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Inspection on 14/06/07 for Aspen Court Care Home

Also see our care home review for Aspen Court Care Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 14th June 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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

Aspen Court provides a comfortable environment for older people who have dementia. Service users are cared for by appropriately trained registered nurses and care staff. The home provides 24 hour nursing care. The numbers of staff on duty are appropriate to meet the needs of service users. Service users and staff benefit from an effective and stable management team who promote an open and inclusive style of management. The home ensures that prospective service users are provided with the information they need to enable them to make an informed choice about moving to the home. No service user moves to the home unless their needs have been fully assessed. This is to ensure that the home can meet an individual`s needs and aspirations. During the inspection the inspectors observed staff interactions with service users. Staff were heard communicating with service users in a kind and respectful manner. Service users appeared comfortable in their surroundings. Service users benefit from a wholesome and varied diet. The inspector was able to observe service users enjoying lunch. Choices were offered. Meals, including special/soft diets were attractively presented and portions were generous. Service users enjoyed lunch in a relaxed an unhurried manner. Staff sat with service users and offered assistance where required. This was carried out in an unhurried and respectful manner. Service users spoken with stated that they liked the food. The home ensures that service users have access to appropriate/specialised healthcare professionals.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The system of care planning has improved. The plans are now more focused on the needs of the individual. All the plans had a range of assessment s and associated care plans. The information available to people wishing to move into the home and their relatives has been reviewed and now provides up to date and clear information on the services to be provided. All people living at the home are provided with a statement of terms and conditions and/or a contract if funded privately. The care planning system has improved. Care plans are now developed and reviewed in consultation with residents and/or their representatives. The plans are individualised, person centred and reflect current care needs.

What the care home could do better:

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Aspen Court Care Home Hope Corner Lane Taunton Somerset TA2 7PB Lead Inspector Justine Button Unannounced Inspection 14th June 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 Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Aspen Court Care Home Address Hope Corner Lane Taunton Somerset TA2 7PB 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) 01823 346000 01823 346001 N Notaro Homes Limited Lynn Ann Tudge Care Home 27 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (27) registration, with number of places Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. May accommodate up to 27 person over the age of 65 years with a dementia (DE (E)) who require nursing care, including 3 persons from the age of 55 years. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Aspen Court is a purpose built care home found on the same site as its sister home Cedar Lodge. The home is registered with the Commission for Social Care (CSCI) to provide nursing care for up to 27 persons over the age of 65 years with a dementia with the conditions listed above. All private rooms are single with en-suite facilities. There are communal areas and a secure garden for resident use. The current scale of charges range from £556 - £656 per week. Hairdressing, private chiropody, dental care, optical treatment, clothing, toiletries and newspapers are not included. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This Key inspection was carried out in line with the CSCI framework ‘Inspecting for Better Lives 2’. This unannounced key inspection was conducted over one day by CSCI Regulation Inspector Justine Button. At the time of this inspection, 27 service users were living at the home. The inspector were able to meet with the majority of service users and staff. Service users were positive about the care they received. Staff stated that they felt well supported. The Homes manager was available throughout the inspection. A tour of the premises was carried out where all communal areas and the majority of bedrooms were seen. Records were examined relating to service users, staff, medicines and health and safety. As part of this inspection, CSCI comment cards were sent to 15 service users and their representatives and to all G.P’s and Care Managers. At the time of this report 5 completed comment cards were received from service users, 0 from care managers and 1 from a G.P. Comments from service users were positive. The majority of service users indicated that the staff were kind and always listened. Comments from the GP were positive and indicated that they were happy with the overall care provided. The inspectors would like to thank service users, staff and the registered manager for their time and cooperation with the inspection process. The following is a summary of the inspection findings and should be read in conjunction with the whole of the report. What the service does well: Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Aspen Court provides a comfortable environment for older people who have dementia. Service users are cared for by appropriately trained registered nurses and care staff. The home provides 24 hour nursing care. The numbers of staff on duty are appropriate to meet the needs of service users. Service users and staff benefit from an effective and stable management team who promote an open and inclusive style of management. The home ensures that prospective service users are provided with the information they need to enable them to make an informed choice about moving to the home. No service user moves to the home unless their needs have been fully assessed. This is to ensure that the home can meet an individual’s needs and aspirations. During the inspection the inspectors observed staff interactions with service users. Staff were heard communicating with service users in a kind and respectful manner. Service users appeared comfortable in their surroundings. Service users benefit from a wholesome and varied diet. The inspector was able to observe service users enjoying lunch. Choices were offered. Meals, including special/soft diets were attractively presented and portions were generous. Service users enjoyed lunch in a relaxed an unhurried manner. Staff sat with service users and offered assistance where required. This was carried out in an unhurried and respectful manner. Service users spoken with stated that they liked the food. The home ensures that service users have access to appropriate/specialised healthcare professionals. What has improved since the last inspection? The system of care planning has improved. The plans are now more focused on the needs of the individual. All the plans had a range of assessment s and associated care plans. The information available to people wishing to move into the home and their relatives has been reviewed and now provides up to date and clear information Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 on the services to be provided. All people living at the home are provided with a statement of terms and conditions and/or a contract if funded privately. The care planning system has improved. Care plans are now developed and reviewed in consultation with residents and/or their representatives. The plans are individualised, person centred and reflect current care needs. 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. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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 Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Standard 6 is not applicable, as the home is not registered to provide intermediate care. The quality for this outcome group is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about moving to the home. The home takes appropriate steps to ensure that an individual’s assessed needs can be met by the home. EVIDENCE: Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The home has produced a Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Copies are made available to service users, prospective service users and their representatives. These documents are also displayed in the reception area of the home and include a copy of the home’s last CSCI inspection report. The registered manager provided the CSCI with pre-inspection information which stated that the home’s current fees are £414 per week. Excluding the Registered Nursing Care Contribution. In addition the home can charge a “Top up” for those people who are funded by the local authorities but in a private bed. This is charged to a maximum of £100. Fees are determined upon the assessed needs of an individual. Fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Extra charges are met by service users for newspapers, hairdressing, trips/outings, personal toiletries/items and special requirements. Copies of service user contracts/financial agreements are now maintained at the home. This document states out clearly the terms and conditions of stay and the room to be occupied. The manager or her deputy visit a prospective service user and carry out an assessment to ensure that the assessed needs and aspirations of the individual can be met by the home. Documented evidence of pre-admission assessments were seen in the care records examined. Assessments from other professionals were also seen in care records. Prospective service users and/or their representatives are invited to visit the home prior to making a decision. Service users move to the home initially on a 4 week trial period. This is to ensure that all parties are happy with the placement. This was confirmed by the most recent service user. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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): 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. All people living at the home have a plan of care which details their health and personal needs. The plans need to continue to be developed to fully reflect social care needs. The home ensures that service users have access to appropriate healthcare professionals. Service users are treated with respect. The home’s procedures for the management & administration of medication is generally good. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 EVIDENCE: Four service users were case tracked at this inspection. This involved meeting with the service users, examining care and related records and viewing their bedrooms. The information provided by the home prior to the inspection stated, “ Each service user has a detailed person centred care plan which reflects current needs.” This was confirmed by the inspector on examining the care records. Care plans contained up to date assessments, which included moving and handling, reducing the risk of pressure sores & falls. Care plans had been developed for any assessed needs. Some of the plans were slightly ambiguous containing comments such as “ensure footwear is appropriate” and “ensure regular nightly checks” Staff need to ensure that comments made in the assessments and care plans are detailed and give clear instructions to the care staff. The staff had recently developed a care plan, which related to the capacity of individuals to make choices and decisions about their lives. This is in line with the new Mental Capacity Act. This is a positive aspect of the care planning process given that people living at the home have dementia care needs. The care plans relating to the mental Capacity act may need to be developed further and again ambiguous comments need to be developed. An example seen stated “Staff will endeavour to support Mr X with decision making” A more person centred plan would explain to staff how Mr X could make choices. It should also include details of the tools or skills staff need to use in order for Mr X to make choices. The care plans seen during the inspection confirmed that service users and or their representative had been involved in the development and review of their plan of care. The care plans seen confirmed that people living at the home have access to a range of health care professionals. This included input from district nurses, GP’s, Social workers & palliative care specialists. During the inspection people living at the home were observed to be sitting in wheelchairs for long periods of time. Wheel chairs do not provide good postural support. Staff should ensure that people are supported to sit in arm/easy chairs when ever possible. Service users who were able to express a view were very positive about the care they received. Staff interactions with service users were noted to be very warm, professional and respectful. Interventions were observed to be ‘unhurried’. Staff were heard explaining interventions to service users before Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 carrying out. Service users appeared relaxed and comfortable throughout the day. This was also the view expressed in the feedback forms which were returned to the CSCI prior to the inspection. The homes procedures for the management and administration of medication was examined at this inspection. The home uses the monitored dosage system (MDS) with pre-printed medication administration records (MAR). The registered nurse on duty administers medicines. Medicines were found to be securely stored. Creams in use, seen in service user bedrooms, had not been marked with an expiry date nor had the MAR chart been signed to confirm that the creams had been applied as per the Prescription. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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, 13, 14 & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home provides a range of social activities although these were limited on the day of the inspection. People living at the service are able to meet and welcome visitors. Some people at the home require help and support to make choices. Staff need to consider developing this area. Meals are varied and nutritious. EVIDENCE: Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 As previously mentioned in this report, the home takes appropriate steps to ensure that wherever possible, the preferences of service users are identified in the individual’s plan of care. Relatives & friends are encouraged to provide information relating to their loved one’s social history, previous hobbies/interests, preferences, likes and dislikes. Those service users able to express a view informed the inspectors that their wishes were respected and that they could choose what time to get up or go to bed. Service users can choose where and how to spend their day. Any restrictions would be identified in risk assessments. Due to mobility difficulties, not all service users can move freely around the home. Throughout the day the inspectors observed regular staff presence in each of the lounges. As previously mentioned, staff interacted with service users in a kind and respectful manner. No activities took place during the inspection, as the activities organiser was not available on the day of the inspection. The care staff did provide some activities in the afternoon of the inspection. This consisted of board and card games. Staff stated that this was sometimes difficult to complete activities if people living at the home required support to meet physical needs. The inspectors recommended that, in the absence of the activities organiser or any planned activities, the management should consider increasing the numbers of care staff available to ensure stimulating activities are provided. The activities records were viewed as part of the inspection. These demonstrated that there are range of activates on offer when the activities organiser is present. Information received prior to the inspection stated that the management hope to continue to develop this area to ensure that additional meaningful activities are provided. The home welcomes visitors at any reasonable time in accordance with the wishes/preferences of the service user. Visitors spoken to during the inspection were extremely complimentary about the care and support afforded to people living at the home. All meals are prepared and cooked on the premises. Copies of a two week menu were made available to the inspector. The menu appeared wholesome and varied. The main meal is served at lunchtime with a lighter cooked meal at tea time. Alternatives/choices are offered. This was evident at the time of the inspection. The inspectors were informed that milky drinks and sandwiches were offered in the evening. Special diets are catered for. The inspector observed soft diets being served to those with an assessed need. These were seen to be attractively presented. Sweets were available for those requiring a diabetic diet. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Staff were observed assisting service users in a manner which was relaxed, unhurried and respectful. Service users able to express a view were positive regarding the meals available and stated that there was always plenty to eat. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.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, 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has a complaints procedure which is in line with good practise guidelines. The home takes appropriate steps to reduce the risk of harm or abuse to service users. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure, which is displayed in the reception area of the home. All complaints are investigated in line with the homes procedure. Comments from received visa the feedback forms confirmed that people were aware of the procedure for raising complaints or concerns. The home has commenced carer support meetings. The management stated that these have been very successful and service user representatives use this time to discuss any concerns/issues they may have. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staff are made aware of the home’s whistle blowing policy and information on ‘elder abuse’. These documents are readily available for staff. The home follows robust recruitment procedures. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well maintained and meets the needs of the people who live there. Service users live in a comfortable & clean environment and have access to a range specialised equipment. The home needs to ensure that orientation aids are available to assist service users. The home takes appropriate steps to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. EVIDENCE: Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The home is purposed built and provides single bedrooms all with en-suite facilities. The bedrooms seen during the inspection should a degree of individuality with personal items and photographs apparent. The bedrooms are all of a similar size and provide the same level of furnishings. All the bedrooms have adjustable beds, which enables the staff to support people who are in bed safely. Other specialist equipment such as hoist used when supporting people to move are available. In addition to the en-suites there are a range of accessible bathrooms that provide a range of specialist baths. There are a number of large airy communal lounges and dining rooms. All are well furnished and were clean and tidy on the day of the inspection. The corridors are wide, light and airy. Grab rails are available in all of the corridors. On the day of the inspection people were observed walking freely about the home. Although the home is nicely decorated there are few aids available, which would enable people living at the home to identify specific areas. One person living at the home was seen walking the corridors attempting to find his bedroom. All the bedrooms and bathroom doors are similar in design and colour. This makes recognition for people who have dementia and memory loss difficult. The management should review this aspect and consider improving the colour and decoration to assist with recognition and orientation. There is a secure garden which is available to people living at the home. Unfortunately the majority of the service users live on the first floor. This does not make the garden accessible without staff support. The home takes appropriate steps to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Hand washing facilities are appropriately sited throughout the home and staff have access to protective clothing. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 Quality in this outcome area is, good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing levels and skill mix are appropriate to the numbers and needs of current service users. The home follows appropriate staff recruitment procedures. EVIDENCE: At the time of this inspection, 26 service users were living at the home. Staffing levels are currently adequate to meet the numbers and assessed needs of the 26 service users at the home. The registered manager informed the inspectors that staffing levels would be increased to reflect any increase in service user numbers or any increase in assessed needs. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Copies of a two-week staffing rota were made available to the inspectors. These confirmed that the current staffing levels are adequate. The home does use some agency staff to cover any staff sickness. The home also employs kitchen staff, domestics, laundry staff and a maintenance person. The registered manager provided the inspectors with information indicating that of the 14 care staff employed, 2 had achieved a minimum of an NVQ level 2 or above in care. An additional 3 staff are undertaking this award. This gives an overall percentage of 36 . In addition a number of the care staff recruited from overseas are qualified nurses in their country of origin. Three staff recruitment files were examined. These contained all appropriate information as required in Schedule 2 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. Enhanced CRB checks and POVA checks were in place. Staff training files were viewed. Newly appointed staff follow a TOPPS induction programme. This covers the initial induction programme and on-going training for staff. All staff have received all mandatory training. Staff spoken with during the inspection were positive about the training opportunities available to them. Staff also indicated that they had received appropriate training to enable them to meet service users’ assessed needs. The staff training file however did not demonstrate that many staff have received specialist training in the care and support of people with dementia care needs. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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, 32, 33, 35, 36 and 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users and staff benefit from an effective management team who promote an open and inclusive style of management. The financial interests of people living at the home are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. The health, safety and welfare of people living at the home and staff are safeguarded. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 EVIDENCE: Mrs Tudge has managed the service for approximately a year. Since this time considerable improvements have been made at the home. Mrs Tudge is a qualified nurse with a range of experiences in caring and supporting older people and those with dementia care needs. Mrs Tudge is currently undertaking the “Registered managers award.” Staff spoken to during the inspection stated that they felt that Mrs Tudge was approachable and that she had an “open door” policy. Staff stated that staff morale had improved and that there was now a good team spirit. Since the last inspection a deputy manager has been recruited. This has given Mrs Tudge support to implement the much-needed improvements. The home has yet to implement a full quality assurance system although a number of the elements for the implementation of a system are in place. These include service user, relatives and staff meetings. All these meeting have documented minutes. Staff stated that they receive regular supervision. Supervision is the opportunity for the staff member and the management to meet and discuss aspects of care practice; philosophy of the home and career development needs. Accident and incident forms were viewed during the inspection. These demonstrated that staff took appropriate action following any accident. The manager does not currently formally review the accident forms. This is recommended to ensure that any patterns or similar accidents are identified and changes to care practises implemented. The management of service users personal monies was discussed with the administrator. Cheques are paid into a personal monies account held at the company head office. Costs such as hairdressing and private chiropody are invoiced on a monthly basis. The costs are then deducted from this account. Some petty cash is held at the home for any person who requires cash or money for other expenses. A statement is given on a monthly basis to individuals detailing the balance of their account. All accounts are non-interest bearing. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 All records seen at this inspection were stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The home’s procedures for ensuring the health and safety of service users, staff and visitors were examined and a tour of the premises was carried out. All were in good order. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 3 3 3 3 X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 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 3 3 2 3 3 3 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 3 3 3 x 3 3 X 3 Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP33 Regulation 12(1)24(1 )(2) (3) Requirement The registered person must continue to implement and develop a system of quality assurance and monitoring. This requirement is outstanding form previous inspections. Previous timescale 30/05/07 Timescale for action 30/08/07 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 3 Refer to Standard OP8 OP9 OP9 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that people are supported to sit in suitable seating which provides good postural support. It is recommended that any topical creams and lotions that are applied are signed by staff on the Medication Administration Record It is recommended that expiry dates are marked on any topical creams or lotions when opened. DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Aspen Court Care Home 4 5 OP22 OP28 It is recommended that the décor throughout the building is reviewed to provide recognition and orientation cues for service users . It is recommended that the opportunities for staff to undertake an NVQ award are increased. Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Commission for Social Care Inspection Taunton Local Office Ground Floor Riverside Chambers Castle Street Taunton TA1 4AL 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 Aspen Court Care Home DS0000066159.V338446.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 - 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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