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Inspection on 22/06/07 for Belmont View

Also see our care home review for Belmont View for more information

This inspection was carried out on 22nd June 2007.

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

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

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The outcome of the inspection was excellent. All residents spoken to made very commendable comments and no one expressed dissatisfaction in any way. One resident said `It`s the best place to be, I moved in and settled instantly. The staff are wonderful, it`s home from home.` One relative stated `she could not be better cared for elsewhere.` Dementia care observed was excellent and all residents looked comfortable, relaxed and content. Those residents that were being cared for in bed looked comfortable and were offered appropriate and sensitive interaction and stimulation. Staff retention is very high and many of the staff have worked there for a number of years. One member of staff stated `we get to do a lot training, we are a good team that works well together.` Residents spoke very highly of the staff one stating `the carers are really great!` Residents are able to enjoy a full and stimulating life style with a variety of occupational and social activity to enjoy. The environment is exceptionally clean and well maintained. There is a very homely atmosphere as soon as you enter the home, which reflects throughout. Staff are very well trained and said that they feel supported by the manager.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The dining room in Rowan unit has been extended and now offers a bright spacious area for residents to dine. Many areas of the home have been refurnished or redecorated and there is an ongoing refurbishment programme. Care plans are now more detailed and include information about social, religious and cultural needs. Casual staff have been recruited who cover staff absence, which maintains the homes non-usage of agency staff. Staff have received training in safeguarding adults and about adult abuse. This will continue as new staff complete their induction. Resident`s views about the menu have been sought and changes to the menu have been made in order to accommodate individual`s needs.

What the care home could do better:

The outcome of the inspection was excellent and no requirements or recommendations have been made on this occasion.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Belmont View Hailey Lane Hailey Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7PB Lead Inspector Alison Jessop Key Unannounced Inspection 22nd June 2007 10:00 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 Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.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. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Belmont View Address Hailey Lane Hailey Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7PB 01992 450304 01992 459067 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) www.quantumcare.co.uk Quantum Care Limited Karen Elaine Parker Care Home 60 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (60), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (60), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (60) Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 3rd May 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Belmont View is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for 60 older people, including those with a physical disability and or dementia. It is owned by Hertfordshire County Council and operated by Quantum Care Limited. The home is situated on the outskirts of Hoddesdon, with local shops a short distance away. The home was opened in 1996; it is purpose built and consists of a two storey building with two units for 15 people on each floor. All the bedrooms are single and have toilet en-suite facilities. There is a passenger lift to access both floors. There is a large garden that is well maintained and landscaped in order to provide access to all parts. The sunroom on the ground floor is another area where residents can look into the garden or meet with family or friends. There is a day centre on the ground floor, however the Commission does not inspect this for Social Care Inspection. The weekly placement fee for each service user is between £ 407.89 and £605. A copy of the Service User Guide, Statement of Purpose and most recent inspection report can be obtained from the reception area of the home. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. One Regulatory Inspector carried this unannounced inspection out over one day. During the inspection many of the residents were asked their views about what it is like to live at Belmont View. Those residents that were unable to offer verbal feedback were observed in their surroundings and care practice by staff was monitored. A number of staff working at the home were interviewed and records were scrutinised. The manager was available throughout the afternoon to answer any questions. On the day of the inspection there were no visitors to the home however relatives and other representative’s views were observed during the inspection of the homes quality assurance process. What the service does well: The outcome of the inspection was excellent. All residents spoken to made very commendable comments and no one expressed dissatisfaction in any way. One resident said ‘It’s the best place to be, I moved in and settled instantly. The staff are wonderful, it’s home from home.’ One relative stated ‘she could not be better cared for elsewhere.’ Dementia care observed was excellent and all residents looked comfortable, relaxed and content. Those residents that were being cared for in bed looked comfortable and were offered appropriate and sensitive interaction and stimulation. Staff retention is very high and many of the staff have worked there for a number of years. One member of staff stated ‘we get to do a lot training, we are a good team that works well together.’ Residents spoke very highly of the staff one stating ‘the carers are really great!’ Residents are able to enjoy a full and stimulating life style with a variety of occupational and social activity to enjoy. The environment is exceptionally clean and well maintained. There is a very homely atmosphere as soon as you enter the home, which reflects throughout. Staff are very well trained and said that they feel supported by the manager. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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 Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 3 & 6 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Significant time and effort is spent making admissions to the home personal and well managed. Prospective residents and their family, always have the opportunity to visit and spend time in the home prior to agreeing admission. A variety of positive methods enable people to experience the home and what it has to offer. EVIDENCE: The admission pack provides information about the service and photographs of the home are provided. There is a separate admission pack for self-funding clients. A comprehensive assessment is carried out where prospective residents, their families and other representatives are given the opportunity to provide information about the individuals needs. The admission assessment forms the Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 individual’s care plan and continues to be used as a working document throughout their stay. One resident said ‘I came to look around, they were so helpful and friendly. I made a decision to give it a go and I have not looked back since.’ The service does not provide intermediate care. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has a strong ethos of involving residents in all aspects of their life. All residents have a robust care plan. The home has effective systems in place to ensure the care plan is reviewed and updated monthly and arranges additional reviews when changes take place. All residents looked very well cared for and dementia care practice is excellent. EVIDENCE: Each residents care plan contains comprehensive and detailed information about their life history and current care needs. There was a lot of evidence to demonstrate that care plans are used as working tools and residents confirmed that they had been involved in planning their care. Information is easy to find and could be implemented by temporary staff in an emergency. Care practice observed was sensitive and dignified. Two residents were observed being cared for in bed, staff were observed going to there rooms to Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 talk to the residents in between times that care was given. The residents looked very comfortable and well cared for. Dementia care practice was excellent and residents were offered appropriate stimulation and interaction. Residents were not outpaced and none of the residents appeared to be distressed or agitated. Comments noted on relatives feedback included ‘excellent care is given to my father; very friendly and welcoming staff.’ Resident’s health and well being is closely monitored and action is taken to prevent and overcome any issues. One resident came from hospital with pressure sores however the manager has obtained specialist equipment and regular visits from district nurses to promote recovery. Each residents Body Mass Index (BMI) is monitored and close monitoring of those that are nutritionally at risk is maintained. Procedures relating to medication are satisfactorily maintained. On the day of the inspection the Quantum Care Pharmacy audit was carried out and no major concerns were reported. All of the residents spoken to said that they are treated with dignity and respect. One resident said ‘It’s lovely here, the carers are really great, they are very kind and thoughtful.’ Carers were observed to respect resident’s rights to privacy. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 are able to enjoy a full and stimulating life style with a variety of options to choose from. The home has sought the views of residents and considered their varied interests and abilities when planning the routines of daily living and arranging activities. The menu is varied, balanced and nutritious. The cook is committed to involving service users in menu planning and making sure that they are able to enjoy the food they prefer and like. EVIDENCE: Throughout the inspection residents were observed enjoying various occupational and social activities, which were identified on residents care plans. On one unit a resident was very happy laying the tables for lunch and tidying up the kitchenette. He said ‘I like to get involved and make sure that the place looks nice for dinner.’ On other units residents were observed doing puzzles, knitting and sewing and playing board games. There are designated activity co-ordinators who ensure that all residents are offered appropriate stimulation. Residents being cared for in bed were also offered appropriate stimulation. Gentle music, teddy bears being cuddled and regular visits from Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 staff ensured that residents were stimulated. Resident’s religious and cultural needs are highlighted on their care plan. There is also a day care centre in the home where residents are invited to participate in activities. On the day of the inspection there was a mobile shoe shop on site. One residents was very happy that she was able to buy some sandals to go with an outfit she has. Other activities included in the programme are picnics, shopping trips, bingo, arts and crafts, church services, coffee mornings, reminiscence, question time, music and movement, basket making, flower arranging and many more. There is a small shop, which sells second hand books and other items along with home made jams. This is run by one of the staff and all money raised goes to the homes amenity fund. She also sets up a small shop in a garden shed during the summer months. Recently a home entertainment system has been fitted in one of the lounges where residents were observed enjoying watching a movie. Residents are encouraged to make choices and decisions and are encouraged to live independently. One resident was invited to join staff to do sign language training. There are two residents who use sign language and one resident whose parents were deaf who used to use this to communicate. The resident said ‘I really enjoyed doing this as it reminded me of when I used to talk to my mother and father.’ Family members are actively encouraged to visit the home and where possible they are invited to take their relatives out. The home has a relative’s room where relatives can stay overnight. Comments about the food were very positive. One resident said ‘the food is really good, we get to ask for things that are not on the menu.’ The cook stated that the food products are very high quality and that they try to accommodate requests whenever possible.’ One care worker stated ‘we do some baking with residents on the units which some residents really enjoy.’ Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 others associated with the service state that they are very satisfied with the service provision, feel very safe and well supported by an organisation that has their protection and safety as a priority. EVIDENCE: The company’s complaints procedure is explained to potential residents and their representatives at the time of admission. No formal complaints have been received since the previous inspection. The manager stated ‘we are very open to suggestions for improvement.’ All staff spoken to were aware of procedures in relation to safeguarding adults. Staff have also received training on adult abuse, which is ongoing. One comment made on a relative survey said ‘I feel very happy to leave my mum in the care home.’ Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. The management and staff encourage residents to see the home as their own home. It provides a very well maintained, safe, comfortable, attractive home. The environment does not feel institutionalised and on entry to the home there is a very homely, welcoming atmosphere. EVIDENCE: The home has an ongoing programme of refurbishment and since the previous inspection many areas of the home have been redecorated or refurnished. An extension has been added to the dining room in Rowan unit creating a light, spacious area for residents to dine. All areas of the home are individually decorated with personal items and soft furnishings creating a very homely feel. Resident’s bedrooms are very Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 personalised and residents are encouraged to bring items of furniture as well as smaller items. The home is exceptionally clean and no malodours were detected. Good universal infection control procedures were observed throughout the home. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Rotas show well thought out and creative ways of making sure that the home is staffed efficiently, with particular attention given to busy times of the day and changing needs of the residents. The service ensures that all staff within its organisation receives relevant training that is targeted and focussed on improving outcomes for residents. The service has a good recruitment procedure that clearly defines the process to be followed. EVIDENCE: Retainment of staff at the home is very good and many of the staff spoken to have been working at the home for a number of years. The deputy manager looks at the skill mix of staff on a daily basis. Seven staff in the home currently have an NVQ level 2 or above and 42 are currently working towards an NVQ level 2 or above. The home also has three NVQ assessors. The service operates a thorough recruitment procedure based on equal opportunities and the protection of service users. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 All staff receive mandatory training and an induction that meets the Skills for Care standards. Staff said ‘we get to do a lot training, we are a good team that works well together.’ Not only have staff received mandatory training but staff have also completed courses relevant to service users individual needs. This includes a course in sign language, which enables staff to communicate with two deaf residents who live at the home. Thirty-three staff have completed a two day dementia course, one member of staff is doing a one year course in dementia and ten out of the ten housekeepers have completed a basic course in dementia. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The registered manager has the required qualification and experience, is highly competent to run the home and meet its stated aims and objectives. There is strong evidence that the ethos of the home is open and transparent with the views of both staff and residents listened to, and valued. The home actively encourages residents who wish and are capable, to manage their own money and valuables, making sure they have the facilities to do this safely. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager has worked at the home for nine months but has been a manager in the company for seven years. She has a Registered Managers Award and NVQ level 4. Staff spoken to stated ‘she has been very supportive.’ Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The management team have a strong presence on the units and ensure that standards remain high. The service has a robust quality assurance process. The management team carries out regular audits and the views of the residents, families and other professionals are sought. Any issues that arise are dealt with and the manager stated that she works closely with the management team to identify strengths and weaknesses. The manager stated ‘we actively encourage residents who wish or are capable to manage their own money and valuables and efficient systems are in place for the effective and safe management of residents personal money.’ An external financial audit was carried out in March with some minor recommendations made. Procedures relating to health and safety in the home are satisfactorily maintained. A previous requirement for night staff to participate in fire drills has been met. Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 X 4 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 3 14 4 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 4 X X X X X X 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 Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Team CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB21 5XE 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 Belmont View DS0000019286.V343750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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!