Inspection on 17/08/05 for Amber House

This inspection was carried out on 17th August 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

Amber House 01/07/09

Amber House 15/10/08

Amber House 19/10/06

Amber House 03/11/05

Amber House 20/01/05

Amber House 10/08/04

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 Amber House Martin Way Brunswick Village Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 7EZ Lead Inspector Elaine Malloy Unannounced 17th & 24th August 2005 12:00 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. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Amber House Address Martin Way Brunswick Village Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 7EZ 0191 236 8205 0191 236 2162 n/a Helpcare Limited 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) Mrs Margaret E Carey CRH 30 Category(ies) of DE(E) Dementia - over 65 (14) registration, with number OP Old Age (16) of places Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 20.1.05 Brief Description of the Service: Amber House is a care home that provides personal care to 16 older people and 14 older people with dementia. The home is located within a residential area of Brunswick Village. Accommodation is over two floors, with a passenger lift. There are 24 single and 3 double bedrooms, 6 of which have en-suite facilities. 3 bathrooms and 7 toilets are provided. There is access to local facilities and public transport. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over 2 days. The time spent in the home was a total of 6½ hours. The owner, management, staff and residents were spoken to. Each area that the home was asked to improve at the last inspection was examined. The building and a range of records were also inspected. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Some improvement had been made to organising outings, entertainment and social events. Regular individual supervision sessions for staff were now being provided. There had been redecoration and new floor coverings in some bedrooms and toilets. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 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. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 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 Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 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. New residents have their care needs thoroughly assessed before admission to the home. EVIDENCE: The care records of the last two residents admitted to the home were examined. Full pre-admission assessment of care needs had been carried out. Information was also obtained from hospital staff, for one resident. Assessments from Social Services are obtained where resident care is funded by Local Authorities. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 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 and 8. Plans are recorded that demonstrate how residents care needs are to be met. Arrangements are in place for health care. Continence promotion needs to be further improved. EVIDENCE: A sample of care records was examined. Care plans were devised that covered a range of health, personal, and social care needs. Detailed evaluations of the plans were recorded monthly. Entries to day and night reports were recorded daily and were numbered to link to associated care plans. Continence management care plans were well recorded, however toileting charts were not being fully completed. This needs to be done to enable monitoring and any necessary changes to toileting regimes. There was evidence within care records of input from a variety of health care professionals. Residents have choice of GP. Arrangements are in place for visits from podiatrists, dentist and optician. Referrals are made where necessary to specialist medical services, for example mental health professionals. Moving and handling, and nutritional needs are assessed. Resident weights are monitored. Risk assessments according to individual vulnerability are also Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 completed. Care plans are drawn up as a result of identified health and risk management needs. At the last inspection a Requirement was made for two staff signatures to be recorded for each entry to the Controlled Drugs Register. This had been actioned. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12. Some improvement has been made to organising outings, entertainment and social events. However there was insufficient evidence of daily social activities being provided for residents. EVIDENCE: At the last inspection a Requirement was made to devise a schedule for the next six months of entertainment, events and outings. This had not been forwarded to the CSCI. However, in recent months residents had gone on outings for pub lunches and to the Quayside. Entertainers had visited on three occasions. Seasonal events had also been celebrated. Further outings and events were being planned. The Inspector recommended these be organised at least monthly. A Recommendation was also previously made to replace passive activities with more active social activities sessions. This could not be evidenced, as records of activities were not completed. The importance of provision of social stimulation for residents was discussed with management. Records must be kept to demonstrate evidence of daily activities. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 16 and 18. There are procedures for making complaints and protecting residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home has procedures for complaints and protection of vulnerable adults. No complaints or allegations of abuse had been received in the period since the last inspection. Staff receive relevant training. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19 and 26. Residents were not being provided with a well-maintained and hygienic environment. Priority to eliminating odours, and provision of new décor and floor coverings has been agreed and will be monitored. EVIDENCE: Following the last inspection the CSCI issued a Warning Letter to the Registered Person. This detailed outstanding Requirements to eliminate odours and plan a programme of maintenance, renewal and decoration for the home. These had not been fully actioned. At the inspection on 24.8.05 the Inspector met with Mr Katz. He agreed to introduce a range of measures to eliminate odours. These included: • Providing an industrial carpet cleaning machine and specialist cleaning chemicals • Introducing cleaning schedules for bedrooms, with priority for residents who have continence problems • Treating flooring in bedrooms before new carpets are fitted • Removing carpets and mattresses and continuing a programme of replacement • Installing suitable ventilation to the ground floor toilets Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Further improvements to the building were also discussed. Work undertaken since the last inspection has now been documented. This included redecoration of 7 bedrooms and new carpets to 4 bedrooms, decoration and new flooring to 5 toilets, and fitting of a new bath hoist. New floor covering has also been purchased for the upper floor dining room, and is awaiting fitting. It was agreed that further works should give priority to bedrooms currently occupied by residents, and communal areas. Mr Katz is arranging for a team of workers to carry these out. A programme has subsequently been submitted to the CSCI. The Inspector will be visiting the home again in a month’s time to check on progress. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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, 28 and 30. The home maintains suitable care staffing to meet the needs for the number and dependency levels of residents. Staff are provided with opportunities for training, including gaining care qualifications. EVIDENCE: At the time of the inspection there was 18 residents, 9 category OP and 9 category DE(E). Suitable staffing levels were maintained as follows: 4 carers in the mornings, 3 carers in the afternoons and evenings and 2 carers at night. The Acting Manager will have hour’s supernumerary to these levels. Weekly catering, domestic and laundry hours were satisfactory. The home employs a part time Handyman. There were no current staff vacancies. Existing staff provide cover for absences. The home is on target to meet or exceed the standard of 50 of care staff to have NVQ level 2 by 2005. Four staff have completed NVQ Level 2 and five have achieved Level 3. One carer is presently studying for Level 2 and one is enrolling to undertake Level 3. The Cook is also studying at Level 2 in catering/nutrition. A staff training programme is in place. New staff are provided with T.O.P.S.S induction training. Training in moving and handling, health and fire safety, and food hygiene was planned. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 35, 36 and 37. Suitable management arrangements are planned in the absence of a Registered Manager. Staff receive regular individual supervision. Residents’ personal finances are safeguarded. The Registered Person has not been preparing reports of their findings as a result of monthly visits to the home. EVIDENCE: The home’s Registered Manager, Mrs Margaret Carey was leaving on 19.8.05. Residents, relatives and staff had been informed. Mrs Anna Blakey, the current Deputy will be managing the home until a permanent manager is appointed and proposed for registration. She is being provided with hour’s supernumerary to care staffing levels to enable her to carry out management duties. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Resident personal finance records were examined. A file is maintained with individual sheets for each person’s transactions. Entries were appropriately recorded and have two signatures. Receipts are obtained for purchases. Monthly checks of balances and cash are carried out. A spot check of two residents accounts was carried out, and found to be correct. At the last inspection a Requirement was made for a schedule of individual staff supervision to be devised. The majority of staff had received supervision. Mrs Blakey is to look towards training/instructing a Senior Carer to assist her in providing supervision. Following the last inspection the CSCI issued a Warning Letter to the Registered Person. This detailed an outstanding Requirement for reports to be written as a result of visits to the home by the owner, or their representative. To date this had not been actioned although visits were being carried out. At the inspection on 24.8.05 the Inspector met with Mr Katz. He agreed to make sure that reports are written, and provide copies to the Acting Manager and the CSCI. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 3 x x x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 2 9 x 10 x 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 2 13 x 14 x 15 x COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 2 x x x x x x 1 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 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 2 x x x 3 3 2 x Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 YES Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard 8 Regulation 12(1)(a) & 15 Requirement Continence management charts must be fully completed to enable monitoring and where necessary changes to toileting regimes. Regular activities must be provided for resident social stimulation, and records kept to demonstrate evidence. (Warning letter previously issued) A planned programme of maintenance, renewal and redecoration for the environment must be followed. (Warning letter previously issued) Odours must be eliminated from bedrooms. (Warning letter previously issued) The Registered Provider, or their representative must provide reports as a result of monthly visits to the home. Timescale for action Immediate action 2. 12 16(2)(n) Immediate action 21.9.05 3. 19 16(2)(c) 23(2)(b) 4. 26 16(2)(j) 23(2)(d) 26(5) 21.9.05 5. 37 21.9.05 Copies to be provided to the manager and the CSCI until further notice. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 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 12 Good Practice Recommendations Outings, entertainment and social events should be forward planned monthly. Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Amber House B53-B03 S59015 Amber House V226248 170805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 - 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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