CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood 10-20 Cardinal Avenue Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 1EP Lead Inspector
Mrs Alison Butler Unannounced Inspection 12th May 2008 08:00 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 Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood Address 10-20 Cardinal Avenue Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 1EP 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) 0208 236 2000 0208 2073989 Aspen Village Limited Andrew Mark Stoner Care Home 178 Category(ies) of Dementia (0), Old age, not falling within any registration, with number other category (178), Physical disability (0) of places Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care home only - Code PC. to service users of the following gender: Either. whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not falling within any other category - Code OP. Dementia - Code DE. Physical disability - Code PD. The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 178. 15th May 2007 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Borehamwood Care Village has recently undergone refurbishment and building work and has expanded provision to include younger people with physical disability, two units that support people who suffer from dementia, as well as older people who may need nursing care. The complex is situated a short walk from the main shopping area of Borehamwood and accessible from the nearby main railway station. There is ample parking within the complex and service users have access to various outside areas to sit and take part in the gardening if they wish. Information regarding the service is included in the Statement of Purpose and the Service User Guide. For copies of these documents, the most recent CSCI inspection report and up to date fees contact the home manager. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 1 star. This means that the people who use the service experience adequate quality outcomes.
Two inspectors who spent a total of 16 hours in the service conducted this inspection. The information for this report has been gathered from the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA), resident surveys, a random inspection conducted in March 2008 and this visit. During this inspection we also covered a Safeguarding Thematic Probe where we spoke with 3 members of staff to ask specific questions and examined recruitment records. A large amount of time was spent observing and talking with the people who use the service, staff and visitors to the home. Care and administration records were also examined. What the service does well:
The home is well run with a good management structure in place with each member of the management having key responsibilities. The atmosphere in the home was calm and relaxed although busy. Activities continue to be well organised in consultation with the people who live in the home. Residents are encouraged to take part in activities but do not have to if they do not want to do so. A training structure is in place with a rolling programme to ensure skills are updated as required and so that staff have the skills to meet the residents needs. We are informed appropriately of complaints, concerns and anything that affects the well being of a resident so that we can monitor the quality of the service provided. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS
Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home
The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1&3 Standard 6 is not applicable to Forest Care Village. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service are provided with the information to make an informed choice and a comprehensive assessment is carried out to identify any needs, which ensures that the service is able to appropriately meet residents needs. EVIDENCE: The home have an up to date Service User Guide and Statement of Purpose available to prospective residents and their families to provide them with the information they require to make an informed choice. One resident stated “I have been to 13 other homes before deciding on this one” “ I came here as an emergency admission and therefore no choice was given”. Most residents spoken to were happy with their care and the information they received prior to admission.
Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Pre-admission assessments are carried out which form the basis of the initial care plan to ensure that individuals needs have been identified and can be met. The annual quality assurance assessments states that they need to ensure that all residents are in receipt of a Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide at the point of admission. Over the next twelve months they are going to have in place dedicated assessment staff and a contracting specialist. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 & 10 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that care is provided to residents by staff who will treat them with respect and are aware of peoples needs, although this is not always written up in the care plans. If people were treated by staff unknown to them this may mean that they do not receive the care they require. Medication procedures are in place which, if followed ensure people are kept safe. EVIDENCE: Information recorded within the care plans did not always reflect the care that was being provided for example when discussing with a member of staff about an individuals particular care it was revealed that they required specialist skin care to ensure that soap were not used on their skin, this had not been recorded within the personal care needs of the care plan. Another resident whose plan stated they are cared for in bed was seen in the lounge for most of the morning supported in a specialist seat, but the care plan had not been
Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 updated to reflect this. Where the need for a lap belt has been identified whilst they had received consent from family a risk assessment had not been completed to ensure all risks were minimized. We were told that this would be addressed quickly and therefore a requirement has not been made, but this will be looked at during further inspections of the home. We carried out an observation in the unit, which cares for people who have a dementia; this has much improved since the last key inspection that was carried out in May 2007. Staff were seen to interact well with the residents. The care plans were detailed giving the staff the information they needed to care for individuals. Staff spoken to on the unit were knowledgeable about the residents and what their likes and dislikes are which ensures a person centred approach to care delivery. To aid the staff in meeting people’s needs more effectively it is thought that the introduction of a violent incident form would help staff to look at any patterns forming and any repetitive behaviour. This could also help if additional support is required for someone. Some people spoken to were complimentary about the care they received saying: “The care here is 1st Class” “ Carers try hard” but some felt that “Communication can be a problem from those who do not have English as their first language”. Medication policies and procedures are in place. However, we did see one person’s medication had been left on the breakfast table and was discovered by another resident who handed it in to a nurse on duty. This was to be addressed immediately by the management team. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that they will be supported to have contact with their family and to be offered a choice of activities to ensure that their recreational interests and needs are met. EVIDENCE: The unit that supports people who have a dementia has improved further and staff are able to understand their needs and offer the appropriate support to them. On the day of the inspection one of the units was having new carpets fitted and the staff were managing this well with some residents being supported in the other unit which supports people with dementia and others residents were going to be using the conservatory for activities and meals. Observation in the conservatory showed that this appeared not to have made a negative impact on the residents and they were given free access to the garden, with additional staff on hand to provide them with support. Due to the very nice weather on the day some residents were able to have their meals out in the garden. It was also noted that additional dining furniture should have been brought into the lounge, as some tables were too low to make eating comfortable for the
Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 people using them at lunchtime. We were assured that this was going to be addressed in time for the evening meal as the carpets would not have been fully laid by the end of the day and a further day was likely to be required to complete the task. At the random inspection in March 08 we were able to join the residents committee meeting which was being held on the day of the inspection, they were discussing issues around the menu planning and the building of the new kitchen which was due to be completed at the end of May 08. At this inspection it was felt likely that the kitchen will now over run into June and the manager will inform us when it has been completed. Comments received from the residents included, “Food is not good” “New kitchen will hopefully improve things” “The menu is basic, sometimes they can’t even cook the vegetables” “ Food is below par due to not enough kitchen staff”. “Food is excellent and very tasty” “ I hope when the new kitchen is built the food will improve especially the midday meal”. As the home chef and her team prepare over 160 meals per mealtime, it is recognised that it is incredibly difficult to please such a large number of people all the time. The management team are consistently trying to address individual issues and the chef comes out to speak with individual people and they feedback following their residents meetings. At the random inspection carried out in March 08 we observed breakfast being served for approximately two hours; this indicated that some residents were sat for long periods of time without having their breakfast served to them. Staff were also seen not communicating with the residents and specifically when their chairs were being moved they were not informed of this. The TV was on at a very low volume in the lounge but it appeared that it was not being watched by any of the residents - although it would have been difficult for them to hear it. This was an area where improvements could be made to make the experience for residents at mealtimes a more social occasion. This inspection showed that this had been addressed and mealtimes were a lot more pleasurable with music played in the background and staff spending time talking to residents. Residents were offered an beer or a soft drink depending on their choice and dietary needs. A new four weekly menu is to be introduced from next week and the activity staff have worked in creating this into a picture format to assist residents in making informed choices. When afternoon tea was being served one resident complained that their drink was not hot. This may be due to the time it takes to complete the round and we suggested that it would be better to have two trolleys covering the round or that staff ensure that the trolley is replenished half way through to ensure that all tea and coffee is served hot. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Since the last key inspection the home has employed someone who was previously a music teacher, they have started up music sessions and now have a choir. This has been a valuable resource and it is enjoyed by many of the residents who attend the sessions. A room has been set up with a large collection of instruments, one resident is learning to play the key board and they very much enjoy these sessions, and are looking forward to playing for other residents in a concert. A resident commented that “Activities are good” and “there is lots to choose from”. On the day of this inspection the activity coordinators had set up a large TV in the main lounge area and games console on which residents were playing a game of bowling followed by a shooting game. Relatives spoken to during the two inspections were complimentary about the care and felt they were kept informed about the care of their relatives. They felt that the staff work well with the residents and felt they were able to raise any issues of concern. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 & 18 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who use the service can be confident that they will be listened to although effective audit trails have not been recorded to show the outcome of the complaint, which may leave people feeling dissatisfied. Not all staff have received appropriate training to ensure residents are safeguarded from abuse which may leave people at potential risk. EVIDENCE: The home have received a number of complaints. Due to the complexity of some of the complaints, Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Service have been involved to provide support to try and reach a satisfactory conclusion for the family and the service. We are kept appropriately informed about the complaints they receive and the outcomes. Following the recent number of complaints they have re-written the complaints procedure to improve the procedure and try to ensure that a satisfactory outcome is reached. During the inspection we discussed with the management team some concerns that were raised by people during the inspection, however not all of these were recorded as would be expected. To ensure people are clear about the outcome is was decided that one person should be responsible for dealing with the issues, that these are recorded and individuals are written to, this would ensure clarity and provide an effective audit trial of the issues raised.
Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Although staff stated to us that they would report any issues to the management team when asked what action they would take if they witnessed any form of abuse some staff we spoke to during this inspection were still unclear as to the safeguarding policy and whistle blowing policy and unsure how long ago they completed some training in either subject. We were told that additional training will be arranged to ensure that staff are clear as to their role in regard to safeguarding. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 23 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that Forest Care Village is clean and well maintained, and provides an environment, which meets people’s needs. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home showed that it was clean and well maintained. The unit for people with a dementia were having a new carpet fitted throughout the communal areas on the day of this inspection. Effective plans were in place to ensure the safety of all the residents. We noted one room to have a mal odour, it was felt that new flooring was required, as staff had cleaned the carpet cleaned on numerous occasions. We were told that the management team were to address the issue. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Whilst most rooms throughout the home had been personalised, although some of the rooms in the units that support people with a dementia were sparsely decorated. The staff have requested from families that they bring in items to try and make the environment more homely for residents but many have not responded to this request. The staff are now working at addressing this issue to create a more homely environment by purchasing items from the local shops. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who use the service can be confident that residents will be supported by appropriate numbers of competent staff who have been robustly recruited to ensure that people are kept safe and their care needs are met appropriately. EVIDENCE: We looked at 3 staff files, which showed that all the required information had been obtained prior to staff commencing their employment at Forest Care Village. We were told that they no longer use agency staff in the home and appear to have a stable staff team. Rotas seen showed that adequate numbers of staff are deployed to meet the personal care needs of residents. However, we did find a member of staff dozing in the lounge when we walked through. This was reported to the management team who stated that this would be addressed immediately through a supervision session. There was still an issue for some residents who have difficulty understanding some whose first language is not English, this is addressed where possible by using a different care worker to meet peoples individual needs. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Safeguarding training was highlighted during this inspection (see section on Complaints and protection for further details). Staff we spoke with said they receive regular support from their managers. Training records are all computerised with copies of certificates held on individual files. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be assured that the home is run for the benefit of those that live there, that there is a good management structure in place to support this and health and safety procedures are in place to protect all those who live, work and visit the home. EVIDENCE: The manager is now registered with the Commission. The management structure in place appears to be working well and staff have their own responsibilities. Staff appear to be clear who they need to speak to if the need arises. Management meetings are held to ensure everyone is clear on what is happening within the home. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The residents committee continues to run with regular meetings which enables residents to have a say in how the home is run, they invite members of the management team to these meetings where they wish to put ideas to them or have any issues to raise on behalf of the residents not attending. The management carry out regular walk around the home, to talk with residents, staff and visitors in the home. The management team cover 7 days a week. Policies and procedures are in place to safeguard residents financial interests; information is available for advocacy services for those who may require it. Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 3 3 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 2 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 2 17 X 18 2 3 X X X 2 X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 4 X X 3 Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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. 1 Standard OP18 Regulation 13(6) Requirement To ensure the safety and protection of the residents all staff must receive appropriate training to ensure that they understand their role and responsibility in safeguarding adults. Timescale for action 31/08/08 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 Forest Care Village Elstree & Borehamwood DS0000038639.V364712.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Eastern Region Commission for Social Care Inspection Eastern Regional Contact Team CPC1, Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge, CB21 5XE National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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