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Inspection on 26/04/07 for Highpoint Lodge

Also see our care home review for Highpoint Lodge for more information

This inspection was carried out on 26th April 2007.

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

Highpoint Lodge has managed to maintain a stable staff team with the owners working alongside staff. A family atmosphere exists whereby people feel relaxed within a professional setting. Service users indicated that they were happy with the care provided. The registered providers stay abreast of professional developments and adjust policies and procedures accordingly. Staff benefit from `in-house` training packages. The registered providers continue to be approachable and always listen to concerns or ideas. Service users are involved in the running of this home and in their own care needs. A high level of communication is maintained between the home and service users relatives.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The home continues to provide a good standard of care and all concerned have to work hard to maintain this position. Staff remain enthusiastic and were observed to be diligently going about their duties. The total number of staff in possession of an NVQ is more than 50%. New staff are enrolled on these courses. Additional training courses have been arranged over the past 6 months and policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated. On going maintenance and decoration of the home keeps the premises in good order. The overall appearance of the home and the grounds are maintained to high standards. Additional equipment, ie stand aids, have been purchased. The registered providers make good use of the internet to keep abreast of current developments. An example being that they have downloaded the new Annual Quality Assessment Surveys in preparation for completion.

What the care home could do better:

Based on the areas inspected at this unannounced inspection, it is our opinion that the home is being operated to high standards at this time.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Highpoint Lodge 69 Molesworth Street Wadebridge Cornwall PL27 7DS Lead Inspector Mike Dennis Key Unannounced Inspection 26th April 2007 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 Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Highpoint Lodge Address 69 Molesworth Street Wadebridge Cornwall PL27 7DS 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) 01208 814 525 Mr Alan Wayne Law Mrs Julie Law Care Home 11 Category(ies) of Mental Disorder, excluding learning disability or registration, with number dementia - over 65 years of age (3), Old age, of places not falling within any other category (11) Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Service users to include up to 11 adults of old age (OP). Service users to include up to 3 adults over 65 years of age with a mental illness (MD(E)). Total number of service users not to exceed a maximum of 11. Date of last inspection 28th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Highpoint Lodge is a registered care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 11 older persons, 3 of whom may also have a mental disorder. Highpoint Lodge is a large Victorian, detached house situated near the town centre of Wadebridge. It is on the main road leading out of the town towards Padstow. Access to the front of the home is up a graduated slope with a handrail provided to assist service users. Parking and a seating area are provided to the rear of the home and a patio area is accessed from the dining room at the side of the house, via a conservatory. Bedrooms are offered on the ground and first floors with a stair lift provided to assist service users. Communal areas are provided on the ground floor and the Mr and Mrs Law have their private accommodation on the second floor. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place on the 26th. April 2007 over a 7 hour period. We met with Mr. And Mrs.Law, the Registered Providers, the staff on duty and with 3 service users.. During the course of the day the inspector observed the service users being attended to by staff in a courteous and professional manner. We spoke with and case tracked 3 service users, one of whom requested to meet with us. They all confirmed that Highpoint Lodge was their chosen home. One stated that she could not be admitted to the home due to lack of vacancies and therefore had to go to another home. As soon as a vacancy arose she transferred. Another stated that her two sisters had been resident here and therefore had prior knowledge of the home. The third service user stated that she wanted to be at this particular home due to its good reputation within the local community. All three were united in saying that they were perfectly content with the services provided and could not think of anywhere else that they would rather be except for back in their own homes. They told us that they were well cared for by both the registered providers and staff alike. Their privacy and dignity was respected at all times. (this was observed to be the case throughout the inspection). They all complimented the food provided. One service user stated that she did not like everything on the menu but followed this comment up by saying that an alternative was always provided. Each service user was asked if they were happy with their lifestyle. A common theme emerged. They told us that visitors were welcomed and that they had frequent contact with friends and relatives, who would often take them out. They stated that the staff also provided opportunities for outings, activities and interests. Based on observation and comments made, service users do not spend large amounts of time sitting in the communal lounge. They prefer the privacy of their own rooms where they entertain visiting guests or friends made within the home itself. Meal times appear to be the main social gathering point. Those spoken with all seemed to have an interest to occupy their time. One is an avid reader whilst another enjoys writing letters to a variety of people about local issues and other interests derived from newspaper reports etc. They were unanimous in stating that they felt safe at this home. All three were aware of the complaints procedure should the need arise to use it. They stated that the care they received was of a high standard. They further commented that the registered providers were quick to access other health professionals when the need arose. Service users informed the inspector that their expectations of being in a care home were being fully met. They expressed satisfaction with all aspects of the home. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 We inspected various records, policies and procedures and found them all to be of a satisfactory standard and in compliance with the regulations. The premises were seen to be clean, tidy and well furbished. Health and safety and food hygiene inspections have recently been conducted resulting in good reports. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The home continues to provide a good standard of care and all concerned have to work hard to maintain this position. Staff remain enthusiastic and were observed to be diligently going about their duties. The total number of staff in possession of an NVQ is more than 50 . New staff are enrolled on these courses. Additional training courses have been arranged over the past 6 months and policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated. On going maintenance and decoration of the home keeps the premises in good order. The overall appearance of the home and the grounds are maintained to high standards. Additional equipment, ie stand aids, have been purchased. The registered providers make good use of the internet to keep abreast of current developments. An example being that they have downloaded the new Annual Quality Assessment Surveys in preparation for completion. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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): 1,2,3,5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Information concerning the home is made available. Service users are fully assessed prior to admission to the home. Prospective service users and relatives are afforded the opportunity to visit the home to assess it’s suitability as to meeting their needs. This home does not provide Intermediate Care EVIDENCE: Up to date Statements of Purpose and Service User Guides were readily available. Service users confirmed a knowledge of these documents. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Three service user files were inspected and case tracked. All contained information pertaining to pre-admission assessment and copies of contracts etc. Policy documents indicate that prospective service users can visit the home before making the decision to move in. Standard 6 is not applicable as the home does not provide intermediate care. The home does however have a dedicated Respite care bed. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The health care needs of service users are identified, planned for and met. Service users are treated with dignity and respect. The standard of care planning set is high and is being maintained. Medication administration is followed in accordance to policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 From inspection of documentation it was evident that individual care needs are identified appropriately. From inspection of service users files, and in discussions it is evident that Highpoint Lodge encourages service users and their representatives to express their views in the formation of their care plans. The care plan specifies what actions staff should take to ensure that the care need is approached in a consistent manner. Health needs are met by the staff at the home and by external professionals to a high standard. Records of all health professional visits are recorded in detail. Staff were observed to treat service users with respect and it was noted that staff knocked at bathroom and bedroom doors before entering. General practitioners examine and treat all service users in the privacy of their own bedrooms. Medication practices are conducted appropriately. Records are up to date. We inspected the ‘controlled drugs’. An audit was undertaken and found to be correct. The quantities of drugs held were confirmed by the controlled drugs register. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The routines of daily living and activities made available are flexible and varied. Service users are in control over their lives. Service users receive visitors at any reasonable time throughout the day Service users dietary needs are well catered for with a balanced and varied selection of food and drink available that meets tastes, and choices EVIDENCE: The routines of daily living within the home appear to be flexible to suit individual preferences. The home will offer various activities including trips out. The majority of service users are very private people and in general prefer their own company. They do mix at certain times but in the main organise their own leisure pursuits in company of family and friends. Those spoken with Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 claimed to be quite satisfied with their general routines, which included personal interests and hobbies. A good rapport with staff exists. The visitors book indicated that a steady stream of visitors attend the home. This was also evidenced by the number of visitors present on the day of inspection. Service users are able to make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle, supported by staff as required. Service users appear to receive a varied, appealing and nutritious diet suited to individual needs, likes and requirements. The meal looked appetising and service users were seen to be enjoying it in a social manner. Portions were of a good size and suited to the individual. Several service users took lunch in the dining room whilst others preferred to take the meal in their own room. Special diets are catered for and choices are available. Hot and cold drinks are offered and available throughout night and day. We had long conversations with service users and their comments are detailed in the summary of this report. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The complaints procedure is well publicised and would be used when required. The registered persons ensure that service users are protected from all forms of abuse with staff having knowledge through training of Adult Protection issues which helps to protect service users. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints policy that meets all the requirements of Regulation 22. A complaints log is available to ensure that a record of all complaints is recorded and kept. No entries have been made since the last inspection. Details of the complaints policy are available in the statement of purpose and a full copy included within the service users guide The home has a policy in relation to adult protection, which includes information on whistle blowing. This policy references the Department of Health No Secrets guidelines and physical / verbal aggression by service users. Staff are made aware of this policy during induction and at training sessions. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Service users confirmed that they were aware of the complaints policy and how and to whom they would complain if the need arose. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The location and layout of the home is suitable for it’s stated purpose and provides a safe and well maintained environment. Suitable equipment is provided to meet service users needs. Bedrooms are well furnished and contain their occupants personal affects. The home was clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours providing an attractive and homely place to live. EVIDENCE: Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home is close to public transport, local shops and facilities of Wadebridge. The detached building offers bedroom accommodation on the ground and first floors for service users. The home presents as a safe, well maintained and a homely environment for a maximum of 11 service users. The home is homely and domestic in nature. Bedrooms are suitably furnished and display the personal affects of the occupant. Service users stated they were happy with their living environment. Various aids and equipment is available to aid the care of service users. If a particular item becomes necessary it is obtained for use of the individual requiring it. Communal areas are well presented and comfortable. The home was clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours. Disposable gloves and aprons are available as required. Hand washing facilities were satisfactory. The home has an Infection Control policy. Recent Health and safety and food hygiene inspections have occurred. The reports indicate a high level of satisfaction. The car park has been resurfaced and the gardens are safely laid out with seating and bar B. Q. areas Highpoint Lodge presents as a well looked after property. Staff and service users seem to have a vested interest in keeping it that way. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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, 29,30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Recruitment policies and procedures are implemented. All staff are supported and Inducted through training opportunities. A positive number of staff are on duty to meet the service user’s needs EVIDENCE: The home has a duty rota that accurately reflected the number and skill mix of staff on duty during the inspection. There is always a minimum of 2 staff on duty. The registered providers live on the premises so waking night staff are not employed. They are available at all times however and will stay awake if necessary. Evidence that 55 of the staff team have achieved NVQ level 2 or above was presented at the inspection. This represents a drop from the 77 recorded at the last inspect. The reason stated is due to staff changes. New staff are enrolled on NVQ courses. The home’s employment policies and procedures are implemented. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 We inspected staff files and determined that all had completed application forms, references, CRB/POVA clearances, Statements of Terms and Conditions and job descriptions. Staff training, induction and development programmes are ongoing. Current and recent courses include; first aid, basic food hygiene, Intermediate food hygiene, health and safety, moving and handling etc. Staff are to be enrolled on an Abuse “Alerters” course although all have had in house training on this subject. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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, 36, 37,38. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The management and staff of Highpoint Lodge strive to maintain and improve a good quality of care and lifestyle for the service users and promote their health, safety and welfare. EVIDENCE: Service users live in a home which is run and managed by persons who are fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge their responsibilities fully. Mr and Mrs Law are both qualified RMN’s and experienced providers who Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 have continued to update their skills and knowledge whilst managing the home. Quality assurance and quality monitoring systems are implemented. The homes policies and procedures have all recently been updated. Written records are kept of all financial transactions. Service users manage their own finances. The registered providers maintain the health, safety and welfare of service users through implementation of policies and procedures. Records required by legislation are kept. A good rapport exists between management, staff and service users. Supervision of staff is undertaken and appropriately recorded. Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.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 4 X 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 3 X 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 X 3 X 3 3 3 3 Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? None 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection St Austell Office John Keay House Tregonissey Road St Austell Cornwall PL25 4AD 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 © 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 Highpoint Lodge DS0000009182.V334957.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!