CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Ladesfield Vulcan Close Borstal Hill Whitstable Kent CT5 4LZ Lead Inspector
Joseph Harris Unannounced Inspection 18th July 2006 10:00 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 Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.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. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Ladesfield Address Vulcan Close Borstal Hill Whitstable Kent CT5 4LZ 01227 261090 01227 266201 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) Kent County Council Post Vacant Care Home 25 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (25) of places Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The premises which were purpose built in the 1970s, are a three storey detached property. The ground and the first floor are used for service users accommodation. There is provision for all of the service users to have their own bedroom each of which has a private wash hand basin. All of the bedrooms also have a call point which is designed to help service users summon help should it be needed. The second floor of the building currently is not used. The Home is located in a quiet area which is about half a mile or so from the centre of Whitstable. To the rear of the property, there is a secluded garden which has a number of sitting areas. The Home is operated by Kent County Council (the Registered Provider). The day to day operation of the Home is supervised by the Acting Manager, the Deputy Manager and by a number of Team Leaders. The current fees for the service at the time of the visit are £351.91. Information on the Home services and the CSCI reports for prospective service users will be detailed in the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced key inspection took place on 18th July 2006 and started at around 10am lasting for 7 hours. During the course of the inspection discussions were held with a number of service users, staff, the manager and a care manager. A tour of the premises was undertaken viewing all areas of the home. A range of documentation and records were also viewed relating to service users, staff and the running of the home. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection?
The staff team have continued to develop the service since the last inspection. A number of environmental issues remain, but there are plans in place to make improvements to the premises. The home has continued to develop staff training and there has been an increase in the numbers of staff on duty. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.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 Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Each service user is provided with a written contract. The needs of prospective service users are assessed, although this is an area that requires further development. The home is able to meet the needs of the service users moving into the home. Prospective service users, their families and representatives have the opportunity to visit the home before choosing whether to move in. People receiving intermediate care are enabled to maintain their independence to return home. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service EVIDENCE: All service users are provided with a written contract covering key terms and conditions of residence including fees. A copy of the contract is given to the service user and/or their representative and a signed copy retained on file.
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The home requests information regarding all prospective service users from care managers or referring authorities including joint assessment information. However, it was noted that the quality of this information varies dependent on the individual completing the referral process. The home does have some brief assessment forms, but this is an area that needs to be developed further. The assessment of service users provides the foundation of planned care and support. Therefore the home should develop informative assessment processes to ensure that the holistic needs of service users are assessed and identified from the point of referral. Refer to recommendation 1. The home only accepts referrals and admits service users whom it can meet the needs of. There is a relatively stable and experienced staff team in place who have a good understanding about the needs and limitations of the service. The home has established good links with care managers and local community health professionals should issues arise regarding a placement. One care manager spoken to during the course of the visit stated that the home ‘meets the needs’ of her clients and ‘provides a good standard of care’. Prospective service users have the opportunity to visit the home following referral to become acquainted with the environment, staff and other service users. The length of visit can be increased following this dependent on the needs and wishes of the individual with the capacity for overnight stays should this be desired. The home does offer short-term and intermediate care and has 5 bedrooms designated specifically for respite care. The aim of respite care in the home is to enable service users to return home and service users are assisted to maintain levels of independence. Respite clients frequently attend the integrated day service before their stay and are able to continue to use these facilities and support whilst resident in the home. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9and 10. Individual plans of care are developed, but this process needs to reviewed and improved. Service user’s healthcare needs are met. Medication systems are adequate for the needs of the service. Service users are treated with respect and dignity. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A number of service user files were viewed at random. In most cases a plan of care had been developed, although in one circumstance a service user receiving respite care had no plan of care in place. Of the plans viewed the quality of information and actions to meet assessed needs were too brief and did not adequately address individual needs and aspirations. The home uses a format, which is restrictive with generic headings and little space to include actions to meet needs. As a result aspects of care and support are not clearly identified and staff guidance is brief and uninformative. Plans are reviewed on a monthly basis. Similarly risk assessments are also brief and there is an overreliance on generic risk assessments. Refer to requirement 1.
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The home maintains clear records with regard to the healthcare needs of service users demonstrating concerns and issues highlighted, referral to appropriate healthcare professionals and the outcomes of any consultations. Some assessment tools are used to monitor manual handling needs and pressure area care. It was reported that the home has a good relationship with district nursing services who frequently provide input on a flexible basis. There is evidence to show that where concerns have been present regarding an individual’s psychological health appropriate referrals have been made for reassessment. The home ensures that all service users have access to chiropody, dental, optician and audiologist services on a routine basis or as required. Medication systems were reviewed and, at the time of the inspection, all records were well maintained and storage facilities secure and well-organised. None of the current service users are self-medicating. There are adequate policies and procedures in place and staff administering medication have received training in this respect. The home has satisfactory measures in place for the storage and monitoring of controlled drugs. Throughout the course of the inspection staff were observed to treat service users with respect and it was evident that positive relationships had been established. All personal care is provided in private settings and service users privacy and dignity is respected. One service user stated that, ‘the staff are lovely’ and ‘they are always smiling and willing to help’. Service users have adequate facilities such as a private telephone and choose what clothes they wish to wear each day. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 and 15. There is a range of activities available for all service users. Visitors are welcomed into the home. Service users are able to exercise control over their lives. The home provides a healthy and balanced diet. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A number of organised activities are arranged on a routine basis including Bingo, karaoke, visiting entertainers and a beautician and themed evenings. A priest also regular visits the home. Some of the service users can also access the day centre facilities at times with more opportunities for structured groups and sessions are available. There is a lively and active atmosphere in the home generated mainly by an enthusiastic staff team. The home also has regular resident meetings enabling service users to have an influence over menu choices, activities and trips out amongst other things. There is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the home. Visitors are encouraged to maintain contact with their friends and relatives living in the home. There are flexible visiting hours taking into account the needs and wishes of service users. There is adequate space to enable service users to spend time in private with their visitors and this privacy is respected by staff.
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Service users are enabled to maintain control of their own finances within assessed needs. The home does not take on an appointee role and where residents require assistance with management of finances this is generally managed through families, KCC or independent appointees. The home does retain personal money in safekeeping maintaining clear records. Service users are able to bring in personal possessions with them, which was evident in some of the bedrooms. There is also an access to records policy in accordance with the data protection act. The home provides a healthy and balanced diet for service users. A full-time cook is employed who has worked in the home for a number of years. She demonstrated a very good awareness of the needs of the client group and of individuals with special diets. The kitchen was clean, well-maintained and suitable for the needs of the home. Menu records demonstrated that a varied and healthy diet is provided with choices available at all times. One service user, who used to be a chef, stated that the ‘quality of food is good, although I don’t each much these days’. Other service users comments about the food were positive. The quality of food was good with a range of fresh vegetables, fruits and meat as well as non-perishables. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection
The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 and 18. There is a complaints process in place. Service users are safeguarded against forms of abuse. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service EVIDENCE: The home has an adequate complaints process in place covering all key aspects. Service users stated that if they are concerned or have a complaint that they feel confident in approaching staff or the home manager. There are regular resident meetings where issues affecting the home can be discussed. The complaints procedure is on show within the home and a copy of the process provided on admission to new and prospective service users. The home has clear adult protection and abuse awareness policies and procedures in place, including a whistle-blowing policy. Staff are instructed about issues of abuse and how to report any suspected incidents through the induction process and the majority of staff have also received additional training in abuse awareness. Policies and practices regarding service users finances are adhered to and records well maintained. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment
The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26. The home is safe, but is in need of some attention in respect of décor and furnishing and fittings. There is access for service users in and outside of the home, but the service could be made more homely. Service user’s rooms are adequate, but similarly attention could be given to the quality of furniture, fittings and homeliness. The home is bright, airy and adequately heated. The premises were clean and hygienic at the time of the visit. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service EVIDENCE: Ladesfield is a purpose built unit set over three floors with gardens surrounding the building. The premises were built in the 1960s/70s and with the exception of the third floor have been used as a care home setting for the duration of this time. The home is set some way from main road along a small private road. Externally the premises have become somewhat run down with paint peeling from windows and the guttering in need of attention. Internally the home was clean and hygienic and free from offensive odours, but the environment is in
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 need of redecoration, new carpets in some communal rooms and bedrooms and a general renewal of furniture and fittings. One staff member commented that the premises ‘feel tired and unloved’. The home has a full-time maintenance man who is able to attend to routine work throughout the house, but investment in the updating of the premises in general would be beneficial. Refer to requirement 2. During the tour of the home there were no outstanding health and safety issues noted and regular health and safety checks are carried out. It was reported that building complies with local fire safety and environmental health regulations. There are a number of communal areas, which are adequate for the needs of the home. There is a large, open-plan lounge/dining area and other smaller available lounges including a designated smoking area. The furniture and décor in these rooms are not particularly homely and would benefit from updating. The garden area is large and reasonably well maintained with a patio area that does have some garden furniture, which would also benefit from renewal. Consideration may also be given to the security of the garden. The third floor of the building was previously used as an administration block, but plans are in place to convert this floor into a separate unit caring for people with dementia needs. Work has not yet commenced in this regard, but would present a good opportunity for the general review of the environmental needs of the whole home. Discussions were held with the manager in this respect and further discussions are planned with the senior line manager for the home. There are adequate numbers of toilets and bathrooms throughout the building some with hoists and adapted baths for ease of use with people who have mobility issues. Again these rooms are functional, but lack a homely touch, which could be considered. A number of service user bedrooms were viewed, which varied in quality. Some rooms on the second floor in particular had been personalised and provided a comfortable and homely space. However a number of the first floor rooms were rather small and lacked a homely atmosphere showing little personalisation. A number of service users did comment that they liked their rooms and felt that they were suitable for their needs. The home was bright, airy and well ventilated. Pipework and radiators are maintained at a safe temperature. Emergency lighting is in place throughout the home and water appropriately stored and monitored. The home was clean and hygienic with adequate laundry and kitchen facilities. Handwashing facilities are available at strategic points throughout the home. Policies and procedures are in place ensuring that universal precautions are adhered to. The home has sluicing facilities available. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing
The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 and 30. There are sufficient numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty. The majority of staff have achieved NVQ qualifications. The recruitment processes of the home are adequate. Staff receive training to do their jobs. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service EVIDENCE: There are adequate numbers of staff on duty at all times. The usual staff quota is currently being exceeded due to the closure of a nearby home. The expected numbers on duty are 4 staff in the morning and 3 staff in the afternoon/evening. The home has 2 waking night staff and 1 sleep-in team leader. There is always at least 1 senior member staff on duty. The manager is on duty through office hours. In addition to the care staffing team the home also has a number of ancillary staff including cooks, maintenance, administration and domestic staff. The staff in the home have worked positively to achieve NVQ targets with the majority of the team having achieved a level 2 or above qualification. In discussion with staff on duty it was evident that good competency levels have been achieved. A understanding of individual needs and those of the client group in general were conveyed along with other key aspects of the service. The home’s recruitment processes are satisfactorily maintained and ensure the protection of service users. A number of staff files were viewed at random, which contained all relevant information including application forms, two written references, necessary checks and proof of identity.
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home and organisation provide a good package of training for staff mainly through KCC’s own training resources. The majority of staff have received all their mandatory training. A range of additional training is also available and since the last inspection staff have completed courses such as Appraisal, risk assessment, management of violence and dementia courses. In addition to this it was reported that future training planned includes MRSA awareness, stroke care, supervision skills, epilepsy and drug/alcohol abuse. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Management and Administration
The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 and 38. There is a manager in post who is proceeding through the process of registration. Quality assurance processes are in place. The financial interests of service users are safeguarded. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are protected. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service EVIDENCE: The manager, who has applied to become the registered manager, has a number of years of experience working in social care settings and of the management of care homes for older people. She has achieved her NVQ 4/RMA and continues to update her knowledge and skills. In discussion the manager demonstrated a clear set of principles and guiding ethics to the management of the home and the provision of support.
Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Quality assurance systems have been implemented within the home. A senior manager visits the service on a monthly basis to audit records and talk with selected staff and residents. There is also evidence of some on going development and planning for the future with the renovation of the third floor planned. There are systems in place to enable service users to feedback about the service such as resident meetings and it would be advisable to survey service users and other stakeholders in the near future receiving formal service reviews and collating this information. The home does not act as an appointee for any service users. However personal finances are kept for safekeeping purposes and monitored. The home administrator is responsible for overseeing and maintaining these records, which were well kept, clear and accurate. All health and safety documentation was found to be in place and up to date. Fire safety records and the accident book were completed and in date. Service maintenance checks such as Gas safety, NICEIC, PAT tests and hoist maintenance were all completed with valid certification. The home operates safe working practices and processes. Environmental risk assessments are in place. It was reported that the home complies with all related health and safety legislation. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES
This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from:
4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable
CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X 3 2 3 3 3 HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 1 8 3 9 3 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 3 17 X 18 3 2 2 2 X X 2 2 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 3 X X 3 Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 OP7 Regulation 15 Requirement To ensure all service user plans adequately address the needs and risks of individual service users providing clear guidance for staff. An action plan needs to provided to the Commission detailing planned works in the home including the renewal and decoration of furniture and fittings. Timescale for action 01/10/06 2 OP19 16 01/09/06 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 OP3 Good Practice Recommendations To develop assessment processes ensuring the holistic needs of each individual are identified from the point of referral. Ladesfield DS0000037645.V303388.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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