Inspection on 27/07/07 for Astor Court Care Home

This inspection was carried out on 27th July 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Astor Court Care Home 23/07/09

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Astor Court Care Home Lamb Street East Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6SF Lead Inspector Anne Urwin Brown Unannounced Inspection 27th July 2007 09:10 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 Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.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. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Astor Court Care Home Address Lamb Street East Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6SF 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) 01670 738890 01670 738892 Southern Cross Opco Ltd Raymond Robson Care Home 43 Category(ies) of Dementia (25), Old age, not falling within any registration, with number other category (18) of places Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following categories 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 with any other category - Code OP, maximum number of places: 18 2. Dementia - Code DE, maximum number of places: 25 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is 43 30th August 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Astor Court is a purpose built home in a rural area of Northumberland on a site comprising of two homes: Astor Lodge View and Astor Court. Both homes have only recently been taken over by Southern Cross Healthcare. Astor Lodge was not part of this inspection, having its own separate registration. The village of East Cramlington is a short distance away, with a small range of local amenities including shops, public houses, a post office and Church. The area is served by public transport. The coastal areas of Northumberland and the town centres of Cramlington and Blyth are within easy reach by bus or car. Astor Court is registered to provide care to forty-three older people, twentyfive of whom have dementia. All areas internally and externally are accessible to wheelchair users and all people living at the home are able to enjoy single bedrooms with en suite facilities. Externally, generous car parking is available and the gardens planted with shrubs surround the home . Fees range from £409.40 plus a third party top up of £15.00 for local authority funded residents to £450.00 per week for privately funded residents. There is a Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide in place to inform prospective residents and their relatives about the service provided at Astor Court. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • Information we have received since the last visit on (date). • 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 views of people who use the service & their relatives, staff & other professionals. The Visit: An unannounced visit was made on date(s). During the visit we: • • • • • • Talked with people who use the service, relatives, staff, the manager & visitors. Looked at information about the people who use the service & how well their needs are met, Looked at other records which must be kept, Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills & training to meet the needs of the people they care for, Looked around the building/parts of the building to make sure it was clean, safe & comfortable, Checked what improvements had been made since the last visit (Delete if not applicable). We told the manager/provider what we found. What the service does well: Peoples’ needs and wishes had been properly assessed before they moved into Astor Court. This meant that staff knew about the needs of each person and what care and support they required. Comprehensive plans of care and risk assessments had been completed for each person. These are very well maintained and are regularly updated to show any changes and so that staff have the information they need to support individuals. Peoples’ health care needs are effectively met and this means that people receive the care and support they needed. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The arrangements for supporting people to make decisions about their daily lives are flexible and individuals’ preferences are clearly identified. Good opportunities are provided for people to take part in activities and outings in line with their needs and choices. People are actively supported to maintain contact and good links with their friends and family. The relationships between staff and people living at the home were good and personal support was provided in such a way as to promote and protect privacy and dignity. The meals at the Home provided a varied, nutritious diet. People are offered a choice at each mealtime. Good systems are in place for dealing with complaints and people are protected from abuse. There are sufficient staff at Astor Court and they have access to appropriate training. This means that staff has the skills to meet the needs of the people living at Astor Lodge. Good systems are in place for auditing the quality of care and for identifying development. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The manager needs regular formal supervision from his line manager to ensure that he has opportunities to develop more knowledge about the organisation’s aims, objectives and procedures. Call system pull cords should be readily available throughout the home. Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.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 Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 1, 2, 3 and 6 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Good information is provided for people thinking about living at Astor Court so that they are able to decide whether or not to move into the home. This is being updated to reflect the change of ownership, however the basic information about the service provided remains the same. Contracts are clear and fair and protect people living at the home. New contracts are being issued to reflect the change of ownership. Good comprehensive assessments are carried out before and after admission to ensure that peoples’ needs can be planned and met at the Grange. Intermediate care is not provided at Astor Court. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose/Service User Guide is comprehensive and contains all of the information identified in Schedule 1 of the Care Standards Regulations. It includes information about the services offered by the home Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 including staffing, who the home can care for, social activities, and arrangements for religious observance as appropriate, complaints, care planning, and the home’s environment. The Statement of Purpose is being revised to take account of the change of ownership of the home and was available in draft form at the time of this inspection. Residents and their representatives are encouraged to visit the home and spend time, this results in them having good information on which to base their decision to move into the home. Each person is supplied with a written contract and copies were available in the individual files. The home’s contract, which is being revised because of the change of ownership, provides clear information about peoples’ rights and responsibilities, what is covered by the fees and terms and conditions of occupancy. As soon as the revised contract is available this will be issued to people living in the home. The manager said that people are protected by the current contract and the conditions apply until the new contracts are issued. Two people said that they could recall having signed the contract and had its content explained to them. Individual records contain comprehensive pre-admission assessments, which are completed by the Manager or the senior staff. The assessments cover the areas identified within Standard 3 of the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People. Staff draw up individual plans of care using the information in the assessment. New recording systems are being introduced and some of the records inspected were in the new format, which provided good clear information about peoples’ needs. In addition care management assessments were available in the records sampled. Four people spoken with during the inspection said that they were satisfied that staff were aware of their needs when they came to live at the home. They said they felt well supported when they came to live at Astor Court. The home is not registered for, and therefore does not provide, intermediate care. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of care planning is very good and has improved since the last inspection. Care is planned sensitively with people living at the home in a way they prefer. Good individual plans provide information for staff to support meeting peoples’ needs. Peoples’ health care needs are well met using a multi-agency approach. This helps to keep people healthy. Good procedures and practice for dealing with medicines protects those living at Astor Court. EVIDENCE: Each resident has an individual plan of care that is based on the admission assessment and is then added to during the placement. The care plans contain comprehensive assessments for nutrition, skin care, moving and assisting, and continence promotion as well as a dependency rating. These are up to date and are regularly reviewed. Risk assessments are in place for specific interventions, and these are updated when necessary. Each person has regular reviews and they are involved in this process together with Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 relatives/representatives if appropriate. Five people said that they are very satisfied with the care they receive, and that staff are caring and kind. Staff have training in developing care plans. They are very well informed about individual needs and demonstrated this during the inspection. Peoples’ health care needs and any specific treatments are clearly recorded. All contact with the doctor, district nurse and other health care professionals is recorded appropriately. Records showed that the home seeks expert advice from external professionals if necessary. Aids and other equipment are in place for those who need it. Residents said that staff are aware of their health needs. They said they get support to attend appointments. Two people said they were satisfied that they can access the health services that they need. The systems for managing medicines in the home are in line with safe working practice guidelines. The records relating to the administration of medicines are fully completed and staff are clear about the procedures. A monitored dosage system is in use and staff check them when they are received to ensure that the correct medicines are received. Staff training in handling medicines has been provided. People are asked when they come to live in the home if they want to keep control of their medicines and their response is recorded. Risk assessments are in place for people wanting to manage their own medicines and lockable storage is provided. Induction training for new staff includes references to ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect. Staff showed during the inspection that they were aware of the need to respect people’s dignity and privacy by speaking respectfully and knocking on doors. Records showed that peoples’ diverse needs were identified and respected. Guidance for staff includes reference to promoting equality and valuing diversity. The manager and staff are aware of issues relating to equality and diversity. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People have good opportunities to take part in a variety of leisure pursuits and activities that helps them to maintain good links with the local community. Staff encourage people living in the home to exercise control over their lives, which helps them retain their independence. Mealtimes are flexible to suit individual preferences and lifestyles. Plenty of choice is provided and support is given sensitively to people where they have specific needs. EVIDENCE: People living at Astor Court said that they have plenty of choice about their daily routines, like when they get up, and go to bed and what they do with their time. Particular choices or routines are clearly identified within care plans. There is a programme of activities and information about this is made available to people living there. People coming to live in the home receive information that describes regular activities and outings organised. Staff said that they are able to spend time on an individual basis with people living in the home. The atmosphere is homely and during the inspection there were opportunities to take part in organised activities, an outing and for people to use the lounges, coffee shop, conservatory or spend time in their own rooms. A sitting room is available for people who wish to smoke. There are videos, Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 music tapes, newspapers and books available. Two people said they much preferred spending time in their rooms as they enjoyed their own company, however others said that they found company stimulating. One relative said that “staff are very caring and make life as easy as possible always trying to do things the way my mother in law wants them done.” People living in the home said that they have regular visitors and this was evident from the Visitors Book and from seeing visitors coming in during the inspection. Two people said that they could see visitors in their own rooms or in the public areas of the home, which includes a coffee shop where tea, coffee and soft drinks are freely available. Information is available for relatives about visiting and this is made available before a resident is admitted. One relative said that it is very homely and staff are friendly and approachable. The Manager made a point of speaking to visitors and was readily available to support relatives and provide information. People are encouraged to continue to manage their finances for as long as they are able and this was evident from care plans. They are encouraged to bring in furniture, ornaments and pictures from their previous homes. Rooms are personalised and reflect peoples’ interests and taste. People are encouraged to follow their own religion and local ministers visit the home regularly. The manager said that they are able to access information about specific cultural needs when necessary and had done so in the past. Information is available on the notice board at the home about “Careaware” a helpline support service that will help people with any issues and is like an advocacy service. The menu shows that a varied diet is provided that offers choice at each mealtime with special diets available as required. A new menu has recently been introduced based on health eating principles. Peoples’ likes and dislikes are recorded and the staff regularly consults with them about the food. There is choice about where food is served so that people can choose to have their meals in their room or in the dining room. People living in the home said that the food is good and they get plenty to eat. Fruit platters are provided at coffee/tea time as an alternative to biscuits or cake. People living in the home said that they have plenty of choice as well as being able to make suggestions for the menu. Staff have completed Food Hygiene training. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 16 and 18 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A satisfactory complaints procedure is in place to ensure that complaints are dealt with effectively and to the satisfaction of the complainant. Good arrangements for protecting people using the service are in place. EVIDENCE: The manager promotes an open culture that encourages people living there to express their views and concerns. Each person is supplied with a copy of the complaints procedure, which is clearly written and easy to understand. People living in the home said they were aware of how to make a complaint and that they felt able to speak to the manager or the staff if they have any concerns. They said the manager is very approachable and they are satisfied that he treats their concerns seriously. No complaints have been made since the last inspection. Records of complaints are good providing appropriate information about the investigation and any actions taken. Staff were aware of how to help someone living at Astor Lodge to make a complaint. Clear guidance is available for staff about protecting people living in the home and the action to be taken in the event of any allegations being made. People using the service are made aware of what abuse is and the safeguards in place for their protection. People living in the home said that they feel safe at Astor Court. The manager has reported two concerns relating the Protection of Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Vulnerable Adults to the Local Authority and these matters have been satisfactorily investigated and concluded. Access to external agencies is promoted. Staff were aware of the procedures to be followed if an allegation is made. Staff training has been provided in Protection of Vulnerable Adults. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 19, 20, 21, 22 and 26 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Astor Lodge provides a safe environment that encourages independence. The home is comfortable and well maintained. The new owners are implementing a planned programme to improve the decoration, fixtures and fittings. Good quality accommodation is available for individuals in single rooms with en-suite toilets. Specialist equipment is available to maximise peoples’ independence. The home is very clean, pleasant and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home was purpose built for the client group and as a result has good-sized corridors and is designed to allow service users to use the entire home with ease and in safety. The Home has recently changed ownership and the new management intend to upgrade some areas of the home. The manager has been involved in the process of identifying equipment and furnishings he feels Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 are needed to maintain good standards. Astor Court is well maintained and provides very comfortable accommodation for the people living there. Sitting and dining areas are spacious and homely. Records show that the handyman addresses maintenance issues promptly, but there can be delays when outside contractors are required. There is a large garden area laid to lawns that were previously maintained by contractors. The handyman is now responsible for maintaining these areas and this has substantially added to his workload and may impact on him being able to deal promptly with repairs and maintenance issues. Parking is available to the front of the home. Each bedroom has en-suite toilet and wash hand basin. There are sufficient bathrooms and toilets, and appropriate aids and adaptations are available to meet residents’ needs. New shower chairs and hoists have been ordered to meet Moving and Handling requirements. All bedrooms are spacious and well furnished. People living in the home said that they were happy with the decoration and maintenance standards. The home is clean and was odour free. Bedrooms were personalised reflecting individual choices and preferences. All rooms have windows for ventilation. Central heating is fitted and the temperature can be adjusted in each room. Radiator guards are fitted to protect people living at the home. Tests are carried out annually on all electrical equipment. Thermostatic controls are fitted to all hot water outlets. Emergency lighting is fitted. In some rooms the call system pull cords were not readily available as they were wound round curtain tie back hooks or toilet aids making it more difficult for people to reach them when they needed to call for assistance. The laundry is large, well organised and appropriately equipped with washers that have sluice wash programmes for soiled linen. Sluices are available on each floor and were clean and tidy. No odours were evident in the home. Staff followed infection control policies throughout the day. The light and emergency call cords were all clean. Some emergency cords were held back or tied up and this means they were not readily available for people wanting to call for assistance. Infection control information and training is provided for staff. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 27, 28, 29 and 30 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff numbers are sufficient to meet the needs of the people living at Astor Court. Opportunities for training are good and this enables staff to learn new skills to better support the people living at the home. Good recruitment procedures protect people living at the home. EVIDENCE: The rota showed that satisfactory numbers of staff are to meet peoples’ needs. People living in the home said during the inspection that there were enough staff on duty at the home. One person said that she “would give staff ten out of ten” for the quality of care that she received. She also said “staff are nice and kind and they enjoyed making our lives light.” Staff said that there are enough staff to cover the rota and that arrangements for covering holidays and sickness work well with people usually working extra hours when necessary. At night there are sufficient night staff on duty and those living in the home said that they find that staff respond promptly when they seek assistance during the night. Seventy three per cent of staff has completed National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in care at Astor Court and further training is planned to Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 try to achieve a level of a hundred per cent. Staff are committed to training and recognise the importance of gaining recognised qualifications. They said they feel training is well supported by the management of the home. Staff recruitment policies and procedures are in place to protect people living at the home and records show that these are followed. Appropriate reference and Criminal Records Bureau checks are carried out and evidence of these was in individual records. The training records show that appropriate training opportunities were provided during the past year. Records are clearly maintained and offered an efficient and easily examined system. Statutory training is provided and includes moving and handling, food hygiene, first aid, fire, and health and safety. Staff said that new staff receive comprehensive induction training and records confirm this. They also said that there have plenty of opportunities to access training. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 were inspected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Manager has an open style and good management systems ensure that the service provided suits the needs and wishes of the people living at the home. Quality assurance systems are in place, but these are being revised because of the recent takeover of the home. The current systems shape the quality of the service taking account of the views of the people living at Astor Court. Personal allowance management is good and the systems and records are in place to allow audit to be effective. Peoples’ financial interests are safeguarded by the appropriate systems for handling money held on their behalf. People living in the home and staff are protected by the good systems and practices for health and safety. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 EVIDENCE: The manager is qualified and experienced to run the home and meet its aims and objectives. There are clear lines of accountability and a settled staff team in place at Astor Court. Since the last inspection the manager has become responsible for the management of Astor Lodge, another home that is on the same site. Management systems for strategic and financial planning are being reviewed and changed following the transfer of ownership. This process is well under way with suitable training being provided for staff to ensure that systems are implemented effectively. Staff said that at times it has been difficult to identify enough time to learn about the new changes while keeping up to date with other work. The manager has a clear vision of the home’s values and priorities. He undertakes regular training and understands and recognises the importance of his continuing professional development. He is about to start a management course and feels that this will benefit his practice and the running of the home. The manager said that there have been a lot of changes, but he and the staff were committed to making these as seamless as possible to ensure peoples’ care was not affected. Supervision records show that the manager has not had regular formal supervision from his line manager since the change of ownership. Staff said that they feel well supported by the manager and senior staff team. Records show that regular supervision of staff has been maintained. The manager communicates a clear sense of direction and is able to evidence an understanding and application of ‘best practice’ systems in relation to customer satisfaction, continuous improvement and quality assurance. One of the people living at the home said “If I have any concerns I can talk to the manager.” Regular audits and the use of questionnaires for people living in the home, relatives contribute to the quality assurance process. Emphasis is placed on the views of the people using the service. The manager has a good understanding of equality and diversity issues that are reflected in practice and procedures. There are effective systems in place for safeguarding and managing money held on behalf of people living in the home including clear records. People using the service or their relatives have access to the records whenever they wish. Records show that training in moving and handling, first aid, fire safety, food hygiene and infection control is provided at regular intervals. Staff said that they receive this training. Regular checks are made of electrical equipment and the central heating system. Risk assessments are in place for safe working practices. Induction training is provided for new staff. Records of fire Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 alarm tests, servicing of fire equipment and the alarm, fire training and emergency lighting are kept in a suitable manner. Full details of accidents are kept and systems for monitoring accidents are in place. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.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 3 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 4 14 4 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 4 17 X 18 3 3 3 3 3 X 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 Refer to Standard OP25 Good Practice Recommendations Call system pull cords should be readily available for people wanting to call for assistance. Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Astor Court Care Home DS0000069905.V344201.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - 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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