Inspection on 28/11/05 for Fir Trees

This inspection was carried out on 28th November 2005.

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Fir Trees 17/10/07

Fir Trees 29/08/06

Fir Trees 14/06/05

Fir Trees 12/01/05

Fir Trees 29/06/04

Fir Trees 18/02/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Fir Trees Gorse Hall Road Dukinfield Tameside SK16 5HN Lead Inspector Janet Ranson Unannounced Inspection 28th November 2005 09:30 X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.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. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Fir Trees Address Gorse Hall Road Dukinfield Tameside SK16 5HN 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) 0161 338 2977 0161 304 8384 firtree@timesidecg.co.uk Tameside Care Limited Anne Robertson Boyd Dobson Care Home 45 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (45), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (45), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (45) Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is registered for a maximum of 45 service users to include: *up to 45 service users in the category of DE(E) (Dementia over 65 years of age). *up to 45 service users in the category of PD(E) (Physical disability over 65 years of age). *up to 45 service users in the category of OP (Old age not falling within any other category). The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 14th June 2005 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Fir Trees is a large, purpose built home, originally commissioned and managed by the local authority. Tameside Care Limited (a not for profit company) is now the registered provider. The home has been extended and developed over the years to provide care for up to 45 elderly people, some of whom may have dementia or a physical disability. A day care unit is also located within the building but is not subject to regulation. Single room accommodation is provided over two floors. Fortyone bedrooms also benefit from en-suite facilities. Lounge and dining areas are located on both floors and each dining area has its own domestic kitchen. There are aids and adaptations to meet the assessed needs of the service users, in addition to a passenger lift. A landscaped garden is situated in the centre of the building and is fully accessible from the home. Fir Trees is located within a residential area of Dukinfield, close to the market town of Ashton-under-Lyne, with all the associated local facilities. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection carried out over three and a half hours. Fir Trees provides personal care for up to 45 people over 65 years of age with either dementia or a physical disability. It is owned by Tameside Care Limited, a not for profit organisation. The manager is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection and was present throughout the inspection. In addition to teams of carers, the organisation employs domestic, catering and maintenance personnel. The purpose of the inspection was to ascertain the residents’ quality of life and check compliance with requirements made at the previous inspection (June 2005). The inspection process included a tour of the building, observation of staff practice and discussion with the manager. Some residents also assisted with their comments. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The timings of the meals have been improved to provide a more even coverage. The home is able to respond to the residents’ requests in a flexible manner. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.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 Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.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): 1&3 Standard 3 was inspected during the previous announced inspection (June 2005) when it was judged to meet fully with the standard. Standard 6, intermediate care is not provided at Fir Trees. EVIDENCE: Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.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, 9 & 10 Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 were inspected during the previous announced inspection (June 2005) when they were judged to meet fully with the standards. EVIDENCE: Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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): 14 & 15 The timing of the meals is more convenient for the residents. Standards 12 and 13 were inspected during the previous announced inspection (June 2005) when they were judged to meet fully with the standard. EVIDENCE: As noted in standard 19, the temperature was fluctuating within the home. It was observed during the inspection that some ladies were not wearing either stockings or tights. Although the residents stated they did not feel cold, it is considered to be undignified and an institutional practice for numbers of residents to be bared legged. The manager did ask the carers to assist the ladies with stockings when this had been brought to her attention. At the previous inspection comments were received from some residents and their representatives regarding the timing of the meals. Some residents thought that the lunch was served too quickly after the cooked breakfast. A requirement was made to involve the residents with a review of meal times. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 The consultation has been carried out. Lunch is now served at 12:30pm and the evening meal from 4:30pm. It was noted that the catering staff are also able to respond flexibly and provide meals for those residents who have been out shopping or attending appointments. The daily menu is now also displayed on a wipe clean board close to each dining area. The timing of the meals was also identified in the organisation’s quality assurance survey. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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 Standards 16 and 18 were inspected at the previous announced inspection (June 2005) when they were judged to meet fully with the standards. EVIDENCE: Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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 & 25 The residents’ security cannot be guaranteed. The central heating was failing to maintain an even level of warmth throughout the building. EVIDENCE: The main entrance into the home remains fully accessible to the general public. At the last inspection a visitor commented that they were surprised visitors could enter the building unobserved and once in the building were free to access all areas of the home. Many of the other homes managed by Tameside Care Limited now have security devices on the main doors and this continues to be a requirement at Fir Trees. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 On the day of the inspection there had been a heavy snowfall and the external temperature was very low. During the inspector’s tour of the building there were areas within the lounge and dining rooms that seemed cold, although it should be noted the residents did not consider this to be the case. It was apparent that the heat from the radiators was either extremely hot or lukewarm and, in some cases, the radiator covers had been removed in an attempt to improve the warmth. Supplementary (electric) heating was also observed in some bedrooms. It is understood that the heating has caused concerns for some time and engineers have attempted to address the problems with little effect. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 & 30 Standards 27, 28, 29 and 30 were inspected during the previous announced inspection (June 2005) when they were judged to meet fully with the standards. EVIDENCE: Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 33 & 35 Systems are in place to safeguard residents’ finances and best interests. EVIDENCE: The organisation has a quality assurance monitoring system in the form of an annual questionnaire. The outcomes have been published and identified issues (see standard 15) addressed. Unannounced quality monitoring checks are also carried out throughout the year by senior head office staff. The residents’ financial interests are safeguarded by the organisation’s policy and procedure. Small amounts of personal allowances are retained for safekeeping within the office. Records and receipts are maintained to document expenditure. Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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 X X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 X 14 2 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 X 18 X 2 X X X X X 1 X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X X 3 X 3 X X X Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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. 1 2. Standard OP14 OP19 Regulation 12(2)(3) 13(4)(a) Requirement The registered person must ensure the residents are assisted to dress appropriately. The registered person must provide security to the main entrance. (Previous timescale 01/09/05 not met). The registered person must ensure that an ambient temperature is maintained throughout the home. Timescale for action 14/12/05 01/01/06 3 OP25 23(2)(p) 14/12/05 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 Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ashton-under-Lyne Area Office 2nd Floor, Heritage Wharf Portland Place Ashton-u-Lyne Lancs OL7 0QD 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 Fir Trees DS0000005591.V265442.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 - 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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