Inspection on 13/02/06 for Benthorn Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 13th February 2006.

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

Benthorn Lodge 29/09/09

Benthorn Lodge 03/09/08

Benthorn Lodge 14/03/08

Benthorn Lodge 27/11/07

Benthorn Lodge 01/12/06

Benthorn Lodge 12/07/05

Benthorn Lodge 27/01/05

Benthorn Lodge 10/06/04

Similar services:

Byars Care Home

St Marys Nursing Home

Bramble Lodge

Parkmanor Residential Home

Thornham Grove

Hunter`s Lodge

London Road Neurological and Specialist Care Unit

Carlton Care Home

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Benthorn Lodge 48 Wellingborough Road Finedon Northants NN9 5JS Lead Inspector Mrs Sheila Smith Unannounced Inspection 13th February 2006 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 Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Benthorn Lodge Address 48 Wellingborough Road Finedon Northants NN9 5JS 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) 01933 682057 Mr Frank Bennett Mrs Pam Bennett Care Home 18 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (18), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (4) of places Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The Home will limit its services to the following service user categories: No person falling within the category Older Persons (OP) can be admitted where there are already 4 persons of category OP in the home. No person falling within the category DE (E) can be admitted where there are 18 persons in the category DE (E) already in the home. The total number of service users in the Home must not exceed 18. 2. 3. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Benthorn Lodge is a home providing personal care and support for 18 Older People, by reason of old age and dementia. Community health care professionals meet health care needs. The home is situated on a main road leading into the centre of Finedon and is within easy access of public transport and local shops. The home comprises of a three-storey building of which the first two floors are used for resident’s accommodation. The original frontage of the house has been retained so that the home blends in with others in the road. There is off road parking at the side of the house, and a small paved garden to the front, which is accessible for residents. Accommodation is provided in both single and shared rooms, one of the single rooms has en suite facilities. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The focus of inspections undertaken by the Commission of Social Care Inspection is upon the outcomes for residents, and upon their views of the service provided. The primary method of inspection used was ‘case tracking’ which involved selecting 3 residents and tracking the care they receive through review of their records, discussions with them, and with the care staff, and observations of care practices. The inspection took place during a weekday over a period of 4.5 hours and was carried out on an unannounced basis. Communal areas, and some bedrooms were visited. A selection of care records, and essential records of the home were reviewed. A number of the residents were spoken to as part of the inspection process. Although Mr and Mrs Bennett were not present during the inspection, there was an opportunity to clarify some issues and give feedback to Mr Bennett through a telephone call. The Commission had received a number of comment cards from residents and relatives prior to the inspection. In the main the comments recorded were positive and praised the home and the staff for the way in which the care is provided. What the service does well: The home had a warm relaxed and comfortable feel to it and a happy calm atmosphere, where the residents, some of whom have severe dementia related conditions, are well cared for and who appeared to have developed good relationships with the staff. Residents and relatives spoken with, highly commended the staff, and feel that they are able to talk to them about anything, and that any concerns raised will be dealt with in a professional way. The home provides a comprehensive activities programme for the residents, and residents are encouraged and supported to take part in events taking place in the local community. The ground floor was in the process of being redecorated, at the time of the inspection, but the rest of the home was decorated to a reasonable standard, clean, pleasant and hygienic. The residents’ bedrooms that were inspected were personalised containing, personal items. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 The cook was on duty on the day of the inspection and the food served appeared appetising and healthy. One resident said that ‘ the food is very good, and we have plenty to eat’. 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. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1,2,3,5. The assessment of prospective residents prior to their admission to the home ensures that residents and their families can be confident that the home can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The home’s Statement of Purpose/Service Users’ Guide includes all the required information including the home’s latest inspection report. A copy of the document is kept in the hall and staff encourage residents/relatives to read it prior to admission. The Trainee Manager said that large print versions of these documents could be made available on request. As this is rather a large document, and remains in the home advice was given to separate the document and produce a clear summary, (Service User Guide) which could be sent/ given to the prospective resident, so providing information to enable them to make an informed choice of where they wish to live. A contract is in place for each resident. This agreement clearly sets out the terms and conditions of occupancy, and had been signed by the resident Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 The Trainee Manager said that senior staff from the home undertake the admission process, and visit the prospective resident before admission to make an assessment of their needs to ensure that the home is suitable. Residents who are placed by Care Managers are also assessed and a copy of that assessment is received by the home. The Trainee Manager said that prospective residents and their relatives are given the opportunity to visit the home, prior to admission to meet the staff and other residents. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10 The current practice ensures that the health care needs of the residents are met. EVIDENCE: The care plans contain detailed information about the health needs of each individual. All residents are registered with a local General Practitioner and any appointments are recorded. There is evidence, in the files that advice and input is sought from relevant specialists, these have included psychiatry, audiology. optical and community nurse input. Records demonstrated that the writing of care plans takes into account residents preferred routines and preferences on support and assistance. Residents confirmed that routines for getting up, going to bed and bathing were flexible and took account of their preferences. Those residents who spoke with the inspector stated that the staff look after them well. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 The system for the receipt, recording, storage, handling administration and disposal of medication appeared safe. The supply of medication was well organised and supplies of drugs are kept to a minimum. Homely remedies are not generally held for use by residents and referrals are made to the General Practitioner, should residents require any particular medication e.g. pain relief. Senior staff who have received specific training always administer the medication. A resident confirmed that staff respected her privacy, and assisted her to maintain her dignity at all times. From a discussion with a member of staff, about how the residents needs are met, it was evident that the staff have a sensitive approach to the provision of personal care, and are aware of privacy, dignity and independence issues. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15. Social activities are well managed and creative, providing daily variation and interest for people living in the home. EVIDENCE: Staff at the home see activities as an important part in the holistic care of the residents. An activity co-ordinator is employed at the home and organises group and individual activities according to resident’s capabilities. During the inspection residents were discussing a trip planned for the following weekend to a local pantomime. A training programme on activities was being arranged, on the day of the inspection for all staff, so that they would have the knowledge and skills to lead activities in the absence of the co-ordinator. The home maintains links with the local community, and residents are invited to attend local events. The home has its own transport. Visitors can visit at any reasonable time, and residents can receive visitors in the privacy of their own room. One visitor said that he spent three days a Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 week with his wife and that the staff made him very welcome arranging for them to eat lunch and tea together. Residents said that the food was ‘lovely’ and they are offered a choice. On the day of inspection the mid day meal provided was steak pie, vegetables and potatoes, followed by fruit flan and cream. There was free access to fluids such as tea and coffee and cold drinks if residents preferred. The food provided is recorded on a daily basis, as are any foods that are not part of the main meal for dietary reasons. Residents tend to eat in their lounge diners, and staff were seen sensitively assisting those residents who required help. The cook was able to demonstrate that she was able to accommodate different diets, including diabetic, and low fibre diets. Staff are aware of the need to offer additional snacks and drinks to the residents who are more active due to dementia related conditions, and may require a higher number of calories than the residents who are more sedentary. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16,18 The complaint process within this home is adequate and sufficient to protect residents. EVIDENCE: All Relative/visitor comment cards confirmed that relatives are aware of the homes complaints process, but had not had course to use it. A copy of the complaints procedure is displayed in the home. The records held by the Commission of Social Care Inspection confirmed that no complaints had been received, since the last inspection. The complaints record book was not available and will be examined during the next inspection. A resident confirmed that he would complain to the staff in the first instance, and if not satisfied would talk to the Registered Providers. Staff spoken to during this visit were able to describe the appropriate actions they would take if suspecting any sort of abuse had occurred, although were unsure of the Northamptonshire inter agency policy and guidance. Advice is given to the Registered Providers to raise the awareness of staff of the interagency protocols for the protection of vulnerable adults. The process of staff recruitment is subject to POVA list checks and the Criminal Records Bureau clearance prior to commencing employment, thus protecting the residents. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,25,26. The environment provides safe comfortable surroundings and is maintained to a reasonable standard EVIDENCE: From a sample check of resident’s bedrooms, a tour of the communal areas and discussions with the residents, it was evident that care is taken to create a homely atmosphere. There are a range of communal areas that are used by residents, all with comfortable seating. Attention should be given to the carpet in the front lounge on the ground floor, which is beginning to come loose. It was noted that the hallway is in the process of being redecorated, and whilst it is acknowledged that this busy area prohibits the time that this work can be carried out, priority should be given to completing this work quickly. The kitchen area was viewed during the inspection; the kitchen requires redecoration with special attention to the wall behind the cooker, which needs to be fitted with tiles or similar for easy cleaning, and to the tiles behind the sink. A broken drawer needs to be repaired. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Specialist equipment e.g. ‘pressure relieving’ mattresses have been accessed for those resident’s who need this level of aid, and residents were able to use and access other items of walking aids. Bedrooms viewed were bright and cheerful and had been personalised by photographs and other ornaments. All of the bedrooms contained a call system so that the residents can call staff. All radiators were fitted with covers to prevent residents accidentally burning themselves. There is a high standard of cleanliness throughout the house. Residents themselves appeared well presented, and care had been taken with their clothes. A visitor commented that his relative always looked clean and tidy. Residents confirmed their satisfaction with the overall cleaning and laundry systems. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,30 Staff morale is high resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively with the residents to improve their whole quality of life. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection there were three carers on duty, one cook and one cleaner caring for 18 residents. Two relatives comment cards indicated that there were not always enough staff on duty. The Registered Providers provide staffing hours based on guidance recommended by Department of Health Residential Forum, which calculates hours required according to the levels of dependency. Actual figures were not checked at this inspection however the Registered Provider said that he is consistently providing additional hours above that recommended. Staff residents and relatives interviewed, commented that there were enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the current residents. Relationships between staff and residents were seen to be good. All residents interviewed made many positive comments about the staff including: ‘The staff are very good.’ ‘The staff are nice.’ ‘They are lovely, caring and kind.’ ‘Living here is like being on holiday’ The staff training schedule was seen that indicated a comprehensive programme of staff development, advice is given that the actual dates that training takes place is included in the schedule. One member of staff has Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 responsibility for training and said that 90 of the staff team had obtained or were in the process of working towards a National Vocational Qualification, this included four members of staff currently taking National Vocational Qualification level 4. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 33,38 The management structures are adequate and effective in safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the people using the service EVIDENCE: The home is managed by one of the joint owners, who has many years of experience in caring for older people. Discussions with staff confirmed that the Registered Providers operates an open door policy and staff confirmed that they felt able to speak with Mr or Mrs Bennett at any time. Discussions with residents and relatives indicated that the Registered Providers were visible and very much a part of the team. Attention was given to the recommendations made in a recent fire officer’s report, and it was noted that most of the recommendations had been, or were seen to be being addressed. The Registered Providers are aware of the Fire Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Officers recommendation to increase staff fire training, and arrangements are being made to ensure that this is put into place. Staff interviewed confirmed their knowledge of what to do if the fire alarm is activated. The manual fire alarm system and the emergency lighting is tested weekly by a firm of outside contractors The new accident recording system was seen, which complies with data protection. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME 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 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X X 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X X 3 X X X X 3 Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 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. 2. 3 Refer to Standard OP19 OP19 OP30 Good Practice Recommendations Attention should be given to completing the redecoration to the hallway. The kitchen should be redecorated. Staff fire training should be provided in line with the fire officer’s recommendations. Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northamptonshire Area Office 1st Floor Newland House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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 Benthorn Lodge DS0000012705.V279557.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 - 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. 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