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Inspection on 11/08/05 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 11th August 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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. 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?

New carpets and furniture has been provided in Acorn lounge and new windowpanes fitted. Flagging has been laid in the quadrant garden making it safer for service users to access.

What the care home could do better:

The service must ensure complaints are adequately investigated and correctly recorded. The activities in which service users actually participate should be more clearly recorded. Development of a refurbishment plan for the home is necessary. This was requested at the previous inspection 28/2/05.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Brierfields Brierley Avenue Failsworth Oldham M35 9HB Lead Inspector Michelle Haller Unannounced 11 August 2005 th 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 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. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Brierfields Address Brierley Avenue Failsworth Oldham Lancashire M35 9HB 0161 626 8167 0161 678 2158 Telephone number Fax number Email 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 Mrs Michelle Elizabeth Jacques CRH - Care Home 37 Category(ies) of DE Dementia - 5 registration, with number DE(E) Dementia over 65 - 12 of places OP Old age - 37 PD(E) Physical Disability over 65 - 5 Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1 The home is registered for a maximum of 37 service users to include: 28 October 2004 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. 2 Date of last inspection 28th February 2005 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. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. On the day of this unannounced inspection six service user files were thoroughly examined; four service users, three relatives and two members of staff where interviewed. Reports and records concerning the running of the home where also inspected and a tour of the building undertaken. During the course of the day observations were made of the interaction between service users and all who attended to them. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The service must ensure complaints are adequately investigated and correctly recorded. The activities in which service users actually participate should be more clearly recorded. Development of a refurbishment plan for the home is necessary. This was requested at the previous inspection 28/2/05. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 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. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 2,3 and 5 The home provides a written statement of terms and conditions to service users. Service users needs are assessed prior to admission to Brierfields. Service users and their representatives are given the opportunity to visit the home prior to admission. EVIDENCE: The records of six service users where fully examined. Each file contained a copy of Brierfields statement of terms and condition, these had been signed by the service user or their representatives. These statements detailed the room service users would use, the cost of the placement and the facilities included in the cost. Each file examined contained a pre-admission assessment completed by the referring agency or the manager of Brierfields. Three service user relatives confirmed that adequate, pre-admission assessments were completed. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 The three family members stated that they had been able to visit the home prior to their relative moving in. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 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 unannounced inspection six service user files where examined, three relatives, four service users and two members of staff where interviewed. In addition observation of the interaction between service users and those who attended them during the day was undertaken. Each service user file contained care plans that related to the assessed needs of service users, these plans though simple were completed in sufficient detail to enable support staff to meet the health needs of service users. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 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 included ‘Staff are very good and patient’ and ‘As far as I can see care is very good’. One service user commented, ‘you are kept clean- you only have to ask for a bath or shower and you can have one.’ Another confirmed ‘there are some male staff –the lads-don’t embarrass you in any way, after not been able to manage the stress is taken right off you- we want for nothing really’ Observations made during the day further demonstrated 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. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12,13,14 and15. 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 that can be participated in while living at Brierfields. The home employs an activities organiser for three afternoons each week. This person organises arts and crafts and games, Karaoke afternoons and sing-a-longs, she arranges outings, and other activities. Service users where seen participating in arts and crafts during the inspection. Outings this year have included shopping trips to Oldham, a concert at Tameside Hippodrome and outings to Hollingworth Lake. An entertainer visits the home every other week. The materials and costs for activities is funded through service users making a contribution to an amenities fund. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 The activities organiser records activities, however it was not possible to identify the activities in which less independent service users participated. Service users observed that both Catholic and Church of England Priests visit the home and take Holy Communion. Service users also attend church and are invited to Church fetes and other celebrations. The service users confirmed that they could choose whether to join in with any activities. Service users interviewed indicated that family and friends where free to visit at their own convenience. This was confirmed by relatives when they where interviewed who commented that they ‘bobbed in’ when ever they liked. At the time of the inspection Age Concern are involved in the home completing life-story books with each service user. A tour of the building was also undertaken and service user bedrooms were comfortably furnished, many containing personal items of furniture and accessories. On the day of inspection the regular cook was not on duty and meals where being prepared by care staff. Lunch was chicken casserole, mashed potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or roast chicken with Yorkshire puddings. Dessert was ice cream. 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 other treat where 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 in stock and the manager stated that this was offered occasionally, or on the request of service users. 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 supper-time they could choose what ever they wanted. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 16 and 18 Complaints are not dealt with effectively this issue has been highlighted at previous inspections. The input of the home protects service users from abuse EVIDENCE: Service users and relatives who where interviewed stated that complaints where dealt with, however, examination of the complaints records demonstrated that quite serious complaints where not fully investigated-in addition CSCI was not informed of the occurrence of one serious incident. Furthermore two complaints had been recorded on a single page this is in breach of the Data Protection Act 1998. Staff have received training in the prevention of adult abuse. Those interviewed where aware of the homes Whistle blowing policy, they were also aware of action and omissions that could be seen as abuse. Staff who where interviewed where knowledgably about the role of the local Social Services in respect of investigating abuse. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19,20,21,22, 23,24,25 and 26 The layout of the home meets the needs of the service users. Areas of the home could be better maintained. The bedrooms meet the needs of service users, There are sufficient toilets, washing and bathing facilities to meet the needs of service users. Specialist equipment is available for service users. Service user bedrooms are comfortable and suit their needs. The home is comfortable and clean. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 EVIDENCE: In the course of this unannounced inspection a tour of the entire building was undertaken. Service users where observed enjoying the quadrant garden which has been landscaped and tidied. Bedrooms were comfortably decorated and contained items belonging to service users. Televisions are also provided unless declined by the service user. All the bedrooms have en-suite toilets and washbasins. Service users where observed mobilising using equipment such as walking sticks and Zimmer frames. It was also noted that toilets had raised seats and grab-rails to assist service users in remaining independent. The flooring in the toilets and bathrooms of Acorn wing are warn and cracked. A team of three domestic staff are employed and the home was clean and free from unpleasant odours. In the course of the inspection it was noted that the layout and communal space in the home allowed service users to simultaneously participate in a variety of activities. Some of the flooring in the bathrooms of Acorn wing should be replaced. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 and 30 Staff are employed in sufficient numbers and skill to meet the needs of service users. Staff are provided with adequate training to enable them to do their job. EVIDENCE: On the day of this inspection there were thirty-seven service users living in Brierfields. There where 5 care assistants, three domestic staff, one cook and the registered manager attending to their needs. In addition at lunchtime the activities worker also came on duty and assisted with meals. Observation of the interaction between service users and staff indicated that this staffing ratio was adequate. Discussion with staff and examination of staff files confirmed that the following training has been provided: Moving and Handling; Health and safety; Food hygiene; medication training; dementia care; Parkinson’s awareness; fire safety; Palliative care; Care practice and opportunities to complete NVQ level 2 and 3 in care. This provides evidence that staff receive sufficient and relevant training to carry out their jobs. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 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 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 32 and 38 The ethos of the leadership in the home benefits the service users. Health and safety checks are carried out. EVIDENCE: Service users, relatives and staff were keen to state that the current ethos of the home benefits the service users. Staff report that the manager supports them in trying out new ideas relating to the service user care and support. Service users reported that nothing is too much trouble, and the relatives confirmed this assertion. Observations made of the interaction between the manager, the service users and the staff identified transparent and responsive management. Observation of interaction between the manager and service users also demonstrated easy-going and friendly relationships. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 Records demonstrated that health and safety checks concerning appliances, and services are carried out. The staff who where interviewed stated that regular fire checks take place including evacuation. Staff stated that these occurred at random and where able to give details of the actions they were expected to take. This was confirmed through examination of the fire safety policies in the home. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 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 ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score x 3 3 x 3 x 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 2 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 x 29 3 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 1 x 3 x 3 x x x x x 3 Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 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. 1. 2. Standard 16 16 Regulation 22 37 Requirement The registered person must ensure that all complaints are fully investgated. The registered person must notify the CSCI of any allegation of misconduct of any person working in the home. The registered person must ensure that all service users are supported in participating in meaningful activies according to their interest. Timescale for action 01/11/05 Immediate 3. 12 16 01/12/05 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. Refer to Standard 20 Good Practice Recommendations Ther registered person should provide CSCI with a refurbishment plan that detilas replacement flooring in the bathroom areas on Acorn wing. Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection 2nd Floor, Heritage Wharf Portland Place Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 OQD 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 Brierfields F54 F04 s31867 Brierfields un v245497 110805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 - 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!