Inspection on 27/05/05 for Alexander Court

This inspection was carried out on 27th May 2005.

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Alexander Court 05/06/07

Alexander Court 25/05/06

Alexander Court 17/11/05

Alexander Court 15/10/04

Alexander Court 06/07/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Alexander Court Carnarvon Street Thatto Heath St Helens WA9 5QN Lead Inspector Lynn Paterson Unannounced 27.04.05. 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. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alexander Court Address Carnarvon Street 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) 01744 818500 01744 811541 St Helens Housing Association Mrs Barbara Helen Morrison Care Home 33 Category(ies) of OP Old Age (33) registration, with number of places Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Service users to include up to 33 (OP) Date of last inspection 15/10/04 Brief Description of the Service: Alexander Court Care home is situated in a residential area of St,Helens, close to shops and local amenities. The home is purpose built and comprises of seven separte cluster areas all of which accomodate small groups of six residents within.Each cluster provides single occupancy bedrooms ,lounge and kitchen and bathroom and toilet facilties. 2 clusters have ensuite facilty.All accomodation is on ground floor level . The home provides a communal dinning room and conservatory/games room area and has large well maintained grounds which are safe and accessible. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place over 5 hours and was carried out on an unannounced basis. Management staff and residents were spoken with and a full tour of the premises was undertaken. Five of the seven staff on duty, twenty seven of the thirty one residents, three visitors and one district nurse were spoken with What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? All staff had received training in adult protection. Staff interviewed, were able to identify that they knew the full policies and procedures involved with the protection process. Staff advised that staff training was always high on the agenda and they were encouraged to maximise their potential and develop their skills. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 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. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 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 Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 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) 3.. Pre admission assessments held insufficient detail of the assessment process to include identified care needs of residents. Assessments should contain full details of need to make sure that the home has the capacity to meet this need. EVIDENCE: Seven residents care files were examined and the assessment information lacked clear detail. The documentation did not hold detail of where and when the assessment had taken place and had only tick- boxed information about the needs of the residents. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 7.9. Care plans were not specific about care planning care tasks and care provision and they did not show a partnership approach. Medication records were well managed at the time of the visit. Care plans must have full information about all the care needs of residents and the care provided and should show that the plans had been developed in partnership with the resident and or their representative. EVIDENCE: All care plans were looked at and seven were fully examined. Care plans generally were none specific about what individual care needs were and how that care was to be provided. Risk assessments were in place as were weight and health monitoring systems. Residents advised that they were not too sure about their care plans but stated that this was left to the care staff as they “knew what was best for the resident”. Care plans should be developed via full consultation with the residents and monitored reviewed and changed as appropriate. Medication records examined were clear and consistent in their recoding and medication storage was well managed at the time of the visit. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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) 12.15. Food provision is plentiful and appertising with choices being provided at all meals. Social activities need to be extended to meet the needs of all individuals in the home. EVIDENCE: Most of the residents of the home were spoken with and everyone agreed that the food provision was of a good standard with many choices being offered at all mealtimes. Menus inspected appeared interesting and balanced and residents advised that they were able to be flexible with their mealtimes if required. Observations of the residents eating their lunch showed that they enjoyed well presented meals in the comfort of a light and roomy dining room with music playing in the background. The activities programme in the home showed that activities do take place with card games, bingo and outings taking place however staff and residents advised that these activities are inconsistent and depend on the availability or goodwill of staff. Residents said that they did not do as much as they would have liked but were grateful for the staff arranging some things in the home. Staff and residents agreed that the home would benefit from the appointment of an activities organiser who could arrange a daily activities programme to suit the need of all the individual residents of the home. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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) 16.18 Complaints were well managed and residents knew the complaints process and were confident they would be listened to. There is a clear vulnerable adults procedure and all staff exhibited full knowledge of adult protection. EVIDENCE: The home had a detailed complaints procedure, which was known to residents and staff. One complaint had been received in the past six months and records showed that it had been managed as per procedures. Staff advised that they had been provided with full details of the complaints system and residents stated that they knew what to do if they needed to complain. The home records showed that all staff had received training in adult protection and staff who were interviewed were clear in their understanding of the process involved with the protection of vulnerable adults. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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) 19,20,22,223,24 Ongoing refurbishment to the décor and building in general ensure that residents are provided with safe, comfortable surroundings. Bedrooms were personalised ,comfortable and suited the individual needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: The home has a continuous redecoration and improvement programme to include full ground maintenance and residents advised that they were always happy with the home environment. The general maintenance records showed that hot water temperatures are risk assessed and recorded and the home has a cleaning programme in place to ensure that the premises are clean, pleasant and hygienic. Resident said that they were most comfortable in the own rooms, which they were able to personalise with pictures photographs and other possessions, which made them “feel at home”. A tour of the premises confirmed that rooms were personalised clean and comfortable. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 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 Staff are recruited and trained to meet the care needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: Staff records showed that the home has a low staff turnover and all staff received training in care practices to ensure that all assessed need can be met. Staff spoken with identified that they were professional, experienced and fully committed to the provision of quality care. Observations of staff carrying out their care practices confirmed that staff were trained and had knowledge and understanding of each resident’s individual needs. Residents said that staff were very kind and helpful and that nothing was too much trouble for them. Comments received from residents about staff included” they are so good to us”, “ they are always cheerful no matter what they have to do “, ”they treat us all with dignity and respect”.” God bless them for their kindness”. The staff roster showed that staffing levels were adequate to meet the needs of the current residents of the home. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 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) Not assessed at this time EVIDENCE: Not assessed at this time. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 x x 2 x x x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 x 9 3 10 x 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 x 14 x 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 3 x 3 3 3 x x STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 x 29 x 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x 3 x x x x x x x x Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 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. 2. Standard 3 7 Regulation 14 12 Requirement Pre assessement documentation must include full details of all assessed need. Care plans must contain details of assessed need and identify how the care deleivery will take place.Care plans must show that they have been completed in partnership with the resident and/or their representative. Timescale for action 27.6.05 27.6.05 3. 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 15 15 Good Practice Recommendations Activites should be arranged around the choices,capabilties and interests of the residents. Residents would benefit from the appointment of an activities co-ordinator within the home. Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo L22 0LG 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 Alexander Court F53 F03 S22398 Alexander Court V228137 270405 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 - 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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