Inspection on 15/02/07 for Linear Park

This inspection was carried out on 15th February 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Linear Park 10/02/06

Linear Park 16/08/05

Linear Park 06/09/04

Linear Park 04/05/04

Linear Park 01/02/04

Linear Park 09/10/03

Linear Park 01/07/02

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Linear Park Bradlegh Road Newton-le-willows Merseyside WA12 8RA Lead Inspector Mrs Lynn Paterson Key Unannounced Inspection 15th February 2007 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 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Linear Park Address Bradlegh Road Newton-le-willows Merseyside WA12 8RA 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) 01925 221635 01925 221635 Housing With Care Limited Mrs Christine Diane Woods Care Home 25 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (25) of places Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Service Users to Include up to 25 (OP) Variation to accommodate up to 5 service users of the age group 6065 (males), 55-60 (females) The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the CSCI Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Linear Park is a purpose built residential care home that provides ground floor accommodation for 25 older people who are in need of assistance and support with their personal and social care. Accommodation comprises 25 single bedrooms 10 of which have en suite facility, 2 lounge areas, a dinning room, library conservatory and hairdressing room. The property has aids and adaptations in place to enable residents to remain independent for all long as possible. The home has full ramped access to all entry and exit areas and is surrounded by large pleasant well -maintained gardens. The premise’s has CCTV security to the front and side entrance and has ample parking facility to the front of the building. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection of Linear Park Care Home took place over a period of four hours on 13.2.07 and two hours on 15.02.07 and was undertaken on an unannounced basis. The inspector met with the manager, senior officer, three care staff members, cook and kitchen staff and 20 of the 24 residents living in the home. Records care files, policies procedures and other documentation was examined and a tour of the premises was carried out. Fieldwork included case tracking five residents, which involved reading all documentation relating to the residents daily living and speaking with the residents and staff who were associated with their care. Fees currently range between £375 - £395 per week. What the service does well: Staff, were observed interacting well with residents and the atmosphere in the home during the visit was one of calm and comfort. Staff advised they were “well managed” by the home manager who they said was good at her job and was fair and equal in her practice. Residents said they were well looked after and were able to make informed choices about what they wished to do each day. Residents said that staff members were wonderful and the home was well managed. Residents spoken with said the food provision was excellent and menus were varied and choices available at all times. Activities notification seen around the home revealed that activities were arranged on a daily basis and residents said they had enjoyed gentle exercise class prior lunch and were seen to be enjoying a Bingo Game during the afternoon. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 All residents spoken with said they were happy and contented at Linear Park and comments included; “Its very nice to be here, good food, staff help you and are most kind”, “I came from another home and really appreciate it here, they treat me so well” “We all get on so well, we have activities each day and are able to chat and relax in a very nice setting”. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 be made available in other formats on request. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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): 3.4. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Residents are not offered accommodation in the home until a full needs led assessment has been carried out to ensure the home can meet all assessed need. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Pre admission documentation looked at was clear and detailed information about the home and its service provision and the home statement of purpose held details to include staffing levels and the ethos of the home. Residents said they were able to read about the home before they visited to look around. Five residents spoken with said when they had decided they wished to live at Linear Park Care Home they received a home visit to assess their needs before being offered a place there. One resident said that s/he had lived at another home before being offered accommodation at Linear Park. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 S/he said that during a pre assessment visit the staff showed him/her around and it felt like home”. Assessment documentation seen confirmed that pre admission assessments were carried out prior to residents being admitted to the home. Staff advised that the pre admission assessment process enabled the home to identify all needs and to make sure that the staff and layout of the home were suitable to meet this need. Staff advised that they attempted to gain as much information as possible about the residents prior to them coming into the home to enable staff to organise any aids adaptations or other provisions that may be required in order to modify the home wherever possible to meet assessed need. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7.8.9.10. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Care plans contain full detailed information that shows residents current needs are identified and care practices put in place to meet assessed need. Residents are well treated by staff that are respectful and attentive at all times. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Care plans were viewed in general and three examined in detail and it was noted that the information held on plans was excellent. Care plans detailed preferred lifestyle of the residents to include social interactions, personal development and the level of support needed in respect of personal and health care need. Plans also had full information as to how personal care was to be delivered and what health care was to be provided and by whom. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 All plans held evidence of risk assessments being in place and care plan reviews being undertaken on a monthly basis. Plans and reviews held signatures of all who were involved in the process to include residents, staff, resident’s representatives and any other significant people. Staff spoken with and observed carrying out their care practices identified they were able to interact well with residents and provide support and motivation to enable residents to be assisted in a discrete and dignified way. Care staff advised that because the care plans held a pen picture of the residents life to include family, hobbies, interests and preferences they were able to get to know them better and make sure they were supported to carry out their daily living without fuss. Medication policies are clear and staff advised that they received ongoing training in respect of medication management. The manager advised that the home had provided information sheets to residents who choose to self medicate which the resident needed to sign to identify that they did not wish the home to hold responsibility for their medication. Residents said they were very happy with the standards of care provided and comments included; “The staff just know what we need and when we need it”, “Staff are kind and caring and treat us all with respect” “I love it here, staff are great they are kind and good fun and we are all very happy” Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12.13.14.15. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Activities and interest are arranged to suit the wishes of the residents. Food provision is varied well presented and of a high standard. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken with said they were able to do what they wanted, when they wanted and that staff really understood their needs. Observations of the residents and staff showed they were totally at ease with each other and therefore fully able to communicate. It was noted that friends and relatives were frequent visitors to the home and visitors spoken with said they were always welcomed into the home and offered drinks etc. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Several residents were seen to be going out for lunch or to visit friends in the community and staff advised that most resident retained clear links with the local community. Three residents spoken with said that the home provided live- entertainment for the residents and it was noted that singer was due to attend the next day to entertain the residents for Valentines Day. At the previous inspection the home manager had provided documentation to include policies and procedures which identified new systems introduced to make sure that all residents have a clear guide as to what services are available in the home. These systems included the provision of quality assurance forms to all people living in the home to identify what they want from the service. The questionnaires also ask about food provision and if residents wish to eat certain foods, for example British beef, eggs or soft cheese. These completed questionnaires were seen on file and Residents spoken with said that they felt very much empowered by the staff and systems in the home. It was noted that the home were able to gain full information about the diverse needs, wishes and preferences of all residents and arrange to accommodate all individuals in the manner in which they felt most comfortable. Residents said food was excellent, choices were available at all times and they “were very well fed and looked after “ at Linear Park. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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 Complaints policies are in place and residents know about the complaints system and are confident any complaints will be listened to and dealt with quickly. Staff are trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of adult protection This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The complaints policy identified the complaints process and residents spoken with advised that they knew how to complain if they wanted to. Residents spoken with said that the home manager and staff asked them each day if they were all right and if they wished to speak/complain about anything. Residents revealed they felt comforted by this attention and were never afraid to speak their mind. The complaints book was viewed and it was noted that no official complaints had been recorded since the previous inspection. Staff spoken with, were clear in their understanding of what constituted adult abuse, and of what to do if they suspected abuse was taking place? Staff training records revealed that staff, were provided with ongoing adult Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 protection training and staff said they found the training to be useful and informative. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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 excellent. The home ensures that residents live in a clean safe comfortable environment in which specialist equipment is provided to enable the residents to maximise their independence. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager had previously provided documentation to show that the home has an occupation therapy review of all specialist equipment provided in the home to ensure it is safe and secure for the use of residents. Care plans and daily records identified that residents are assessed as an ongoing process and specialist equipment is provided as required. A tour of the premises revealed that the home has hand -rails and ramped access in the home and all bathroom and toilets are equipped with aids appropriate to need. The home Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 has 2 hoists and a turntable and moving and handling belts and records show that staff, are trained as to their use. Residents spoken with said they were very happy and comfortable in their rooms and felt very much at ease in the home. Comments from residents include; “I have a difficulty with my mobility and the home make sure that I have all the equipment necessary to make life easier for me” “Have you seen my bedroom? It is so cosy and I have my personal things in it. I am warm safe and secure”. “I have lived in other places so I know how good it is here. My room is great and I am able to get around the other areas because there are aids to help me”. Observational practices and discussions held with residents and staff revealed that the home carries out daily risk assessments to ensure the safety and comfort of residents and this was seen to be commendable. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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 excellent, The home has clear recruitment policies to ensure that staff members who are appointed are carefully vetted prior to commencement. Staff, are well trained and provided in sufficient numbers and skill mix to ensure residents are safe and well treated. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Staff records viewed showed that staff were not employed in the home without the appropriate checks being undertaken to include Criminal Records Bureaux (CRB) checks and appropriate references being provided. Recruitment policies were clear and identified that equality measures were utilised to ensure all prospective staff were provided with a fair interview process. One newly appointed staff member was spoken with and identified that s/he had needed to provide all the above documents prior to appointment. Staffing rosters revealed that the staffing levels and skill mix were more than adequate to meet the assessed needs of the current residents of the home. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The manager advised that the home recognises the importance of NVQ training to the home and for individual’s personal development. Staff spoken with said they had been encouraged and supported to undertake training, which they felt made them feel valued. Residents and their representative spoken with advised that they felt the staff were most competent in their roles and comments included; “They really know what they are doing”, “The staff here are so nice and they work hard. They provide good care for us all and protect us from harm”. “They provide sufficient staff to look after us but they don’t half work hard”. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.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 excellent. The home is very well managed and uses quality assurance methods to make sure that the views of the residents as to the running of the home are recorded and addressed. The home employ maintenance staff and utilise clear health and safety policies and procedures which promote and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people using the service. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The manager constantly monitors and reviews policies and practices and it was noted that she had updated some policies and practices in the home, which were seen to be of a high standard. These included new quality audit forms which create an audit trail in relation to admissions and discharge, care planning and care delivery, housekeeping, staffing and health and safety. The manager has vast experience of care home management and has many years experience of working in the care of the elderly. She demonstrated in discussion that she continues to develop her skills and attends meetings, training and development courses to ensure she has full knowledge and understanding of any changes in practice or legislation. Documentation viewed revealed that residents meetings are held to ensure that residents and their representatives are aware of all that is happening in the home and residents spoken with said” they always knew what was going on”. Residents said they were given questionnaires to complete as to what they felt about the home and how they felt things could improve. Staff said they felt the home was run efficiently and staff members supported by the manager who they said, “Was very good at her job”. Residents said they felt safe and protected in the home. Staff said they were always given full information about the home and received daily briefings and attended staff meetings to enable them to carry out their practices in an efficient and caring manner. The manager advised that in general residents families/representatives held responsibility for finances, although residents were provided with a hard backed book in which they could record any payments for hairdressing, newspapers or any other general expenses and their families could “top up the balance” as required. Records show that the home does not currently deal with any residents finances as all current residents are either self managing their finances or have appointed a representative to assist. Health and safety issues were discussed with the manager and staff and they identified that an ongoing training programme is in place which includes health and hygiene, health and safety, first aid, fire food hygiene moving and handling, safe storage and hazardous substances. Documentation seen and comments made by residents revealed that the home has excellent communication systems in place to ensure that the home is run in the best interests of residents and this was seen to be commendable. Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 3 X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 4 9 3 10 4 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 3 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 4 4 X X X X X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 4 29 3 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 X 4 X 3 X X 4 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Knowsley Local Office 2nd Floor, South Wing Burlington House Crosby Road North Liverpool L22 0LG 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 Linear Park DS0000022405.V295356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - 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. 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