Inspection on 30/05/07 for Corton House

This inspection was carried out on 30th May 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

Corton House 10/01/06

Corton House 19/08/05

Corton House 26/01/05

Corton House 22/07/04

Similar services:

Claremont House

Oak Ridge

Sun Court Nursing Home

Ashville House

Bilney Hall

Hill Barn

Mabbs Hall Nursing Home

Henrietta House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Corton House City Road Norwich Norfolk NR1 3AP Lead Inspector Hilda Stephenson Unannounced Inspection 30th May 2007 09:30 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 Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Corton House Address City Road Norwich Norfolk NR1 3AP 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) 01603 620119 01603 665095 corton_house@cortonhouse.co.uk www.cortonhouse.co.uk Corton House Limited Mr Graham Moore Care Home 44 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (44) of places Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 44 Older people of either sex may be accommodated Date of last inspection 10th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Corton House is a residential care home providing care and accommodation for 44 older people. It is owned by Corton House Ltd. a charitable Housing Association with a Christian ethos, which is managed by a committee whose members in the main are representatives from the Norwich Free Churches. Corton House is a large, two storey building situated in its own grounds in the city of Norwich. There are two passenger lifts to the first floor and the bedrooms are sited on the ground and first floors and consist of one double bedroom (with en suite) and forty-two single bedrooms (thirty-nine with en suite). The home has two communal lounges, a dining room, garden room and activity room and is surrounded by well-kept gardens that offer pleasant areas to sit and walk. There is car parking to the front of the property and the home is within walking distance of local shops and the city centre and sited near to health care facilities. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This visit to Corton House took place during the day on 30th May 2007 as an unannounced inspection. The evidence gathered to publish this report was obtained by speaking to eleven of the forty-three residents, two visitors, the manager; four staff and checking through care records, policies and procedures. Further evidence was gathered from comments received through the numerous comment cards that were returned to the office prior to the visit and the information documented within the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment completed by the manager of Corton House. The Commission also take into account other information received from or about the service since the previous inspection took place. The inspection took the form of a tour of the building and taking lunch with three of the residents and checking that the previous requirements had been implemented from the last inspection. The home is owned by a Charitable Housing Association with a Christian ethos and is managed by committee members from the Norwich Free Churches who arrange prayer meetings and religious services throughout the week. The majority of residents are referred through their own particular church, although this is not a condition of referral; the home can care for any religious need. The majority of residents were taking part in the Wednesday morning prayer meeting in the leisure room. Some were in their bedrooms or sitting in the lounge areas, with several entertaining visitors. What the service does well: The home is a residential care home that is well managed by a competent manager who has worked at the home for eleven years. He is supported by the staff, the majority having also worked at the home for several years. The loyal, friendly staff team appear to have a good understanding of the residents’ needs and help them to remain independent as long as possible, offering support with many working extra shifts to cover any shortfalls. The staff arrange a mix of social activities, either group events or on an individual basis, which includes games, discussion on past times, shopping in the city centre of Norwich which is only a short distance away from the home or offer encouragement to residents to continue with their own personal hobbies. Several of the larger events are organised through the Leisure and Activity Committee made up of residents and friends of Corton House. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home was clean and tidy and the residents looked well cared for. It was observed that staff were enthusiastic and put the needs of the residents first. The cook offers the residents wholesome nutritious meals within comfortable dining rooms and the home celebrates individual special events such as birthdays or anniversaries. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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 Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Key standards 3 & 6 were checked. Residents are given clear information prior to admission to assist them to make a decision to move in and all residents are visited prior to admission to ensure the home can meet their individual needs. Residents requiring intermediate care are not currently admitted. EVIDENCE: The manager advised that he would visit residents who are referred to the home, either at their home or hospital and would advise them about the home and whether it can meet their individual needs. Two residents were spoken to who had recently moved into the home and confirmed that they either had visited the home themselves or their family had visited. The care records of one resident were seen; this included the original assessment undertaken by the manager and the initial care plan, with an assessment of needs confirmed by the social worker and hospital. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The resident confirmed that she had been visited by the manager while she was in hospital. The resident stated that she was ‘happy to be able to come here, and my son visited the home first to check whether my room would be suitable for me’. The resident confirmed that she had received a brochure and written information that explained how the home is run. The home does not offer intermediate care although offers short-term respite care when a room is available. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Key standards 7,8,9 & 10 were checked. Residents’ health care needs are generally met and residents are involved when the care plan is written and reviewed. The home organises other professionals to visit residents, when appropriate. Residents are protected with safe procedures with administering their medication. EVIDENCE: Three residents care plans were thoroughly examined and found to contain clear, concise information regarding the physical, mental and social needs of each individual. Each of the care plans contained risk assessments in relation to their moving and handling needs, medication involvement, had indicators in place to monitor nutritional needs by assessing pressure care, weight management and the home is proactive in the management of continence. Residents and their relatives spoken to confirmed that they were regularly kept up to date with their care needs and written aspects of the care plans. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Specialist services such as chiropody, hearing, dental and psychiatric services were regularly sought for those who required these. Residents confirmed that the staff at the home uphold their privacy and dignity at all times, assisting them back to their rooms or the quiet lounge if they require a quiet area. The head of care confirmed that the care plans had recently been adapted to include more details of each resident’s past history and social hobbies and interests to enable the staff to have a better understanding of the people they were caring for. A past recommendation to obtain residents’ last wishes had been implemented and recorded within the care plan. The manager stated that the home is increasing the amount of automatic beds to ensure the comfort of residents. The district nurse visits the home approximately three times a week to advise and assist residents who require nursing attention. Medication was observed being appropriately stored and administered. All care staff were given training by a pharmacist regarding the administration of medication, but only senior members of the team were given the responsibility to do so. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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): Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Key standards 12,13,14 & 15 were checked. Social activities are adapted to suit residents’ individual tastes to provide variety and interest for those living at the home. Residents are very content with the food offered within a sociable and comfortable environment. EVIDENCE: The home has a committee to organise activities and events within the home which include a selection of residents and visitors.The Leisure and Activities Committee and Friends of Corton House meet regularly throughout the year to plan sociable events and parties, to enable residents to gain a sense of belonging to the local community. A resident who is a member of this committee confirmed that events such as a summer fete, barbecues, concerts and entertainers are organised and this ‘gave him a sense of purpose within the home’. Eleven residents were individually interviewed and asked their views about daily life at the care home. Each expressed complete satisfaction with all aspects of their care, the manner in which members of the staff team regarded Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 them and the way in which their days were spent at Corton House. The home is owned by a Charitable Housing Association with a Christian ethos. Many of the residents had chosen this home for the organised religious services and prayer meetings which are held during the week, although it is not compulsory to attend these services. Two visitors stated ‘we always feel welcome when we visit and are often invited to the parties and barbecues’. The head of care said that, although it was difficult to motivate some residents, one of the things they enjoyed most often, was to be engaged in one to one conversation with individual staff members and during the course of the inspection visit, it was noted how the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and members of the team were indeed observed spending time with residents, in their rooms or with groups in the communal lounge area, passing time chatting. The Inspector was invited to take lunch by three of the residents and this took place in a quiet area in the dining room. The home displays a menu so residents can choose before they enter the dining room and let the staff know as part of the waitress service. Each resident is offered a variety of plate sizes for their meal. The atmosphere within the dining room was relaxed and friendly. The home employs a cook, kitchen assistant and kitchen domestic to ensure that residents’ nutritional requirements are catered for. The kitchen was clean and well managed and the cook catered for a variety of special diets. The comment cards that were returned prior to the inspection confirmed that the content and quality of the meals continued to be very good, and that meal times were a sociable occasion. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.Key standards 16 & 18 were checked. Residents and their relatives are confident that the proprietors would deal with their complaints satisfactorily. The service makes efforts to help protect from abuse. EVIDENCE: The manager has dealt with one complaint in the past year. This was logged within the complaints procedure with a satisfactory outcome. The manager said that verbal complaints are dealt with immediately and evidence of this was seen, although written complaints took up to 28 days. The complaints policy was displayed in the hallway and in each of the resident’s rooms. All eleven of the residents who were spoken to agreed that they would speak to the manager or head of care and felt confident that these would be quickly resolved. Comment cards received prior to the inspection contained positive feedback about the home with no complaints to follow up. A requirement from the last inspection required the staff to attend adult abuse training. The home has implemented this by staff attending adult protection training in the form of a DVD with feedback sessions with the trainer. Adult protection training is included within the induction programme and NVQ training, to ensure that all staff receive up to date guidelines. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Key standards 19 & 26 were checked. Residents live in a safe, clean and well-maintained home. EVIDENCE: The last inspection required the home to guard the radiators to ensure that residents would not be at risk of touching hot surfaces. The manager has implemented this by adding a thermostat to each radiator to ensure that the temperature does not put residents at risk. A tour of the home was undertaken to ensure the premises were clean and comfortable. All areas of the home appeared clean, well decorated, tidy and odour free. The home has two lounges, dining room, garden room and activity room and is surrounded by well maintained gardens that offer areas to sit or walk, although several small private areas with seating were dotted round the home to enable residents to entertain their relatives. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The home consists of two floors with access by two shaft lifts. The maintenance plan confirmed that several areas had been redecorated; two further bedrooms had ensuite facilities added increasing the number of rooms to thirty nine and a bathroom had been adapted into a large shower room. Several pieces of equipment were randomly checked and there was evidence that they were regularly maintained. The home has adequate laundry facilities with designated staff who attend to this area, although the flat linen is carried out by an outside contractor. The home employs a maintenance person who deals with tasks within the home and the neighbouring sheltered accommodation. One comment noted on a comment card received prior to the inspection stated ‘Our domestic is of the highest quality’. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.Key standards 27,28,29 & 30 were checked. Well-trained competent staff care for residents. EVIDENCE: Prior to the inspection visit staff rotas, training records and qualifications were received and this provided evidence that the staff provide a mix of experience and skills. The home has a low staff turnover and tends to keep the staff they employ showing evidence that the home continues with a high standard of terms and conditions of employment. During the inspection there were sufficient staff on duty to enable them to fulfil their roles. The rota indicated that the manager tended to be at the home during the working week, and also managed the neighbouring sheltered housing accommodation. During the morning the Head of Care was in charge, supported by 4 care staff, 1 laundry assistant, 1 cook, 1 kitchen assistant, 1 kitchen domestic, and 3 domestic staff. This reduces to 1 senior staff and 3 care staff and 1 tea assistant in the afternoon. Two waking night staff are on duty overnight. The Head of Care confirmed that extra staff are brought in to cover sickness, hospital appointments or outings and parties when required. Three staff files were seen to check that the recruitment procedure had been followed. One of these was the most recently recruited member of staff. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The last inspection required the manager to add a photograph to identify staff members, and this had been implemented. All three staff files showed evidence that the training of first aid, dementia, anxiety and depression in the elderly, medication and moving and handling had taken place during the past year. Three staff on duty were spoken to and all of them had achieved a NVQ qualification in care. The manager provided evidence that 74 of staff have achieved NVQ level 2 and 15 of staff have achieved level 3 in care ensuring the home supports staff to develop their skills. Both Heads of Care supervise staff and meet up with them at least six times a year to discuss their training needs. They have also become trainers and provide regular training and monitoring of the moving and handling of residents. Both Heads of Care divide some management tasks between them with ongoing support from the manager. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service.Key standards 31,33,35,36 & 38 were checked. Residents live in a home that is managed with their best interests at heart. Resident’s health, welfare and safety needs are promoted. EVIDENCE: The manager has worked at the home for the past eleven years and holds the Registered Managers Award. He attends training to keep up to date with topical issues when necessary. He manages Corton House and also oversees any managerial issues within the neighbouring sheltered accommodation. The providers of the home consist of 12 members of the charitable trust and the manager regularly reports back to the committee. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 A member of this committee undertakes regular regulation 26 unannounced visits. The manager explained how the quality assurance is monitored within the home; this is carried out approximately at eighteen monthly intervals and the results and changes are discussed with residents. The home demonstrated that the financial procedures in place help to protect residents personal spending money. Two records were checked, were found to be accurate and monies were stored securely. The manager holds regular supervision sessions with the two Heads of Care, and has monthly meetings with them both to ensure that they are all following the same direction. Care staff confirmed that staff meetings were arranged on a regular basis. Records show that health and safety issues are attended to with regular maintenance of fire equipment and training. The accidents and deaths rates at the home showed no abnormalities. Risk assessments for individual residents were seen in care plans, with general assessments following the homes policy and procedures to ensure the safety of the staff too. The registration certificate and insurance certificate were displayed and were up to date. Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 x 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 3 13 3 14 3 15 4 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 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 3 3 x 3 Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 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 Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Norfolk Area Office 3rd Floor Cavell House St. Crispins Road Norwich NR3 1YF 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 Corton House DS0000027268.V341863.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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!