Inspection on 08/01/09 for Burn Brae Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 8th January 2009.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Excellent service.

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

Burn Brae Lodge 04/01/07

Burn Brae Lodge 31/01/06

Burn Brae Lodge 11/08/05

Burn Brae Lodge 21/03/05

Burn Brae Lodge 03/11/04

Burn Brae Lodge 10/03/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 13/03/2009.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for older people Name: Address: Burn Brae Lodge Prospect Hill Corbridge Northumberland NE45 5RU     The quality rating for this care home is:   three star excellent service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Allan Helmrich     Date: 0 8 0 1 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. that people have said are important to them: They reflect the things This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Older People can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 25 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Older People Page 3 of 25 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Burn Brae Lodge Prospect Hill Corbridge Northumberland NE45 5RU 01434-632022 01434634907 enquiries@burnbraelodge.co.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Bridge Care Residential Limited Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mr P Howard Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 dementia old age, not falling within any other category Additional conditions: Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Burn Brae is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for 31 older people, some of whom have a dementia. The home is located in a rural setting approximately a mile from the village of Corbridge with no immediate access to any community facilities. The proprietor provides transport for visitors to the home and for any resident requiring a community service. Set in extensive landscaped grounds with a wood to one side and views over the Tyne valley on the other, the property consists of a large detached family house that has been extended. The home consists of 23 single bedrooms, 4 of which have en suite facilities and 4 double bedrooms, 2 of which have en suite toilet and hand basin. There is a passenger lift installed. 0 0 Over 65 18 13 care home 31 Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 25 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: three star excellent service Choice of home Health and personal care Daily life and social activities Complaints and protection Environment Staffing Management and administration peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: The quality rating for this service is 3 star. This means the people who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes. We have reviewed our practice when making requirements, to improve national consistency. Some requirements from previous inspection reports may have been deleted or carried forward into this report as recommendations - but only when it is considered that people who use services are not being put at significant risk of harm. In future, if a requirement is repeated, it is likely that enforcement action will be taken. The Visit: Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 25 The inspection was unannounced and was undertaken by the link inspector for the service. The inspection started at 10:00am and lasted 7hrs. During the visit we: Talked with people who use the service, their visitors and visiting professional people. Talked with the home manager and staff on duty. Looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met, Looked at case records for three residents and other records that must be kept, including medication. Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for. Looked around the building to assess if it was clean, safe and comfortable. Checked what improvements had been made since the last visit. Also surveys were sent to residents. Responses were received from six residents supported by relatives. Information from these sources is used in this report. The providers web address is www.burnbraelodge.co.uk What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Older People Page 7 of 25 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Older People Page 8 of 25 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them and the support they need. People who stay at the home only for intermediate care, have a clear assessment that includes a plan on what they hope for and want to achieve when they return home. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, or people close to them, have been able to visit the home and have got full, clear, accurate and up to date information about the home. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between them and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Comprehensive pre admission assessments and clear pre admission information for residents is in place. This is so people can make an informed choice and know their care needs will be met before moving into the home. Evidence: Everyone is given the opportunity to spend time in the home prior to admission. The manager has recently improved the information available to prospective service users, which gives people information about the home and the service it provides. In the lobby of the home there is a statement of purpose, service user guides and a copy of the most recent inspection report. Each new resident receives a letter of introduction from the manager and an admission information pack is placed in each room giving a range of useful information and a potted history of Burn Brae. Five of the six surveys returned stated that sufficient information was provided before a decision was made to move in. The sixth was an emergency placement and they said that everyone was nice Care Homes for Older People Page 9 of 25 Evidence: and the place appeared to be well run when they paid an unannounced visit. Other comments included; there was plenty of information to make a decision, I visited the home and had a visit from the manager, the manager came to see me and then I had a full tour of the home before I moved in. The home receives an assessment from the persons care manager prior to admission. This information is looked at by the manager and a pre admission visit is made by management when other information is collected to ensure the home can meet the persons needs. Each of the case records reviewed contained an assessment of the persons needs and other appropriate supporting information. Also a personal history questionnaire has been developed and this is given out to be completed by the resident and their family to obtain specific information to assist staff in providing more individualised care and support. Within a short time of admission each resident has a plan of care constructed by senior staff in the home. These plans identify any special needs the individual may have such as religious or cultural requirements as well as personal care needs. The manager stated the home does not provide a rehabilitation service but short-term respite beds are available. The homes fees are in the range 400-450 pounds. Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 25 Health and personal care These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s health, personal and social care needs are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. If they take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it, in a safe way. People’s right to privacy is respected and the support they get from staff is given in a way that maintains their dignity. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Health & personal care needs are well supported by good care planning, regular involvement from other professionals and clear recording. Evidence: Shortly after admission a range of assessments to determine the physical and mental needs of the resident are carried out and any identified needs are included in the persons plan of care. The care plans are reviewed by key staff each month. This ensures that staff are considering the individuals needs are wishes on a regular basis. Four of the six surveys returned stated they always receive the care and support they need, one stated Usually and one sometimes. Comments included; Mum always seems well cared for, my relative receives all the care and support she needs at all times, I am always informed and doctors are called if my relative is ill, also staff seek professional support to assist in providing good care. A care manager spoken with said they are very content with the care provided and they are always kept informed by the manager and his able staff team. A visitor commented that their relatives health had been maintain well since she moved into Burn Brae. Care Homes for Older People Page 11 of 25 Evidence: The files are regularly reviewed by the manager for quality. Records demonstrated that residents regularly see health care professionals to promote their good health with details of health checks, visits to their GP and hospital appointments being recorded in the individual files. Three residents spoken to all stated the home provides a good standard of support and staff were observed throughout the inspection talking to residents and promoting their independence. The manager is concerned that all residents are treated individually. He is aware of equality and diversity issues that may affect the lifestyles of the people at Burn Brae and he supports staff to attend person centred care training. All senior staff that dispense medicines have had training in the safe handling of medication. Also each year a competency assessment is done. The system of storage and dispensing ensures residents are safe in the home. However a benefit would result if the home provided a max - min thermometer to record the medication fridge temperatures and a record of the signatures of staff dispensing medicines was available in the medical administration records. Care Homes for Older People Page 12 of 25 Daily life and social activities These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives. They are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. People have nutritious and attractive meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Regular activities are now part of the essential care provided and staff ensure residents can excercise control over their lives. Visitors are made welcome. A good standard of healthy food is provided. Evidence: Of the six surveys returned, three stated there was usually and three sometimes activities to take part in. Comments included; I would like to see more activities and I feel there should be more activities. Recently a social activities co-coordinator has been employed to promote activity for older people. This person is currently developing activities to suit people living in the home. During the inspection she was singing to residents and involving them in this. Those residents spoken to said they enjoyed it. People also said they had recently been to a local art gallery and to a garden centre when plants were bought to develop a gardening activity in better weather. A under used lounge on the first floor is currently being used as an activity base and there was some artwork done by the residents on display here. The activities person is currently meeting with each resident to find the things they enjoy doing. Care Homes for Older People Page 13 of 25 Evidence: Staff are always at hand and although not directly involved in activities were observed talking with residents about topical events and ensuring their needs were met. One resident spoken to stated she would like to do more around the home and this was discussed with the manager who agreed to review the domestic routines. In the four case files reviewed there were care plans to promote independence and the maintenance of active lifestyles. Each file also contained a risk assessment plan to promote the wellbeing of residents. The activities organiser keeps a list of activities and those involved to identify those residents who need more support or encouragement to be active. Transport is provided for anyone who needs support to shop in the local area. Daily newspapers and magazines are provided and the manager stated that free broadband connection are available to enable residents to receive and send email. Most residents receive religious support in the home, but one resident who worships Jehovah goes into the local town supported by her family. Details of peoples diversity is obtained and recorded. One resident has stated a desire for a woodland burial. These details are included in a plan of care. One visitor spoken to was happy with everything the home provides for his relative. He feels assured when he leaves that his mother is well cared for with all of her needs met. The manager stated that currently people in the home are from the local area and have no needs that cannot be met within the community. The lunchtime meal was overseen and appeared to be a very relaxed occasion. Residents are given a choice as to where to eat their meals and people were seen in three separate areas of the home. Residents who choose can eat there meal in private. One meal was plated and being transported without a cover. This is not good practice. Residents spoken to in a dining room said they had really enjoyed the meal they chose. Some frail residents were well supported by staff during lunch. The cook who knows the residents very well can provide meals outside of the menued choice if requested. The quality audit system Safer Food Better Business has recently been introduced into the kitchen to promote good housekeeping. Care Homes for Older People Page 14 of 25 Complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them know how to complain. Any concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse and neglect and takes action to follow up any allegations. People’s legal rights are protected, including being able to vote in elections. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home takes complaints seriously and staff are well trained to ensure everyone is protected from abuse. This ensures residents feel safe and well supported in the home. Evidence: The home provides a copy of the complaints procedure to new residents in the Service User Guide and a copy is on display for the benefit of visitors to the home. No complaints have been received since the last inspection. A system is in place to recorded the details of the any complaint. The manager stated he encourages complaints to promote good care practices in the home. All six residents who responded to a questionnaire all stated they were aware of how to complain. Residents spoken to all said they would complain to the manager or staff if needed. They also said they feel safe in the home. One visitor said he had not had any reason to complain as the care provided is very good. The manager and the majority of staff have been trained in an awareness of issues that affect vulnerable people and those staff spoken to were confident they would always support the rights of residents in the home. Training is arranged for the remainder of the staff team. Care Homes for Older People Page 15 of 25 Evidence: The home has policies and procedures to protect residents and the Department of Health guidance (NO SECRETS) dealing with the protection of vulnerable adults. This guidance is available to all staff to promote an awareness of issues that are abusive. Care Homes for Older People Page 16 of 25 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home provides a clean, pleasant and homely environment to live in. Evidence: The home is clean and ongoing maintenance work is improving the environment for residents. Since the last inspection an ensuite has been added to one bedroom. There are new carpets laid in hallways and on stairs. A lobby has been created to reduce drafts at the entrance. A potentially dangerous staircase has been closed off. Also in addition to improved decoration in some bedrooms, a recommendation made at the last inspection to improve residents dignity has been addressed. Some of the seating has been replaced with comfortable chairs. There are sufficient bathrooms in the home, although these would benefit from upgrading. The manager is currently upgrading one bathroom with a new bath and flooring. Each of the six responses to a survey were positive about the environment with all stating the home is either always or usually fresh and clean. One visitor commented in a survey they would like more private areas where families can visit without disturbing other residents. Residents spoken to stated they are content with their personal accommodation and that they enjoy living at Burn Brae. Bedrooms seen contained many personal Care Homes for Older People Page 17 of 25 Evidence: possessions and memorabilia. One resident with a large bedroom has a settee and two lounge chairs for her comfort and that of her visitors. The manager stated that families can use a lounge on the first floor that is rarely used, there is an area overlooking the garden that some people use or some visitors use the residents bedroom for privacy. In addition to the homes two main lounges, there is a conservatory used weekly by the local hairdresser. Seating has been placed around the home in small groups and these areas were well used by residents and their visitors during the inspection. The laundry contains suitable equipment to ensure clothes are clean and aid the control of infection within the home. All rooms containing combustible materials were locked to promote safety in the home. Care Homes for Older People Page 18 of 25 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable to care for them. Their needs are met and they are cared for by staff who get the relevant training and support from their managers. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There are sufficient staff to meet the needs of each resident and recruitment procedures ensure people who live in the home are safe. Staff get regular training and supervision to ensure the necessary skills are available to provide the people who live at the home with good care. Evidence: The home is currently full with 27 residents as four double rooms are used as single person accommodation. In addition to the manager the rota showed that four care staff are on duty between 8:00am and 9:00pm then two care staff between 9:00pm and 8:00am. These staff are supported by an activities coordinator on four days each week and catering, domestic and maintenance staff in appropriate numbers. Information provided by the home manager showed that of 15 care staff, 9 have a National Vocational Qualification to demonstrate their ability to care for older people. The records showed that a regular training programme is in place to ensure staff receive the training they need to care for older people and people with a dementia. The range of training provided this year includes; first aid, fire, infection control, mental health, equality and diversity, caring for people with a dementia and training Care Homes for Older People Page 19 of 25 Evidence: dealing with the safeguarding of vulnerable people. The files of recent recruits were reviewed and found to contain appropriate information in the form of application forms, references and Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks to ensure residents can live in a safe environment. A system is in place to ensure all new staff receive an induction that demonstrates they are able to care for people living in the home. Details of this is recorded in a workbook and signed by the manager on completion of a demonstration of competency. All staff have access to policies and procedures developed to promote good care practices. Two people responded in a survey that, my relative receives all the care and support she needs and staff know and understand her needs. And there are always plenty of staff around. One resident commented that she sometimes has to ask staff twice for things. Staff spoken to stated that training is available and that management provide regular support for them in their work. Care Homes for Older People Page 20 of 25 Management and administration These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is led and managed appropriately. People control their own money and choose how they spend it. If they or someone close to them cannot manage their money, it is managed by the care home in their best interests. The environment is safe for people and staff because appropriate health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. The people staying at the home are safeguarded because it follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and ensures their staff understand the way things should be done. They get the right care because the staff are supervised and supported by their managers. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Burn Brae is a home that is well run for the benefit of the people who live there. Evidence: The manager, who is also an owner of the home has worked in a senior capacity for many years and is well aware of the needs of older people. He has recently obtained the Registered Managers Award to demonstrate his ability. In conversation he demonstrated his knowledge of each resident and keeps a vigilant eye on the care provided to ensure it meets his high standards. He has made many improvements to the home recently both in the administration and in the fabric of the building. He is continuing with these improvements in a structured way to ensure sustained benefit for the people who live and work in the home. Staff spoken to stated that they are well supported. A care manager stated she regards the home in high esteem and has always worked well with the manager and Care Homes for Older People Page 21 of 25 Evidence: staff in the home. There is a quality monitoring system in place. Monthly checks for quality take place as well as regular health and safety checks to promote safety for people who live in the home. There is a suggestion box in the home and surveys are used to identify any issues residents and their visitors have. The results are analysed and sent out to relatives with any actions to be taken. The home has a system for the safekeeping of residents monies should this service be required. All transactions are recorded and evidenced by two signatures. These accounts are regularly checked by the manager for accuracy. The manager demonstrated that regular servicing of equipment takes place, that staff, through training, promote safe working practices to ensure the safety and welfare of people who live in the home. The certificate demonstrating that hoists are maintained and that electrical tests are done were reviewed and found to be in order. A fire risk assessment has been produced. Staff have received fire instruction and fire drills take place to ensure residents are maintained in a safe environment. Care Homes for Older People Page 22 of 25 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Older People Page 23 of 25 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 9 Record in the medical administration records the names and signatures of those staff involved in dispensing medicines. Record both the maximum and minimum temperature of refrigerated medicines in the home. 2 15 Staff should be instructed to use plate covers when transporting individual meals around the home. Care Homes for Older People Page 24 of 25 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. 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