Inspection on 12/12/05 for Blair House

This inspection was carried out on 12th December 2005.

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

Blair House 17/05/07

Blair House 18/04/06

Blair House 03/07/05

Blair House 07/10/04

Blair House 06/05/04

Blair House 25/06/02

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Blair House 24 Pevensey Road St Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN38 0LF Lead Inspector Mrs Sally Gill Unannounced Inspection 12th December 2005 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 Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blair House Address 24 Pevensey Road St Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN38 0LF 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) 01424 437608 Regal Care Homes Ltd Jane Rajamogan Penelope Wickens Care Home 29 Category(ies) of Dementia (29) registration, with number of places Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The maximum number of residents to be accommodated is twenty nine Only people over 65 years of age suffering from a dementia type illness will be admitted 3rd July 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Blair House Care Home is registered to provide accommodation for up to 28 older people suffering from dementia and admits people with low to high dependency needs. The premise is a large detached property situated in St Leonards. It has 23 single rooms, all with a wash hand basin and 10 are ensuite (toilet and wash hand basin) in addition there are three double rooms all of which are ensuite (toilet, bath and wash hand basin). Bedrooms are situated on first and second floor. Residents have access to three lounges situated on the ground floor and the dining room in the basement. There is a shaft lift to all areas of the home. One lounge is the designated smoking area although the home is aiming to become non-smoking and no longer admits those that smoke. There is a flight of steps to the front door, but level access is possible from the rear of the building. The home has a secure rear garden with seating and lawn area for residents to enjoy. Car parking is available within the street outside. The building is located a short walk from the town centre and a slightly further walk will bring you to the seafront. Regal Care Homes Ltd owns the business and also another around the corner. Joint activities/social events are carried with the other home. There are currently 21 residents. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection, which took place on Monday, 12th December 2005 between 10.00am and 1.35pm. Additional time was spent in preparation and report writing. During the inspection the Inspector spoke to eight residents both in company and in private. Also, she spoke to the Registered Manager, two carers, two domestics and the visiting chiropodist. Feedback from residents during the inspection confirmed that they are satisfied with their care at Blair House. Comments included “the staff are very pleasant”, “the staff are very caring”, “the foods OK”,“ the foods very good” and “Penny (Manager) sorts things out”. Feedback from others was also positive and included the comments “it’s always clean and staff are on hand to help they don’t disappear when you arrive” and “I’m made to feel very welcome with my frequent visits to my X”. The Inspector examined various records including residents savings records and balances, the complaint log book, Environmental Health Officers (EHO) report, Fire Officers (FO) report, the fire safety logbook, accident book/reports, health and safety checks, maintenance records, completed quality assurance questionnaires and staff training records. The Inspector accessed parts of the building including the dining room, all three lounges, a bathroom (first floor), the office, the laundry and the garden. After discussion during the inspection those that live at Blair House will be referred to in this report as residents. The Inspector would like to thank both residents and staff who assisted during the inspection. As this report only covers only some of the key standards it should be read in conjunction with the previous inspection report. What the service does well: The staff team demonstrated commitment to meeting the needs of the residents and were enthusiastic about improving the quality of life of residents with new knowledge gained training such as National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). The atmosphere was relaxed and calm but with good interactions seen between residents and staff and a kind and caring attitude always seen adopted by staff. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 All feedback was positive with residents confirming that they are happy living at Blair House. 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. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): None inspected on this occasion EVIDENCE: Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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): 10 Residents are treated with respect and their privacy upheld. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection the chiropodist was visiting the home and undertaking residents treatment in private. Each bedroom door has a doorknocker. All double rooms have ensuite facilities for privacy. A pay phone is available for residents to make and receive calls. Residents were dress appropriately and individually. A resident confirmed that their privacy is respected and they can chose to spend time alone or in company. The Registered Manager is involved in new staffs induction to ensure they adopt the correct practices and the right attitude. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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, 14 Routines within the home are flexible and residents are able to exercise choice in their day-to-day lives. Appropriate activities are offered to residents, which provide stimulation. Residents are able and do maintain contact with family and friends. EVIDENCE: A notice board displays the main activities available throughout the current month that includes weekly a music man (outside entertainer), art and craft and music and movement. Bingo is available at the sister home round the corner and transport is available. Outings are also arranged by the company’s activities co-ordinator using the mini bus. In nice weather residents walk to the nearby park to sit and enjoy feeding the birds as well as enjoy their own sheltered secure garden. Ad hoc in house activities also include laying up tables, folding laundry, softball, playing music and a sing-along. A Christmas party has been organised for residents, relatives and friends with entertainment and a buffet, some carol singers and an outing to a carol concert. The menu is a choice menu and residents are asked prior to each meal what they would prefer. The meal on the day of the inspection looked appetising and residents confirmed that it was “hot and good”. Two residents talked Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 about attending a local club each week and several residents talked of family visits and visits to families. Residents meetings are held approximately twice a year and relatives are also invited. Advocacy information is available and has been used in the past and one staff member has had training in advocacy. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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 Residents feel that their views are listened to and as necessary are acted upon and that they feel safe living here. EVIDENCE: As previously stated the complaint procedure is contained within the policies and procedures manual in the front lobby however the Inspector suggests that this would be more better displayed rather than visitors having to search for it. Residents confirmed that if they had any problems then Penny (the Manager) sorts them out. There have been no complaints since the last inspection or adult protection alerts. Previous complaints were recorded together with evidence of a full investigation and outcome. The Registered Manager is a trained trainer in adult protection with 13 staff trained. Some staff are also trained in challenging behaviour. The Inspector view resident’s savings balances and records. Where the home does not have the right change to carry out a transaction an IOU should be recorded until this can be rectified to ensure the protection of all. The number of accidents recorded (39) since the last inspection was high however records were detailed and none required further investigation. A log is also maintained so staff can assess quickly how many accidents each resident has had. The Inspector was informed that all staff have a full disclosure in place. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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, 20, 26 Residents benefit from a home that is well maintained, comfortable, clean, bright, warm and homely. The laundry flooring should be made readily cleanable to ensure good hygiene throughout the home for residents. The frequency of all fire tests must be maintained to ensure residents safety. EVIDENCE: The Inspector viewed the fire safety logbook, which reflected that all tests except the alarm system had been carried out to the required frequencies. Both the EHO and the FO had visited the home in the last year and provided reports. There were requirements and recommendations from the EHO, which the Registered Manager stated had all been addressed, or the equipment was on order. The grounds and home were well maintained although consideration should be given to additional waste containers as considerable amounts were spilling out on to the driveway. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 The Inspector was informed that the laundry had had new machines and as a result an area of the flooring was bear concrete, which must be covered to be readily cleanable. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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 Resident’s needs are met by a caring staff team. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager usually staffs the home with four care staff 8am – 2pm, three care staff 2pm – 10pm and two wake night staff 10pm – 8am. In addition there is a cook 9am – 4pm although sick on the day of the inspection and this was covered by the care staff, a domestic 10am – 4pm and another 9am – 2pm plus a kitchen assistant/laundry person who works 6 hours a day. The Inspector was informed that as part of the providers regulation 26 visits residents needs are checked using the residential forum assessment tool to ensure there is sufficient staffing on duty. It was pleasing to hear during the inspection staff talking enthusiastically of knowledge gained during NVQ workshops at college, which has then been followed through into practice. Staff demonstrated throughout the inspection a caring and kind attitude when dealing with residents, which was also confirmed in discussion with residents. Some staff are trained in dementia and bereavement. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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): 31, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38 The Registered Manager communicates a clear sense of leadership, is open and positive. Staff and effective quality assurance ensures the home is run in the interests of residents. Minor improvements are required to records. Resident’s financial interests are safeguarded. EVIDENCE: Residents confirmed that the Registered Manager is approachable and will “sort out” any issues that are bought to her attention. Throughout the inspection she demonstrated in discussion that the residents come first and that the home is run to ensure their best interests. Staff confirmed that they felt well supported by the Registered Manager who is also flexible and committed to continual development. Quality assurance questionnaires have recently been sent out and are beginning to be returned. Prior to this the last published quality assurance results were in February 2005. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Records are maintained of residents savings held at the home. Where the home does not have the right change to carryout a transaction an IOU should be placed to explain the difference until this can be rectified. The company is not appointee for any resident. See standard 19 regarding shortfalls to fire safety test/records. The Inspector viewed various records regarding health and safety checks and servicing/maintenance of equipment all of which were in order. Nine staff are trained in infection control, 12 in fire safety, 12 in food hygiene, 12 in moving and handling and 11 in first aid. Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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 X X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 3 X X X X X 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 2 2 Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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. 1 Standard OP38OP19 Regulation 23(4) c Requirement Test the fire alarm system to the required frequency and maintain records Timescale for action 19/12/05 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 Refer to Standard OP26 OP38 Good Practice Recommendations Make good the laundry flooring to ensure all is readily cleanable Consideration should be given to providing further waste containers Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection East Sussex Area Office Ivy House 3 Ivy Terrace Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4QT 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 Blair House DS0000021055.V272187.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 - 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!