Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 01/12/05 for Brierfield Residential Care Home

Also see our care home review for Brierfield Residential Care Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 1st 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.

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 service provides excellent opportunities for service users to enjoy activities in the home, in the local community and varied excursions either in groups or as individuals. The home provides comfortable private living space. Staff receive appropriate training and their interaction with service users and relatives is very good. Service users receive efficient and appropriate access to health care. Meals are of good quality and plentiful. The home is clean.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The manner of investigating and recording complaints has improved. A record is maintained identifying the activities in which individual service users have participated.

What the care home could do better:

The home must ensure that potential new staff do not commence work until the results of all recruitment checks have been returned.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Brierfield Residential Care Home Brierley Avenue Failsworth Oldham Lancashire M35 9HB Lead Inspector Michelle Haller Announced Inspection 1st December 2005 09:00 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 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.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. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Brierfield Residential Care Home Address Brierley Avenue Failsworth Oldham Lancashire M35 9HB 0161 681 5484 0161 678 2158 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) Masterpalm Properties Limited Care Home 37 Category(ies) of Dementia (5), Dementia - over 65 years of age registration, with number (12), Old age, not falling within any other of places category (37), Physical disability over 65 years of age (5) Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is registered for a maximum of 37 service users to include: *up to 5 service users in the category PD(E) (Physical disability over 65 years of age). *up to 12 service users in the category DE(E) (Dementia over 65 years of age). *up to 5 service users in the category DE (Dementia under 65 years of age). *up to 37 service users in the category OP (Old age not falling within any other category). The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 11th August 2005 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Brierfield is a purpose built single storey care home for people aged 65 years and over the owner is Masterpalm Properties who have three other homes in the area. The home is set on three wings, Acorn, Beech and Cedar. All service users are provided with single ensuite accommodation. Communal areas includes one, very large, main lounge and dining room, a smaller lounge and quiet corners around the home, ithere is also a large enclosed porch that over-looks a quadrant garden. All bedrooms are single with en-suite tiolet and wash basin. Most rooms have free standing furniture making it possible for service users to bring their own soft furnishing, accessories and other items. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. In the process of this inspection four service user files were examined, two relatives, three service users and one member of staff were interviewed. In addition observation of the interaction between service users and care staff was undertaken. Seven relative and four service-user comment cards were also returned to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and all were positive about the care and support provided by the home. Reports and records concerning the running of the home were also inspected and a tour of the building undertaken. The atmosphere in the main lounge was bustling and energetic as this was the main area in which activities took place. Other areas were quiet, peaceful and service users were observed making the most of all the communal spaces. Staff appeared friendly towards service users and efficient in relation to providing personal care and support. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The manner of investigating and recording complaints has improved. A record is maintained identifying the activities in which individual service users have participated. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.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 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.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): 3 and 4 Service users needs are assessed prior to admission to Brierfields. Service users are able to determine whether the home will meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The records of four service users were fully examined including those of the most recent admission to the home. Each file examined contained a pre-admission assessment completed either by the referring agency or the manager of Brierfields. The service user guide provides information about the skills and qualification of the care team. The guide also gives guidance users about the homes ability to access health and social care on behalf service users. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.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): 7,8,9 and 10 The home provides care plans completed in sufficient detail to enable care staff to provide the support to meet the needs of service users. Adequate action is taken to meet the health needs of service users. Medication is managed safely. Service users are treated with respect and dignity. EVIDENCE: In the course of this inspection four service user files were examined, two relatives, three service users and one member of staff were interviewed. In addition observation of the interaction between service users and care staff was undertaken. Seven relative and four service user comment cards were also returned to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Each service user file contained care plans that related to the assessed needs of service users, these plans have been reviewed since the last inspection. Care plans were completed in sufficient detail to enable support staff to meet the health needs of service users. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Reports in the files also provided information about health related intervention such as hospital appointments, dental appointments, General Practitioner visits, nursing intervention and other routine and specialist health care. Service users and their representatives confirmed that staff were quick to seek specialist advice. They also stated that all health care and examinations took place in private. Comments made by service users included ‘We are well looked after’. None of the service user comment cards contained negative comments. Relatives commented ‘I am really happy, I can go home and be settled in my mind that she is well looked after’. And ‘I am very satisfied with the home, the staff and management are very caring and helpful.’ Observations made during the day further determined that staff treat service users with respect and dignity at all times. Administration of medication was observed, the policy read and the medicine cupboard examined, on the day of this inspection no problems were observed. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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 and 15 The lifestyle of service users meets their needs and expectations. Service users are supported in maintaining good contact with friends, family and the local community. Service users are supported in taking control over their lives. Meals provided in the home are wholesome and varied. EVIDENCE: Service users who were interviewed were keen to detail the activities in which they can participate while living at Brierfields. The home employs an activities organiser for 35 hours each week, plus an arts and crafts co-ordinator three afternoons. Activities include, arts and crafts and games, Karaoke afternoons and sing-a-longs, she arranges outings and armchair exercises. This member of staff has also recently attended a Developing Activities in residential care’ training day run by Age Concern. Service users were observed participating in armchair exercises in the morning and a sing-a-long and arts and crafts in the afternoon of the inspection. Others completed art and craft projects, while staff were observed sitting and speaking to others, either individually or in small groups. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 A number of service users also enjoyed sitting in the sun lounge area, while others used a smaller lounge for reading or listening to music. The Manager is also in the process of introducing a breakfast Club that will support service users in making their own breakfasts in small groups. Relatives and service users were keen to praise the level and variety of activities provided by the home. Comments included ‘Whenever I have visited there is always something going on to keep hands busy and minds occupied.’ Service users who were interviewed stated that they could choose whether to participate in activities, each confirmed that there was plenty of variety from which to choose. Outings this year have included shopping trips to Oldham, a concert at Tameside Hippodrome and outings to Hollingworth Lake. An entertainer visits the home alternate weeks. The materials and costs for activities are funded through service users making a contribution to an amenities fund. The activities in which service users participate are recorded. Examination of these records verified that less independent service users were supported in accessing activities according to their ability and preference. Service users confirmed the attendance of both Catholic and Church of England Priests to the home including provision of Holy Communion. Service users also attend church and are invited to Church fetes and other celebrations. Service users and relatives stated that visiting was at their own convenience. Age Concern continues to be involved in the home completing life-story books with each service user. A tour of the building was undertaken and service user bedrooms were comfortably furnished, many containing personal items of furniture and accessories. The regular cook for the home has completed the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 in Catering and hospitality. The meal at lunchtime was cheese omelette or braising steak and vegetables. The meal looked appetising and was clearly enjoyed by all the service users. The service users and relatives who were interviewed confirmed that the meals were good. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Nutritional screening assessments are completed and it was evident that frail service users admitted with a low body weight gained weight while living in Brierfields. The larder, fridges and freezers contained a variety of fresh and frozen meat, frozen and tinned fish, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread and a variety of beverages. In addition biscuits, cakes and other treats were in store. It was also noted that there was a variety of foods and ingredients suitable for diabetic service users. Furthermore alcoholic beverages were also stocked. Over lunch staff where observed supporting service users to eat meals and drink in a dignified manner. Those requiring a soft diet where presented with items served separately and not mashed together. Service users identified that at tea and suppertime they could choose what ever they wanted. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 and 18 Complaints are now recorded in keeping with Data Protection 1998 and complaints are now been dealt with more effectively. The actions taken by the home protects service users from abuse. EVIDENCE: Service users and relatives who were interviewed stated that complaints were dealt with efficiently, and examination of the complaints records verified that complaints were now more fully investigated. Complaints are now recorded on individual forms with the actions and outcomes written in detail. Staff have received training in the prevention of adult abuse. The care staff interviewed was aware of the Whistle blowing policy, and the actions and omissions that could be seen as abuse. The member of staff was also knowledgeable about the role of the local Social Services in respect of investigating adult protection issues. Discussion with the manager indicated that she fully understood the type of incidence about which CSCI should be informed. The home has had one investigation under the Protection of Vulnerable Adult (POVA) guidelines in the past six-months. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 and 26 The layout of the home meets the needs of the service users. The home is comfortable and clean. All other aspect concerning the environment of Brierfields were assessed in the previous inspection and was found, for the most part, to be satisfactory. EVIDENCE: In the course of this inspection a tour of the entire building was undertaken. The property provides ample level access communal and private accommodation. Service users were observed mobilising using equipment such as walking sticks and Zimmer frames. It was also noted that toilets had raised seats and grabrails to assist service users in remaining independent. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 A team of three domestic staff are employed and the home was clean and free from unpleasant odours. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 27,28,29 and 30 Staff are employed in sufficient numbers and skill to meet the needs of service users. The home does not ensure appropriate checks are completed for staff prior to them taking up a position of work. Staff are provided with adequate training to enable them to do their job. EVIDENCE: On the day of this inspection there were 37 service users living in Brierfields. There where 5 care assistants, three domestic staff, an activities co-ordinator, a cook and the manager attending to their needs. Observation of the interaction between service users and staff indicated that this staffing ratio was adequate. The staff file of the most recent recruit was inspected, two references were in place and verification of home address and proof of identity, however the results of the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check had not yet returned, and POVA First check had not been sought prior to her working in the home. The fact that this was still unacceptable was discussed with the manager. The manager stated that this member of staff would not complete personal care until a POVA First or CRB check had been cleared. It should be noted that the member of staff was previously known to the home. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Examination of staff files confirmed that the following training has been provided: care planning documentation; dementia care; fire safety; Food hygiene; Health and safety; Moving and Handling; medication training; Parkinson’s awareness; Palliative care; pressure sore treatment; Care practice and opportunities to complete NVQ level 2 and 3 in care and catering. In light of this it clear that staff receive sufficient and relevant training to carry out their jobs. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 31,33,35 and 38 The Manager is competent to be in charge of the home. The home does not have a quality assurance monitoring system that allows all involved with the home to comment about and make suggestions concerning the running of the home. Service users financial interests are, as far as is possible to assess during an inspection, safeguarded. The health, safety, welfare of service users, staff and visitors to the home are adequately safeguarded. EVIDENCE: The current manager is new to her post and has yet to undertake the Fit Person interview with the CSCI. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Prior to taking up her post she had worked at Brierfields for a number of years as senior care worker and deputy. The manager is keen to improve services in the home and continues to undertake training to enhanced her management and care skills. The manager is in the process of developing a quality assurance system that allows all involved to comment on the service provided at Brierfields. The accounts of two service users chosen at random were examined. The amount detailed in the accounts book reflected the amount held on their behalf by the home. A receipt book is used to record all expenditures concerning money belonging to service users, and funds passed over to relatives is signed for. Records demonstrated that health and safety checks concerning appliances, and services are carried out. The pre-inspection report affirmed that all maintenance and safety checks concerning the running of a care home were up to date. Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 X X 3 3 X 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 4 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 3 3 x x x x x x 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 2 x 3 x x 3 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 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 OP33 Regulation 24 Requirement The registered person must introduce a system monitoring the quality of the service provided in the home. The registered person must ensure that all recruitment checks are complete prior to the commencement of new staff. Timescale for action 31/03/05 2 OP29 19 01/01/06 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 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ashton-under-Lyne Area Office 2nd Floor, Heritage Wharf Portland Place Ashton-u-Lyne Lancs OL7 0QD 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 Brierfield Residential Care Home DS0000031867.V261037.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 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!