Inspection on 09/05/07 for Aronel Cottage

This inspection was carried out on 9th May 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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

Aronel Cottage 11/01/06

Aronel Cottage 02/08/05

Aronel Cottage 08/02/05

Aronel Cottage 08/07/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Aronel Cottage 5-11 Highfield Road Bognor Regis West Sussex PO22 8BQ Lead Inspector Mrs J Aston Unannounced Inspection 09:35 9th May 2007 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 Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Aronel Cottage Address 5-11 Highfield Road Bognor Regis West Sussex PO22 8BQ 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) 01243 842000 01243 842001 www.aronelcottage.co.uk Aronel Cottage Care Home Ltd Mr. Julian Trevor Hitchcock Care Home 38 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (38) of places Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 11th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Aronel Cottage is a care home able to provide personal Care and nursing care for up to 38 service users in the category of Old Age. It is situated in a residential area of Bognor Regis. Shops and other local Facilities are close by. Communal Space consists of a lounge/dining room with additional sitting areas available throughout the home. There is a large lift making all parts of the home accessible to the service users. Private accommodation consists of 34 single bedrooms and 2 twin bedrooms. 19 bedrooms have en suite facilities. Mrs Lorraine Hitchcock is the Owner and Responsible Individual. Mr Julian Hitchcock is the Owner and Registered Manager. The fees charged at this home range from £428 - £685 Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The reader should be aware that the Care Standards Act 2000 and Care Homes Regulation Act 2001, uses the term ‘service user’ to describe those living in care home settings. The Inspector however for this report has referred to those living in the home as “residents”. This inspection is the first inspection in 2006-2007. It is called a key inspection as only the key standards determined by the Commission have been assessed during this inspection. This inspection will determine the frequency of inspections hereafter. Planning for this inspection took place prior to the visit to the home. A preinspection questionnaire was received and some of the information provided will be referred to in this report. The Inspector also received the services first Annual Quality Assurance Assessment form and information from that will also be referred to in this report. The Manager of the service was also asked to distribute a number of surveys to people living in the home, relatives, advocates and Health Care Professionals. Prior to the inspection eleven surveys were received from people living in the home, twenty from relatives/advocates and four from Health Care Professionals. Information and comments obtained from the surveys will also be referred to in this report. An unannounced visit to the home took place on the 9th May 2007. Just over six hours were spent in the home. A tour of the premises was undertaken, five people living in the home, four members of staff and two relatives were spoken with privately. A GP, Chiropodist, Pharmacy representative, two regular contractors and volunteers were also spoken with. The activity being undertaken during the morning was observed and the Inspector ate lunch with the residents. A sample of records relating to residents and members of staff was examined. All of the National Minimum Standards have been met at previous inspections. Out of the twenty-three standards assessed at this inspection sixteen are met to an excellent standard. There was a friendly atmosphere in the home and all members of staff were polite and helpful. The Inspector wishes to thank the Manager, Matron and staff for a very positive and professional inspection at a time when they also had to deal with the death of a resident. This was handled appropriately, with dignity and sensitivity. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: The information received whilst undertaking this inspection provides evidence that Aronel Cottage continues to provide an excellent standard of care and is a caring and well-managed service. There were numerous comments received from relatives through surveys received prior to the inspection complimenting the service. “Good communication and services provided to users and their carers. The residents are looked after, are up, clean and alert. They attend activities and generally seem happy, their needs being addressed”. “The care my mother was given at Aronel Cottage made us feel she was happy and comfortable which was the only thing that concerned the family. The staff were exceptionally good to her and took great care of her till her death”. “Aronel cottage is always clean and pleasant smelling. All staff are caring, considerate and cheerful at all times, not only to their clients but to the friends and relatives of their clients. As a care home for my husband I can rest assured that he is well cared for”. “The level of care he received was second to none and the family were always confident that he was very well looked after.” Professionals who responded to the inspection through surveys said, “Very good care and managed well. Residents always seem happy and staff interact with them appropriately”. “Mr Hitchcock is an enthusiastic proprietor who puts a lot of personal energy into making his home one of the best”. Residents spoken with during the visit to the home told the Inspector that there was always plenty of staff around, they were friendly and respectful, the residents enjoyed the activities, particularly the outings and the food was very good. Aronel Cottage provides a wide variety of activities within the home on a regular basis. The activities are well managed and residents are kept informed of what is on through a newsletter and from information on the notice board. The residents also go out on regular outings. A recent trip was to Arundel Wildfowl Trust. Through the information provided prior to the inspection and from observation during the visit to the home and from comments made by residents and Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 relatives it is clear that Aronel Cottage has a very good level of staffing that is appropriate to the needs of the residents. The staff team have dedicated roles and know their responsibilities and this assists in providing a well run and efficient service. The staff team confirmed that the level of training provided is very good, appropriate to their needs and the needs of the residents and is kept up to date. Aronel Cottage has achieved the target of 50 of the staff team trained to National Vocational Qualification Level 2. What has improved since the last inspection? 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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 Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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): Standards 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 needs of a prospective resident are assessed appropriately before admission to the home. EVIDENCE: The Manager has produced a comprehensive brochure about Aronel Cottage that has recently been updated and this had been made available to the relatives. Copies of this brochure along with the last inspection report are kept by the notice board within the home. Mr Hitchcock also keeps recent compliments about the service to show relatives or prospective residents. From the information gathered through surveys received prior to the inspection ten out of eleven residents felt that they received enough information about the home before moving in. Relatives who were spoken with confirmed that they had plenty of information about the home and what to expect and they were able to visit the home. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 A sample of records relating to residents admitted to the home within the last six months was examined. It was demonstrated that information about the resident’s needs had been obtained from either Health Care Professionals or Care Manager prior to admission. Trained staff within the home had also completed a pre-admission assessment. A further assessment of a resident’s needs had been undertaken on admission. It was noted that a nutritional assessment in some cases had also been obtained. For those residents who are self-funding the Manager or Matron undertakes a full assessment. Clear goals for each resident in how they should be supported are identified on admission and reviewed monthly. The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment form states that on admission a named key worker explains the Service User Guide to the resident and asks them after a period of for two-three weeks to complete a questionnaire about their views of the home. This is then collated as part of the quality monitoring system in the home. This process demonstrates that all parities can be sure that a resident’s individual and sometimes complex needs can be met by the service before admission. Intermediate care is not provided in this setting. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): Standards 7, 8, 9and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ personal care and health needs and wishes are recorded appropriately and are met well. The administration of medicines is managed safely and is well organised. Residents feel they are treated with respect. EVIDENCE: The needs of each resident and the support they require are recorded on a care plan. During the visit to the home five care plans were examined. Each care plan stipulates clearly the different needs of each person. There was evidence that the care plans had been reviewed monthly The staff team consists of twenty-eight female and four male members of staff so residents do have some choice about the gender of their carer. Members of staff receive induction training that includes how to support residents with personal care; they also shadow the Matron or Deputy Matron. Training in how to move residents sensitively and safely is provided at induction and updated annually. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 This should ensure that members of staff have the correct knowledge and skills to provide personal care support in a safe and confident manner. From speaking with residents during the visit to the home it is clear that the Manager and Matron of the home ensure that the residents receive regular health check ups. There is a visiting chiropodist (who was in the home during the visit), dentist, optician and a hairdresser if residents cannot use one of their choice. All of the Professionals who responded to the inspection through surveys confirmed that individual needs are always met; the service always seeks advice and acts upon that advice to improve an individual’s health care needs and always respect an individual’s privacy and dignity. A GP who called into the home during the inspection said that the home is one of the best, they always ring appropriately, deal with medication appropriately and residents are well cared for. He notices that the home is always clean and plenty of staff around who respond appropriately. The Inspector noted throughout the visit to the home that residents had drinks available to them at all times; jugs of squash or water in their rooms. The Matron at handover asked where necessary for staff to ensure that residents had plenty of fluids. During the visit to the home the storage and handling of medication was examined. The Inspector found that all medication was stored appropriately and securely. The records relating to the medication administered were in good order. An observation of the administration of medication was made and demonstrated that this was done appropriately. Where possible residents are supported to hold and manage their own medication. Residents spoken with during the visit to the home said the staff are friendly, polite and respectful. Observations of members of staff talking with residents noted their manner was respectful and friendly. A relative who was spoken with said she was impressed with how the care staff communicated with her Mother who had no verbal communication. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): Standards 12, 13, 14 and 15. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents have comprehensive information about the home to ensure that it will meet their social, cultural, religious needs and their interests. There are many opportunities for residents to be involved in a wide range of activities that are well organised. Residents are assisted to maintain relationships with family and friends or representatives. The food provided is of a good standard and promotes individual choice. EVIDENCE: Aronel Cottage provides a regular and varied programme of activities that is provided by staff and outside entertainers or volunteers. The residents are informed of activities through a regular newsletter and a programme is written on the notice board in the entrance to the home. The Owner of the home allocates a percentage of the budget for professional activity co-ordinators within the entertainment budget. On the day of the visit to the home a gardening club was in process being run by two professionals who come in weekly to run the gardening club and a quiz. The majority of residents came into the lounge for coffee and participated in the gardening club. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 It was observed that the professional running this club was particularly good at involving every resident. Residents were seen to be very interested in this activity and became quite animated when spoken to individually. Residents spoken with confirmed that the activities regularly take place and they have monthly outings if possible. The last outing was to the Arundel Wildfowl Trust. Other activities include outside entertainers, coffee mornings and a religious service. The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment form stated that they also support and encourage community based projects that wish to provide activities to older people to come into the home. Recently students from Felpham College have undertaken some activities in the home. Residents have an opportunity to give their views about the activities and other aspects of the service at a regular residents’ meeting that is chaired by an independent advocate. An advocate said through surveys, “I visit the home weekly and the residents’ freedom of choice to join the group is very apparent. No one has to come and if they are there and wish to leave I ring and they ask where they would rather be. I find this always a good sign. Staff are always interested in residents participation and how they have interacted in the group.” Relatives said, “I know from experience they have my father’s best interests physically & emotionally paramount in their care.” “They are caring, considerate, patient and kind. The food is excellent and personal preferences are allowed for daily. There is a high standard of personal cleanliness and dressing of the residents. Entertainment in the lounge includes: musicians, singers, gardening experts, art classes, quizzes, gentle exercise and physiotherapy games. Visiting family and other quests are always made to feel welcome.” The information provided from relatives through questionnaires indicates that the home always or usually helps their relatives keep in touch with them, they are always or usually kept informed about important issues effecting their relative and the service always or usually supports people to live the life they choose. Both relatives who were spoken with during the visit to the home said they felt they could visit at any time, they were made welcome and always kept informed about their relative and if they had any suggestions about the care of their relative this was listened to. A sample of menus were provided with the pre-inspection questionnaire. The menus are varied and provide a variety of meals and a choice. The Inspector ate lunch with the residents. The lunch was cooked and presented well. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Residents had a choice of meal. It was noted that the daily meals are written up on a notice board. Special diets are catered for; currently mainly diabetic. It was observed that there were sufficient staff to support service users with eating. Members of staff provided this assistance in an appropriate and sensitive manner. Where liquidised food is required it was noted that this is prepared correctly and each component of a meal is liquidised separatley and not mixed together. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are appropriate procedures for dealing with complaints. Through training the staff team have awareness about signs of abuse and know how to report any allegations. EVIDENCE: The Commission has not received any complaints in respect of this service. The pre-inspection material received prior to the visit to the home recorded that five complaints had been received in the last twelve months four of which had been substantiated. The complaints record was examined during the visit to the home that demonstrated the complaints had been responded to appropriately and within the stipulated timescale. The Manager and Matron maintain an atmosphere in the home that supports residents to air their concerns. Residents are able to make complaints to any member of staff. A resident said that they were happy to approach the Manager or Matron with any concern and were confident that they would be listened to. A relative said that the Matron and staff were very quick to act upon suggestions made by her about the care of her relative; she felt they listened to her. Twelve service users/relatives out of the eighteen who responded to the inspection through surveys said that they knew who to speak to if they were not happy and knew how to make a complaint. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The West Sussex Multi-disciplinary Adult Protection Procedures are followed by the home. From training records it could be seen that members of staff have received training in recognising signs of abuse and this is updated as required. There have been no allegations of abuse raised about this service. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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): Standards 19 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Aronel Cottage provides a safe and well-maintained environment. EVIDENCE: The pre-inspection material provided prior to the inspection confirmed that safety checks and maintenance of equipment is up to date. There is a current Public Liability Insurance Certificate for the home. A tour of the premises was undertaken during the visit to the home. On the day the home was clean and hygienic and provided a comfortable environment for the residents. Residents’ rooms were clean and personalised. All of the people spoken with during the inspection said that they always found the home to be clean and free of odours. A relative said on a survey that “The home is always spotlessly clean from top to bottom and the staff always appear cheerful and are very helpful.” Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 There have been some recent changes in the domestic team. The Housekeeper confirmed that this is working well, they follow infection control procedures, ensure that hazardous substances are stored safely and that they have plenty of cleaning materials and equipment. A redecoration programme is continual and vacant service user rooms were being decorated. A contractor who came into the home said that he was preparing to upgrade the downstairs visitors toilet. A new television has been purchased for the main lounge which although large is unobtrusive. The garden is easily accessible and well kept. The outside of the property looks very well maintained and attractive. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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): Standards 27, 28, 29 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A trained staff team support residents and have sufficient time to do this safely and well. The organisation operates a robust recruitment procedure. EVIDENCE: The staff team consists of the Responsible Individual and the Registered Manager who are both owners of the home. Then there is a team that consists of the Matron and Deputy Matron who are both Registered Nurses then seven Registered Nurses (Duty nurses), twenty Care Assistants, one full time chef, one part-time chef, a Housekeeper and ten Domestic staff. Within the staff team there is a mix of female and male staff, a mix of ages, different nationalities and levels of experience. The numbers of staff employed in the home and the mix of staff meets the needs of the residents well. Inspection material provided prior to the inspection confirmed the staffing levels within the home. On the day of the visit to the home there was a very good number of staff appropriate to meet the needs of the residents. All who were spoken with during the visit to the home said that there was always plenty of staff in the home at all time and they were always visible. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Residents spoken with said that members of staff are friendly and kind. Comments received from residents and relatives from surveys said, “Continuity of staffing has really helped my mother”. “There is always a visible number of staff on duty and there is always a qualified nurse in charge. The ancillary staff are helpful, courteous and always present.” “I cannot emphasise how nice the staff are and how safe I feel as a responsible daughter who had unfortunately not been able to care for my father at home”. A sample of five records relating to the recruitment of new members of staff was examined. This demonstrated that the necessary recruitment checks had been undertaken prior to them working in the home. Where overseas staff had been employed there was evidence of the persons identity, passports had been seen with permission to enter the country and to work, and two references. Criminal Record Checks are applied for through an umbrella organisation. These were seen during the visit to the home that confirmed that Criminal record checks had been undertaken in relation to the sample of records examined. The pre-inspection material supplied information about the range of training provided and undertaken. The records demonstrated that members of staff receive an appropriate induction, training in health and safety topics and in topics relevant to the residents’ needs. Members of staff spoken with confirmed that they had received this training. The range of training provided covers induction through to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) level 2 & 3. The home has achieved 83 of the staff team trained to NVQ Level 2 and above. Other topics covered that are relevant to residents’ needs and good practice are in Diabetes, Diet and nutrition, improving nutrition, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Decision making in end of life care, End of life care issues, Urology study day, Falls prevention and awareness and Working with GPs. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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): Standards 31, 32, 33, 35 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Aronel Cottage is very well managed and run in the best interests of the residents. The home is well maintained and safe and the safety of residents and members of staff is considered and risks minimised as far as possible. Residents’ finances are managed appropriately. EVIDENCE: Mr Hitchcock is the Owner and Registered Manager of the home. He is appropriately qualified, very experienced and invests a great deal of time and money in ensuring that the home is run to a very high standard. The service was presented with Investors in People Award in 1999 and was re-awarded this in 2002 and 2005 and continues to retain this. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 This is obtained by demonstrating that a service or business invests time, money and effort in training staff, developing their skills and listening and promoting their views and ideas. Mr Hitchcock and his management team provide clear leadership and support. They hold regular management team meetings that promote team working and continuity. Mr Hitchcock attends training sessions provided to staff to ensure the quality of the training is good and that he is available for any questions from staff to ensure the training is very relevant and specific to the need of his staff and residents. This also ensures that his training and development is kept up to date. Members of staff spoken with confirmed that they were supported well by the manager and deputy managers of the home. The atmosphere in the home on the day of the visit was friendly, helpful and cheerful. Members of staff, residents and relatives said they felt that the management team were approachable and caring and they had confidence in raising concerns that action would be taken. Comments received from surveys said, “To commend the home and staff highly. We are lucky to have been directed to them by the local social work team”. “Aronel Cottage has an excellent nursing team led by an exceptionally good matron”. “An enthusiastic proprietor who puts a lot of personal energy into making his home one of the best” Members of staff confirmed that they receive supervision and some staff meetings were arranged. The training records demonstrated and members of staff spoken with confirmed that training in the Health & Safety topics is kept up to date. There is a current Public Liability Insurance Certificate for the home. Records provided prior to the inspection demonstrate that annual safety inspections are undertaken on equipment and utility supplies and maintenance systems are in place to ensure the safety of residents. The Manager and staff team support service users to keep safe through highlighting any potential risks to them. It was seen that potential risks from the environment or whilst staff are supporting him or her with moving had been assessed for each resident. A quality assurance system is in operation and consists of asking new residents to complete a questionnaire after residing in the home for two-three weeks and then again for permanent residents on an annual basis. There is a suggestion box in the home. Residents meeting are held regularly and facilitated by an outside advocate. This ensures that residents are free to make comments about any aspect of the service. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment form that Mr Hitchcock was required to be completed as part of the inspection process provided comprehensive information about the service and highlighted were the service could be improved further. This demonstrates that the Owner/Manager knows the service well, seeks the views of others and has a clear development programme that will ensure the standard of the service remains excellent. Where possible service users manage their own finances or their relatives take responsibility through Power of Attorney. The Manager does not hold or manage any monies on behalf of residents apart from assisting three residents to manage their personal allowance. Records are kept of any transactions. Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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 X X 4 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 4 X X X X X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 4 29 3 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 4 4 X 3 X X 3 Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hampshire Office 4th Floor Overline House Blechynden Terrace Southampton SO15 1GW 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 Aronel Cottage DS0000046617.V336257.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. 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