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Inspection on 14/02/07 for Blatchington Court

Also see our care home review for Blatchington Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 14th February 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

Blatchington Court 02/03/09

Blatchington Court 14/03/08

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

Residents are encouraged to regard Blatchington Court as their home. They are able to make choices about all aspects of their day to day life, in line with risk assessments that ensure their safety. It was noted that communication was friendly and open, and the atmosphere at the home was comfortable and relaxed. The staff felt they offered the support and care that residents need and try to encourage them to make choices.

What has improved since the last inspection?

This is the first inspection following the registration of a new owner at the home. A mechanical sluice has been fitted separately from resident`s facilities since the last inspection.

What the care home could do better:

The inspection identified some areas where practice could improve, these were care plans and training, including moving and handling and adult protection.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Blatchington Court 13 St Peters Road Seaford East Sussex BN25 2HS Lead Inspector Kathy Flynn Key Unannounced Inspection 14th February 2007 11:00 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 Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blatchington Court Address 13 St Peters Road Seaford East Sussex BN25 2HS 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) 01323 896939 01323 873883 Mrs Phyllis Sammars Leanne Sammars Care Home 20 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (20) registration, with number of places Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is twenty (20) Services users must be older people aged sixty-five (65) years or over on admission Service users with a dementia type illness only to be accommodated Date of last inspection New Service Brief Description of the Service: Blatchington Court is a residential home in Seaford and is registered to provide personal support and care for people with a dementia type illness. The home is situated in a quiet area, approximately three quarters of a mile from the seafront. There are attractive gardens to the rear that are accessible and used by residents when weather permits, and there is small parking area to the side of the building. It is registered with the Commission to provide support and care for up to 20 residents, and there are currently three double and twelve single rooms. There is no lift in the home and residents are only admitted if they can access the first floor using the stairs, with the assistance of staff. There are two lounges on the ground floor, one is also used as a dining room and residents can listen to music if they wish. The other lounge is larger and residents are able to watch the TV if they wish. There is sufficient space for religious and social activities. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced key inspection was carried out over seven hours on the 14th February. This is a new service and all the standards were assessed during this inspection. A pre-inspection questionnaire and residents surveys were sent to the home prior to the inspection. The questionnaire was completed and returned to the Commission. The inspection included a tour of the home, an examination of, or discussion, about all records kept in the home, including care plans, personnel files, medication records and training files. The owner of Blatchington Court was managing the home at the time of the inspection, all the staff working at the home were happy to discuss the services provided. There were nineteen residents at the home during the inspection, and they were relaxed and comfortable in the home. Because of communication difficulties it was not possible to speak to all the residents, interaction between the staff and residents was observed. The reader should be aware that the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Care Homes Regulations 2001 uses the terms service user to describe those living in care home settings, for the purpose of this report those, living at care homes will be referred to as residents. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 This is the first inspection following the registration of a new owner at the home. A mechanical sluice has been fitted separately from resident’s facilities 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. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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 Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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): 1,2,3,4 and 5. Standard 6 is not applicable. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Statement of Purpose, Service Users Guide and Terms and Conditions of residency are good, providing prospective residents and their relatives with details of the services offered at the home, including costs. An appropriate pre-admission assessment is completed, prior to the offer of a room, to ensure the home can meet the needs of prospective residents. Prospective residents and their relatives are encouraged to visit the home to spend time with the staff and residents, before they decide to accept a room, on a trial basis. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose and Service Users Guide have information about all aspects of the home, including the aims, objectives and philosophy of care that form the basis of the support and care provided at Blatchington Court. This enables prospective residents and their relatives to decide if the home is appropriate for them and can meet their individual needs. The owner confirmed that these would be updated to ensure that the information in them reflects the services currently offered at the home. The owner advised that the manager completes a pre-admission assessment for all prospective residents, with the involvement of the prospective resident and their relatives or other representatives, to ensure that the home can meet their needs. The home offers support and care for people with a dementia type illness including individuals who are not mobile and may require assistance from staff using hoists or wheelchairs. Prospective residents are encouraged to visit the home to look around and meet residents and staff, and stay on a trial basis before they decide to accept a room on a permanent basis. Terms and conditions are provided for all residents, these are signed by relatives or other representatives and include the room number, fees and details of any extra costs. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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 and 11. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There is no clear care planning system in place to adequately provide staff with the information they need to satisfactorily meet residents needs. An appropriate pre-admission assessment is used to assess prospective residents prior to the offer of a room to ensure that the home can meet their needs. The staff protect residents by following the homes procedures with regard to the administration of medicines. Residents privacy is protected by staff, and as their health needs change the home offers appropriate support. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 EVIDENCE: The care plans provide staff with information about the residents needs, risk assessments are completed for moving and handling, which clearly identify which aid staff should use, nutritional assessments, health and safety assessments as well as individual room assessments, to ensure they are safe for each resident. However specific information about some residents was not recorded in their care plans. One resident prefers to have her door open at night and a door guard had been fitted to ensure that she could do this safely. This was found to be broken, staff stated they close her door at night and were not aware that the guard had been put in place to ensure she was comfortable in her room. The owner confirmed that care plans will be reviewed and updated to ensure that they reflect the specific needs of each resident. Residents are registered with GP’s and can request visits from Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPN) and District Nurses (DN) if appropriate. Chiropodists and opticians visit regularly and residents can be referred to allied health professionals including physiotherapists and speech therapists by their GP. Staff follow the homes policies regarding the administration of medicines, Medicine Administration Record (MAR) charts were viewed, and found to be appropriately completed. Some residents have specific needs with regard to medication and these should be included in the care plans. Staff were noted to treat residents with respect when assisting them with personal care. The home identifies the changing needs of residents with staff reviewing the care provided to ensure that it is appropriate for their individual needs. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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 and 15. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from a varied programme of activities. The routines of the home are flexible relatives and friends can visit when they wish and residents are encouraged to make choices about their day to day lives. The dietary needs of residents are catered for, with a balanced and varied selection of food is available. However the homes practices regarding pureed diets and assisting residents with meals is inappropriate, and may have a detrimental affect on their enjoyment of the meals provided. EVIDENCE: The home provides a number of activities for residents, including games, musical video’s, art and craft work, massage and manicures, with a musical entertainer visiting on a regular basis and monthly church visits. These are arranged on a daily basis, usually in the morning and early evening, depending Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 on the preferences of the residents. On the afternoon of the inspection some residents were watching a film. The staff confirmed that visitors are welcome at any time and several relatives and friends visit regularly. There were no visitors at the time of the inspection to talk with about the care provided at the home. The routines of the home are flexible, residents choose how they spend their time with some watching TV in the larger lounge, while others were listening to music in the smaller one. The meals at the home are varied and choices are available for each meal, with snacks and drinks provided throughout the day. Some residents have a pureed diet and require assistance with their meals from staff. It was noted that the pureed meals were unattractive the meat, vegetables and potatoes had been mixed up together and did not look appetising. Staff were noted to be standing between residents when they were assisting them with lunch, they were not providing a relaxed and dignified atmosphere for resident to enjoy the main meal of the day. The owner confirmed that she would be reviewing this practice, and make appropriate changes for the benefit or residents. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.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): 16,17 and 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has a satisfactory complaints system with some evidence that staff listen to the views of residents and act upon them. Staff have good knowledge of Adult Protection Issues which protects residents. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints made to the home or the Commission concerning the services provided. The owner confirmed that policies and procedures are in place to address any concerns raised. Residents at Blatchington Court are registered to vote and can, with the help of their relatives use the postal voting system if they wish. Training in adult protection is provided at the home, staff spoken with were able to demonstrate an understanding of some forms of abuse, and they were quite clear what action they would take if they have any concerns. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 However observation of staff at lunch time highlighted the need for further training to ensure they have a clear understanding of the support they should offer residents at meal times when a resident prefers to walk rather that sit at the table. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,20,21,22,23,24,25 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of the environment in this home is good providing resident with a homely and comfortable place to live. Appropriate aids and a hoist are provided which enable staff to ensure residents are safe when moving within the home. All parts of the home are accessible and infection control systems are in place to protect residents, visitors and staff. EVIDENCE: The home provides a relaxed and homely environment for residents, there are two lounges and a separate dining room, with residents rooms on the ground Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 and first floor of the home. There are three shared rooms and twelve single rooms, with all but one having en suite facilities. The residents rooms are personalised with their own possessions, and appropriate furniture is provided based on risk assessments which ensure their safety. The owner advised that there is ongoing maintenance at the home, with staff recording any repairs or improvements in the maintenance book, which is signed when the work is completed. It was noted that a broken table and faulty door guard were not recorded. The owner confirmed that she would discuss with the manager introducing a system of auditing furniture in all rooms to make sure any faults are repaired as soon as possible. The home does not have a shaft lift and the owner advised that prospective residents are offered a room on the first floor on the understanding that they can manage the stairs, with the assistance of staff. Hoists and additional aids are available for staff to assist residents, appropriate risk assessments are completed and recorded in the care plan. A sluicing facility has been fitted on the ground floor, since the previous inspection, that is separate from residents facilities. The manager confirmed that appropriate infection control policies are in place and training is provided for staff. Staff were noted to be using gloves and aprons appropriately and those spoken with have completed the relevant training. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There is a sufficient number of staff on duty at all times to meet the assessed needs of residents. Robust recruitment procedures are in place to ensure the protection of service users. Induction training is provided for all staff to ensure they are able to provide appropriate levels of support and care for residents. EVIDENCE: The owner confirmed that the staffing levels are appropriate to the needs of residents, and that it is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the support offered meets the needs of residents. Staff spoken with said that they had been busy the morning of the inspection as one of the residents needed more assistance, and were trying to catch up by lunch time, they said that they usually have enough time and do not need to hurry. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 New staff are required to complete the induction course in line with Skills for Care, staff spoken with have completed this or are working towards it. The expectation is that staff will then use this as the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and two of the staff spoken with are working towards this. Robust recruitment procedures are used for the employment of staff and include two references and POVA/CRB checks. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,32,33,34,35,36,37 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The management approach at the home is open and inclusive. Staff, residents and relatives are encouraged to be involved in any decisions about the support and care provided. Formal and informal supervision is provided for staff, which enables them to be aware of their role and responsibilities, and provide appropriate support for residents. Systems are in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare or residents and staff. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 EVIDENCE: The manager of Blatchington Court has several years experience in providing support and care for people with dementia. She has completed the NVQ Level 4 in Care and the owner confirmed that she is working towards the Registered Managers Award. The relationship between staff and residents at the home was relaxed and friendly, and the staff felt that they are able to contribute to the care and support provided for residents. Formal and informal supervision is provided for staff, those spoken with were clear about their responsibilities and said that if they have any concerns they would discuss these with colleagues or the senior staff, including the manager. The owner confirmed that the home does not accept responsibility for the resident’s finances, they are supported by relatives or solicitors. Training required by legislation including moving and handling, fire training, first aid and infection control is provided for staff. Staff spoken with said they attend all the required training and the manager keeps a record of the training they have attended, she is able to identify staff who may need updates. Concerns were raised regarding the appropriate use of the hoist and the owner said that staff would receive additional training to ensure they followed the guidance provided to transfer residents safely. Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 3 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 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 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? N/A 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 OP7 Regulation 15 Requirement The care planning system to reflect the assessed needs of residents and enable staff to offer appropriate care and support. Training to be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure staff follow the guidance provided. To include Adult Protection and Moving and Handling. Timescale for action 10/04/07 2 OP18 OP38 13 (5)(6) 18 (1)(c)(i) 10/04/07 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 Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Blatchington Court DS0000067636.V324820.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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