CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Ferncross 4 Crossdale Avenue Cross Cop, Heysham Morecambe LA3 1PE Lead Inspector
Jenny Dunkeld Announced 28 June 2005 09.45 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information
Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Ferncross Address 4 Crossdale Avenue Cross Cop Heysham Morecambe LA3 1PE 01524 858316 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Draycombe House Care Ltd Mrs Ann Withers CRH - Care Home 15 Category(ies) of DE Dementia (11) registration, with number OP Old Age (4) of places Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. The home may accommodate eleven service users in the dementia (DE) category and four named service users in the category of old age (OP). All further admissions to the home must be of the dementia (DE) category. No more the fifteen service users may be accommodated in the home at any one time. Date of last inspection 18 October 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Ferncross is situated in Heysham and is a home for older people who suffer from dementia. With the agreement of the Commission for Social Care Inspection the home currently accommodates 4 service users who do not fall within the category as they do not have Dementia. However they have chosen to move to this home when the service provider vacated the previous home known as Ferncross. The home can accommodate a maximum of fifteen residents in mainly single bedrooms. A double bedroom is available. The bedrooms are located on the ground and first floor. A passenger lift gives access to the first floor for those who require it. There are 2 lounges and a separate dining room. There is also a well maintained garden where the residents can sit/walk in safety. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This home has been inspected against the National Minimum Standards for older people introduced in April 2002. This year, all registered Care Homes are to be inspected at least twice this year and both visits can be unannounced. However the inspector chose to carry out an announced inspection to this home. This inspection was over a 4-hour period during the day on 28/6/05 and looking at various aspects of care. In the report there are references to the “tracking process”, this is a method whereby the inspector focuses on a small group of residents. All records relating to these individuals are examined, along with the rooms they occupy in the home. Residents are invited to discuss their experiences of the home with the inspector; this is not to the exclusion of the other residents who contributed in many ways. This inspection included discussion with residents, staff and the manager in addition to viewing the home’s required written information such as policies and procedures about various issues for instance ‘Health and Safety’. The residents written plans of care were also viewed for 3 people. The plan of care is a document outlining the needs of the individual resident and how these are to be met. The plans of care cover all aspects of the individual’s life including health, personal care and social activities. Thereby ensuring people are content in the care they receive. The residents the inspectors spoke with happy with life at Ferncross. The staff enjoyed their work at Ferncross and spoke to the inspector in a professional manner about the residents. They were also full of praise for Ann the home owner and manager. What the service does well:
The manager and staff see people as individuals according to comments received from 6 of the residents
Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 Enables people to keep their pet with them in the home if at all possible. 2 dogs live with their owners. One lady spoke of the how happy she was that she can have her dog with her. Provide a pleasant environment. The home is well decorated and residents have easy access to all communal areas. The residents spoke of how pleased they were with their new home. In that it is lighter, larger and has a passenger lift. The staff and management create a calm, homely atmosphere where residents are pleased to live and feel secure and well cared for. One relative stated about the home ‘It has a nice atmosphere and patience is very much evident from all concerned’ The staff team is consistent, well-trained and competent. In this relaxed friendly environment the residents know that their needs come first. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better:
Care plans could be written in greater detail, albeit that the needs of each individual are verbally well communicated Whist the management and staff are aware of the actions to take if an allegation of abuse was to occur there is a need to ensure the homes ‘Adult Abuse’ procedure makes reference to the Department of Health guidance “No Secrets”
Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 7 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. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 8 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS
Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 Choice of Home
The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 3 & 6 There are good arrangements for the needs of the residents to be assessed prior to admission. This means that management and staff are aware of people’s needs and can ensure they are capable of meeting them in the most appropriate way. Ferncross does not provide intermediate care. EVIDENCE: The inspector as part of the ‘Case tracking’ process viewed the care files of three residents. All three had detailed pre-admission assessments of their individual needs, including; Mobility Continence Eating and drinking Communication Personal hygiene Medication Mental condition And a General section which includes a social history.
Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 From reading these documentations the carers would have a good background knowledge of the individual. Following admission the home completes a questionnaire with/about the individual to ensure their background and interests are known thereby enhancing a consistency of lifestyle, including hobbies/interests. The care staff spoken with were aware of the individual needs of the 3 residents and spoke respectfully about them. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Health and Personal Care
The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7 & 10 Arrangements to meet the health care needs of the residents are good. Policies and staff training ensure the residents are treated with respect and dignity and that their right to privacy is respected EVIDENCE: There are plans of care in place for every resident. The inspector viewed 3 of these and found that in general the information recorded is good. However some of the “identified needs” could be expanded upon. For instance one plan states “occasionally wanders at night”. The carer would need to know how such behaviours would be best managed for the individual. For example ask the person if he/she is alright, offer a cup of tea, reassure the person. Whilst this type of information is evidently communicated verbally, resulting in the residents stated contentment of care, there is a need to ensure it is recorded in the plan of care. The health care needs identified during the pre- admission assessment form part of the plan of care. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 For instance the District Nurse visits one resident daily to administer her Insulin daily. The inspector noted that one man had a medication review at the homes request as his medication was having an adverse effect. The residents Doctor arranged to change the medication which had a positive outcome. The care files reflect peoples medical appointments including chiropodist and dental care. The staff receive training in ‘Respecting the rights of people in our care’ . The inspector viewed a copy of the information given to staff which outlines that this is an important part of care. It also explains how there maybe times when the persons right has to be overridden in order to protect them from serious harm. This would be following a risk assessment and asking the question ‘Is it really in the persons best interest or is more convenient for our own peace of mind.’ It clarifies that over-riding a persons rights should only be as a last resort. The inspector talked with the residents who stated that their rights are respected and that the staff were lovely. They also said that all personal care such as toileting and bathing is given in privacy by ensuring that the doors are kept closed. A comment card received from one relative stated ‘My Mother is always calm and happy when I visit. I am pleased with the way she has settled into the home’ Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities
The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12 & 13 The life style of people at Ferncross is in many circumstances a continuation of their preferences prior to living at the home, depending on their individual capability. The residents are content in the care they receive. There are no restrictions for families and friends of the residents to visit the home. The residents benefit from seeing their family when they wish to. EVIDENCE: The plans of care viewed reflect the lifestyle and activities prior to coming to live at the home and how these are now continued. For instance one resident used to enjoy playing ‘Crown green bowls’ and in the Summer last year played Bowls on the lawn at the home. An Arts and Craft organiser is employed in the home once a fortnight. Some of the residents told the inspector about what they had made and proudly showed her examples of these. The home also arranges for an entertainer to come to the home periodically who encourages people to join in for a Sing-a-long. Armchair exercises are popular with some of the residents.
Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 Some people enjoy going out for a walk in the area. One friend of a resident wrote on a comment card to the inspector saying” I have been when they have been singing all the old songs and they seem to enjoy it and look contented. 2 residents each have their own dog live at the home with them and the majority of people in the home enjoy their company. The clergy visit to offer people communion. Those who are able go to a church of their choosing. The home also has a good practice of asking families to produce a book of information about the person including photographs of holidays, family, special occasions etc. This is then used to aid communication with the individual resident. For instance they show the person the photograph and ask’ When was this?’ or ‘ Who is this?’ It also helps staff to understand about the person and their achievements in life. The persons family contact is recorded on the persons individual notes, for example; ‘Husband telephoned’ or ‘Daughter visited’. The residents told the inspector that they can see their family at anytime they choose. All 5 comment cards received from families of the residents reflected that they are made welcome at any time. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 Complaints and Protection
The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 18 The home provides a safe environment where the people are well protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home has a policy regarding Protection from Adult Abuse, which is clearly written however it needs some amending to ensure it refers to the Department of Health Guidance ‘No Secrets’. However the manager and staff were aware of what action to take should anyone make an allegation of abuse. The staff receive training in relation to the protection from abuse and how serious any such allegations should be taken. All staff are Criminal Records Bureau cleared at an enhanced level prior to taking up their appointment. Outer doors can not be opened without the use of a key from the outside and are always kept locked to prevent any unwanted intruders. The residents able to respond said when asked, that they felt safe living at Ferncross and were confident that Ann and her staff team would ensure they were not abused in any way Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 Environment
The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19 Ferncross is a safe place in which to live. EVIDENCE: The home is well maintained and there is a rolling programme of decoration/ maintenance. All central heating radiators are fitted with low heat surface covers in order to prevent the residents from accidentally burning themselves against hot radiators. All internal doors can be held open by a magnetic self-closing device. Many of the residents prefer to have the internal doors open so that they can wander freely around the communal areas, without waiting for someone to open a door for them. These devices will close automatically should the fire alarm be raised, protecting the residents and preventing a fire spreading. The bathrooms at the home are going to have new floor surfaces laid that will enhance those rooms appearances Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 The inspector noted that one bedroom carpet had ripples in it and could present a hazard to the resident. The owner of the home explained that this has been stretched once but the occupant of that room shuffles when walking. However she has agreed to have it re stretched/replaced to prevent any injuries. The plans of care for residents include risk assessments where appropriate for example use of the passenger lift The residents said that they like their bedrooms and have made them personal by adding residents said that they like their bedrooms and have made them personal by adding their own possessions. One relative said “They have comfortable lounges and everywhere looks homely” Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 Staffing
The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 & 29 The level and calibre of staff is good resulting in a dedicated staff team. The homes recruitment policy is robust ensuring the residents are cared for by an appropriate staff team. EVIDENCE: The staffing rotas were checked and they showed a staffing level that meets the needs of the residents on every shift. The staff said there are enough of them to provide a good quality of care. The residents spoken with said the staff were kind and always had time to listen to them. The inspector looked at 2 staff files and these contained a robust staff application form with a full employment history, 2 written references, Criminal Records Bureau clearance, and a photograph of the staff member. There was evidence that formal supervision is given to all staff 6 times per year. Training is offered to all staff to ensure they carry out their role in the best possible manner, including; - An Induction period which is carried out along side a mentor, someone who the staff member can relate to and shadow their methods of meeting individual needs.
Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 -Safe Handling of Medication -National Vocational Qualification level 2 & 3 -Fire safety -Falls Awareness and prevention -Pressure Care -Health and Safety -Moving and handling -Dementia Awareness and Improving Dementia care. ( All new staff take part in a full Dementia Awareness training which is followed up yearly for all staff to remind/update them.) -Abuse and Pova awareness 4 of the current staff have achieved National Vocational Qualification in care at level 3, and 2 have achieved National Vocational Qualification level 2. This means that the recommendation for 50 for of staff to achieve this qualification has been exceeded 5 staff are currently undergoing National Vocational Qualification in care training. The manager actively promotes training to ensure the staff feel competent in carrying out their role. The staff said that Ann (the home owner)has taught them a lot and that she is caring and always willing to listen to ideas. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 Management and Administration
The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 33, 35 & 38 The manager of the home is experienced and qualified. The residents feel safe and content in the knowledge that their home is managed well. The arrangements to protect the resident’s money and property are good. Resident’s money and property is safe guarded. EVIDENCE: Mrs Ann Withers the homeowner is a registered nurse for the mentally ill.(RNM) She has successfully completed the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) level 4 in Care and in Management and the Registered Managers Award Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 She is also a work base assessor for the NVQ Her years of experience in managing this service have enhanced her competence and have developed a homely environment where staff and residents speak highly of her. The staff spoken with said that the home is ‘homely’, ‘well run’ ‘well managed’ and ‘we work as a team’. The staff on duty at the time of the visit had worked with “Ann” (home owner) for over 8 years, one said “we are happy in our work so we stay” the other said “You couldn’t have a better manager than Ann” The residents made positive comments about the homeowner to the inspector including, ‘Ann is kindness itself’ ‘nothing is too much trouble for her’. The 6 comment cards received from the residents all stated that they liked living at Ferncross and that they are well cared for. The home has a board in the office where staff can write down any items requiring repair, in order to ensure that the home is a safe and wellmaintained environment for people to live in. Hot water outlets have thermostatically controlled devices on them to protect the residents from scalding. All radiators are guarded to ensure burns do not occur from contact with hot radiators. The homes fire safety book was examined this contained the following information; Areas of risk, weekly checks of; fire alarm call points, emergency lighting. The last recorded fire drill was June 2005. The staff watch a Fire Safety video as part of their initial training. The people who live at Ferncross manage their own finances or have a relative or solicitor manage them on their behalf. This safeguards the financial interests of the residents. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES
This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from:
4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable
CHOICE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score x x 3 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 x 9 x 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 x 15 x
COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 x x x x x x x STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 x 29 3 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score x x 3 4 x 3 x 3 x x 3 Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 no Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. 2. Standard 7 19 Regulation 15(1) 13(4)(a) Requirement The management must ensure that the individual plans of care are explicit The management must ensure that the rippled carpet in one bedroom receives attention to ensure it is not he cause of any trips/falls Timescale for action 31/8/05 23/7/05 3. 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 18 Good Practice Recommendations The management should ensure the homes Adult buse policy refers to the Department of Health No Secrets document. Ferncross F57-F09 S59354 Ferncross V177183 280605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unit 1, Tustin Court Portway Preston PR2 2YQ National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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