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Inspection on 12/10/06 for Limecroft Resource Centre

Also see our care home review for Limecroft Resource Centre for more information

This inspection was carried out on 12th 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.

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

The internal appearance of the respite centre is of a high standard. It provides a pleasant, comfortable environment for service users to stay in. The service users said that staff were kind and looked after them well. particular, a resident said: "... could recommend it to anyone. everyone is very friendly." InThe place was always clean andOne service user said she had initially been frightened about staying at the centre, but was no longer worried and had just extended her stay due to her primary carer`s illness. This person said: "All are very kind and considerate." A further person who was in receipt of an unplanned short stay said apart from it being very hot during the night, "...I love it and the food is excellent."

What has improved since the last inspection?

The management has satisfactorily addressed the outstanding requirements concerning assessment and an issue with a fire door closure. Managers are visiting potential service users to carry out an assessment and to ensure the service can meet the identified needs.

What the care home could do better:

The respite centre should remove a quantity of discarded furniture from the rear of the premises, as it is a hazard to health and safety. The organisation should recommence their obligations under Regulation 26 of The Care Homes Regulations 2001, visits by the registered provider.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Limecroft Resource Centre Whitebank Road Limeside Oldham OL8 3JL Lead Inspector Janet Ranson Unannounced Inspection 12th October 2006 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 Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Limecroft Resource Centre Address Whitebank Road Limeside Oldham OL8 3JL 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) 0161 911 3490 0161 911 3501 limecroft.RC@oldham.gov.uk Oldham M.B.C. Mrs Nicola Jane Kershaw Care Home 21 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (14), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (21), of places Physical disability (2), Physical disability over 65 years of age (7) Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is registered for 21 service users to include: *up to 21 service users in the category of OP (Older People not falling in any other category); *up to 7 service users in the category of PD(E) (Physical Disability over 65 years of age); *up to 14 service users in the category of DE(E) (Dementia over 65 years of age) and 2 named service users in the category of PD (Physical disability under 65 years of age). The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 23rd January 2006 2. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Limecroft is a large, purpose built establishment managed by Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council. The home has been adapted to provide shortstay accommodation for up to 21 older people, some of who may have dementia or a physical disability. The people who use the services of Limecroft return to their own homes at the end of their stay. The short breaks can also be part of a larger package of care arranged by a social worker in order that the service user is maintained within the local community. A day care facility also operates from the same building but is not subject to inspection. Both the respite and day care service provided by Limecroft supports large numbers of people in the local community. The establishment is well maintained and provides single accommodation over two floors. Eight bedrooms have en-suite facilities. Each floor provides small domestic style living and dining areas. The dining areas are fitted with kitchens for the service users to make themselves snacks and drinks. Adapted baths and toilets are located on both floors and there is a full passenger lift. The building is located within a residential area, close to shops and other community resources. It is understood that the establishment is well served by public transport. There are grounds to the front and side of the building and off road parking is to the front of the property. Fees for accommodation and care at the establishment are subject to a financial assessment the upper limit being £360. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a key inspection, which included an unannounced site visit by an inspector to the home. The site visit took place on Thursday, 12th October 2006, and covered a period from 9:30am until 5:15pm. The inspector was to be assisted by an ‘expert by experience’ for part of the day but unfortunately this was not possible due to circumstances beyond the inspector’s control. Time was spent talking to service users, some of the staff and a visiting member of the mental health team, in addition to observing the home’s routine and staff interaction with residents. A total of four service users’ identified needs were looked in detail. Individual details of their experiences and care were examined from the point of admission to their current care. A tour of the building was conducted and a selection service users’ records was examined, including records of care, medication and staff training records. Requirements made at the previous inspection (23rd January 2006) were checked for compliance and found to have been thoroughly addressed. Questionnaires were also left at the home for use by service users, their relatives and the staff to comment on the service. Some of the positive comments received are as follows: “… has a very good support system for both staff and service users.” “We build and maintain very good relationships with our service users.” “You are never on your own, we have a very good team here.” “Rotational service users look forward to meeting up with staff and other service users they have got to know well.” (During previous stays). On a more negative note: “Never enough management on (duty)” “It is felt by many staff that pay and grading are issues most over looked.” Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: The internal appearance of the respite centre is of a high standard. It provides a pleasant, comfortable environment for service users to stay in. The service users said that staff were kind and looked after them well. particular, a resident said: “… could recommend it to anyone. everyone is very friendly.” In The place was always clean and One service user said she had initially been frightened about staying at the centre, but was no longer worried and had just extended her stay due to her primary carer’s illness. This person said: “All are very kind and considerate.” A further person who was in receipt of an unplanned short stay said apart from it being very hot during the night, “…I love it and the food is excellent.” What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The respite centre should remove a quantity of discarded furniture from the rear of the premises, as it is a hazard to health and safety. The organisation should recommence their obligations under Regulation 26 of The Care Homes Regulations 2001, visits by the registered provider. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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): 3 Quality in this outcome area is good. Systems are in place to ensure the service users’ needs can be fully identified and met by the service. (Standard 6 Intermediate care is not provided at Limecroft). This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Initial assessments carried out by the social workers or health care professionals were contained within the four files examined. In addition, the home has devised a system of assessment that is also completed by a senior member of staff. By completing such an assessment, the home can ensure they can meet the service user’s needs identified at this time. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The senior staff are also visiting some newly referred service users to ensure the service can meet their needs. In addition, the service can also offer flexible overnight assessments. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 good. Arrangements in place demonstrated that residents’ personal care, health and welfare needs are met. Residents are treated with respect and their privacy is maintained at all times. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The organisation has devised a comprehensive care planning process. Four care plans were examined; they clearly documented the service user’s assessed needs. The details were well documented and observed. There was evidence that the plans were being reviewed at regular intervals and included an “end of stay” assessment. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The service user’s healthcare needs are identified, documented and met by the appropriate personnel. Out-patients appointments are also maintained during the service user’s stay. Nutritional screening is completed on admission and records of weights were in place. Some aids to daily living are in place, such as grab rails, raised toilets and adapted baths. Service users are reminded that aids that are specific to the service user must be brought in with them. A mental health worker, who was visiting one of her clients, told the inspector that she always found the service at Limecroft to be helpful for her clients. She also said the staff and management of the service were always professional and supportive. Four medication administration records were examined and found to be completed in the approved manner. Care plans documented where medication had been reviewed and changed. All carers who are responsible for the administration of medication have received the appropriate training. Recently, there have been problems associated with the administration of service users’ medication and it is understood that a senior manager is in the process of investigating the errors. Staff demonstrated respect and understanding of the need for privacy and dignity. The staff were observed to knock and wait for a response before entering service users’ rooms. A service user said the staff always knocked on her bedroom door; she confirmed that she liked this as it maintained her privacy. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 good. The choices offered to the residents meet with their requirements and needs and enable them to exercise day-to-day control over their lives. The contents of the menu appeared nutritious and well balanced, with a choice provided at each mealtime. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The individual care plans document the service user’s previous lifestyle and interests. The carers in discussion clearly understood the importance of this information when caring for the individual. The service users said they felt able to go to bed when they wanted to and there was “no problem if you wanted a lie-in in the morning.” Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 It was reported that the service users manage their own financial affairs. The service user’s guide advises that the resident takes small amounts of money with them. Limecroft also retains small sums for safekeeping. Where this is the case, individual records of expenditure with receipts are maintained in the appropriate manner. The service users who spoke with the inspector stated that the meals were good, with a choice at each mealtime. The staff inform the service users of the choice before each meal and this was also clearly displayed in the dining areas. The inspector observed the main meal at lunchtime; it was well received, as was the optional choice. The service users were able to tell the inspector what was on the menu for their evening meal. The mealtime was observed to be relaxed and unhurried, with the carers providing discreet assistance. Comments concerning the meals were: “food is always excellent.” “I enjoy my meals here more than at home.” “there is a good choice, it is homely and they will always find me something else if I don’t want what is offered.” “It’s nice have someone to enjoy a meal with.” The cook, who had recently transferred from another home, clearly demonstrated her understanding of nutritional needs and dietary requirements. The kitchen is appropriately equipped, clean and with all appliances reported to be in full working order. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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. The service users and staff were confident their complaints would be treated with respect and acted upon. The policies, procedures and staff training protect the residents from potential abuse. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure was available in the service user guide. The service users who spoke with the inspector were unable to recall having seen the complaints procedure. They were able to tell the inspector how and to whom they would voice their concerns, either to family members or staff. All complaints are logged within the organisation’s complaints system. Thankyou cards containing messages of satisfaction were publicly displayed in the establishment. As previously reported, a senior manager is currently investigating an issue concerning medication errors. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The staff have undergone training in the protection of vulnerable adults. In discussion, they clearly demonstrated their understanding of their responsibilities concerning the protection of vulnerable adults. Systems and policies are also in place. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. Limecroft provides a warm, clean, safe and well-maintained environment with a good standard of decoration, furnishings and fittings. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The service users who spoke with the inspector voiced their satisfaction with their accommodation. The rooms are pleasantly decorated and furnished with pictures and ornaments. All the doors are lockable and there is a secure facility within the bedside cabinet. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 A service user said she “could recommend Limecroft to anybody”, confirming her satisfaction with the cleanliness and her accommodation. A further service user complained that his room was rather hot during the night, although he had mentioned this to one of the carers and he was confident that “someone was looking into it”. The main entrance into the establishment is accessible to visitors by entry phone. The main door on the first floor is fitted with a security device which is overridden in the event of fire. The garden to the rear of the property is fully accessible to the residents. It is a safe and secure area that is complete with benches, chairs and tables. A quantity of furniture had been placed in this area awaiting disposal. Not only was this an eyesore, it also presented a health and safety hazard and is required to be removed. Limecroft is maintained in a clean and hygienic state there were no offensive smells noted. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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, 28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. The service users receive care from well-trained staff who respond in a respectful manner. The organisation’s recruitment policy and procedure provides protection to the residents from potential abuse. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: From observation the staff were attentive and responded to the service users in a respectful and relaxed manner. The atmosphere was informal with plenty of “banter” from the residents to the staff. Recruitment is carried out according to the organisations policies. The staff who spoke with the inspector confirmed they had provided referees and had CRB clearance. A record had been devised to ensure all checks and references had been satisfactorily obtained. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The organisation continues to support carers to complete the National Vocational Qualification at level 2. Specialist training is also available and a carer who spoke with the inspector said she was booked on a four day dementia training event. This person said she had had no previous experience of care work and had been “amazed” at the amount of training provided to her. A system of induction and foundation training is also in place. Some comments from the staff: “…good place to work” “colleagues are very supportive” “I receive regular supervision and an annual appraisal” “The (new) younger staff are working and fitting in well” “We have good managers here” Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. The use of questionnaires and continued reviewing of care plans enables the service users and their relatives to be involved in the delivery of care. Systems are in place to protect the service users’ financial interests and to ensure their health and safety at all times. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 EVIDENCE: The manager has the appropriate skills and experience to manage Limecroft. She has enrolled onto the National Vocational Qualification level 4 (registered manager’s award). She has adopted a relaxed management style and is well supported by a team of senior staff. Service users’ meetings are carried out at regular intervals. Minutes are taken and made available for those who were not resident at the time of the meeting. The organisation also ascertains the service users’ views by questionnaires, one at the beginning of the stay and a further one at the end. Limecroft does not handle the service users’ finances, other than small amounts for safekeeping. An administrator is employed to ensure records of any expenditure are retained along with receipts. Accounts are posted to the service users at the end of their stay. The staff confirmed they had received all the mandatory training concerning the health and safety of the service users, any visitors and themselves. The organisation also has a system to ensure the training is current. The organisation has a duty to carry out monthly checks and report in writing to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The last Regulation 26 notice received by the Commission is dated July 2006. The maintenance of all appliances and equipment is carried out under contract. The health, safety and welfare is further ensured by the systems in place to report accident and incidents. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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 X X 3 X X N/A 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 Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 OP19 OP37 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should ensure the furniture and other effects are removed from the rear of the building. The registered person should ensure the details contained in Regulation 26 of the Care Homes Regulations are adhered to. Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ashton-under-Lyne Area Office 2nd Floor, Heritage Wharf Portland Place Ashton-u-Lyne Lancs OL7 0QD 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 Limecroft Resource Centre DS0000035289.V315603.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!