Inspecting for better lives Random inspection report
Care homes for older people
Name: Address: Autumn Leaves 502 Devonshire Road Blackpool Lancashire FY2 0JR The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: two star good service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short, focussed inspection. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report. Lead inspector: Pauline Caulfield Date: 1 1 1 2 2 0 0 8 Information about the care home
Name of care home: Address: Autumn Leaves 502 Devonshire Road Blackpool Lancashire FY2 0JR 01253354595 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: Autumn Leaves UK Limited care home 20 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 old age, not falling within any other category 0 Over 65 20 Conditions of registration: The registered person may provide the following category/ies of service only: Care home only - Code PC to service users of the following gender: Either whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not falling within any other category - Code OP The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 20 Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Autumn Leaves is situated on Devonshire Road in Bispham, Blackpool. The home is an extended detached property and provides accommodation for a maximum of 20 residents of both sexes who are 65 years old and over. Accommodation is provided in 14 single and 3 double bedrooms. The double rooms are mainly used for single occupancy. At the time of the inspection there were 16 residents living at the home. Communal facilities include two lounges and a dining room which the residents can use freely. The inspector spoke to most of the residents and they said that they enjoy Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 10 living at Autumn Leaves and that everyone is kind and helpful. There is a patio and garden at the rear of the home which overlooks the golf course. Residents are encouraged to retain as much of their independence as possible and the staff said that one of their roles is to help them achieve this. For those residents who need assistance, a team of staff are there to provide it. The current weekly fee charged by the home is three hundred and eighty eight pounds per week. Residents pay for their own hairdressing, private chiropody and newspapers. Care Homes for Older People Page 3 of 10 What we found:
The reason for this inspection was to check that the good 2 star rating given at the last key inspection is still valid and that nothing has changed. We looked at all the key standards. The outcome is as follows and shows that the outcome for residents is still good and the 2 star rating is still valid. We case tracked two residents looking in depth at their care needs and records, their accommodation and speaking to them about their experiences in the home. We also spoke to other residents in the home. Service users are assessed, usually in their home so that staff are aware of their specific care needs and know they can meet these. Detailed pre-admission assessments were in place for residents case tracked. Case tracked residents had the information required in place. The care plans were regularly reviewed but information was brief and should be further developed. Including a brief life history, residents likes and dislikes and leisure and social activities enjoyed would improve care records. There are regular individual reports in place which describe any issues or concerns. Residents have access to appropriate health services. None of the residents case tracked had been involved in any accident and noone in the home had frequent falls, but the deputy manager was aware of the need to audit to see if any lessons could be learnt or accidents reduced. Risks assessments were in place for all residents so any risks are reduced and managed appropriately. These included waterlow and falls and moving and handling. Medication administration was generally satisfactory with appropriate administration and storage of medication. A monitored dosage system is in use. Most medication administration is satisfactory but medication for some residents on one occasion was not signed for but had been taken from the monitored dosage system. The deputy manager audits medication regularly but had not seen these omissions. Creams and eye drops were dated when opened but liquid medication was not dated and should be to assist with auditing medication. Medication is checked on entering the home and documented when medication is sent back to the pharmacy. Residents said staff were caring, polite and friendly. Residents spoken to said staff were helpful and were available when needed. One resident said, I have been here some years and wouldnt have stayed if I didnt like it. Another resident said It is wonderful here. everyone is kind. Routines in the home are quite flexible and residents spoken to said that they can choose when they get up and go to bed and whether they want to join in activities. According to residents and the deputy manager there are activities offered but not many people want to get involved. The home has board games and jigsaws and bingo but current residents do not want to do these. Residents spoken to said they enjoy reading or watching TV or to have nails polished and hands massaged and chatting together or to staff or going out. Several residents said they enjoy the privacy of their own room and often spend part of the day relaxing alone. Residents often go out to the shops, for a meal or for a drive with the owners. Those spoken to said they Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 10 enjoyed this. Residents spoken to said the food was very good and they have plenty to eat and drink. Lunch was seen. It is a set menu with alternatives available. The main meal is provided at lunch time with a snack type evening meal. Lunch was meat, potatoes and veg followed by pudding and custard. It was well presented and comments from residents were favourable. One resident said, Our meals are very nice. Always nice and hot. Another resident said My compliments to the chef. One of the staff said, This is not the poshest home but it is the best. I have worked in lots of homes in my time but they care here thats what matters. Another comment made was, I would come here if I needed care. Relatives are welcomed at any time. Friends of one relative were popping in during the visit. Staff were chatting to them and making it clear that their visit was valued by the resident and the home. Residents said they are treated with respect by staff. One resident said, Staff are always helpful. All current residents are nominally Christian or have no religious persuasion but people from other ethnic or religious groups would be welcome. Residents who want to see the visiting ministers on their regular visits, so residents are able to receive spiritual support. Residents spoken to said they knew who to complain to if they had any concerns but they were happy in Autumn Leaves There has been two anonymous complaints sent to CSCI and passed to the home to deal with. The complaints related to residents care and staff tasks on night shifts. These were investigated appropriately by the home. The deputy manager said staff have an understanding of the action to be taken if they are alerted to a safeguarding issue but they should receive some safeguarding adults training as suggested at the last key inspection. We toured the home and found the environment clean and tidy. However some of the communal areas of the home, are tired looking and need redecoration. The deputy manager said that the redecoration had been arranged for the new year. The kitchen was refurbished earlier this year and is a smart and efficient work area. Residents said the home was comfortable. Aids and adaptations are in place to help residents get about more easily and to be as safe and as independent as they can be. Specialist aids were seen as we were touring the building. Residents spoken to as we toured the building were complimentary about the staff. A lot of the staff have worked in the home for several years and there is only a small staff turnover. This ensures that staff are familiar with residents and their care needs and residents know the people caring for them. Staff rotas showed sufficient staff on duty doing the inspection. The records of two members of staff were checked. Both applicants had an application form but neither had a complete work history. Both members of staff only had a work history from 2003 onwards. One of these had only the year of any changes of Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 10 employment rather than the month and year as is needed. This is not satisfactory and all prospective staff should provide a complete working history from first to present job to reduce the risk of employing anyone who should not work with vulnerable people. Both members of staff had only one written reference in place. One member of staffs only reference was in reality a thank you from an employer. This had been followed up verbally by the deputy manager but all staff must have two written references in place before commencing employment. Both staff had PoVA checks before commencing employment and CRB checks soon after. The deputy manager has almost completed the Registered Managers award (RMA). She is also completing NVQ D32/33 assessors and verifiers award. This is part of the homes plan to put staff through National vocational qualifications (NVQ) training in the home as most staff at Autumn leaves do not want to carry out NVQ training at a college. It is a concern that only two of the seventeen staff employed have completed NVQ training. This is only eleven percent of the care staff. Fifty percent of staff should have achieved NVQ. Staff need to commence training as soon as possible. The deputy manager said that staff have agreed to start NVQ training in the home soon. There are plans for other training including on the mental capacity act and food hygiene training. Mrs Kathleen McLoughney is one of the owners of Autumn Leaves and has been the registered manager for many years. There are two deputy managers in the home the one spoken to during the inspection is the daughter of the owners and is gradually starting to take over the management of the home. She has now almost completed the registered managers award in preparation for taking over as manager of the home in the future. She ensures that she updates her skills and knowledge so that she is familiar with any developments in care practice. One member of staff said, She is very fair, approachable and supportive.. Another member of staff said, I am very happy here. The owners are excellent. Formal supervision is carried out regularly and appraisal is carried out every six months. Records are in place and up to date. This allows the member of staff and manager or other nominated person to meet regularly and look at the member of staffs care practice and the care practice in the home, and any improvements that can be made. They also look at future plans in the home, training and the individuals career developments. Systems are in place for quality assurance. The deputy manager said there are regular staff meeting and they discuss any issues and improvements they want to make. The owners and senior staff talk to residents and relatives regularly to ask if they are satisfied with the service and if there are any concerns they have. There is a fire risk assessment and procedure in place. Staff sign to say they have been informed and understood about fire safety. There are regular fire alarm and emergency light checks. We observed good care practices throughout the inspection. What the care home does well:
The residents in this home are well cared for. We observed staff interacting with residents. They were polite and friendly chatting as they went about their duties. Care Homes for Older People Page 6 of 10 Residents are given enough information about the home before admission so they can decide whether they want to live in the home. Staff meet residents to assess their care and support needs before deciding if the home can meet their needs effectively. Care plans are in place for all residents and have most information needed. All care plans are regularly reviewed so information is up to date. Routines in the home are quite flexible and residents spoken to said that they can choose when they get up and go to bed and whether they want to join in activities. Meals are varied and well presented. Special diets are provided as needed. Residents feel they are listened to and any concerns acted upon so feel protected. The home is clean and tidy and residents said the home was comfortable. This helps make Autumn Leaves a pleasant place to live. Formal supervision is carried out regularly and appraisal are carried out twice yearly. This improves care practices in the home and makes sure staff are aware of current care practice and residents needs. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 2. Care Homes for Older People Page 7 of 10 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes R No £ Outstanding statutory requirements These requirements were set at the last inspection. They may not have been looked at during this inspection, as a random inspection is short and focussed. The registered person must take the necessary action to comply with these requirements within the timescales set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 19 23 Repairs to the ceiling in one lounge must be done. 30/09/2007 2 19 23 Several areas of the home are looking tired and are in need of decorating. 30/09/2007 Care Homes for Older People Page 8 of 10 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection
Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 29 19 There must be two written 02/01/2009 references and a complete work history including month and year of any changes of employment in place for all prospective staff This is so staff experience is clear and detailed and any gaps in employment can be explored Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 2 7 9 Care information should be further developed, so that staff have more information about residents care needs. Liquid medication should be dated when opened so that a clear record is in place making sure that residents are protected by the medication procedure. Fifty percent of care staff should complete NVQ level 2 so that more staff have knowledge of current good care practice. Staff should receive safeguarding training so that they have clear guidance of how to deal with any concerns about keeping residents safe. 3 30 4 30 Care Homes for Older People Page 9 of 10 Reader Information
Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Older People can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or got from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2008) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 10 - 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!
