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Inspection on 19/10/05 for Fernleigh Resource Centre

Also see our care home review for Fernleigh Resource Centre for more information

This inspection was carried out on 19th October 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The registered manager and the staff team work very hard to make Fernleigh welcoming, friendly, supportive and comfortable for service users. During the visit the inspector observed service users appearing comfortable and relaxed with members of the staff team. The service provides comfortable areas for service users to use, such as the main lounge and dining room.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last visit the information held in service users care plans has begun to improve. The registered manager and a senior manager are trying to access specialist dementia training for the staff team. Since the last visit there have been very few staff changes.

What the care home could do better:

At the moment the registered manager and the staff team have no involvement in the pre admission assessment procedures. This increases the chances of people being offered respite placements at Fernleigh when the service and the staff team cannot meet their care needs.The care plans and risk assessments need to be more detailed to give the staff team clear instructions and guidance as to the best way to support and care for service users. The registered manager and the staff team have not received any specialist dementia care training. The inspector acknowledges the staff team are committed to providing a good standard of care. However without the right knowledge and skills service users with dementia will not be receiving the most appropriate care and support. Fernleigh has a respite service and a day service operating from it. Both services use the same facilities and staff team, even though their needs and expectations are different. The inspector acknowledges the owners are currently looking at ways to separate the two services. This should be carried out as a matter of urgency to ensure service users receive services that meet their individual needs and expectations.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Fernleigh Resource Centre Twickenham Drive Leasowe Wirral Cheshire CH46 1PQ Lead Inspector Helen Carton Unannounced Inspection 19th October 2005 11:00 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 Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.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 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. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Fernleigh Resource Centre Address Twickenham Drive Leasowe Wirral Cheshire CH46 1PQ 0151 638 5602 0151 666 3603 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) Metropolitan Borough of Wirral Mr Robert Oswald Care Home 19 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (19) registration, with number of places Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The provision of the day care service sharing all facilities and staffing with the long-term and respite service must be reviewed to reflect the different needs of the three service user groups accessing Fernleigh. The outcome of this review must be forwarded to the Commission for Social Care Inspection by 31/3/05. Until the review is complete no more than 15 service users can be accommodated for day care. The registered persons to be registered to accommodate two (2) adults with a diagnosis of dementia and seventeen (17) older people with a diagnosis of dementia. 22nd February 2005 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Fernleigh is known as a resource centre as a number of different services operate within it. They are all services that support older people with dementia and include a respite unit, a day service and some longer-term placements. Fernleigh offers 19 respite placements and 15 places for day care each day. The same staff team manage both the respite and day care services. People accessing the day care service use all the communal and bathing facilities of the residential service. There are bedrooms on the ground and first floor with all rooms having ensuite toilets. Fernleigh has two fenced garden areas. There are lounges, toilets and bathrooms on the ground and first floor. The main dining room is on the ground floor. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. There were 16 people staying at Fernleigh at the time of the visit. The inspection was unannounced and took approximately four and a half hours. The inspector spent time with eight service users and spoke to the manager, the deputy manager and the responsible individual for the service. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: At the moment the registered manager and the staff team have no involvement in the pre admission assessment procedures. This increases the chances of people being offered respite placements at Fernleigh when the service and the staff team cannot meet their care needs. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 The care plans and risk assessments need to be more detailed to give the staff team clear instructions and guidance as to the best way to support and care for service users. The registered manager and the staff team have not received any specialist dementia care training. The inspector acknowledges the staff team are committed to providing a good standard of care. However without the right knowledge and skills service users with dementia will not be receiving the most appropriate care and support. Fernleigh has a respite service and a day service operating from it. Both services use the same facilities and staff team, even though their needs and expectations are different. The inspector acknowledges the owners are currently looking at ways to separate the two services. This should be carried out as a matter of urgency to ensure service users receive services that meet their individual needs and expectations. 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. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 The pre admission assessment procedures currently used on behalf of the service do not ensure that prospective service users are offered appropriate placements. Where they can be assured their needs can be met. EVIDENCE: Before service users are offered a respite place at Fernleigh an assessment is carried out. This is carried out by social workers employed by Wirral Social Services who own the service. The inspector is concerned the registered manager nor any member of his team have any involvement in this assessment. As they are the people who would be providing the care and support needed by service users. With no involvement in the assessment process the registered manager is unable to show he can meet prospective service users needs and provide a safe environment. After looking at a selection of files the inspector was concerned that admissions of service users to the service had taken place where a clinical diagnosis of dementia had not been made. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 The care plans and risk assessments currently in place do not provide detailed information to enable the staff team to effectively meet service users needs. There is clear evidence that service users health care needs are being met with health care professionals advice and help being sought when required. EVIDENCE: Since the last visit to Fernleigh the service have been working on improving the information held in service users care plans. The inspector spoke to the deputy manager and advised her to seek more information about service users past lives and interests. To help the staff team develop relationships with service users who because of their condition may find talking about past life experiences stimulating and comforting. As the pre admission assessment procedure has not been designed to assess the specific needs of service users with dementia. The care plans do not cover all the characteristics and possible risks service users may be presenting. Particularly when trying to support service users who are experiencing anxiety and stress resulting in aggressive or inappropriate behaviour. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 The risk assessments do not provide the staff team with detailed information about the risk, nor do they offer them clear guidance as the best way to support service users during these difficult times. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Fernleigh does not have detailed information regarding service users past life experiences and recreational interests. Resulting in activities being generic in nature and not specific to the needs of people with dementia. Due to the lack of separate facilities and staffing for the day service respite service users are not receiving individual support to maintain their life skills. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 EVIDENCE: Activities are provided to both the respite service users and those attending for day care. They are not organised in advance and can only take place if there are enough staff on duty and the physical needs of both sets of service users are being met. The inspector is concerned the different needs of these groups are not reflected in the activities and staff time provided. On the day of the visit the inspector did not see service users involved in any activities other than watching daytime TV. The inspector is concerned the different needs of these groups are not reflected in the activities and staff time provided. Fernleigh continues to provide a day care service, which operates from 08002200 hours seven days a week. The respite and day service share the same staff team. This limits the ability of the staff team to provide individual support to those accessing the respite service. The continuing presence of the day care service operating within a residential respite setting continues to effect the environment, atmosphere and the effectiveness of the staff team. The registered manager and the responsible individual informed the inspector they had made a request to the owners for an increase in staffing levels. Also they were awaiting a decision about possible changes to the day service that would minimise its impact on the respite service users. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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&18 The owners have a satisfactory corporate complaints system. However Fernleigh have not provided service users or their relatives with information about who to contact in the service if they have a concern. The arrangements for protecting service users are satisfactory. However the lack of the registered manager’s and the staff teams involvement in the pre admission process may lead to inappropriate placements. EVIDENCE: The owners have produced a complaints procedure that is used in all their services. The inspector suggested the service should try to make a userfriendly complaints procedure with pictures of the management team. So that service users and relatives know who to approach in the home if they have concerns. The owners have detailed policies and procedures to protect service users from abuse. The deputy manager informed the inspector the staff team are updating their protection of vulnerable adults training. The lack of the registered manager and staff teams involvement in the pre admission assessment process is of concern. As people admitted to Fernleigh that have not been assessed specifically for a place at the service may not be receiving the best type of care and support. These types of admissions may have a detrimental effect to the individual and the other service users. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 19,23 and 26. The standard of the environment within the service is good providing service users with a homely place to stay. The lack of separate facilities for the day service puts a strain on the residential environment. EVIDENCE: The main lounge is pleasantly decorated and the furniture is comfortable and homely. There are two dining rooms with the smaller one used by those people accessing the day service. All communal areas are pleasantly decorated and furnished. The inspector viewed seven bedrooms and looked at the bed linen, the pillows were lumpy and would be uncomfortable to lie on. All areas of Fernleigh other than the bedrooms are shared with the day service seven days a week. Not allowing those people on respite to enjoy the facilities in a smaller group. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Areas of the service visited were clean, pleasantly warm and bright. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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&30. Service users specialist needs are not being met. The service’s recruitment practices protect service users from possible abuse. The staff team have not received specialist dementia training resulting in them not developing the necessary competencies to support service users appropriately. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 EVIDENCE: The inspector is concerned at the impact the day care service has on the respite service. As they offer a range of services such as bathing, continence care and support during mealtimes support. However the day service does not have staffing hours allocated to it. The inspector believes this situation reduces the amount of staff time spent with the respite service users to promote life skills and support them during their stay at Fernleigh. A sample of staff records were looked at they were well maintained and all the appropriate checks had been made to protect service users. At the last visit the inspector made a requirement that the owners provide the staff team with specialist training in Person Centred Dementia Care. The responsible individual informed the inspector this training had been found and the costs had been passed to the owners to approve the training. Since the last visit the staff team have not been on any training courses about supporting and caring for older people with dementia. The owners are advised to equip the staff team with specialist training to help them to provide appropriate care and support. Also to enable them to provide organised activities that will benefit service users with dementia. The staff team work very hard to support service users. During the visit the inspector observed members of the staff team supporting service users in a sensitive and respectful manner. They demonstrated an ability to defuse anxious and upsetting situations. However the owners’ commitment to actively supporting service users rights as citizens to have some control over their daily routines such as privacy, choice and dignity is not reflected in the structure of the services operating at Fernleigh. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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, 37&38 The lack of the manager’s involvement in the pre admission assessment procedure has a detrimental impact on the health, safety and welfare of service users. The day care facility operating from Fernleigh has a detrimental impact on the care and time provided by the staff team to the people accessing the respite facility. The lack of specialist dementia training being provided to the registered manager and the staff team prevents them providing appropriate care and support. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has completed the NVQ level 4 registered managers award, however has not carried out recent specialist training in the area of dementia care. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 The registered manager nor his staff team are not involved in the pre admission assessment process which does not seek specific information about how the dementia condition is presenting in individuals. The inspector is concerned at the number of people accessing the respite facility who have not been clinically diagnosed as having dementia. Fernleigh is a specialist unit that is registered with the Commission as a care home for 17 older people and two younger adults with dementia. The lack of specialist dementia care training and separate facilities and staff team for those people accessing the day service is effecting the standard and quality of care being provided to those people accessing the respite facility. The inspector observed members of the staff team providing care and support to service users in a respectful and sensitive way. Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 1 X X X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 X 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 1 13 3 14 X 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 2 17 X 18 2 3 X X X 2 X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 1 28 2 29 3 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 2 2 X X X X 2 2 Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes 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 The registered person must ensure the registered manager is actively involved in the pre admission assessment procedures. To ensure the home can meet the identified needs. The registered persons must ensure where assessment documentation indicates a prospective service users does not fit within the registration category appropriate action is taken. (Previous timescales of 16/7/04 and 31/3/05 not met) The registered manager must ensure the care plans and risk assessments produced by the service identify all service users needs and risk factors. Particularly with regard to specific needs relating to their dementia condition. The registered manager must ensure the complaints procedure is user friendly and is a format easily understood by service users and their representatives. DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Timescale for action 30/01/06 1 OP3 14 30/01/06 2 OP3 14 30/12/05 3 OP7 15 30/01/06 4 OP16 22 Fernleigh Resource Centre Version 5.0 Page 22 5 OP27OP12 13 30/03/05 The registered persons must ensure the day care service operating within Fernleigh does not have a detrimental impact on the registered residential unit. With particular regard to shared facilities, activities offered and one to one support provided. A staff roster indicating how the staff team are to be allocated between the two services is to be available for inspection at all times. (Previous time scale of 30/11/04 and 31/3/05 not met) The registered manager must ensure the pillows on service users beds are free from lumps and are comfortable to lie on. The registered persons must ensure the registered manager and the staff team are provided with specialist dementia training. To ensure they have the necessary skills and competencies to support service users in the most appropriate way. 12/01/05 6 OP24 16 30/01/05 7 OP30 18 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 Fernleigh Resource Centre DS0000035856.V260883.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Liverpool Satellite Office 3rd Floor Campbell Square 10 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5AS 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. 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