Inspection on 27/04/06 for Life Care Home

This inspection was carried out on 27th April 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

Life Care Home 30/10/07

Life Care Home 15/11/05

Life Care Home 25/07/05

Life Care Home 25/05/05

Life Care Home 19/01/05

Life Care Home 13/05/04

Similar services:

St Vincents

The Cotswold Home

Newbeech House

Winton House

Rush Court

Hillyfield Rest Home

The Maypole Nursing Centre

The Briars

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Lifecare Home 31 Cressingham Road Reading Berks RG2 7RU Lead Inspector Sally Newman Unannounced Inspection 9:35 27th April 2006 & 12th May 2006 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 Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Lifecare Home Address 31 Cressingham Road Reading Berks RG2 7RU 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) 0118 9866371 0118 9346872 sats@satsa.freeuk.com Mr S S Ahluwalia Miss Sevinj Hashimova Care Home 16 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (16) of places Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. That provision is made for one service user aged under 65 years of age, identified in the application form dated 21.2.05, to be resident in the home. 15th November 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Lifecare is a residential home providing accommodation and personal care for sixteen older people, of both sexes. The home is situated in a residential area a few miles from Reading town centre. There are local amenities and the home is on a local transport route. There are five ground floor and nine first floor bedrooms, accessed by a lift. One ground floor bedroom has en-suite facilities and one of the first floor bedrooms is a double room. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This service was inspected over a period of 5 days between 24th April and 12th May with visits to the home taking place on the 27th April between 9.35am and 3.10pm and 12th May between 9.50am and 12.25pm. Two inspectors undertook the first visit to the home with one attending on the second occasion. Evidence was gathered from talking to staff, management, service users and visitors to the home. In addition various records were seen including care plans. Inspection records and information from the provider were used. A tour of the premises was undertaken and observation of care practice was carried out throughout the visit. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Improvements detailed at the last inspection have been maintained. Staff are regularly supervised, more appropriately supported and their roles and duties are more clearly defined. As a result staff morale is much improved. Outcomes in these areas are now considered to be good. Organisation of the administrative systems operating within the home have much improved and staff are clearer about their individual administrative responsibilities. Service users lifestyles have improved with a more individually focussed approach to activities being adopted. Overall the personal and health care needs of service users has improved and outcomes are considered to be good. The manager has implemented various methods of obtaining service user views to ensure that all their needs are met. The food provided continues to improve and was mostly complemented by service users. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 These improvements were identified from discussions with staff, service users, relatives and the provider and without exception were attributed to the new manager. 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. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: Evidence was obtained from talking to the manager and from examining records. A pro-forma is used to obtain detailed information about prospective service users. This information includes health and personal care needs and likes and preferences in relation to a wide range of lifestyle areas. This information is used to form the basis of the initial care plan when the service user moves in. The manager is confident that new service users’ needs are clearly communicated to all staff to ensure the move into the home is as smooth as possible. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: A range of care plans were seen. Information was detailed with individual care and support needs which took into consideration personal choices and preferences. The accuracy of information held was confirmed in discussion with relevant service users. Health care needs were detailed and the manager confirmed that chiropody, optician and dental appointments had been secured since her appointment. Difficulties had been experienced in relation to dental treatment due to the scarcity of dentists providing National Health supported services. The home has a comprehensive staff training programme in place in relation to the administration of medication. The manager has arranged for an external trainer to attend the home to provide tailored training to the staff team. The manager regularly reviews staff competence and issues in relation to medication are a regular topic of discussion during supervision. There is a contract in place with Boots which includes 3 monthly reviews of the medication systems operating within the home. A recent report demonstrated Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 that the home is meeting expectations in relation to all aspects of the handling of medication. In discussion with service users and from information provided by the return of 10 service user surveys in was evident that service users do feel respected and that their right to privacy is safeguarded. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: The range and focus of activities provided in the home have continued to improve. This improvement has been driven by the manager who has attended relevant training courses and has obtained an individual and comprehensive social history from each service user. This information has been used to inform a programme of activities designed to meet both individual and collective needs. Feedback is obtained following each activity to ascertain its success and appropriateness. Particular attention has been paid to cultural and religious preferences and now ministers from a range of denominations visit the home. Visitors to the home are encouraged and there are no set times which have to be avoided. During the course of the inspection a relative was spoken to in private. They had noticed the improvements particularly in relation to the efficiency of the staff, the professional manner of the manager and the standard of food at mealtimes. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 It was evident from talking to staff, the manager and service users that individual choice is encouraged and service users are supported to make decisions affecting their daily lives. Preferences are recorded and updated on a regular basis. There is now a dedicated cook who prepares the main meal of the day from Monday to Friday. A report from a dietician has been commissioned which provides advice on guidance on providing appropriate and nutritious food for older people. The cook confirmed that fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered to the home and form an integral part of every meal. As a result of regular surveys with service users changes to the menu have been made. The cook makes a point of sitting with each service user on a regular basis to ascertain their views about the food provided. The manager demonstrated sensitivity and awareness in the need to provide traditional British food prepared in traditional style to a predominantly British resident group who had indicated this as a preference. Other cultural dietary preferences are met appropriately. Overall service users from discussion and surveys indicated their satisfaction with meals and responses to their preferences. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints policy in place which provides clear stages and timescales for complainants. A central log is maintained which indicates the outcome for all complaints. The manager was advised to consider how to appropriately record complaints about external services. Service users and their representatives are made aware of the complaints procedure and feedback on all aspects of the service are encouraged and actively sought. Only one member of the staff team is now awaiting training in the protection of vulnerable adults. Staff spoken to demonstrated a sound understanding of the principles and potential for abuse. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: This home has an established history of sound and regular maintenance. Information provided by the home confirmed that most equipment in the homes is serviced and maintained appropriately. However, information did not indicate that fire equipment had been inspected. This confirmation must be available in the home for future inspection. The manager confirmed that all aids and equipment recommended for individual service users in a commissioned occupational therapy report had now been purchased and was in place for the use of the relevant service users. A tour of the premises and discussions with service users confirmed that the home is always clean, pleasant and hygienic. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: The home is now fully staffed. The manager has implemented a number of measures to support and guide staff in their work. There are now regular staff meetings and key worker meetings where issues affecting individual service users can be discussed. All staff now receive regular supervision and a programme of annual appraisals has begun. A sample of 4 staff recruitment records were seen. Staff files have all been recently reorganised which ensures easy access to relevant information. All files seen contained appropriate information as required by regulation. In addition, the manager has introduced an interview record and a recruitment checklist to support and enhance the process. The organisation of staff training has been greatly improved. There are now 4 staff who are NVQ trained, 3 are working towards qualification and 4 have now been enrolled on NVQ training. In addition the manager has now obtained her Registered Managers award and the NVQ 4. Most staff have now received a comprehensive range of health and safety training. Staff spoken to demonstrated a sound understanding of safe working practices. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 The home has recently been awarded the certificate of recognition as an Investor in People. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. EVIDENCE: There was substantial evidence that the manager has made a positive impact on the running of the home. She was complemented by both staff and service users and her qualities and contribution was clearly recognised by the Provider. She recognises the need to consolidate the improvements and to continue to strive for even better practices. There was ample evidence that this manager is dedicated to running the home with the best interests of the service users as the central focus. She spends time talking to service users and encourages all staff to do so. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 There is a clear policy in relation to managing service user monies. The manager holds personal allowance for 4 service users. Comprehensive records are maintained including receipts. The manager was advised to keep amounts held to a minimum. Health and safety records are comprehensive. Information provided by the proprietor confirmed that all checks are undertaken at appropriate intervals and records seen were up to date. A wide range of risk assessments were in place which are reviewed at least annually or when changes occur. The rolling programme of staff training includes health and safety issues. Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the need for clear procedures to ensure that risks to service users and themselves are minimised. Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 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 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 3 X 3 X X 3 Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA 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 Lifecare Home DS0000011253.V290042.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. 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!