Inspection on 17/01/06 for Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited

This inspection was carried out on 17th January 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

Elpha Lodge Residential Care... 16/06/09

Elpha Lodge Residential Care... 19/04/07

Elpha Lodge Residential Care... 07/07/05

Elpha Lodge Residential Care... 09/12/04

Elpha Lodge Residential Care... 29/06/04

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited South Broomhill Morpeth Northumberland NE65 9RR Lead Inspector Elaine Charlton Announced Inspection 17 January 2006 09:20 Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. 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. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited Address South Broomhill Morpeth Northumberland NE65 9RR 01670 - 760397 01670 761351 elsie@elpha.totalserve.co.uk 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) Ms Elsie Hazel Mrs N Nicholson Care Home 24 Category(ies) of Physical disability (21), Physical disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (3) of places Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. (Main building) Physical disability (12), Physical Disability over the age of 65 years (3) (Sydney House) Physical disability (9) Date of last inspection 7th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Elpha Lodge is situated on the outskirts of South Broomhill near Morpeth and is within walking distance of local shops and community facilities. The home is a short distance from Amble on an accessible bus route. The home is registered to accommodate twenty four younger adults with a physical disability or illness. Currently three service users are over the age of 65 years. The accommodation is split between Elpha Lodge and the recently built Sydney House. The latter provides en-suite accommodation for 9 service users. The majority of accommodation is at ground floor level. There are three bedrooms in the main building which can be used as double rooms. The home has it’s own mini bus which enables service users to access college, social events and outings. Nursing care is not provided but staff are trained to undertake some delegated nursing tasks and their ability is re-assessed by a nominated nurse on a regular basis. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The announced inspection of Elpha Lodge and Sydney House was carried out by Elaine Wright on Tuesday 17 January 2006, at 09:20, and lasted for 5 hours. The manager Nicola Nicholson and her deputy Jane Whitfield were present during the inspection. The inspection focused on the small number of requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection and key standards that were not inspected at the unannounced inspection. The inspection comprised a short tour of Elpha Lodge and Sydney House, an examination of 2 service user care plans and risk assessments. Four staffing files were reviewed as well as quality assurance, accident and fire records. Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) responses received since the last inspection were also examined and signed off. The Inspector was able to speak to two relatives who were visiting the home and eight service users. As part of the pre-inspection process questionnaires were sent out to service users and carers/relatives. Nineteen service users responded to the questionnaire as well as 9 relatives. Comments from these questionnaires are included in the body of this report. What the service does well: Provides good health care and support to service users. Enables and promotes the involvement of service users in educational, social and recreational opportunities. Enables service users to maintain personal relationships. Welcomes and encourages the involvement of families and friends. Maintains good working relationships with, and promotes the involvement of, a wide range of appropriate professionals and health care colleagues. Works co-operatively with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2, 3 and 4. The thorough assessment process identifies individual service users needs and aspirations and ensures that these can be met by the home. Service users opportunities to “test drive” the home ensures that they can be certain their needs are able to be met and they will be comfortable in the home. EVIDENCE: New service users are only admitted to the home following a thorough assessment and have usually had periods of planned respite at the home. A pre-admission assessment seen was well documented and supported by a functional assessment, specialist input, and a report from a short stay. Staff who carry out delegated nursing tasks have received training from a nominated community based nurse/health care professional. The training is documented, signed off and periodically reviewed. Records show that service users have an appropriate level of intervention from a range of professionals and health care staff. These links are well established and the staff team receive positive feedback about their capabilities. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Throughout the inspection staff and service users were seen communicating in a warm and sensitive way, with service users approaching staff, the manager and inspector in a confident manner. A regular group of service users receive planned respite care in Sydney House and are well known to the people who live their. Comprehensive assessments are received from professionals referring service users for care at Elpha Lodge and/or Sydney House and these were seen on file. The manager also carries out her own full assessment before any decisions are made about an admission. Introductions into the home are carried out at a pace to suit the service user and, where appropriate, their family and the views of existing service users are sought as part of this process. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): EVIDENCE: None of these standards were assessed on this occasion. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. EVIDENCE: Nine relatives returned questionnaires all were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall care provided, knew how to make a complaint and had access to a copy of the home’s inspection report. In addition, five relatives made the following comments: Exceptional care and concern – not only with my relative’s disabilities but with their mental recovery. They are included in general conversation and daily life outside Elpha Lodge which has helped greatly. I hold the manager in high regard. I am very happy with my relatives care, the staff at Elpha Lodge have made a very difficult time so much easier. We are more than happy with the care and consideration given to both our relative and ourselves, nothing is any trouble to any of the staff. We are very satisfied. I can only say that on my visits to Elpha Lodge I have always found the staff most courteous and have never found any fault with how Elpha Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 Lodge is run, and in conclusion may I say that the care and attention the residents receive is of the highest standard. There are a small number of friends that visit my relative independently and I am always keen to obtain their feedback. Without exception their reports on my relatives care are positive. They are always made welcome by the staff. This is extremely encouraging. There is an extensive programme for attendance at college courses which includes the majority of service users. They also attend sessions at the gym at the local prison, headway club, pop-in craft club at Lynmouth and the Adult Training Centre. A regular church service is held in Elpha Lodge and service users are taken to their place of worship outside the home if they wish. A training course is being accessed to assist staff to promote and support service users to maintain personal and sexual relationships as appropriate. Service users were keen to report back on concerts and outings they had recently been on and these included Abba, UB40, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and a pantomime. They had also had a Christmas party at a local pub as well as in-house celebrations. A birthday party for a service user who was to be 40 later in the week was being prepared and this was to include a disco and karaoke. A games room has been equipped within Elpha Lodge and includes games that can be played by service users in wheelchairs, art equipment, X box computer games and a full size snooker table is available in the large lounge. Service users were seen making good use of this equipment throughout the inspection. A beautician attends the home regularly. One service user attends all the home games of Newcastle United. The majority of service users have a range of music and television equipment in their own bedrooms and several have also had SKY TV installed. Some service users return to family for weekend and short stays. Two relatives meetings have been held since July of last year and the minutes of these were displayed in both Elpha Lodge and Sydney House and had been posted out to all relatives whether they attended the meeting or not. Topics covered types of inspection, where reports on inspections could be found and identified future targets for the home. The manager intends to have an annual relatives meeting in the summer months, to make travelling easier, and is considering linking this to a social event. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 One couple living in the home became engaged just before Christmas and held a party for all service users as part of their celebrations. Routines within the home are flexible dependant only on service users commitments outside the home. Two service users were helped to retired to bed following their lunch as they were not feeling too well. Keys to bedrooms are available and evidence was seen of the wish to hold a key being reviewed periodically with service users who had expressed a wish not to have a key. Post is delivered to Elpha Lodge and then taken to Sydney House. Two service users said that they like to help the manager with this task. One service user said that she also liked to help with photocopying and filing. Access to all areas of the home and the grounds is level or ramped making it easy for service users to come and go as they please. A range of garden furniture is provided to enable service users and their relatives to enjoy the gardens. The home has a resident cat and one service user has two budgerigars. There has previously been a dog living at the home. There is a designated smoking room within Elpha Lodge which a number of service users and relatives were seen making use of. This is sited away from eating areas and there is access to the outside. One service user told the inspector that he was involved in the catering meetings and was currently consulting other service users about their wishes regarding menus and produced the Christmas Menus on his computer. He also said that service users were able to have a different meal if they did not like the menu choice for that day. There are two domestic style kitchens in Sydney House which service users can use if they wish. Lunch time in the home was seen to be a relaxed and social event. Food supplements were being used for service users who’s needs required this. Staff have also received training and are able to support service users who need to take food through a “peg” feed. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): EVIDENCE: None of these standards were assessed on this occasion. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): EVIDENCE: None of these standards were assessed on this occasion. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24. The home is well maintained and regular health and safety checks promote a safe environment for service users. EVIDENCE: The fire escape at the rear of the building has been replaced. Plans are in hand to redecorate the corridor in Elpha Lodge and carpet samples had been obtained for this area. The electrical re-wiring of Elpha Lodge is being undertaken and it is planned to replace the windows to the front of the property with UPV ones in the summer. The respite bed is situated in Sydney House and provides the service user with full en-suite facilities. Except for 3 bedrooms at first floor level in Elpha Lodge the remainder are all at ground floor level. All the accommodation has level or ramped access. The home is well maintained, comfortable, warm and provides a safe environment for service users. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 34 and 35. The process of recruitment of staff is thorough and all required checks are carried out which promotes the health, safety and welfare of service users. Appraisal and supervision systems are used to identify and record staff training needs which promotes the health, safety and welfare of staff and service users. EVIDENCE: The files of three new members of staff and one leaver were examined. All the information required to be kept, and checks carried out are well documented. This included evidence of identification, CRB checks, 2 references, interview and induction records and certificates to support training. The records are kept in a standard format, are easy to use and up to date. They are kept securely in a locked cabinet. Training courses are funded by the home but staff do sign an agreement at the commencement of their employment that if they leave within a certain period of time, or do not complete training, they will refund the home some or all of the cost of the training. Records also included detailed evidence of supervision. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Staff are employed in accordance with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Code of Conduct. Statements of terms and conditions of employment, job descriptions and interview records were seen on file. Staff receive an annual appraisal (usually in January of each year) at which they are able to review their training over the previous year and identify needs for the forthcoming year. Following the round of appraisal interviews the home’s training plan for the new financial year is drawn up. In the year 2005/06 as well as NVQ training at levels 2, 3 and 4, and refresher training staff have had access to courses on basic medication, stoma care, convenes/appliances, challenging behaviour, personal safety, POVA, record keeping, timekeeping, supervision, problem solving and listening, insulin and rectal diazepam. The home’s deputy manager is also an NVQ assessor and supports staff through their training. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. 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 are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42. Records, interviews and feedback from questionnaires confirms that the home is well run to the benefit of service users. Service users are confident that their views and listened to and they are encouraged to have a voice in the running of the home. Policies, procedures and the management of the building fabric promote the health, safety and welfare of service users and staff. EVIDENCE: The manager of the home is experienced, knowledgeable and interacts well with service users, relatives and professionals. She is registered on a course to complete her NVQ 4/RMA. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 Relatives commented that they hold the manager in high regard, that nothing was too much trouble for the staff at Elpha Lodge and that care was of the highest standard. Quality assurance systems include meetings with relatives, residents meetings, questionnaires to service users, families and professionals. Responses are evaluated and analysed. Comments are also sought from service users, relatives and care managers through the annual review of care process. The annual report on quality assurance findings is to be produced in June of each year. Notices were displayed within both Elpha Lodge and Sydney House about the inspection and the meetings with relatives had included how they could gain access to inspection reports and what types of inspection were carried out. Any requirements/recommendations made at inspection have always been fully addressed within the required timescales. The manager and forward notifications to CSCI as required by Regulation 37, and these are usually preceded by a telephone discussion. Health and safety requirements made at the last inspection had been fully addressed. Comprehensive policies and procedures are accessible to staff. The fire logs for Elpha Lodge and Sydney House and accident books were examined and found to be up to date and in order. One relative said that they had been in the home when a fire drill had been carried out and that it had been done efficiently and quickly. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 4 3 X Standard No 22 23 Score X X ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X X X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 X X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 X 13 3 14 4 15 4 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X X X 3 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X X x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X 3 X X 3 x Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 1 Refer to Standard YA37 Good Practice Recommendations Manager to complete NVQ4/RMA by 30 September 2007. Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Elpha Lodge Residential Care Home Limited DS0000000631.V253935.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 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