Inspection on 07/05/09 for Ashwood Park Residential Care Home

This inspection was carried out on 7th May 2009.

CQC found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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

Ashwood Park Residential Care... 15/12/09

Ashwood Park Residential Care... 07/05/08

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 06/08/2009.

Key inspection report CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Ashwood Park Residential Care Home Seaside Lane Easington Colliery Peterlee County Durham SR8 3XZ Lead Inspector Andrea Goodall Key Unannounced Inspection 7th May 2009 09:30 DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.do c Version 5.2 Page 1 This report is a review of the quality of outcomes that people experience in this care home. We believe high quality care should: • • • • • Be safe Have the right outcomes, including clinical outcomes Be a good experience for the people that use it Help prevent illness, and promote healthy, independent living Be available to those who need it when they need it. We review the quality of the service against outcomes from the National Minimum Standards (NMS). Those standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care homes for older people can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop. The mission of the Care Quality Commission is to make care better for people by: • Regulating health and adult social care services to ensure quality and safety standards, drive improvement and stamp out bad practice • Protecting the rights of people who use services, particularly the most vulnerable and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 • Providing accessible, trustworthy information on the quality of care and services so people can make better decisions about their care and so that commissioners and providers of services can improve services. • Providing independent public accountability on how commissioners and providers of services are improving the quality of care and providing value for money. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report Care Quality Commission General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Care Quality Commission (CQC). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CQC copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.cqc.org.uk Internet address Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashwood Park Residential Care Home Address Seaside Lane Easington Colliery Peterlee County Durham SR8 3XZ 0191 527 3300 0191 527 3360 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) www.europeancare.co.uk European Care (England) Ltd Vacant Care Home 65 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (35), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (35) of places Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care Home only - Code PC To service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the Home are within the following categories: Old Age, not falling within any other category, Code OP - maximum number of places 35 Dementia over 65 years of age, Code DE(E), maximum number of places 35 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 65 7th May 2008 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Ashwood Park is a purpose-built home that provides residential care for 65 people over the age of 65 years. The accommodation is within two main units. The home is registered for 35 residential care places for older people, and 35 residential care places for older people with dementia care needs. The home has been operating for about 9 years. It was purchased in November 2007 by European Care Limited, which is a large national company that operates many care services throughout the country. Ashwood Park shares the site with Birchwood Court, another residential care home owned by European Care Limited. The home’s driveway is well kept with several parking spaces and access to colourful gardens with seating areas. All bedrooms are single occupancy with en-suite facilities. There is a good range of lounges and dining areas throughout the home, including a small library room. There is level access into the home, and the wide corridors and a passenger lift ensure that people who use a wheelchair can access all areas of the building. The single storey dementia care unit is built in a square design with a central garden/patio area that offers a safe, private environment for residents to sit in. The home is situated off the main street that runs through the centre of the Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 village. All local facilities are within easy reach. At the time of this inspection the weekly fees for people funded by the local authority are £434.50 to £455.50 (the higher rate is for people assessed as having dementia care needs). The weekly fees for people who are privately funded are £490 to £505.65 (the higher rate is for people assessed as having dementia care needs). Items not covered by the fees include chiropody, hairdressing, toiletries and clothing. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is two stars – good service. This means the people who use this service experience good quality outcomes. Before the visit: We looked at: • information we have received since the last visit on 7th May 2008 and a random inspection carried out by a pharmacy inspector on 1st December 2008 • how the service dealt with any complaints & concerns since the last visit • any changes to how the home is run • the provider’s view of how well they care for people The Visit: An unannounced visit was made on 7th May 2009. During the visit we: • talked with people who use the service, relatives, staff, the manager and visitors • joined residents for a meal and looked at how staff support the people who live here • looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met • looked at other records which must be kept • checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for • looked around parts of the building to make sure it was clean, safe and comfortable • checked what improvements had been made since the last visit We told the acting manager what we found. We have reviewed our practice when making requirements, to improve national consistency. Some requirements from previous inspection reports may have been deleted or carried forward into this report as recommendations – but only when it is considered that people who use services are not being put at significant risk of harm. In future, if a requirement is repeated, it is likely that enforcement action will be taken. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 What the service does well: The home is a valued resource in this tightly-knit community. Most residents and staff members are from the village and there is a sociable, warm, easy-going atmosphere here. Residents and visitors described the home as “very friendly” and the staff as “kind”. One visitor said, “It has always had a wonderful atmosphere.” Residents said that they can follow their own lifestyles, such as having a lie-in and having meals in their own room. Residents can spend time socialising in the many lounges or in the privacy of their own room. Many residents and their visitors said the quality of meals is “very good”. Most areas of the home have good quality of decoration and furnishings. It is a bright, warm, comfortable place for people to live. Staff are trained in care and in dementia care needs so they know how to support people in the right way. The Provider makes sure that residents and their relatives can make suggestions and comments about the home and listens to what they say. What has improved since the last inspection? Since the last visit the provider has updated the home’s information pack for new residents (called a Service Users’ Guide). These now provide people with good details about the service provided at Ashwood Park. Since the last inspection all residents have been reassessed by social workers and some people with greater needs have moved to more suitable places. This means that the dementia care unit is now calm and relaxing for the people who live here. Overall the care records have improved, although care plans still need to show monthly changes or progress. There have been some trips out for residents which they have really enjoyed, and staff are raising money for more trips. There have been good improvements to the corridors in dementia care unit so that people can find their way around more easily. For example, different coloured doors for bathrooms and picture signs that people can understand. Staff said there has been more training for them to help them support people in the right way. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.cqc.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@cqc.org.uk or by telephoning our order line – 0870 240 7535. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1 and 3. (Standard 6 does not apply to this service.) People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Prospective residents get good information about the service and are assessed before they make a decision about moving here so that they know the home can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Ashwood Park has been open for over 9 years. It was purchased by the current provider, European Care Limited, in November 2007. At the last inspection the information for prospective residents was not up to date as it still referred to the previous owner and manager. However, since then the provider has updated the home’s Statement of Purpose and the information pack for residents (called a Service User Guide). These now provide people Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 with good details of about the service provided in Ashwood Park. The information is in large print and in plain language so it easy to read. A copy of the service users’ guide is placed in every bedroom so people and their visitors can refer to them whenever they want. There is also a copy at the entrance where visitors sign in. The new manager said there are plans to have some audio information for people who find it difficult to read. Ashwood Park is a well-known resource in this close-knit community. Most of the people who live here are from the local area and chose the home because they were familiar with it. One person said that they watched the home being built and had made their mind up that if they needed to move to a home they would come here. A relative said, “Dad chose to come here himself. He is very comfortable here.” The needs of prospective residents are assessed before they move in so that the home knows whether those needs can be met here. Care Managers of the Social Services Department carry out most assessments and these are provided to the home. The home also carries out its own assessment of new residents. At the end of last year there were several incidents in the home where some residents’ dementia care needs were putting other residents at potential risk. As a result Durham County Council re-assessed all the residents between January and February 2009. Some people needs had declined so that they now needed dementia nursing care, which this home is not registered to provide, so a small number of residents moved to more suitable placements. In discussions the new manager was very clear about the ensuring that the home can only admit people whose needs can be met. She was also very clear about referring to Social Services Department if a person’s needs declined where the home could no longer provide the right care for them. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 and 10. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Overall improving care planning means that people receive satisfactory support with their personal and health care needs. EVIDENCE: Care plans are records that are used by all care services to show what sort of help each person needs and how staff will provide that care. At the last inspection this home’s care plans were not well-detailed so they did not show staff how to support each person with their individual needs. Since then the home has introduced new care plans that show whether people need support with 12 daily living activities, for example mobility, eating, breathing and behaviour. The new care plans are more detailed so this has improved the guidance for staff on how to support each person. However the monthly reviews of each plan repetitively state “no change to care plan”. In this way it is not possible to see what has happened or whether Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 there has been any progress with the person each month. For example one person has significant behavioural needs due to their dementia needs. The home has involved psychiatric services in their care but there is no mention of their visits or outcomes in the monthly reviews. For another person it is clear from weight records that they have lost some weight but the care plan about eating and drinking states “no change to care plan”. The acting manager acknowledged that the new care plans are a ‘work in progress’ and although there is now a lot of information, it is not always linked up. There has also been improvement to recorded assessments of people’s health care needs such as moving & assisting, falls and nutritional needs. Health care records show that residents continue to have good access to community health care professionals. Discussions with most relatives showed that the staff keep them informed of any change in health needs. The home would support people to manage their own medication, if they are able and want to. There is a self-administration assessment to record whether they are capable of doing this. For all other people, senior staff are responsible for the administration of medication, and they are provided with suitable training in the safe handling of medicines. There is secure, suitable storage for medication in both areas of the home. The administration of medication was carried out correctly on the day of this inspection. Since the last inspection a pharmacy inspector has visited the home to check medication practices following some medication errors at the end of last year. Overall the pharmacy inspector found that most practices were correct, although there were some errors with recording and stock control. More recently there have been two concerns received from relatives about some medication practices by a small number of staff. These are being appropriately investigated by the Provider. The new manager also carries out regular audits of medication. Residents and visitors had many positive comments about the home and felt that peoples dignity is respected. Several residents described staff as “friendly” and “kind”. One resident said, “All the girls are lovely. They get you anything and do anything you want if they can.” A relative commented, “Generally the staff have a very good attitude. They are all very nice towards my relative.” Several relatives of a lady who was reaching the end of her life were very positive about the sensitive manner in which the home has supported her, and them, during such a difficult time. One said, “We cannot praise the home enough. The staff have been so kind and supportive. Mum has lived here happily for years and it has always been a friendly place.” Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 and 15. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People have good support so that their social, cultural and leisure needs are met. EVIDENCE: In discussions residents said that they were able to follow their own lifestyle and routines such as getting up time, going to bed, and whether or not to joining in activities. One person said, “I can spend time in my own room, and even have my meals in my room when I want.” The home employs two activities staff, one for the main home and one for the dementia care unit. There were several examples of residents’ activities in the dementia care unit including plaster crafts, art, manicure and pamper sessions, dominoes and ‘chairobic’ exercises. Since some former residents with significant behavioural needs have moved to nursing care, the dementia unit has a much calmer atmosphere where staff can provide Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 more social and leisure care. Staff said, “It’s very relaxed here now. We can spend more time with all the residents.” Following residents’ comments at the last inspection the home has now arranged some trips out to local places of interest. Residents have really enjoyed and benefited from these trips. Relatives commented how much more residents are engaged in discussions about their trips out. The manager acknowledged that these will have to be a regular event so that everyone has the chance to go on trips. The activities staff are also arranging social evenings out at a local village club to raise more funds for residents’ trips. Throughout the visits there was a steady stream of visitors to the home. Those visitors who took part in discussions all had very positive comments to make. One relative said, “It has always had a wonderful atmosphere - and it still does despite all the changes.” There is better information for people about menus choices. People who live in the main part of the home have daily written menus on each table so that they can see what meal choices are offered for that day. In the dementia care unit there is a blackboard in the dining room stating that meal’s choices. However people are still asked for their choice the day before. Many are unlikely to remember their choice the following day due to their dementia or short-term memory loss. Residents enjoy local traditional dishes that suit their cultural background, as well as modern dishes that broaden their menu choices. For example, today’s main meals at lunch time were home-made mince pie and vegetables or chilli con carne with rice. All the residents who took part in discussions made favourable comments about the quality of meals, such as “the food is always very nice.” The quality of meals on this day was good. The meals were nicely presented and appetising, and most main meals are home- made. There are three pleasant dining areas within the home, although people can eat in their own room if they want. The tables were well-set with colour-contrasting placemats and serviettes. At the time of this visit four people in the dementia care unit needed physical support to eat their meals. This was carried out sensitively and at the residents’ own pace. However there were only two members of staff to support the four residents, so staff had to switch between people which meant they did not get individual attention. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 and 18. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Residents and their representatives have written information so they would know how to make a complaint. The staff team have had suitable training so they know how to protect residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: All residents, or their relatives, are given a copy of the complaint procedure, which is in the Service Users Guide information pack. This is also available at the entrance where visitors sign in. It was also clear that the new manager makes herself available to people to discuss the service. She has a ‘surgery’ at least once a month where people are encouraged to discuss any concerns. During this visit residents and relatives said that they would feel comfortable about mentioning any concerns, if they had any. Some residents described occasions where they had raised an issue which had been resolved. The home keeps a formal record of any concerns or complaints. There have been a number of comments recorded since the last inspection, which demonstrates that the home takes complaints seriously. If a complaint is not resolved within the home to the Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 satisfaction of the complainant, then a senior manager on behalf of the provider will investigate. The home uses the safeguarding adults arrangements that are promoted by Durham County Council. These are robust procedures for dealing with suspected abuse. The manager is familiar with her responsibilities in this area. All staff have previously had some training in protection of vulnerable adults, and 10 staff are undertaking a course in this area. At this time staff do not have any specific written guidance about the Durham County Council process, although they do have access to the procedures. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 20, 21, 22 and 26. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Overall the home is satisfactorily maintained so that people live in accommodation that is safe, warm, and comfortable. EVIDENCE: This modern, purpose built home is designed into two main units. The main part of the home has 40 places (of which 10 places can also be for people with dementia care needs). The adjacent single storey dementia care unit has 25 places. The home has an on-site maintenance staff to attend to repairs, safety and maintenance checks. The home has an excellent range of lounges, dining rooms, library and outside seated areas for resident to enjoy. The décor and furnishings in the home has generally Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 been very good, and lounges remain well decorated. However some bedrooms are beginning to show signs of wear and tear such as scuffed paintwork and marked carpets which detract from the otherwise good standard of décor in this home. Overall residents and their visitors said that the home is “very comfortable and warm.” One relative described the home’s decoration as now being “shabby-chic”. There have been some very good improvements to the environmental design of the dementia care unit, and this now supports people to find their way around. For example, all bathrooms and toilet doors have been painted red so that they are distinctive, and these doors have also got pictures of baths and toilets to help people find them easily. Also toilet seats and handrails are blue so that they are easy to see. Staff commented on the positive effect this has had on peoples’ continence needs as they can now find their way to these rooms more easily. All bedroom doors in the dementia care unit have been provided with pictures or artefacts that are meaningful to the person who lives there. For example one lady has pictures of yoga and dancing on her bedroom door as she used be an exercise instructor. These pictures help people to find their own rooms more independently. All the corridors in this square unit have been provided with pictures, tactile collages and items of familiarity and interest, such as musical instruments and washing pegs and lines. These provide stimulus and purpose for the people who live here. Throughout the home bathrooms are well-equipped but remain quite bare. Some bathrooms have no shower curtains and some have no blinds at the windows. In most bathrooms there are boxes of latex gloves on display. This compromises peoples’ dignity and infection control. There were also a lot of staff instruction notices on display in residents’ accommodation, including some bedrooms. These detract from the otherwise homely atmosphere of Ashwood Park and make it look like a place of work rather than the residents’ home. The standard of odour control and cleanliness around the home was very good. It is clear that housekeeping staff work hard to keep this busy home so clean. The home has a wellequipped laundry to manage the laundry service. Some relatives prefer to continue to do laundry for their resident to share in their care. Some relatives have commented to the acting manager about occasional missing clothes. Discussions were held about the use of individual laundry bags for smaller items. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 and 30. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Overall the home provides suitable staff to ensure that the needs of the people who live here are met. EVIDENCE: The care staff team consists of the new manager, a part-time deputy manager, nine senior care staff and around 30 care staff. The home also employs activities staff, catering and housekeeping staff, a full-time administrative staff and a full time maintenance staff. At the time of this visit there were 49 people living at Ashwood Park. Altogether there were seven care staff on duty, i.e. four staff in the main home for 34 residents and three staff in the dementia care unit for 15 residents. There was good staff presence in the dementia unit so that staff could supervise residents and residents could see staff if they needed support. However there were only two staff to physically support four people to eat at mealtimes, so people did not get one-to-one attention with their meal. In the main part of the home there two staff on each floor. Some people require two staff for support, for example with bathing. This meant at times there was little staff presence near lounges or corridors because staff were busy with individual residents and responding to call alarms. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 There are also two staff on long term sick and two staff on maternity leave. These posts are being covered by existing staff. Many of the senior staff have worked here for several years and this provides good continuity of care for the people who live here. European Care is an equal opportunities employer and promotes clear equality and diversity procedures when recruiting new staff. At this time there is one deputy manager post vacant. European Care has robust procedures for checking the suitability of potential new staff including references and police checks (called CRB disclosures). The home annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) shows that around 65 e majority of care staff have now achieved a national qualification in care called NVQ level 2, and there is an on-going training plan for all staff to achieve this award. All senior staff have the higher qualification called NVQ level 3. It is good practice that most care staff who work in the dementia care have completed a 3 month training course in Dementia Awareness through a local college. They commented that this training gave them a greater understanding of the needs of the people that they care for in this unit. Many of the staff have also attended a short introductory curse in dementia care called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. It was clear from records and discussions with staff that there are good training opportunities for them at this home. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.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. This is what people staying in this care home experience: JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 and 38. People using the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Overall the home is run in a satisfactory way that promotes the welfare of the people who live here. EVIDENCE: In autumn last year the previous registered manager left the home. Since then a deputy manager had been acting as manager (with support from the manager of a neighbouring home) until the Provider could appoint a new manager. A new manager was recently appointed and had been in post for only a few weeks at the time of this inspection. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Staff and many relatives commented very positively on the new manager and felt she was very approachable. However shortly after this inspection the new manager decided to resign as manager and to take on the vacant deputy manager’s post. She will remain as acting manager until the Provider can appoint a new manager. Meanwhile a regional manager on behalf of European Care continues to support the management of the home. The manager consults regularly with residents and relatives for their views about the quality of the service. This is in the form of discussions with individuals, monthly Residents’ Meetings, and a monthly evening ‘surgery’ for anyone who wants to discuss anything. The Provider is a large national care organisation that has comprehensive quality assessment processes. It also uses monthly questionnaires to a sample of residents and/or relatives for their views of the service. These are then collated annually to review this home. On request the home will support residents to safely store a limited amount of personal monies. At previous inspections these have been found to be in good order. At the time of this inspection the records could not be viewed as the administrative officer was on sick leave and holds the only key to those files. Staff receive training in statutory health & safety matters so that they know how to support residents in a safe way. Training records confirmed that staff have training in first aid (though some require renewal), fire safety, food safety, moving & assisting and infection control. At the time of this visit the records of in-house instruction in fire safety, which were out of date at the last inspection, could not be found. The maintenance staff is responsible for carrying out routine health & safety checks around the building. For example, hot water temperatures should be checked regularly by maintenance staff and adjusted to a safe temperature wherever necessary. However the records do not show the date that checks were carried out (just the month) and do not state what action will be taken to adjust the temperatures when water is too cold or too hot. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 4 2 3 X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 2 X 3 X 3 X X 2 Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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. 1. Standard OP7 Regulation 15 Requirement Care plan monthly evaluations must report a meaningful assessment of the progress or change in need. This is to guide staff in how to support people with their significant needs in a consistent, planned way and that any changes in need are identified. Timescale for action 01/08/09 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. Refer to Standard OP12 OP14 Good Practice Recommendations The provision of minibus trips should continue as frequently as possible to allow all residents regular opportunities to go out to places of interest. The home may wish to consider the possibility of asking residents for their meal choices at the table at the time that the meal is being served, so that people can make an immediate and visual choice of the dishes offered. Consideration could be given to how the home can provide DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 3. OP15 Ashwood Park Residential Care Home 4. 5 6. OP19 OP21 OP21 7. 8. 9. 10. OP26 OP27 OP38 OP38 one-to-one individual attention for those people who require physical support to eat their meals. A programme of decoration to address the wear and tear in bedrooms should be in place. Bathrooms would benefit from shower curtains, blinds at windows and more decorative touches to support the privacy and dignity of residents whilst using these rooms. Personal protective equipment such as latex gloves should not be on display in bathrooms as this can compromise infection control and does not support peoples’ dignity. Consideration should be given to bathroom cabinets. Also staff instruction notices should not be displayed in residents’ accommodation. Consideration could be given to the use of individual laundry bags for smaller items of clothing so that laundry is returned to the right person. Staffing levels should be kept under continuous review, in line with the needs of current residents, so that there is sufficient staff presence in all areas of the home. Hot water temperature records should record the actual date of the temperature check and what action was taken if temperatures needed adjusting. In-house fire instruction records should be available to the manager at all times. Ashwood Park Residential Care Home DS0000071000.V375195.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Care Quality Commission North Eastern Region Citygate Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries.northeastern@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Care Quality Commission (CQC). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CQC copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. 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