have special responsibility for each resident). Residents’ personal files, contained personal details about the care and support needs provided to residents. Residents and their families or representatives are involved in the process. Moving and handling assessments are in place. Technical aids and equipment is available for residents. Residents care records showed that they have access to external health care services. GPs and Community Nurses were regularly consulted for advice and treatment. A community psychiatric nurse has become involved with the home and provides support and some training to staff regarding some of the mental health needs of residents. Records show district nurses visit the home as required and residents are helped to use chiropody and optical services at least annually or as often as required. Training records showed senior staff members receive training about medication before they are able to administer it to residents. A new medication system has been introduced into the home. Risk assessments are in place. Care records, conversation with staff and observation showed the privacy and dignity of residents are respected. All of those residents spoken to said that they were treated well by the staff and are well cared for. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,14,15 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A limited programme of activities and outings are available to residents. Residents maintain contact with family and friends as they wish. Staff help more dependent residents to exercise choice and control over their lives. Residents enjoy a wholesome and varied diet. EVIDENCE: A limited programme of activities is in place for residents this includes: videos, sing-a-long, bingo, dominoes, board games, and hairdressing. Chair aerobics was very popular but is not provided at the moment until a new instructor becomes available. Various parties are also arranged, which are quite well Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 supported by relatives and families. Coffee mornings also take place frequently and the local community may call in. Some residents have the opportunity to visit the local community with relatives. Plans are being made to introduce fortnightly outings for residents to go out in small groups with the support of staff for a meal. Staff ask each resident about their wishes, interests and choices. The home’s menu is displayed on a board in the dining room to ensure residents can see the daily choice of food. Cooked breakfast is available if residents want it and can be served in a resident’s bedroom if they wish. On the day of inspection the lunch served was fish, chips and peas or mixed grill followed by trifle or pear sponge and custard. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16,18 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The complaints procedure is available to remind people coming into the home of their right to complain. Systems are in place to protect residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure to inform people visiting the home of how they could complain if necessary. Residents have access to a complaints procedure that assists and supports them to bring any matters to the attention of staff outside of the home, in case they felt uncomfortable bringing any complaints or concerns to the attention of staff within their home. There is a complaints procedure on display within the home for the use of residents and their relatives. The home does keep a record of complaints. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Three Adult Protection incidents, involving residents, have been investigated since the last inspection and another one is currently being investigated. Staff have received training about Protection of Vulnerable Adults and behaviour that may be challenging to work with. Advice was given that a keypad should be removed from the door restricting a resident’s access to their bedroom as this was a form of restraint. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,25,26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in quite a homely, comfortable and safe environment. There is a good standard of hygiene around the home. EVIDENCE: There is a programme of redecoration and improvement around the home. Since the last inspection some hallways and bedrooms have been decorated. Work surfaces in the kitchen have been replaced. Carpets have been replaced in some bedrooms. The dining room has been decorated and re-carpeted. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The home is clean, well decorated and well maintained. The heating and water supply have been made more effective throughout the building. The garden is currently being landscaped and new garden furniture has been purchased. The home has enough sitting and dining space. Residents can see visitors in private in their own rooms. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29,30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Sound systems are in place to ensure residents are in safe hands. There are sound recruitment policy and practices in place to protect residents. Staff are trained to meet the care needs of residents. EVIDENCE: Examination of staff rotas and discussion with the person in charge and members of the staff team showed that the numbers of staff are as follows: 8.00am- 4.00pm 4.00 pm –10.00 pm 10.00pm- 8.00 am Albion Court 4 staff 4 staff 3 waking night staff. DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 These numbers include the manager. There is a senior staff member on each shift. Staffing levels should be reviewed to ensure that staff numbers and deployment of staff are adequate to meet the needs of all residents, including their social needs, taking into account the high amounts of physical dependency and the lay out of the building. Other staff members are employed for duties such as food preparation, maintenance and cleaning. Staff stated that they enjoyed working in the home and were observed to be kind, caring and respectful to residents. A stable committed staff team has worked at the home for several years. The necessary checks are mostly carried out prior to the workers being appointed. Two written references were not available for all the staff files examined from the most recent employers. Rather verbal references were carried out initially and then one written reference had been applied for. An application form had been completed for each staff member. CRB checks were carried out before all staff members were appointed. Photographs were available on all staff files. Proof of identity was available on staff files. Staff receive Skills for Care induction previously TOPSS. 99 of the care staff team have now achieved National Vocational Qualifications at level 2 and 3. Staff and their records showed that they also receive advice and /or training in other areas such as Fire Training, Moving & Assisting, Food Hygiene, First Aid, Safe Handling of Medication, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Infection Control. Developmental training includes: Falls Awareness, Diabetes Awareness, Mental Health , Visual Impairment, Podiatry, Health and Safety, Dementia Care and National Vocational Qualifications at levels 2 and 3. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35,36,38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ live in a home that is quite well run and managed for the benefit of residents. Residents’ financial interests are safe guarded. The standard of record keeping is very good. Staff receive regular supervision. The health, safety and welfare of residents and staff are promoted and protected. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 EVIDENCE: The manager has worked at the home for several years. She has completed the Registered Manager’s award. Discussion and observation maintain that she puts the needs of the residents first and promotes an ethos amongst staff of involving staff and residents in decision making within the home. A sample of records were inspected which included: the Home’s Statement of Purpose and service user guide, the home’s maintenance contracts, 4 care plans, 2 personal allowance records, the fire log, accident book, admission /discharge book, complaints record, staff communication book, staff meeting minutes and four staff files. All records as required by the Care Homes Regulations 2001 were well documented and completed with a good standard of recording. Lockable facilities are available for residents to keep their own money if they wish. If a resident does not wish to keep control of their own money, the home is able to provide the facility to hold a small amount of money on behalf of the resident for everyday living. Individual records show the home has a suitable system for accounting any monies held on behalf of a resident. Documents detailing fire safety, risk assessments in the environment, water temperatures, maintenance contracts for equipment for moving and handling were all up to date. Staff training relating to health and safety was up to date and training being planned to renew any that required updating. Staff files showed staff are supervised regularly. Staff meetings take place regularly. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 3 x 3 3 4 x 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 2 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 2 3 x x x x x 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 2 28 3 29 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 3 3 x 3 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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. 1 Standard OP12 Regulation 16(2)(m)( n) Requirement Timescale for action 30/09/07 2 3 OP18 OP27 13(6) (8) 18(1)(a) 4 OP29 19(1)(a)( b) A relevant programme of activities must be made available within the home for residents to become involved in if they choose. The keypad lock must be 31/08/07 removed from the resident’s door. Deployment of staff must be 31/08/07 reviewed to ensure residents are appropriately supervised and stimulated. Two written references must be 31/08/07 obtained before a staff member is employed. 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 OP12 Good Practice Recommendations To consider the development of a relaxation, snoezellen Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 room for the use of residents. Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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 Albion Court DS0000052603.V343459.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 - 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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