Inspection on 02/10/06 for Larkswood

This inspection was carried out on 2nd October 2006.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Larkswood 09/12/05

Larkswood 09/08/05

Larkswood 14/01/05

Larkswood 17/08/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Larkswood 3 St Botolph`s Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 4JN Lead Inspector Mrs K Allen Unannounced Inspection 2nd October 2006 1.25pm 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 Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.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. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Larkswood Address 3 St Botolph`s Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 4JN 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) 01903 202650 Sound Homes Limited Miss Marilyn Jones Care Home 18 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (18) of places Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 9th December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Larkswood is a care home registered to accommodate up to eighteen residents aged sixty-five years and over. The home is a large detached property located in a residential area of Worthing about one mile from the town centre and seafront, close to local parks and gardens. Accommodation is provided on two floors with the facility of a passenger lift. Residents’ bedrooms are for single accommodation, with twelve having en-suite facilities. A lounge/dining area and a separate small lounge are provided. In addition there is a well-tended garden which is accessible to residents. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Prior to the inspection a review was made of the contact between the home and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) since the last inspection. This included an analysis of incident reports and those of other statutory bodies such as the fire service. The manager completed a pre-inspection questionnaire. The inspection took place over four hours during which time twelve residents were seen by the inspector either in the communal lounge or the privacy of their own rooms. Two visiting relatives were spoken to in the company of their relative. A discussion was held with the manager and her deputy and two care staff were interviewed. In addition a number of records were seen. Residents said the home was “very, very nice”, that staff were “very sweet and kind”, that the food is “good” and “I feel at home here”. Two recommendations have been made. The home should make more opportunities for residents to go out so that their quality of life is enhanced. They should also obtain written consent if they are holding large sums of money for residents in order to safeguard their interests. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? All staff members have now received fire training so that they are confident in this matter. All staff have had refresher training so that they operate safe practices when administering medication. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.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. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.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 Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.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): 3&6 The outcome for residents is excellent. No new resident moves into the home without having their needs assessed. Intermediate care is not provided. EVIDENCE: All residents had a written assessment of their needs including the most recently admitted person. The details contained in this document were comprehensive and gave an excellent overview of the person concerned. Information was given regarding their physical wellbeing, social and cultural needs as well as their mental health. No-one was at the home for intermediate care. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 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 the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 & 10 The outcome for residents is good. Their needs are set out in an individual plan of care and their heath needs are fully met. The procedure for the administration of medication protects residents and their privacy and rights are upheld. EVIDENCE: All residents had a written care plan. This was drawn up with them and reviewed every month. At the review residents are consulted, their views recorded and they sign to say they agree with the care plan. Staff described how they maintained residents health and ensured that residents did not develop pressure areas. Opportunities are provided for physical activity and residents weight is monitored. They confirmed that they could see the doctor whenever they needed to and one person who was unwell said that the service and care being provided was “very good”. Routine appointments are made to see the dentist, optician etc. All staff have received training in the administration of medication. There is a written policy and procedure, which they have signed up to. Supplies were stored safely and in an orderly manner. Three people manage their own Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 medication and have signed risk assessments to that effect. Good, accurate and up to date records were kept. Staff described how they maintained residents privacy for example, knocking before entering their room, locking the bathroom and toilet door when in use and consulting them over the level of help they wanted. Residents all had their own room and could therefore see people in private. In addition, there is a second small lounge where they could entertain people if they wish. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 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 the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15 The outcome for residents is good. Their lifestyle matches their expectations and they maintain contact with family and friends. Staff assist them to exercise choice and control over their lives. They are provided with a wholesome, appealing and balanced diet. EVIDENCE: Residents said that they can do as they please. One person goes for a daily walk another enjoys trips to the beach. Some activities are provided including music and exercise sessions. A visitor brings in a dog for residents to spend time with if they wish and there are occasional trips out. Most people rely on relatives or friends to take them out and one person felt that she could have more assistance to go out as she missed seeing her local surroundings. This was discussed with the manager who agreed to consider ways of enabling residents to go out more. Visitors confirmed that they were welcomed at the home. There are facilities for them to stay for a meal and a small lounge/diner for them to use as an alternative to residents bedrooms. All residents manage their own financial affairs usually with assistance from family or a solicitor. Three people deposit cash at the home and this is stored safely and is well accounted for. The manager looks after a large sum of money at the home for one person. She confirmed that this was at the request Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 of the individual concerned and her son. However, she was advised to get this consent in writing. It was evident that residents are consulted on all areas of their lives by, for example the regular review of their care plan and questionnaires asking for their views on the home. A cook is employed to provide meals and a new person had just started at the home. One resident felt that the food was not up to standard but this was not borne out by the views of other people living there. The menu showed that a varied diet was provided and that fresh produce was used. There is a choice at each meal and residents can eat together or in the privacy of their own room. Special diets are catered for including those for people with diabetes. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 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 the following standard(s): 16 & 18 The outcome for residents is good. They are confident that their complaints will be listened to and acted upon. They are protected form abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a written complaints procedure which is known to residents. One person described how they had complained about a member of staff and how this was resolved to their satisfaction. Everyone knew who is in charge of the home and said that she was approachable. They confirmed that they could speak to her at any time and she was frequently at the home. There have been no formal complaints about the home. A written adult protection procedure is available and staff were familiar with this. They received training in this matter particularly through their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) programme. Some residents were known to have behaviour traits which could be difficult and staff were given good guidelines about how to manage this. There have been no adult protection referrals made from the home. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 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 the following standard(s): 19 & 26 The outcome for residents was good. They live in a safe and well-maintained environment which is clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home is situated near to shops and the local town. The premises are well maintained with an ongoing programme of decoration and maintenance. The garden is well kept and accessible to residents one of whom enjoys undertaking small task there. The building complies with the requirements of the local fire and environmental health departments. The home is clean throughout although in two bedrooms there was an odour present. This was discussed with the manager who confirmed that she would deal with the matter immediately and that she had the necessary equipment to do so. The laundry is situated away from food preparation areas and is suitably equipped including a washing machine with a hot wash for soiled linen. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 & 30 The outcome for residents is good. Their needs are met by the number and skill of the staff who ensure they are in safe hands at all times. The homes recruitment policy and practice protects residents. Staff are competent and trained to do their jobs. EVIDENCE: There is a written rota showing who is on duty at any time. There are three care staff on duty during the morning and a minimum of two after 2pm. They are supported by a cook and domestic staff as well as the manager, who regularly works directly with residents. Two staff are on the premises at night. Staff have the opportunity to undertake NVQ training. At present four people have this qualification and two have completed it and are awaiting confirmation of their success. This means that the home has achieved the standard of 50 of staff having an NVQ. The recruitment process for new staff includes obtaining a Criminal Records Bureau check as well as two references. Good records are kept of the process and demonstrates a thorough approach to this matter. There is an ongoing training programme which includes induction, adult protection, dementia care, first aid, food hygiene and safe lifting. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 & 38 The outcome for residents is good. The home is run by a competent manager who ensures that resident’s interests are safeguarded. The health and safety of residents and staff is promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The manager has achieved NVQ Level 4 and the Registered Managers Award. In addition, she has considerable experience of running the home which she does with good support from her deputy manager. She is clear about her job description and to whom she is accountable. Whilst she does not have a delegated budget for running the home she said that liaison with the home’s owners was good and that funding was always available. A good quality assurance system is in place. It includes monthly consultation with residents as well as regular questionnaires for example, to the local social services department and relatives of residents. In addition, a meeting is held every two months with residents. During one of these meetings someone Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 asked to be involved in the garden and they now happily enjoy doing small tasks. A feature of the quality assurance is good monitoring by the manager who carefully records any actions and when they are completed. This shows that comments by anyone, including residents, are acted upon. For example, it was brought to the attention of the manager that a ramp to the lounge was needed and this was done. Staff also meet every two months in order for them to share their views and to put forward suggestions or queries. Subsequently there is a very low turnover of staff and they stated that the home was run on “good team work”. There is a written annual development plan which is monitored and implemented. Action is taken on any requirements or recommendations made by CSCI. As previously stated, all residents look after their own financial affairs although three people deposit money for safekeeping. This is safely stored and accounted for. Safe working practices are maintained through good procedures and training for staff. Hazardous cleaning materials are safely stored and the house is well maintained. There is a written health and safety policy and all accidents are recorded. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 X 4 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 4 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 4 X 3 X X 3 Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. 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. Refer to Standard OP12 OP35 Good Practice Recommendations More opportunities should be provided for residents who need support to go out. The consent of the resident and/or relative should be obtained when large sums of money are held for individuals at the home. Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hampshire Office 4th Floor Overline House Blechynden Terrace Southampton SO15 1GW 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 Larkswood DS0000014601.V314716.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 - 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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