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Inspection on 13/12/05 for Frinton House

Also see our care home review for Frinton House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 13th December 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 made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

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

An excellent service is provided at Frinton House; with residents being supported to live full and active lives both in the home and in the local community. Physical standards throughout the property are very high. The staff team are hard working and motivated.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection improvements have been made to record keeping around fire drills and to recruitment procedures; this should help keep service users safe and protected.

What the care home could do better:

Only two recommendations were made following this inspection, this was that a central training record is kept; this should help the manager monitor what staff have received what training and ensure that training needs are not overlooked. Because of frictions noted at meal times it has been recommended that the manager review current dining arrangements to see if there are ways of reducing this. The home is still working towards having the required number of staff trained to the required national level.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Frinton House 22 Buckhurst Road Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN40 1QE Lead Inspector Andy Denness Announced Inspection 13th December 2005 02:00 Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Frinton House Address 22 Buckhurst Road Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN40 1QE 01424 214430 01424 214431 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) Aitch Care Homes Limited Miss Holly Robins Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. That only service users with a learning disability may be admitted. The maximum service users to be accommodated is 8. Service users should be aged between 18 and 65 years on admission. Date of last inspection 19th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Frinton House is a detached property situated a short walk from Bexhill town centre and railway station. Bedroom accommodation is provided in eight single rooms situated on the ground and first floors. A shaft lift is fitted to assist access to first floor accommodation. The home is registered to accommodate eight adults with a learning disability; the registered owners are Aitch Care Homes Ltd. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced inspection took place over an afternoon and evening in December and lasted 5 hours. To help gather evidence on how the home is performing the Inspector sat and ate an evening meal with residents, met with staff and the home’s manager, examined a range of records and written information and undertook an inspection of the premises. Discussions took place with all of the six current residents. Written comments cards were received from four relatives, three service users and one health professional; the manager submitted a pre inspection questionnaire. Although CSCI refers in its literature to people who live in care homes as ‘service users’, the people living at Frinton House have asked to be referred to as ‘residents’ in this report. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Only two recommendations were made following this inspection, this was that a central training record is kept; this should help the manager monitor what staff have received what training and ensure that training needs are not overlooked. Because of frictions noted at meal times it has been recommended that the manager review current dining arrangements to see if there are ways of reducing this. The home is still working towards having the required number of staff trained to the required national level. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2&3 Pre admission procedures are good and help ensure that service users move into a home that is suitable to meet their needs. EVIDENCE: A statement of purpose and a service user’s guide have been produced for the home, these documents provide information for prospective residents about Frinton House and the service that it offers, the documents were examined, they were of a good quality. An annual report has also just been compiled for current and prospective residents and staff; this document was examined; it has been adapted from the statement of purpose and includes details on how the home has performed over the last year, future plans and details of what residents think of the service. One new resident has been admitted to Frinton House since the last inspection. An assessment of their needs was undertaken by both the placing local authority and by the manager of the home; both of these documents were examined, they were of a good quality and covered all necessary areas of need. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9. Procedures and practices in the home help ensure that the right level of support is provided by staff to meet residents’ needs. EVIDENCE: Following assessment and admission detailed individual plans are compiled for each individual resident; these detail their needs and provide guidance for staff on what support they should provide to meet these needs; a selection of these plans was examined, they were of a good quality and included details regarding the level of support required to meet personal care needs, detailed guidance on how staff should manage complex medical conditions and guidance for staff on how they should best manage sometimes challenging situations with some residents. Risk assessments are included in each care plan, these identify areas of risk in residents lives and detail action to be taken to minimise any identified danger, a selection were examined, they were of a good quality. Records and balances regarding residents’ finances were examined, these were in order; the manager said that following recent problems regarding the management of resident’s money procedures have been revised and tightened up. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13 14 & 17. Residents have opportunities for personal development and participate in age appropriate educational and leisure activities both in the local community and further a field. A balanced and wholesome menu is provided. EVIDENCE: The ‘goal setting’, process has recently been introduced this gives residents opportunities to learn new skills and to participate in new activities. From records examined, discussions with residents and staff and from observations, it was evident that residents are supported to access a range of educational and social activities based on the diversity of their needs, backgrounds and likes and dislikes. On the day of the inspection residents said that they had been to college, shopping and were planning a trip to the pub in the evening. They also said that they been on an enjoyable holiday earlier in the year to Butlins. Records examined confirmed that most residents attend local colleges for a range of educational courses. The Inspector was told that all residents have families involved in their care and most are supported to keep in contact with them by telephone or visits. Residents said that they take it in turn to help staff prepare the evening meal; this was confirmed from observations made when a resident was seen to help prepare a roast dinner and bake some Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 mince pies. The Inspector sat and ate an evening meal with residents; the meal was well prepared and enjoyed by them. Because of what were described as personality clashes, there were some tensions evident during the meal time, because of this it has been recommended that the manager reviews the current dining arrangements to see if other options could reduce the tensions. Resident’s comments regarding meals included “the food is lovely” and “it’s very nice”. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 20. Satisfactory arrangements are in place to ensure that residents’ health needs are met appropriately. Arrangements regarding medication were satisfactory. EVIDENCE: Individual care plans identify amongst other things what support residents require from staff to meet their day-to-day needs in relation to health and personal care. From records examined and discussions with the manager and staff it was evident that these arrangements are good and result in residents needs being appropriately met. Because of the complex needs of some residents professionals in the local Social Services Community Learning Disability Team are regularly accessed for help and guidance. Several residents have complex needs around epilepsy, records examined confirmed that arrangements for managing this, including policies and procedures, recording systems and training for staff, are good. From written comments received and discussions with the manager it was evident that in the recent past there have been some problems regarding the management of medication; however new procedures have now been introduced; records and storage arrangements examined confirmed that these appear to be now working well and no concerns were noted. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23. The manager and her staff respond appropriately to any complaints or adult protection matters. EVIDENCE: The home has a detailed written complaint’s procedure in place for residents or their representatives to follow should they be unhappy with any aspect of the service provided at Frinton House; records examined confirmed that complaints are responded to appropriately in line with this procedure. There have been several adult protection alerts made to Social Services and the Commission for Social Care since the home was registered last year, these have been in the main liked to the complex needs of some residents; the registered owners and the manager have responded appropriately to these alerts. Records examined confirmed that most staff have undertaken training in physical intervention techniques. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30. Physical standards throughout the home were very high resulting in residents living in a comfortable, well-maintained and safe environment. EVIDENCE: Frinton House is a detached property situated a short walk from Bexhill town centre and railway station. Bedroom accommodation is provided in eight single rooms on the ground and first floors, a shaft lift is fitted for those residents who have difficulty using stairs. The home has small gardens to the rear and side. An inspection of all communal areas and some bedrooms was carried out; all areas seen were well maintained and furnished and decorated to a high standard. The home has a gas central heating system with guarded radiators in all areas. Hot water delivered to wash hand basins, baths and showers is delivered via individual mixer valves; these ensure that water is not too hot; records examined confirmed that these are working. All but two of the bedrooms are fitted with ensuite facilities. One communal bathroom is also available; this was suitably equipped. All bedrooms are fitted with call points for residents to summon help in the event of an emergency and some rooms are fitted with special motion monitors to detect if the resident is having a seizure. Communal rooms include a large pleasant lounge, a dining room and a small ‘quiet room’ where residents may receive visitors in private. The laundry is suitably equipped. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 33, 34, 35 & 36 Staffing arrangements are good ensuring that support and help is provided to residents by sufficient numbers of caring and professional staff. EVIDENCE: Observations made confirmed that the numbers of staff on duty on the day of the inspection were adequate to meet the needs of residents; records examined confirmed that this is the case at all other times. Resident’s spoke highly of staff, their comments included “staff are lovely” and “they are friendly”. Staff were observed to work well with residents ensuring them choice and managing complex behaviours with professionalism and consistency. Currently 50 of staff are not trained to NVQ level as is required by national minimum standards. However the manager is aware of this target figure and is confident that it will be achieved in the near future. An examination of staff records indicated that thorough recruitment procedures, in line with national minimum standards, are followed when new staff are recruited to work at Frinton House. Records examined confirmed that a range of training opportunities are available to staff, however it was not easy to see how many staff were trained in each subject as the central record was not up to date; to make the management of this easier and to ensure that staff’s training needs are not overlooked, it has been recommended that the central training record is regularly updated. Records examined confirmed that management support for staff in the form of regular one to one meetings is provided. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39, 40, 41 & 42. Management and administrative systems are good and ensure the necessary support to staff to help them provide a good service for residents. EVIDENCE: The manager is experienced and qualified and throughout the inspection demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of the resident group living at Frinton House. A new deputy manager has just been appointed to support the manager and staff team. Records examined confirmed that residents are regularly consulted over how they think the service is performing, this is by means of regular meetings and by their completion of questionnaires; the questionnaires are collated and the results published in the home’s annual report. Policies and procedures required by national minimum standards were in place. A selection of records required by regulation were examined, these were in order and stored securely. The manager was aware of the importance of ensuring a safe environment for both staff and residents. A selection of health and safety records, including risk assessments, was examined; these were in order. Records examined confirmed that staff are trained in health and safety matters including, moving and handling, fire safety, first aid and food hygiene. The home is fitted with a full fire protection system; records examined confirmed that this is tested regularly. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.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 Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 3 X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X 3 X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 3 3 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Frinton House Score X 3 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X 3 3 3 3 X DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 2 3 Refer to Standard YA17 YA32 YA35 Good Practice Recommendations That current dining arrangements are reviewed. That 50 of staff are trained to NVQ level by the end of 2005. That the central training record is kept up to date. Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection East Sussex Area Office Ivy House 3 Ivy Terrace Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4QT 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 Frinton House DS0000060740.V259972.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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