Inspection on 05/10/05 for Allington Court

This inspection was carried out on 5th October 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 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

Allington Court 01/10/09

Allington Court 21/01/09

Allington Court 04/10/07

Allington Court 16/10/06

Allington Court 03/02/05

Allington Court 31/08/04

Allington Court 11/03/04

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Allington Court Lye Lane Bricket Wood St. Albans Hertfordshire AL2 3TN Lead Inspector Yoke-Lan Jackson Unannounced Inspection 5th October 2005 11:00 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 Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.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. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Allington Court Address Lye Lane Bricket Wood St. Albans Hertfordshire AL2 3TN 01923 894542 01923 894544 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) BUPA Care Homes Limited Mrs Angela Naylor Care Home 44 Category(ies) of Dementia (10), Dementia - over 65 years of age registration, with number (44) of places Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 9th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Allington Court, a residential Nursing Home, provided by BUPA Care Homes Limited, is situated in a large country estate, adjagent to another BUPA care home within the grounds. There are ample parking spaces. The home is purpose built to accommodate 44 elderly service users, 10 of whom may be below 65 years of age. The hexagon shape, single storey building is situated in a semi-rural location in the village of Bricket Wood. The M25 and the M1 motorway are nearby. The village shops and amenities are a distance away. The home has two double bedrooms. The majority of service users are accommodated in single rooms. There are four lounges, one activity room and one dinning room. The two internal courtyards are an integral part of the building. Situated to one side of the building is an extended garden that provides an attracive view of the surrounding countryside. The garden is secure and it provides an additional communal space where service users may enjoy their daily walks and exercise. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. An unannounced inspection took place on 05/10/05. The registered manager was not present. A senior nurse was managing the care home until the afternoon shift when the deputy manager took charge. The inspection began with a tour of the premises. The inspector spent time chatting with individual service users and members of staff. The majority of the service users were in the lounges. General observation was made of the lunchtime routine in the dining room, including staff performance and staff interaction with the service users. Some time was spent examining records and case files. The care and services are well maintained. Those spoken with gave positive feedback about the care and services provided in the home. (Please see below the details of the inspection findings). What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Staff have attended additional training programmes, including Dementia training and Moving and Handling courses. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.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. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.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 Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.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): 2, 3, 4, 5. New service users are admitted only on the basis of a full assessment. They have the opportunity to visit the home and assess its facilities and suitability of the home. EVIDENCE: The prospective service user and their family are invited to visit and assess the suitability of the home whenever possible before moving in. The pre-admission assessment of a recent admission was seen in the personal files examined. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.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, 10. Service users are treated with respect and dignity. There is a service user plan for each new admission. Service users have access to health care services when required. The registered manager ensures the safe disposal of medicines that are no longer in use in accordance with current legislation. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection, the service users appeared relaxed and well cared for. The assessed and changing needs of the service users are reflected in the care plan files examined. There were a large quantity of medicines waiting for disposal. They were safety stored in the drug cupboard until proper arrangements were made for the safe disposal of these medicines in accordance with current legislation. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): Service users are given choices. The activities provided varied and they are arranged to suit individual preferences. Service users have close links with their family and friends. The meals provided are nutritious and the menu is varied and offers choices. EVIDENCE: The home provides stimulating activities. On the day of the inspection, the majority of the service users were busy socialising among themselves in the activity lounge where they were encouraged and guided by the two activity co-ordinators. Those who prefer a quieter time were in the other lounge. The service users were observed to enjoy the hot meals served at lunchtime. Mealtime was unhurried. Some service users were assisted. Relatives’ meetings are held regularly to give them an opportunity to give their views and preferences. Minutes of these meeting are taken. Appropriate changes are made to improve the care and service. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 16, 17, 18. The complaint procedure is robust. All complaints are dealt with within the time scale specified. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection, there was 1 complaint that was dealt with appropriately. The management follows the Hertfordshire Adult Protection Procedure. Staff were given further training to ensure that service users are protected from harm and to prevent abuse. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. The premises are well maintained and the grounds are safe, tidy and attractive. The facilities and equipment used by service users are not always risk assessed before use. EVIDENCE: The premises are clean and tidy. However the lounges are cluttered with a large number of armchairs and other furniture. On the day of the inspection, it was observed that one service user almost tripped over the armchairs in one of the lounges. It is recommended that a risk assessment be carried out as to the placement and arrangement of the various armchairs to ensure safety for the service users. One service user was using a reclining chair that was donated to the home by a relative. There was no risk assessment before using this chair. It is recommended that an assessment be carried out by a trained occupational therapist as to the suitability of this reclining chair for the service user to ensure it is safe for his use. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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 The home has an effective team of workers. The skill mix of staff benefits the service users. They are supported and protected by the recruitment policy and procedure. Staff have appropriate training to ensure that they meet the assessed needs of the service users in their care. EVIDENCE: The members of staff interviewed said that they had gone through a thorough recruitment process before starting their employment. It was noted that the staff interacted well with the service users. They have good knowledge of the care needs of the service users and their own roles and responsibilities. A further training programme (Dementia and Manual Handling) has been arranged to ensure that all staff have the required training necessary to care for the service users. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 32, 33, 35, 37, 38. The safety of the service users is not always promoted. Not all the staff were aware of the whereabouts of the registered manager. The home is not involved in the financial affairs of the service users. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection, the registered manager was away on a training programme. It was noted that only the administrative and the maintenance staff were aware of her whereabouts on the day of the inspection. The duty rota in the Nurses’ office did not reflect the home manager’s whereabouts. There was no evidence of a risk assessment having been carried out prior to the use of a reclining chair by a service user. Each service user (or their family) makes their own arrangements regarding their finances. The management is not involved. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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 3 3 3 3 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 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 X 3 2 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X 2 X 3 3 X X 2 Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 2 Refer to Standard OP19 OP19 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that a risk assessment be carried out to ensure that the armchairs in the lounge are not too cluttered that they become a hazard to safety. It is recommended that an assessment be carried out by a trained occupational therapist as to the suitability of a reclining chair for a service user to ensure that it is safe for his use. Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office Mercury House 1 Broadwater Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3BQ 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 Allington Court DS0000019266.V256548.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 - 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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