CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Aston Court Care Home Little Aston Drive Sutton Drive West Midlands B74 3BF Lead Inspector
Joanna Wooller Announced Monday 4 July 2005 09.30am The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information
Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Aston Court Address Little Aston Drive Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B74 3BF 0121 353 1133 0121 352 0024 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) BUPA Care Home Limited Mrs Fiona Melling Care Home 55 55 55 55 Category(ies) of OP registration, with number PD of places PD(E) Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1) 55 Physical Disability (PD) - Minimum age 60 years on admission Date of last inspection 31 January 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Aston Court is a 55 Bedded Nursing Home situated in Sutton Coldfield. It is comprised of one building. The current Company BUPA Nursing Homes Ltd have run the home since 1998. The home was first registered in 1994.The Home is currently registered to admit 55 elderly and there are three residential beds.The home is set in rural location with views of landscaped gardens. There were beautifully arranged floral displays around the home inside and out. Aston Court is decorated to an extremely high standard with a wealth of beautiful fixtures and fittings in the form of mirrors and pictures.The home comprises of 55 bedrooms over two floors. Many of the bedrooms are singles, and all have en-suite WC facilities. There are several lounges and a dining room on both floors. Other facilities and services include hairdressing, a wealth of activities/crafts, a shop which sells cards and sweets etc, visits from the mobile library and outings. All areas of the home have access via stairs and a passenger lift. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced visit was made on the 4th July 2005 by two inspectors. The inspection was undertaken using the National Minimum Standards for Older People as a reference. The total time spent for the inspection, including pre and fieldwork, amounted to 9hrs. The registered care manager Jane Melling was in the home accompanied by her deputy manager, two trained nurses and six care assistants. The ancillary staff on duty included; one chef manager, one assistant chef and two kitchen assistants. Also in the home were the two activity organisers, the administrator and the secretary, the maintenance man, four housekeepers, two laundry staff, and two hostesses. There were 47 service users in the home on the day of the inspection. The inspection included the following elements; a tour of the building, observation and inspection of records relating to provision of care, discussions with several service users, discussions with staff members on duty, observation and sampling of other services provided such as catering and laundry, and an inspection of the managerial aspects such as staffing issues, quality assurance and health & safety. Since the last inspection there had been no changes to the management of the home, no complaints had been received by the CSCI and no additional visits had been necessitated. It was evident that individual aspects of care were being addressed well, with service users able to choose the home following an assessment and invitation to visit the home. Service user plans had been well written, based on the individuals’ health, personal and social care needs. Privacy, dignity and choice aspects for residents were evidenced as being upheld. No incidents or reports of abuse of any kind had been received since the last inspection, and policies and procedures seen covered these issues. The home was evidenced as fit for purpose and provided a safe environment for the service users and staff. A very homely atmosphere had been created, and the premises were exceptionally clean and tidy and a credit to the housekeeping staff. Adequate areas for service users were provided including; communal space, dining/activity space, bathing/toilet facilities, and bedrooms. Services and facilities, including catering and laundry, were provided. Health and safety aspects had been given a high priority and one shortfall was noted in relation to outdoor risk assessments.
Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 Staffing levels and skill mix were evidenced as being adequate to meet the assessed needs of the existing residents. Recruitment and retention of staff aspects were good with little staff turnover. Staff training had been given a high priority by the deputy manager, with induction and foundation training being followed by NVQ training, and staff also had received regular supervision. There was evidence that the home is well managed by Mrs Melling. General management aspects were good with BUPA quality assurance taking place. Records had been correctly filed and stored. Assurances were given regarding the positive financial viability of the home, and that suitable accounting/business procedures are adopted. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection?
Further door guards have been purchased and fitted. This will continue until all doors are adapted. General appearance at the home continues to improve with new fixtures and fittings. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 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. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 1,2 and 3 Individual health, personal and social cares needs had been documented and there was evidence that they were being met by staff. The staff individually and collectively had the necessary skills and experience. EVIDENCE: The documentation seen, and the discussion with service users or their representatives, evidenced that service users had been assessed prior to admission and they had been enabled to make a choice about the home. All those involved had the opportunity to visit the home prior to choosing to stay. Service users when spoken to had visited the home, and stayed for a while and had a meal prior to deciding to stay; this information was documented within the care plans. The care plans were seen within the service user plans, and these detailed individual needs for nursing and personal care requirements. Service users when asked confirmed that they had been fully involved with the plan of care and were in agreement with the assessments.
Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 The records seen and a discussion with the staff evidenced that care staff, individually and collectively, had the necessary experience and skills to meet the assessed needs of the current service users. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7 to 10 The assessed health and personal care needs of service users had been well documented and were evidenced as being met, with a good standard of care being delivered including a safe system for the receipt, storage, administration and disposal of medicines. There was evidence that service users were treated with respect, privacy and dignity, during the caring process. EVIDENCE: Several service users and relatives spoken to by the inspector commented positively about the care being provided. The service user plans and associated documentation was well written, meaningful and reflected the current condition of residents. The documentation seen and a discussion with both service users and staff members evidenced that health and personal care needs were being well met. NHS facilities and professionals including community nurses, medical consultants and clinical nurse specialists had all been accessed when required, and these events were seen recorded. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 A local GP practice and a local pharmacist service the home, and there is a good working relationship with them. Records of their visits and outcomes were seen documented. Specialist nurses were regular visitors in the home to advise and support good practice carried out during individual nursing interventions. The medicines within the home, medication administration records, controlled drugs book and drugs returned book, were all checked through pharmacy audits and no errors were noted. It was observed that a safe system was in place, and that the comprehensive medicines policy documentation seen was being complied with. No resident was ‘self medicating’, however locked facilities were available if someone should wish to. During the inspection the inspector observed that privacy and dignity were being afforded to service users, and there was very good interaction with staff. Care staff were seen knocking on doors before entering. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12 to 15 Observations of and discussions with some residents identified that the systems for resident’s consultation in the home are good with a variety of evidence that indicates that resident’s views are sought and acted upon. There was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with individuals moving freely around the home. Contact with families and friends are good. Menu at the home offers both choice and variety. EVIDENCE: Discussions with residents identified that they were content with the lifestyle they experience at Aston Court with visiting ministers meeting the religious needs of individuals. Two activities persons are employed over six days and they provide a varied programme of social opportunities that is displayed in the home. One group of residents was playing bridge another was playing dominoes all were engrossed in their game. There is a general activities programme, plus a morning activities programme, hostesses provide drinks throughout the day and tea and coffee machines are provided. The home has a small shop for residents that provide toiletries, sweets, crisps, cards, videos, and crafts, anything residents’ want included. Visitors were observed to be moving freely in and out of the home and contact with the local community was good.
Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Choice was promoted by staff who were observed to be asking individual residents to make decisions about their daily routine. Food provided for residents was nicely presented with choice being offered at all meals. Meals were taken in very attractive dining rooms with nicely laid tables. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 Complaints and Protection
The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 16 and 18 There was evidence that complaints are listened to and resolved following the complaints procedure. The home policies, procedures and staff training, protected residents from aspects of abuse. EVIDENCE: An examination of the complaints book, the relevant policy and procedure documentation, and a discussion with staff and residents, evidenced that complaints were listened to and dealt with in the correct manner. Since the last inspection a few complaints had been recorded and brought to the attention of this commission. Many ‘thank you’ and complimentary cards were evidenced from appreciative relatives. No incidents of neglect or abuse of any kind has been reported. The policy documentation seen, and a discussion with staff confirmed that residents are protected from all forms of abuse. Documentation seen evidenced that the above issues had been discussed at length during staff induction, training and on-going supervision. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Environment
The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19 to 26 The standard of the environment within this home is very good which provides residents with an attractive and homely place to live. EVIDENCE: The location and layout of the home is suitable for its stated purpose. Aston Court is situated within large well-maintained gardens that are accessible to residents. There are paved areas with Gazebo and seating offering shade to residents. A new gardener has been employed and the gardens look very attractive. Accommodation is provided to two floors and a passenger shaft lift or stairs provides easy access between them. Decoration and soft furnishings in the home are maintained to a high standard with lots of homely touches despite the size of the home.
Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Residents bedrooms visited were comfortable and personalised and have been redecorated and refurbished this is ongoing. Specialist equipment is provided as required. The resident’s sun lounge is used for activities, flower arranging, birthday parties, staff training and visitors at weekends. The staff room was well equipped and health and safety posters were on display. Areas of the home visited were clean, comfortable and odour free and are a credit to housekeeping staff. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 Staffing
The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27,29 and 30 The individually assessed needs of service users had been met by an adequate number of suitably trained staff. Recruitment procedures had been correctly addressed which had contributed to the protection of service users. Staff training had been given a high priority. EVIDENCE: Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Staffing levels were being maintained, as at 1st April 2002 and following a discussion with the manager and her staff it was evidenced that the shift cover was adequate for the service users needs. Staffing rosters were checked and found to be in order. In addition to the manager and her deputy there had been a minimum of two trained nurses and six care staff on each morning shift, two trained nurses and four care assistants on each evening shift, and two trained nurses and three care assistants on each night shift. Adequate ancillary staff had been provided each week. When asked by the inspector several service users asked stated that staff were available when they wanted them, and that the staff were very good. The records seen evidenced that in addition to the manager the home employed 14 nurses and 29 care assistants, of which 16 (56 ) were trained to NVQ level 2 or above. Eight members of staff hold the First Aid Certificate also. Training had been given a high priority by the deputy manager and the training records of individuals were seen. The records evidenced that trained staff and care assistants had benefited from ‘in house’ and external training which had covered the needs of the registered client group. Staff told the inspector that they had been afforded the time off and encouraged to study. The homes recruitment policy, procedures and documentation were examined and recruitment issues had been handled correctly. Staff had been subject to POVA/CRB comprehensive checks, and these were seen recorded. Staff asked stated that they had job descriptions and contracts of employment Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 Management and Administration
The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 33,35 and 38. There was evidence that the home was well managed and robust quality assurance was in place. Financial aspects were correctly addressed and recorded with safeguards to residents. Health and safety issues had been given priority. EVIDENCE: From those observations made by the inspectors, discussions with service users, and discussions with the manager and staff, it was evident that the home was being run in the interests of service users. Quality assurance, including feedback from service users and their representatives, was seen documented. Documentation seen evidenced that the views of visiting professionals had also been established, and included in the review process.
Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 A check on the records and a discussion with both residents and representatives evidenced that all service users had the opportunity to handle their own finances and all residents and families had chosen to do so. Day to day monies of residents were checked and money held reconciled with the ledger. Inventories of valuables and belongings brought into the home were seen recorded. Health and safety issues were checked during this inspection, including a tour of the home. The documentation seen for all most all checks and examination of plant and equipment was all correct and up to date. The manager and staff spoken to confirmed that health and safety issues are given a high priority. One issue was raised with regard to outdoor risk assessments, which require review and update by the newly employed maintenance man. Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES
This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from:
4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable
CHOICE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score 4 4 4 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 4 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4
COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 x 29 4 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x 3 x x 4 x 4 x x 4 Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 yes Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard 38 Regulation 13(4) Requirement Outdoor risk assessments to be completed. Timescale for action 1 week RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Aston Court Care Home E51 E09 S22308 Aston Court V228529 040705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Stafford - Dyson Court Staffordshire Technology Park Beaconside Stafford ST18 0ES National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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