Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 19/04/07 for Ambleside Bank Care Home

Also see our care home review for Ambleside Bank Care Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 19th April 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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Ambleside Bank is a well-managed and well run home and resource centre ensuring a high standard of care for the people living there on a permanent basis and for those who receive another service such as intermediate care or day care provided by the home. Residents have everything they might need to live a comfortable life.The home provides good facilities to help the occupational therapist and the physiotherapist work with intermediate service users to help them return to living back in the community. There have been few staff changes, so residents and service users are looked after by people they know and are familiar with. Staff are well trained and show commitment towards giving good care to the residents and the service users. Records are kept to a good standard, the office and administration is well organised and everything is to hand. There are additional checks and procedures in place to ensure everything is properly accounted for. There are no restriction on visiting times, and the home makes visitors welcome.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The manager has had extra staff hours approved; this will benefit the residents and service users, as extra staff will available at busy times. The home has acquired a pet cat. Staff, residents and service users confirmed it was nice having a pet in the home. Three senior members of staff have been allocated to take responsibility of a unit upstairs. Upstairs will be spilt into three parts and renamed after lakes in the Lake District. All units are to be painted in a different colour to help resident to recognise their own rooms.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Ambleside Bank Care Home Older Persons Resource Centre High Street Lower Ince Wigan Greater Manchester WN3 4RL Lead Inspector Judith Stanley Unannounced Inspection 19th April 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 Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.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. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ambleside Bank Care Home Address Older Persons Resource Centre High Street Lower Ince Wigan Greater Manchester WN3 4RL 01942 321112 01942 234331 amblesidebank@centuryhealthcare.co.uk 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) Century Healthcare Limited Mrs Susan Jackson Care Home 30 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (1), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (30) of places Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. The home is registered for a maximum of 30 service users to include:up to 30 service users in the category of OP (Older People) One named service user (RC) in the category of DE(E) (Dementia over 65 years of age) may be accommodated within the overall registered numbers The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 8th March 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Ambleside Bank is a purpose built Older Peoples Resource Centre that provides personal care and support and rehabilitation care services for up to 30 individuals over the age of 65 years. The centre is approximately 10 minutes drive away from Wigan town centre; however some local amenities are close by. The centre offers five categories of placement; these include 20 long term residential places, 8 intermediate beds, 2 respite beds, and up to 10 day care places. Admissions and discharges can occur on a daily basis. The centre provides 26 single rooms, and 2 shared rooms, all rooms have en suite facilities. There is a large patio area at the rear of the centre with appropriate seating for service users; car parking is available at the front of the centre. The external areas of the premises and grounds are well maintained. The current scale of fees for residential places ranges from £312.15 to £353.44 per week. Additional charges are made for hairdressing, private chiropody, magazines and papers, toiletries, pub lunches and visits to shows. For service users who attend for day care a small charge is made for their lunch. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection included a site visit and was unannounced and was conducted over one day. The inspector was at the home form 08.45 am until 15.15 pm. Part of the time was spent in the office looking at information the home holds on residents (care plans) and other records the home needs to keep to ensure the home is being properly run. The inspector spoke with the home’s manager, staff, residents, the occupational therapist and two visitors. The inspector also made a tour of the home. To find out more about the home comment cards were sent to residents, relatives and other people who visit the home such as doctors and the occupational therapist and the physiotherapist. Nine residents, seven relatives and one health care worker returned comments cards. One resident said, “Ambleside Bank is a well managed home in all aspects”. Another relative has completed a card on behalf of her mother stating, “I can honestly say that she has always had the best care and attention”. Although no further comments were added to the returned residents comment cards, all indicated that they were happy with the services provided, the activities, the food and the overall cleanliness of the home. One relative commented, “Perfectly happy that my aunt is well taken care of and is happy in the home”. Another said, “ My mother is well looked after by very caring staff. I give them all a gold medal”. A physiotherapist who visits her patients at the home indicated that the staff communicate and work in partnership with her, the staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the care needs of the service users and if she recommends any specialist advice this is incorporated in the service users plan. Two visitors were spoken with and were satisfied with the care and attention their relative receives. There has been one complaint made to the manager of the home regarding issue of care standards within the home. This complaint is being dealt with by the company and is still pending an outcome. What the service does well: Ambleside Bank is a well-managed and well run home and resource centre ensuring a high standard of care for the people living there on a permanent basis and for those who receive another service such as intermediate care or day care provided by the home. Residents have everything they might need to live a comfortable life. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home provides good facilities to help the occupational therapist and the physiotherapist work with intermediate service users to help them return to living back in the community. There have been few staff changes, so residents and service users are looked after by people they know and are familiar with. Staff are well trained and show commitment towards giving good care to the residents and the service users. Records are kept to a good standard, the office and administration is well organised and everything is to hand. There are additional checks and procedures in place to ensure everything is properly accounted for. There are no restriction on visiting times, and the home makes visitors welcome. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: It was noted that whilst the home was clean, some of the carpets and furnishings were looking ‘tired’ and in need of replacing. The manager confirmed that new flooring had been ordered for the dining room and the activity room. Carpets in the downstairs corridor and reception had been ordered and these should be fitted in May 2007. The chairs in the quiet lounge are to be replaced; the manager confirmed these would be delivered after the carpets had been fitted. The upstairs corridor carpets need attention as these were seen to be pulling apart on the seams in places. It was noted that the several windows around the home require attention. The seals have gone resulting in heavy condensation building up on the glass. Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 and 6 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home provides prospective residents and service users with the information they need to help them make a decision about moving into the home or using the service for intermediate care and support. EVIDENCE: The home has a statement of purpose and a service guide. The information is detailed and is split in to four parts. Part 1 gives background information about the home and about the company. Part 2 details the aims and objectives of the home, staff details, a description of the services provided and the company’s complaints procedure. Part 3 informs people about living at the home, about the key worker system, confidently, risk taking, equal opportunities and fire safety. Part 4 refers to the contract of admission. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The address of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is included in the information. However due to the recent relocation of the CSCI office this needs amending. An information leaflet is provided to service users to explain about intermediate care, what services are provided and what service users will need to bring with them for the duration of their stay and about the visiting arrangements and meal times. Three residents files were inspected and were found to contain a pre admission assessment. For permanent residents the home’s manager carries out this assessment. The assessment is carried out at the most convenient place for the prospective resident, either at their own home or in hospital or at Ambleside Bank. The majority of residents living at the home have used the service before either through the day care facility or through the intermediate care service. The pre admission assessment ensures that the resident’s health, personal and social care needs could be met. The assessment also covers the resident’s well being, all areas of risk, including history of falls, mobility, continence, medication, medical history, weight and nutrition. The assessment provides staff with the information they need to ensure that the individuals care needs can be met and provides the base line for the drawing up of the care plan. Assessment for people being admitted to the home for intermediate care is properly assessed by the Intermediate Assessment Team and discussed with the home’s manager who has the final say whether the home and staff can meet those assessed needs. The home can offer intermediate care for up to eight service users. This service is available to help service users to recover from being in hospital or from a problem that may have occurred at home. The care staff work closely along side the occupational therapist and the physiotherapist. If service users do not already have a social worker they would be allocated one from the intermediate care team. The duration of the stay can vary from two to six weeks; this can be extended if all parties agree the service user would benefit from extra time at the home. The home has good facilities for intermediate care service users to be assessed in readiness for returning home, for example service users will work with the therapist in the therapy room to see how they will manage to make a hot drink or prepare a light snack, and how they manage washing and dressing themselves. When the service users are not working with the therapist they are free to join in all the activities arranged at the home with the residents and day care Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 service users. Although there are separate rooms for therapy sessions the rest of the time all residents, and users of the other care services meet together over meals and in communal areas to socialise. Before any intermediate care service user is discharged from the home there may be a planning meeting held with the service user, their representative and members of the Intermediate Care Team and the home’s manager to ensure that if needed an after care package is actioned ready for the service users return home. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.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 and 10 were assessed. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Care plans are clear and concise and provide staff with the information they need to meet the care needs of the residents and other service users. Personal support is offered in such a way as to promote and protect resident’s privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: Three care plans were chosen for inspection. Care plans differ depending on what service the person is receiving. If service users are coming into the home on a regular basis for respite care, their information and care needs are kept at the home and reviewed when the service user is booked in to stay at the home. Care plans for intermediate service users are maintained and suitable information is recorded, this is not only for the therapist use but, for the staff Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 at the home who will be assisting and monitoring the service users with personal care and with medication, and risk assessments. The care plans for residents living at the home permanently have a detailed care plan that informs staff what each resident needs help with, past and present medical background, family background, nutrition and dietary needs. Each file contained risk assessments with regard to moving and handling, nutritional assessment if required, assessment on falls and pressure and waterlow assessments. Room assessments are also carried out to check there are no hazards. There was evidence to demonstrate the outside agencies had been contacted such as the doctor and the chiropodist. All residents and service user have access to the local GP. The district nurse visits as and when required. Observation throughout the inspection showed that the personal care needs of the residents and other service users were being met. Attention was given to personal grooming, residents were seen to be clean and their clothes nicely washed and ironed. The hairdresser visits the home, so that all people who use the service can have their hair done. Gentlemen were seen to be clean and clean-shaven. Staff were seen knocking on bedrooms, bathrooms and toilet doors and waiting for a response before entering. Staff were heard speaking with residents and other service users in a friendly and respectful manner. It was evident that good relationships had been formed between the residents and staff. The senior carer gave out the lunchtime medication; this was done swiftly and efficiently. Residents and other service users were given their tablets in an appropriate manner and offered a drink to help them swallow them. Medication was then recorded on the individual’s drug sheet. The inspector checked the medication with the senior carer and no errors were found. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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, 12, 14, and 15 were assessed Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are offered a wide and varied range of activities to meet their capabilities and expectations. Residents are provided with well-cooked food, which they like, in good portions at times that suits them. EVIDENCE: The home has an activity coordinator; who with the help of residents and service users helps plan a wide range of activities and interests. There is something planned for both morning and afternoon every day of the week. Activities include gardening, music and movement, hoopla, ball games, reading from the papers and discussing current affairs, lets dance, arts and crafts, manicures, friendly fortunes, skittles, bingo and a range of board games. People from any of the services provided within the home are welcomed and encouraged to take part. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 People spoken with said that there was always plenty to do and they enjoyed the activities especially the ‘lets dance’ which has recently been introduced in to the programme. Visitors are welcome to visit the home at any time. There are no restrictions to when people can visit, although some people staying for intermediate care could be with the therapist when people visit. Relatives are of course welcome to wait until the therapy session has finished. There are several areas on the ground floor where people can meet with their visitors. Due to the large numbers of people using the service (118 intermediate admissions in the last year) and for security reasons access to the upstairs of the home is supervised by staff. However this does not mean that people cannot see visitors in their own rooms. The manager encourages residents to maintain links with the local community. The people who use the day care service also keep residents informed of what is going on outside the home. One resident goes out in to Wigan everyday unaccompanied returning for his evening meal. For safety reasons staff are aware of where the resident goes and the resident is happy with these arrangements which have been agreed by himself and the home. The menus were available for inspection. Menus showed that a well-balanced and nutritious diet is provided. Breakfast is served from 08.30 am onwards, this flexibility allows residents to have a lie in if they wish. There is a good choice for breakfast including juice, grapefruit, cereals, toast and preserves or a cooked breakfast, tea or coffee. Lunch is the main meal of the day; this is so the day care service users receive a hot meal at lunchtime before they go home. On the day of the inspection the main choice was minced beef and onion pie, croquette potatoes, carrots and swede and cabbage, followed by marble cake and custard. Alternatives to the main meal are available. Sweet desserts are served after every meal. A lighter afternoon tea is served at about 16.30 pm, a good selection of food is available. One resident spoken with said, “ the food is belting (good) it’s tasty and there’s plenty of it, I enjoy all my meals here”. The inspector noted that the tables in the dining room were nicely set with placemats, matching crockery and cutlery, condiments and teapots placed on the tables allowed residents to help themselves. An addition to Sunday lunch is that residents are offered pre lunch drinks such as a sherry or beer before sitting down to lunch. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Suppers are available before residents retire for the evening. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available throughout the day. The home had recently had a satisfactory visit from the Environmental Health Department. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.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 and 18 were assessed Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents and their supporters, can have confidence that residents will be protected from abuse and have their rights, including the right to complain, protected by effective training and procedures. EVIDENCE: A complaints procedure exists and records of complaints are kept and properly recorded, along with the outcome. The home has received one complaint from a relative who was not happy with the standard of care she witnessed and she had problems with some parts of the environment. This is still ongoing and is being dealt with by the company. No other complaints have been brought to the attention of the CSCI. There have been no adult safeguarding issues reported by the home within the last year. There was evidence to demonstrate that staff had received training in the protection of vulnerable adults. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 and 26 were assessed Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. In the main, the home is well maintained making it a homely, comfortable, clean and pleasant place for residents to live. EVIDENCE: From a tour of the premises, it was apparent that the home, although very clean is looking ‘tired’ and in need of some refurbishment. This was discussed with the home’s manager who confirmed that new chairs had been ordered for the main lounge, and new carpets for the corridor and the reception area are to be fitted. New flooring is to be laid in the dining room and in the activity room. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The upstairs corridor carpet requires attention and it was noted that in some parts the seams were splitting and could potentially become a trip hazard. It was also discussed that several windows around the home required attention as the seals had gone, leaving windows with condensation between the pains of glass and impairing residents of a clear view of outside. The home’s manager discussed this with the owner who assured the inspector that this would be promptly addressed. Several bedrooms were inspected. These rooms were found to be warm, clean and comfortable. Residents who live permanently had personalised their rooms with their own possessions brought with them from home. The bathrooms are decorated in a domestic style so to offer relaxed atmosphere for residents when bathing. There was no evidence of communal toiletries; these are brought in to the bathrooms from resident’s rooms when they are ready to bathe. The outside area of the home is well maintained and the patio area is accessible for all residents to access and sit outside. Systems were in place to control the risk of cross infection. Staff were seen wearing different protective clothing for different tasks. The laundry is sited away from food preparation and food storage areas and does not intrude on the residents. The inspector spoke with a member of the domestic staff, who took pride in her work and in being part of a team that kept the home clean and free from any offensive odours. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 and 30 were assessed Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents can be sure that their needs can be met by good staffing levels and with a competent, well- trained staff team. EVIDENCE: The staff rotas showed that there are sufficient staff on duty each day and during the night. The ratio of care staff to residents takes in to account the needs of the residents. Domestic and kitchen staff are employed in sufficient numbers to cater for the needs of the residents and other people who use the service and to support care staff. A new system is being piloted as to where a senior member of staff will have responsibility for taking charge of an area upstairs encompassing a number of bedrooms and overseeing the care of the residents in those rooms ensuring they have everything they need. Several of the staff team had worked at Ambleside Bank for number of years. From discussions, staff showed they knew the residents well and they Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 demonstrated a strong commitment to providing a good standard of care. Staff were clear about the work they were employed to do. The inspector spoke with one of the therapists working in the home during the inspection, who said that the home was well run and that care staff were very good at working along side them. She went on to say, that they communicated well between one another which was very important as part of building up a clear picture of the needs and capabilities of the intermediate service users. From the inspectors’ observations staff morale appeared to be good and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be working in the home. Staff training is ongoing with 93 of staff achieving a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 in care. Three staff holds a current first aid certificate with another eight members of staff yet to undertake first aid training. Other training had been completed, this included moving and handling, dealing with dementia, safe handling of medication, abuse awareness and staff continuing to complete NVQs at level 3 and 4. Staff spoken with confirmed they had undertaken training and that it was relevant to their work. There are no volunteers or trainees employed at the home. Three staff files were chosen for inspection. The files contained copies of Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check numbers, application forms, references, statement of terms, medical questionnaire, and other forms of identification such as copies of birth or marriage certificate and /or driving licence. Some staff training certificates were seen on files. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 and 38 were assessed. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Ambleside Bank is well run by a well-qualified, suitably experienced and competent manager. All people that use the service can be sure their best interests will be the central focus, with a positive and inclusive approach to making the service better. Residents and staff can be sure that their health, safety and welfare will be promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 The home’s manager has a significant number of years experience in working with elderly people and is qualified to NVQ level 4 in care and has the registered managers award. The manager is also a qualified nurse. The home’s manager is committed to her own training and that of her staff team and sees this as an essential element to delivering good quality care for all people who use the services at Ambleside Bank. Either the home’s manager or one of the deputies is always on shift during the day. There are clear lines of accountability within the home. The way in which the home is managed, and run is open and transparent. The manager operates an ‘open door’ policy so that she can be approached at any time by staff, residents, service users and relatives. The office is well organised so that staff have access to paperwork and contact information they need during a shift. There are additional systems in place to check everything is recorded when it should be and kept up to date. Both the manager and her deputies ensure this happens and are assisted by a well organised homes administrator. There are systems in place of continuous self-monitoring in the home, which includes satisfaction and quality surveys. There is internal auditing of the records that the home is required to keep. External auditing is carried out by head office. Satisfactory systems are in place for the safe storage and monitoring of monies the home holds on behalf of some of the residents and service users. A sample of residents’ monies was checked against the individual’s balance sheet and was found to be in order. The manager ensures that all staff receives regular supervision. Supervision notes were found in all staff files examined. Records kept and required by regulation were seen to be in good order and up to date, all records were suitably stored. Equipment and systems used in the home are serviced and maintained, and records kept are easily accessible. Repairs are carried out by the home’s handyman and by the company. The following checks have taken place and certificates were available to verify that: Hoists checked in March 07 Gas in May 06 Fire Protection systems in January 07 Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 PAT (portable appliance testing) next due in September 07 Water test in December 05 Electric installation in April 05 Other maintenance checks had been completed as required. A fire drill took place on 05 February 2007; the manager confirmed that another is due. Accidents, injuries and incidents are recorded properly on the relevant sheets and reported to the CSCI as required. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 x x 4 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 4 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 3 3 x x x x x x 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 4 x 3 x 3 x x 3 Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 Refer to Standard OP19 Good Practice Recommendations Consideration should be given to include the replacement of the corridor carpet upstairs and replacement windows around the home where the seals have gone. Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection Manchester Local office 11th Floor West Point 501 Chester Road Manchester M16 9HU 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 Ambleside Bank Care Home DS0000005720.V320015.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 - 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!