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Inspection on 19/05/05 for Highcroft

Also see our care home review for Highcroft for more information

This inspection was carried out on 19th May 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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

Residents` health and personal care needs are well met. Staff ensure that residents and their families are made aware of any changes to their treatment. The staff team is well established. Residents commented that the staff were `lovely`. Many gave examples of individuals going out of their way to be helpful. The home is effectively and efficiently managed. Staff praised Mrs Wilcox`s leadership. They said that she demands high standards, but is very supportive of her staff. The standard of care documentation is particularly good.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Mr and Mrs Wilcox have continued with their programme of refurbishment and redecoration. Work has been completed to a very high standard. Highcroft offers very good all round accommodation. The balcony area to the rear of the home is much appreciated by residents and their visitors.

What the care home could do better:

The home has very comprehensive systems in place to monitor the quality of service offered. These are most effective, and show that staff in the home are committed to continuous improvement. Two requirements were made at this inspection, regarding health and safety issues. Mrs Wilcox and her staff had already identified both of these problems. Action was underway to address them.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Highcroft 7 Eastfield Park Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 2PE Lead Inspector Alison Murray Unannounced 19 May 2005 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Highcroft Address 7 Eastfield Park Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 2PE 01934 622247 01934 626100 david.h.wilcox@btopenworld.com Mr David Harold Wilcox Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Mrs Ann Wilcox Care home with nursing 23 Category(ies) of Old Age - (23) registration, with number of places Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. May 23 persons aged 50 years and over who require nursing care of whom 3 persons may be 65 years and over and in need of personal care only 2. Staffing notice dated 18 April 1997 applies 3. Manager must be a RN on parts 1 or 12 of the NMC register Date of last inspection 28 February 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Highcroft Nursing home provides nursing care for up to 23 persons, aged 50 years and over. The home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Weston-supermare and is opposite a small private park. Accommodation is offered in single and double rooms, which are decorated to a high standard and in keeping with the period of the house. Some rooms have ensuite facilities. The main lounges look out across the gardens and town and a larger room is available on the lower ground floor for family celebrations and special events. A passenger lift offers easy access to all areas of the home. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a very positive unannounced inspection. The inspector spent over 5 hours in the home, talking to residents, visitors and staff. Some care records were reviewed, but the main focus of the inspection was the day-to-day experience of the residents. As it was the inspector’s first visit to the home, it also provided a valuable opportunity to introduce herself to Mr and Mrs Wilcox, and get to know the layout of the building. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Mr and Mrs Wilcox have continued with their programme of refurbishment and redecoration. Work has been completed to a very high standard. Highcroft offers very good all round accommodation. The balcony area to the rear of the home is much appreciated by residents and their visitors. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 3. Highcroft does not provide intermediate care, so standard 6 does not apply. New residents are made to feel welcome in the home. Effective pre admission assessment ensures that staff are aware of new resident’s needs. EVIDENCE: One lady has recently been admitted to the home for a respite stay. She said that staff had made her feel very welcome. She found it reassuring that they knew, without her telling them, what things she could and could not manage. Although this lady planned to go back to her own home, she said that she would be quite happy to return to Highcroft for future respite breaks. Another lady commented ‘ I am here for good now, and I feel very lucky to be here’. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 7, 8, 9 and 10 The standard of care documentation is very good. Residents’ health and personal care needs are well met. There is a friendly atmosphere in the home, with a good rapport between residents and staff. EVIDENCE: The standard of care documentation was very good. Care plans were written for each area of identified need. They provided staff with clear guidance to meet residents’ needs. This guidance was based on current good practice, and confirmed the involvement of other health professionals. Staff demonstrated a sound awareness of residents’ needs. A large number of residents were aware of the content of their care plans. One lady said that she was looking forward to a domiciliary visit from a specialist. Staff in the home had arranged this. A visiting relative said that he was kept informed of any changes in his mother’s condition. A total of 11 residents were consulted individually, and others observed in the communal areas of the home. All were neatly dressed, and attention had been paid to their hair and nail care. One resident was being nursed in bed. She looked peaceful and comfortable. A care chart confirmed that staff were regularly changing her position, and offering drinks. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 There was a calm, relaxed atmosphere in the home. The residents said that the staff were ‘lovely’, with several naming specific favourites. They gave numerous examples of staff members going out of their way to be helpful. The medication administration records were well maintained, and drugs securely stored. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 12, 13 and 15 The programme of planned and informal activities offered at Highcroft, meets the needs and expectations of the residents. Family and friends are made welcome. Residents enjoy the meals provided. EVIDENCE: On the morning of the inspection, an independent activities organiser was leading a group of residents in a reminiscence session. This was well structured, and the residents clearly enjoyed the mixture of music, quiz and chat. In the afternoon, a local vicar visited to offer communion to the residents. Staff and residents said that this was a ‘normal day’. Residents’ interests were recorded in their care records. Mrs Wilcox said that she aimed to provide a mixed programme of activities to suit individual tastes. A number of summer outings are planned, as well as a trip to the theatre. Residents said that they were able to choose which activities to attend. They also enjoyed one-to-one, low key activities. During the inspection, a staff member took one resident out for a walk in the local park. Others sat and read newspapers, or chatted with the residents. One of the residents had a CD that a lot of people liked, so staff played this for them on the first floor music centre. Residents said that their family and friends were able to visit at any time. A relative of one service user confirmed that he was always made welcome. Mrs Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Wilcox said that residents and their families were encouraged to use the lower floor dining room for private parties. All the residents consulted said that the standard of food provided at Highcroft was good. Mrs Wilcox said that she places a strong emphasis on home cooking and fresh local produce. The lunchtime meal looked and smelt appetising. Staff were observed to provide discreet assistance where required. Residents told the inspector that they appreciated being able to have sandwiches and snacks in the late evening if they wished. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 16 and 18 The complaint procedure in the home is satisfactory. Staff demonstrate a good awareness of adult protection issues. EVIDENCE: There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place. Residents and a visiting relative all confirmed that they knew how to use these procedures if the need should arise. Several commented that they felt comfortable raising informal concerns with Mrs Wilcox. They added that these had always been ‘Sorted out’ very promptly, and there had been no need to make a formal complaint. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 Highcroft offers very good all round accommodation. The standard of housekeeping and laundry services are commendable. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection, work has continued to refurbish and redecorate the home. Furniture and fittings were of a very high standard, and complement the character of the property. All the rooms were well proportioned, light and airy. Some of the first floor rooms have access to a decked balcony. A number of residents commented how much they enjoyed sitting out here. Most of the residents had chosen to bring their own belongings into the home. Individual rooms were very comfortable, but appropriate equipment had been provided where necessary. Communal bathrooms and toilets were well positioned. Some of the ground floor toilets were not labelled. Observation of independently mobile residents confirmed that they knew where to find the toilets. Mrs Wilcox said that this had never posed a problem, but that she would review the situation if needs changed. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 The standard of housekeeping and laundry service was particularly good. The home was spotlessly clean and tidy. The laundry had been recently refurbished. All the residents were keen to praise the laundry assistant’s attention to detail Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 Staffing levels meet the needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: Conversations with staff and a regular visitor indicated that staffing levels were appropriate to the needs of residents. Staff said that they were kept busy, but still had time to chat with the residents. Visitors said that they did not have a problem finding staff to speak to. Call bells were answered promptly during the inspection. Residents confirmed that this was always the case. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32 and 38. The home is effectively and efficiently managed. Systems are in place to enable staff, residents and visitors to comment on the way the home is run. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection, Mrs Wilcox has successfully completed her level 4 NVQ. Staff praised her ‘open’ management style. They said that they had regular staff meetings, and were encouraged to make suggestions and comments about the way the home is run. One of the care staff said that the trained nurses were very good at notifying them of changes in a resident’s condition. She added that she found the shift handover meetings particularly useful. Comment cards for relatives and residents were readily available in the entrance hall. Since the last inspection, a ‘post box’ has been provided, so comments can be made anonymously. Although as yet, no one has used this facility, it is a good idea. The quality assurance and quality monitoring systems Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 were not formally assessed at this inspection. At previous inspections they have been found to be commendable. During the inspection, a routine fire alarm test was carried out. All the staff acted appropriately, and automatic door closures were seen to be effective. One of the current residents needs oxygen from time to time. The oxygen cylinders were stored in a cupboard. There was no ‘caution’ sign on the outside of this cupboard to alert staff and fire crews to its whereabouts. One of the residents was observed sitting in a wheelchair, without footplates in place. It was not clear if one of the other residents, or a staff member had assisted this lady. Staff identified the problem without any prompting, and put the footplates back in place. Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score x x 3 x x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 x 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 x 29 x 30 x MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x 3 3 3 x x x x x 2 Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. 2. Standard 38 38 Regulation 23.4 13.4 Requirement A hazard warning sign must be provided for the oxygen storage cupboard. All wheelchairs must be fitted with footplates, unless individual risk assessment dictates otherwise. Timescale for action 19/06/05 20/05/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Riverside Chambers Castle Street Tangier Taunton TA1 4AL 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 Highcroft D53 - D02 S20244 Highcroft V230360 19 May 2005 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 - 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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