Inspection on 20/06/06 for Defoe Court

This inspection was carried out on 20th June 2006.

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

Defoe Court 14/10/08

Defoe Court 19/02/08

Defoe Court 16/05/07

Defoe Court 28/11/05

Defoe Court 06/06/05

Defoe Court 16/12/04

Defoe Court 10/06/04

Defoe Court 05/03/04

Similar services:

The Highlands

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Blenheim House

1 Lanark Close

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Ann Charlton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Defoe Court Defoe Crescent Newton Aycliffe Co Durham DL5 4JP Lead Inspector Belinda Parker Unannounced Inspection 20th June 2006 08:50 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 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.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. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Defoe Court Address Defoe Crescent Newton Aycliffe Co Durham DL5 4JP 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) 01325 316316 01325 316633 defoecourt@shealthcare.co.uk Southern Cross Home Properties Limited Mrs Lynn Clark Care Home 41 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (41), Physical disability (4), Terminally ill (3) of places Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Up to 4 persons above the age of 55 may be accommodated within the category of PD commensurate with the home’s Statement of Purpose. 28th November 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Defoe Court is a registered care home with nursing. It is owned by Southern Cross Home Properties Ltd and located in a residential area of Newton Aycliffe, close to all local amenities. The home is situated in its own private grounds and provides personal care and accommodation for up to 41 older people. The home is purpose built for older people and is on two floors. Personal accommodation and communal areas are located on both floors. Service areas are located on the ground floor. Fees range from £405:00 - £ 455:00 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced visit took place on the 20/06/06 and completed on 28/06/06. The inspection took place over a combined period of 10 hours. During the visit to the home time was spent talking to service users, staff and a relative. Prior to the inspection comment cards were received from 1 GP, 2 health care professionals, 2 service users and 2 relatives. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Redecoration of the home is nearing completion. A service user commented, “ The home is kept nice and clean. And I like the new decoration”. Staff responsible for the safe handling of medication received into the home follow the procedure. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.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 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3, standard 6 is not applicable (The home does not provide intermediate care). Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. The pre-admission procedure to the home is good. Involving prospective service users and their representatives in the process. EVIDENCE: 3 service users care plans examined included evidence to show that a full preadmission assessment had been carried out, involving prospective service users and their representatives in the process. The assessment covers all aspects of health and care needs ensuring the home is able to meet the individual needs of prospective service users. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. Care planning is clear and consistent and adequately provides staff with the information they need to satisfactorily meet service users individual needs. The medication at this home is well managed promoting good health. Personal support in this home is offered in such a way as to promote and protect service users’ privacy, dignity and independence. EVIDENCE: Three care plans examined included comprehensive and up to date information. Providing staff with the necessary information to meet the changing health and care needs of individual service users. Records examined showed that service users receive visits from other health care professionals to meet their individual needs. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 There has been an improvement in the handling of medication. Staff adhere to the procedure for receipt of medication into the home. Refresher training for staff responsible for administration and safe handling of medication has been carried out since the last inspection. An audit of medication conducted on the day of the visit was found to be satisfactory. Prior to this visit an audit had been carried out by the Primary Care Trust Pharmacist June 2006. Staff interviewed commented that they give service users respect at all times. Service users spoken to during the visit commented, “ Girls very good, do anything for you”, “ Staff always try to get you to do things for yourself. But if you need a hand they are there”. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. Service users living in this home enjoy a varied and fulfilling social life. Evidence available showed that service users are encouraged and enabled to take control of their life. The dietary needs of people living in the home are met. EVIDENCE: The home employs 2 activities co-ordinators on a part time basis. The home has in place an active activity programme both inside the home and out in the community. A service users spoken to said, “ I don’t like bingo, but I join in other activities”, “ I am enjoying watching the current world cup matches with other residents”. We observed a group of service users participating in a game of bingo. A service user with sight problems had a bingo board with large numbers to enable her to play. There was a lot of laughing and interaction between the service users and the activities co-ordinator. An activity coordinator interviewed said, she tries to motivate service users to join in activities. But the decision to participate is up to the individual service user. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Visiting is flexible. A relative spoken to said he has visited the home on a regular basis for many years. “ I am always made welcome. Seems a very happy place”. Service users are encouraged to take control of their own lifestyle. One service users said, “ I am independent as I can be. I am quite capable of making my views known.” We observed service users having lunch. The dining areas in the home are spacious and comfortable. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried. Portion size was good and well presented. The chef had a list that ensures service users get the meal of their choice and also meets their individual needs. Care plans examined included a nutritional assessment that is evaluated monthly. The menu for the week is displayed on the notice board near the dining areas. Service users commented, “Dinner nice today”, “ Staff ask you what you want everyday”. Comment cards received from service users confirmed that the food is good. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. The complaints system in this home is clear. Enabling service users to make their views known. Through a thorough recruitment and staff training process followed. Service users are protected from harm or abuse. EVIDENCE: A complaints policy and procedure is in place. The procedure is included in the Statement of Purpose and displayed in the home for service user information. A record is maintained of complaints received by the home. The nature of the complaint and outcome of any complaints received are recorded. Service users spoken to during the visit said they knew who to speak to if they were dissatisfied with any aspect of their care. One service user said, “ I can speak for myself”. One comment card received from a relative stated they are not aware of the complaints procedure. Staff personnel files examined showed that a Criminal Records Bureau check had been carried out prior to commencement of employment. Staff have attended POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) training. Staff interviewed were able to demonstrate they were aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an incident of abuse occurring in the home. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. The standard of décor in this home is good with evidence of improvement. Providing service users with an attractive and homely place to live EVIDENCE: On touring the home it was observed that the environment was comfortable, well maintained safe and accessible. Service users were observed moving freely around the home. Service users spoken to are pleased with the current programme of redecoration going on in the home. One service user said, “ I like the new decoration, nice and bright”. Bedrooms viewed were bright, airy and personalised in the chosen style of the individual service user. The home was noted to be free from any offensive odours on the day of the visit. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. Staff are employed in adequate numbers and receive regular training to meet the collective needs of the people who live there. The home adheres to a thorough recruitment process to ensure the protection of service users. EVIDENCE: On the day of the visit staffing levels in the home were adequate to meet the collective needs of the service users. Staff duty rotas examined confirmed that staffing levels were appropriate. A service user commented, “ Staff are very busy. But stop and chat when they can”, “ This is a very busy home”. Six staff files examined confirmed that a thorough recruitment process is followed to ensure service users are protected from harm or abuse. Staff members interviewed said they attend regular training, to enable them to develop their knowledge and skills. That enables them to meet the changing needs of service users. One senior staff member said she ensures junior care staff follow the correct procedures when assisting service users. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 Quality in this area is good. The judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. Service users financial rights are protected by the home. Health and safety is promoted in this home. Up to date records are available for the monitoring and maintenance of systems and equipment. This ensures service users, staff and visitors are protected. EVIDENCE: The manager is well qualified, with many years of experience in working with older people. Staff and service users spoken to commented, “ The manager does a good job”, “ The manager is an excellent communicator”. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The manager carries out a comprehensive home audit monthly. This audit covers all aspects of the service provision. This process ensures the home is run in the best interests of the people who live there. The manager said relatives have the opportunity to make their views known through meetings and a monthly surgery. The manager said in her experience she has found relatives prefer to speak to her on an individual basis. Meetings are not well attended. Records examined for money held by the home on behalf of service users are accurate. Appropriate signatures are recorded for all financial transactions. If service users wish to access money held on their behalf they may request the amount they require. That will be given from a pooled amount kept in the home. It is recommended that money held on behalf of service users should be stored as individual amounts and not pooled. Environmental and individual risk assessments are in place for the protection of the people who live, work in and visit the home. Maintenance records viewed are up to date. Certificates for the service and maintenance of disability equipment and major systems are current ensuring a safe environment. Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 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 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 Defoe Court DS0000039763.V298205.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 - 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!