Inspection on 13/03/07 for Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing

This inspection was carried out on 13th March 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

Beachcomber Care Home with... 17/03/09

Beachcomber Care Home with... 20/12/05

Beachcomber Care Home with... 28/06/05

Beachcomber Care Home with... 01/02/05

Beachcomber Care Home with... 04/06/04

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing 12 North Road Seaham Durham SR7 7AA Lead Inspector Gavin Purdon Unannounced Inspection 13th March 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 Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.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. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing Address 12 North Road Seaham Durham SR7 7AA 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) 0191 5819451 0191 5817347 nye.thomas@virgin.net www.seaham.com/beachhomes/ A Charles Thomas (Care) Limited Beverley Ann Stubbs & June Cole Care Home (CRH) 55 Category(ies) of Care Home with Nursing (N) registration, with number Old Age not falling within any other category of places (OP) 55 (both) Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing is a registered care home that provides nursing, personal, and social care for older people. The home can have up to 55 residents. Most live there permanently but Beachcomber does have a small number of respite residential and day care places for people still living in their own homes. Beachcomber is owned by A Charles Thomas Care Ltd, and Mr Thomas takes a close interest in the day to day life of the home. Beachcomber is located on the sea front at Seaham, County Durham, near the town centre. There are some very fine views of the sea from the front of the home, and residents have the use of 2 quiet garden areas. The home is part newly built and part adapted 2 storey building linked to other adjacent buildings. Very recently it has been extended and its range of facilities and services improved and increased. All bedrooms are used as singles. These are large rooms, and the majority now have en suite toilet facilities. The home has passenger lifts to the first floors. 2006/2007 weekly fees range between £364.50 and £412. Where nursing care is provided, the home receives on average an additional payment of £95 which is not paid by the resident. The home’s terms and conditions give a detailed breakdown of these charges, the services received for them, and of arrangements for paying and adjusting fees. The home says in its brochure “ there are no hidden extra charges.” and states clearly in its terms and conditions what it considers items of a luxury nature not covered by the fee. Such items include toiletries, hairdressing, private therapy, confectionary, clothing, and newspapers. There is no standing charge for such items, their purchase is entirely optional, and the supplier would invoice the resident directly for any items received. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection is classed as unannounced and took place with very short notice given to the home. It lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes. Much of the time was spent talking to the home’s 2 registered managers, talking in private to 4 residents and a resident’s relative, and to 4 members of the home’s nursing and social care staff. There was also an opportunity to meet with the home’s managing director. Parts of the home were seen, including service, public, and private areas. Since the last inspection in December 2005 the home has sent the inspector some useful written information. 10 residents and 9 residents’ relatives and visitors also wrote to the inspector with their views. All of this was helpful in preparing for and carrying out the inspection, and was much appreciated. The inspection took place very soon after a major redevelopment of the home. This has brought many immediate improvements and the service is looking at how it can best adapt itself to the new setting and achieve even more. What the service does well: There is much that the service does well. Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing has very recently gone through some major changes to its building, to its staff group, and to the range of services that it provides. What is clear from the inspection is that many of the well established strengths of the 2 old Beachcomber and Beach View homes have come together and carried on into the new one. The home continues to be good in its open and clear style of communication with people. Whether that communication is verbal or written, with residents, their relatives and visitors, or with staff, it is done well and to the satisfaction of everyone involved. This applies whether that communication is about precise arrangements for care, personal views about the quality of care, or about general plans for the future. A relative said, “ We asked around about this home and also arranged to go and visit the home before Mam went into the home to be cared for. They give us all the information we ask for, and they are doing everything they can to help Mam.” Residents said, “ I’m asked every month am I happy with my care. If anything’s changing we talk about what we have to do about that. I’m asked what I think, and it’s taken notice of.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 “The managers pop in. They are always asking if you are alright, and the staff are good with us.” “ Mr Thomas, the owner will look in and ask if you are alright.” The caring attitude of staff, their skills, and their interest in and ability to treat residents as different individuals with different needs and preferences was well commented on. Members of staff said, “ We work to the care plans. You have to allow people to do as much as they can for themselves, even where there’s full assistance needed with all aspects of care. You still try to promote independence. You have to review the care plan monthly and change it if it needs to be altered. You know what needs to be done but it has to be personal. You listen to people and they tell you how they want it doing, how they like it done.” “You need to know the background of people. You need to chat with their family. You need to know past history, who was in the army, who was in the navy, who was a dancer, who is vegetarian, what religious groups they belong to, who has difficulties with communication and how to deal with that. Residents said, “They are right on the ball here with your medication and that. They see to my insulin and antibiotics. My GP pops in to check me out. I need help with most things and staff are a good help. You could say it’s an extension of hospital care and every bit as good. In some ways it’s better. If you don’t like something you can get it changed. You just have to have a word. Mention it and something gets done about it.” “ If I want to eat in my room that’s fine. If I want to have my shave and then have my breakfast after that then I can. If you say what you want they’ll do it that way.” What has improved since the last inspection? There is much that has improved since the last inspection. The pleasantness and the comfort and convenience of the new accommodation was very much appreciated by residents, their visitors, and by staff. Residents said, “ This new accommodation is nice. These new private toilets in your bedroom are a big improvement. They do a lot for your privacy and independence. You don’t need to go to the big dining room or lounge and I wouldn’t want to. It’s pleasant in your bedroom and there’s a small lounge at hand if I want to use that. The new bath and shower room I use is great. You just walk into it.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 “ I was surprised how little disruption there was with all the work. You saw very little of the workmen, and there was no interruption of services. It all went very well. I think it was very well planned. It was a big thing moving people in that first couple of weeks, but it’s going fine.” Staff said, “ The en suite toilets in bedrooms have impressed me. They are a really good thing. It’s little things and big things that are really better than they were. Gloves in glove boxes just where you need them. The really nice décor, wide corridors that are really easy to get around, loads of bathrooms and somewhere for the hairdresser, these all good things.” “ There’s a lot that’s good about this home. Things are done properly whether that’s meals or whatever. There’s loads of choices for residents. The amount of space we have now is really good. There’s plenty of bathrooms. The space and the en suites. Things being nearby for people who can’t walk far. People get what they need whether that’s an en suite toilet or time spent with them.” What they could do better: The home is aware that much of what it has done in the past has been done well and that recently there is much that has improved. The first big challenge has been physically combining the old Beach View and Beachcomber homes into the new Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing. This has gone very well in a very short time. The management of the new home is now looking closely at how best to develop working arrangements and practices in the new home, based on the good and best traditions of the old homes and the practical experiences and opportunities offered by the new home. There was much evidence of interest and enthusiasm for this. Even at this early stage a very good standard has been achieved, which can only improve as the new joint service continues to develop its new identity. A resident said, “ They are 2 different types of care, nursing and residential. The nursing staff are learning and the residential staff are learning. They are mixing well.” Staff said, “Nursing and residential care can be different. The role can be different. In some cases you need less facilities and activities in nursing, but you might need more time with people. I think we are learning from each other and that’s a good thing.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents coming to live at Beachcomber have their care needs carefully assessed. This means the home knows at an early stage what kind of care is required, and whether or not they can provide it in a way that suits the resident. EVIDENCE: The experiences and examples of 4 particular residents were discussed privately with those 4 residents, with a relative, with the home’s 2 managers, and with 4 of the home’s nursing and social care staff. The written admission records of 2 of these residents were also looked at. From these discussions and from reading these documents it was clear that assessments are well organised, carefully completed, and contain good Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 practical information useful in drawing up an individual care plan for the residents concerned. The registered managers described a well organised and thoughtful process of assessment and admission, done in a professional and sensitive way. They described how the home works closely with families and the representatives of residents throughout the assessment and admission process. 9 relatives and 10 residents who wrote to the inspector said they were happy with how the move into the home was conducted and to say that their needs were well understood and provided for. A relative said, “ We asked around about this home and also arranged to go and visit the home before Mam went into the home to be cared for. They give us all the information we ask for, and they are doing everything they can to help Mam.” A resident said, “Social Services did an assessment. The social worker helped explain matters, and my son was involved with the admission and the paperwork. The staff here are good. They know that there’s things I need help with and things I like to do myself.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, & 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from comprehensive individual care plans that cover their whole range of care needs, nursing, health, social, and personal. Residents and staff should benefit further from Beachcomber’s present plan to amalgamate their separate nursing and social and health care plans into one format. Residents benefit from the home identifying their healthcare needs and arranging for these to be properly met. Residents benefit from the home ensuring they are treated with respect and have their right to privacy upheld. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 EVIDENCE: The 2 care plans seen and the 4 discussed were well developed and covered a wide range of care needs in some detail. The 2 care plans seen and the 4 discussed were talked about with the home’s 2 registered managers, the 4 residents concerned, 1 relative, and 4 members of the home’s nursing and social care staff. The plans showed how healthcare and social needs of individual residents were identified and responded to. This included the use of risk assessments, obtaining and acting on professional advice and arranging specialist services. The nursing and social care staff spoken to had a very good understanding of the care needs of the 4 residents whose care plans were discussed, and thought care plans were important in planning, providing, and revising the care given to residents. A resident said, “ I’m asked every month am I happy with my care. If anything’s changing we talk about what we have to do about that. I’m asked what I think, and it’s taken notice of.” A member of staff said, “ We work to the care plans. You have to allow people to do as much as they can for themselves, even where there’s full assistance needed with all aspects of care. You still try to promote independence. You have to review the care plan monthly and change it if it needs to be altered. You know what needs to be done but it has to be personal. You listen to people and they tell you how they want it doing, how they like it done.” Residents and care staff mentioned the recent bringing together of the provider’s nursing and social care services under one roof. This was seen as very positive. Previously Beachcomber residents needing nursing care had to move to another facility. A resident said, “ They are 2 different types of care, nursing and residential. The nursing staff are learning and the residential staff are learning. They are mixing well.” Staff said, “Nursing and residential care can be different. The role can be different. In some cases you need less facilities and activities in nursing, but you might need more time with people. I think we are learning from each other and that’s a good thing.” Arrangements were seen and discussed with a senior member of staff responsible for the receipt, storage, and administration of medication for a Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 resident with particularly complex needs. The senior member of staff involved explained the medication needs of the resident and how the home’s medication system worked for the safety and benefit of residents. The medication seen was properly stored and recorded. A resident said, “They are right on the ball here with your medication and that. They see to my insulin and antibiotics. My GP pops in to check me out. I need help with most things and staff are a good help. You could say it’s an extension of hospital care and every bit as good. In some ways it’s better. If you don’t like something you can get it changed. You just have to have a word. Mention it and something gets done about it.” Residents spoken to thought staff respected their privacy and individuality. A resident said, “ The accommodation’s nice and these new private toilets in your bedroom are a big improvement to your privacy and independence. The staff are very good as well. They are all very helpful. If I don’t want to go down to the dining room then that’s fine by them. I’d rather eat in my room.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from the home’s ability to provide opportunities for social, cultural, and recreational activities on a daily basis. Residents benefit from the home’s readiness to support their contact with family, friends, or others, and with the local community at large. Residents benefit from the home helping them to have some choice and control over their daily lives. Residents benefit from the home recognising the social importance of mealtimes and the health implications of diet. EVIDENCE: Daily life and social activities were discussed privately with 4 residents, with a relative, with the home’s 2 managers, and with 4 of the home’s nursing and social care staff. 9 relatives and 10 residents also wrote to the inspector about Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 this. People said that in they were mostly happy or more than happy with the kind of lifestyle open to residents. People also thought that the new environment and the wider range of services now on offer at Beachcomber would help improve the choice of where to be and what to do. The home’s aims and objectives were seen, including a clear statement about recognising and respecting residents’ individual needs and values including, “ religion, culture, race, ethnic origin, sexuality, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, parenthood and disabilities or impairments.” Staff interviewed were clear about the need to recognise the individuality and differences of residents. “You need to know the background of people. You need to chat with their family. You need to know past history, who was in the army, who was in the navy, who was a dancer, who is vegetarian, what religious groups they belong to, who has difficulties with communication and how to deal with that. Residents’ comments about lifestyle included, “We had an outing to Durham, a picnic up at the cathedral. I’ve always liked to go up there. We went in 2 parties so there weren’t too many of us. Somebody said, ‘Well what about a trip to Durham ? and that was it. It got arranged. It was a lovely outing.” Staff thought that the home having its own activities coordinator helped support residents’ choices and expectations, with group games, crafts, outings, exercise and 1 to 1 chats on offer, on a regular and organised basis. A resident said, “ There’s a small lounge near my bedroom I use. Your visitors are made very welcome. My son and daughter in law and granddaughters visit. As I said they are always made welcome and get a cup of tea or coffee.” Another resident said, “Your visitors are made welcome, and I have regular visitors. One brother comes in on a morning and one comes in on an afternoon.” Residents’ comments about food included, “I would have to say the food varies.” “ If I want to eat in my room that’s fine. If I want to have my shave and then have my breakfast after that then I can. If you say what you want they’ll do it that way.” “Food? I’ve no complaints.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 “Food is very good. There’s a lot of people live here, but they know who likes what. I’m amazed at how well managed that is.” When asked about the needs of 4 particular residents staff gave a very good account of their individual preferences in terms of daily living, social interests and food, also linked to a good understanding of individual health issues and medical conditions. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. Residents and their relatives benefit from the home’s interest in listening to what people think about the care provided, and responding to that in a positive way. The home has policies procedures and practices that help protect residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: 10 residents and 9 relatives and visitors wrote to the inspector to say that there was someone they could speak to if they were not happy with their care and that they knew how to make a complaint if they wanted to. A relative said, “ My Mam would tell me if she had a problem and I would be able to go to a number of people who would deal with it.” And, “There are lovely caring people in this home who you can relate to and my Mam seems happy to do so.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Discussions with residents made it clear that the owner, the management, and staff were very available and interested in what people had to say and in making sure they were listened to and that their comments are acted on. “The managers pop in. They are always asking if you are alright, and the staff are good with us.” “ Mr Thomas, the owner will look in and ask if you are alright.” A member of staff said, “ You have to listen to what your residents tell you about how they like things done. If they want to do something you have to help them even if it does take time. They have to be happy with their care. If there was a problem I would report that straight away. I would go to the managers. I’ve had POVA training. I know what I have to do.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 & 26. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents have the benefit of living in a safe, comfortable, well designed, and well kept home. Residents have the benefit of living in a home that is very clean, very well equipped, very pleasant, and very hygienic. EVIDENCE: Beachcomber has only very recently completed the final phase of a major extension and refurbishment programme. Management, residents, relatives and visitors, and the staff of the home are delighted with the new environment at Beachcomber. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The improved outside amenity space, the wider corridors, the extra lounge areas, the new bathing and sluice facilities, and the new large single rooms with en suite toilet facilities were all commented on very positively. The general view was that privacy, dignity, comfort, choice, and convenience had all taken a major step forward. The impression is of a purpose built care facility with the pleasant décor and finishing touches of a good quality hotel. Residents said, “ This new accommodation is nice. These new private toilets in your bedroom are a big improvement. They do a lot for your privacy and independence. You don’t need to go to the big dining room or lounge and I wouldn’t want to. It’s pleasant in your bedroom and there’s a small lounge at hand if I want to use that. The new bath and shower room I use is great. You just walk into it.” “ I was surprised how little disruption there was with all the work. You saw very little of the workmen, and there was no interruption of services. It all went very well. I think it was very well planned. It was a big thing moving people in that first couple of weeks, but it’s going fine.” Staff said, “ We are one big integrated home, not separate, and I think that’s a good thing. There’s more staff. There’s new ideas, not just the same old routine.” “ The en suite toilets in bedrooms have impressed me. They are a really good thing. It’s little things and big things that are really better than they were. Gloves in glove boxes just where you need them. The really nice décor, wide corridors that are really easy to get around, loads of bathrooms and somewhere for the hairdresser, these all good things.” “ There’s a lot that’s good about this home. Things are done properly whether that’s meals or whatever. There’s loads of choices for residents. The amount of space we have now is really good. There’s plenty of bathrooms. The space and the en suites. Things being nearby for people who can’t walk far. People get what they need whether that’s an en suite toilet or time spent with them.” “ The layout is good, the en suites, the large rooms to nurse in and use hoists. The extra space, the new garden area, the good position of the home, and its design, are all good.” The 10 residents who wrote to the inspectors commented how fresh and clean the home was, and that they always found that to be the case. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Residents said, “They are good domestics here. The cleanliness of the place is well managed. The laundry is good as well. Everything is well kept.” “This home is excellent. Everywhere is very clean.” A resident’s relative said, “ The new build looks fantastic. All of the staff are always friendly, easy to approach, and ready to help, and that includes the kitchen and the domestic staff. That’s a great comfort.” Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The good staffing levels, and the variety of skills and roles of staff at Beachcomber make it possible for staff to meet the needs of residents in a thorough manner. The level of qualifications in the staff group at Beachcomber helps ensure that residents are in safe hands at all times. Residents are protected by the home’s thorough recruitment policies and practices. The thorough staff basic training and development programme at the home helps ensure staff are competent to care for residents. EVIDENCE: The home has recently completed a major development of its facilities and services. Residents and staff from the nearby Beach View home, that previously provided a separate nursing care facility, and which belonged to the same owner, have transferred their management, staff, and nursing function into the newly extended Beachcomber. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Discussions with management and staff showed that the home is very much in the early stages of establishing how residents receiving nursing care and those not in need of nursing care might best be accommodated and cared for, and how best staff might be deployed to provide that care. Presently for 55 residents there may be up to 8 carers and 2 nurses, on duty at anyone time, supported by management and a strong team of administrative, activity, domestic, training, maintenance and catering staff. The numbers of staff, the levels of skills, and the specialist roles provided by the combined workforces of Beachcomber and Beach View working under one roof are substantial. The home’s management team are now looking at how staff can work together jointly and flexibly, where that is necessary and desirable, and in the best interests of all the residents of the home. The initial experience of staff at the home, is that the merger has been challenging and stimulating, with more resources and more support and different skills and methods to share and learn. Staff commented, “ There are more staff and new ideas.” “ We are mixing with new staff and getting to know new residents. We have a lot of support. I think the amalgamation has gone well. It’s interesting and you get a better understanding of the different kinds of needs.” “There’s a different skill mix in the staff, it’s different to what it was and I think that’s a benefit.” The personnel records of the most recently employed member of staff were looked at, and these showed that all necessary checks to confirm the identity and suitability of the member of staff to care for vulnerable adults had been made. Both of the old Beach View and Beachcomber homes had strong track records of staff training and development and these has been brought together and continued in the new Beachcomber home. Staff interviewed outlined what training they had completed and how that training helped the safety and well being of residents. The managers thought the successful merger of the 2 homes was the pressing priority but that staff training will be refreshed and extended over the coming year. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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, 33, 35, & 38. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents and staff benefit from having 2 fit and competent managers who are well qualified to run the home. Residents benefit from the home’s interest in quality assurance, which ensures that residents’ views about the care they receive are known and acted on. The home makes sure that money kept for residents, and spent on their behalf, is properly protected by keeping clear records and receipts. Residents and staff are protected by the safe working practices at Beachcomber. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 EVIDENCE: The managers of the home, between them, hold a range of recognised qualifications in the fields of nursing, social care, and staff training. Residents, their relatives and visitors, and the junior and senior staff of the home showed a very high regard for the owner and managers of the home. They saw them as frequently available, very approachable, interested in the comfort and well being of residents, and ready to advise and support staff in whatever way they could. Residents said, “The managers will pop in and ask if you are alright.” “ If you need to have a word, the managers are always available. You come across snags, that’s just common sense, but they get sorted out. You just have to mention it.” “The managers here are good. They are friendly. They are the same with everybody. They put a lot into it. The owner Mr Thomas will ask if you are alright. Every month they will come around with the book. ‘Are you happy with your care? What else needs to be done? Has anything changed?” There’s good liaison and good communication.” Staff said, “The managers are supportive.” “Management are good.” The home is very interested in consulting with residents, their relatives, and staff, about the standards of service in the home, about achievements, and about future developments. This is done on an informal level, in a relaxed and flexible way, and in more formal ways through meetings, questionnaires, and published information. Examples of very open and clear informative information provided as the home was being extended and developed were seen. The managers reported that the arrangements to protect money kept for residents and spent on their behalf at Beachcomber were recently inspected by a local authority contracts officer and found suitable. The home holds the Investors In People award and membership of the Registered Nursing Home Association. It benefits from the structured approach to the safety and well being of residents and staff that the policies and procedures of its professional association provides. The Investors in People Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 award shows that the home can provide clear evidence that, among other things, it had good policies and procedures, that are properly understood by staff, and properly followed, to ensure that health safety and welfare at Beachcomber are promoted and protected. Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 X X 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 4 X X X X X X 4 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 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 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 OP7 Good Practice Recommendations The new Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing should continue with its present plan to merge, as far as is practical and desirable, the previously separate nursing and social and health care plans used in the old Beachcomber and Beach View facilities. That new combined format should be based on what the management consider of most benefit to residents and staff of the new facility. The new Beachcomber Care Home with Nursing should continue with its present plan to merge, as far as is practical and desirable, the previously separate nursing and social care workforces of the old Beachcomber and Beach View facilities. That new staffing structure should be based on what the management consider of most benefit to residents and staff of the new facility. 2 OP27 Beachcomber Retirement Home DS0000007452.V322852.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 31 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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. 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