Inspection on 10/08/05 for Little Oaks Residential Home

This inspection was carried out on 10th August 2005.

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

Other inspections for this house

Little Oaks Residential Home 18/09/07

Little Oaks Residential Home 11/10/06

Little Oaks Residential Home 07/02/06

Little Oaks Residential Home 03/02/05

Little Oaks Residential Home 22/07/04

Similar services:

Claremont House

Oak Ridge

Sun Court Nursing Home

Ashville House

Bilney Hall

Hill Barn

Mabbs Hall Nursing Home

Henrietta House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Little Oaks Residential Home Braxted Road Little Braxted Witham Essex CM8 3ED Lead Inspector Brian Bailey Unannounced 10 August 2005 th 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 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. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Little Oaks Residential Home Address Braxted Road, Little Braxted, Witham, Essex CM8 3ED 01621 891974 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Mrs Gillian Elaine Valentine Mr John Rand Valentine Mr John Valentine Care Home 13 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (13) of places Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Persons of either sex, aged 65 years and over, who require care by reason of old age only (not to exceed 13 persons). Date of last inspection 3rd February 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Little Oaks is an adapted detached property situated in the village of Little Braxted and close to Wickham Bishops. The home is in a rural setting but is near to a bus route; the nearest town is Witham where there are facilities such as shops, pubs, banks, library and post office. Residents accommodation is provided on two floors and consists of eleven single and one shared bedroom. The home has a passenger lift. A lounge/dining room overlooks the rear garden, which is private and secure. The home provides accommodation for older people with low to medium dependency levels. The aim of the home is for residents to live as independently as possible and be fully supported in their physical, emotional and social needs. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was carried out on 10th August 2005 at 10.45am. This was the first inspection of Little Oaks in the inspection year 2005/6. During the inspection, the manager, staff, four residents and three visitors gave their views about the home. All the residents were seen during the inspection. A tour the building included a check of all bedrooms, bathrooms, the lounge/dining room, kitchen and grounds. Records checked included the home’s statement of purpose, staff rosters, residents’ care records, health and safety matters and the menus. The inspection process included observation of the midday meal and of staff carrying out their duties. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A number of improvements have been made to the home over the past year. These include better and safer access to the rear garden, new carpets in the lounge/dining room, new windows fitted on the first floor bedrooms and the removal of steps in a corridor. More recent improvements include the redecoration of four bedrooms. The majority of staff have now received training on the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 1, 2, 3 & 5. Clear information about the home is made available and prospective residents and relatives are able to visit to determine whether the home is suitable. The admission procedure needs to be developed to ensure adequate assessments of need are obtained prior to people moving into the home. Without this there is the risk that not all the care needs of residents will be met. EVIDENCE: The home’s statement of purpose, which was available in each of the residents’ bedrooms, meets the requirements of the National Minimum Standards. The statement included a copy of the home’s terms and conditions agreement between the home and residents. This contained details of what the fees included and what are considered as extras, such as hairdressing, chiropody and toiletries. Assessments of prospective residents are being obtained, although for two recently admitted residents, the information provided was minimal. The manager must insist on the local authority providing an adequate and up to date assessment of need. The home carries out their own assessment, but the information collected must be based on a standard format to ensure consistency and that all the necessary information is collected. This will then Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 ensure the manager is able to determine whether the home can meet the prospective residents’ needs. Visiting relatives spoke of having visited the home prior to admission of their relative to see for themselves the type of facilities available. They said they had no regrets about their decision. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7, 8 & 10. Residents are looked after well in respect of their personal and health care needs and that their care records are well documented. EVIDENCE: Individual care plans are available for each resident. Three care plans were checked; these contained a comprehensive range of information that was up to date and showed that reviews had been carried. Care records included details of all aspects of residents’ health, personal and social care needs. Care records showed that visits by health care professionals were recorded and these were up to date. Observation of care staff during the inspection showed that they were friendly and respectful towards residents, and understood and recognised residents’ rights to privacy and to be treated with dignity. Residents spoken with said that staff were patient and kind, they enabled residents to preserve their dignity and assisted them with their personal needs in a caring manner. One resident said they enjoyed having a joke with staff and that they enjoyed their company. Staff were observed to be attentive and to offer assistance discreetly and communicated with relatives when they had concerns about the health of a resident. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12, 13 & 15. Residents are able to maintain and develop contacts with friends and family in and outside the home and experience an open and welcoming home. Residents are able to act independently to the greatest possible extent and to move freely around the home within safe boundaries. Residents are provided with a varied and healthy diet. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken with said they enjoyed the lifestyle at the home; they liked being free to remain in their own rooms if they wished and to have the opportunity to sit with other residents if they wanted company. One resident said the staff were friendly and always called into the room for a chat. Another resident spoke of being happy to read the library books and to watch television whenever they wanted and to talk with staff. A staff member considered residents preferred chats with staff to organised games etc. Staff also considered there were many opportunities for residents to enjoy a laugh and have fun. Visitors were seen to come and go as they pleased and three people said they were made welcome and felt able visit at anytime. Lunch was observed in the dining room where residents were served with meals of their choice. Adequate food stocks were available and the cook on duty said that there were no restrictions on the food provided. Records Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 showed the selections made by residents. Residents were provided with cold drinks and no pressure was placed on residents at the midday meal to finish their meal and leave the dining area. Residents spoken with said they enjoyed the food and had no complaints. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 16 &18. Residents are able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and secure setting and are cared for by interested staff. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure and a procedure and policy relating to the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. Since the last inspection, eight staff were provided with training on recognising signs of abuse and understanding the definitions of abuse. Staff said they had enjoyed the experience, which had made them more aware of their responsibilities towards the residents. Residents spoken with said that they had no concerns and felt entirely safe in the company of staff. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 19, 20, 23, 24, 25 & 26. Residents’ benefit from living in a safe, clean and homely environment. EVIDENCE: This detached property is situated in a quiet rural setting, which residents said they enjoyed. The home has a homely appearance and the layout, particularly the ground floor, meets the needs of residents. Residents’ bedrooms were decorated and furnished to a good standard and many rooms had been personalised with pictures and ornaments. One resident spoke of liking their room and enjoyed being able to receive visitors in private. Residents spoken with said they felt safe in the home. The lounge/dining room is comfortable, cheerful and well furnished. A ramp and a handrail provide residents with good access to the rear garden and the removal of two steps from the ground floor corridor has made it easier for residents to access the lounge/dining room. A passenger lift provides access to the first floor. There is a private and secure rear garden with furniture, which is suitable for residents to access independently if they Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 wished. All areas of the home were clean, tidy and free of unpleasant smells. Relatives commented on how they always find the home clean and residents dressed in clean clothes. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 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 considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27 & 30. The number of experienced care staff on duty is sufficient to meet the needs of residents and does not place them at risk from being left unsupervised. EVIDENCE: At the time of the unannounced inspection, staff on duty consisted of the manager, care manager, three care staff, cook and cleaner. This was reflected in the staff roster and was typical of the staff cover. The care manager has a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 and three staff have a NVQ 2. Three staff plan to take NVQ level 2 in September 2005. The manager was aware of the need to achieve the target of 50 of care staff to have a NVQ by the end of 2005, but this will be difficult to achieve as a qualified member of staff had recently left the home. The manager was planning to take a training the trainers course for the administration of medication. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 32 & 38. Based on the limited health and safety information obtained, residents live in a safe and secure setting and enjoy the benefits of a staff team that communicate and work well together. EVIDENCE: From observation and discussion with staff, residents and visitors, it was evident that the home operates in an open and friendly style. Staff were supportive of each other and residents and confident about their roles. Staff training is being taken seriously and further courses are planned that will benefit residents. Not all aspects of Health and Safety were checked at this inspection as some records were not readily available. However, it was evident that the fire detection system had been serviced on 27/7/05 and all electrical equipment had been checked. The home’s public liability insurance policy expires on 23/8/05. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score 3 3 2 x 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 x 10 3 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 x 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 3 x x 3 x 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 x 29 x 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x 3 x 3 x x x x x 3 Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 yes Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard 3 Regulation 14 Requirement Residents must not be admiited until a full assessment is obtained that enables the manager to determine whether the home can meet residents needs. The manager must provide evidence of how and when the home intends to meet the target of 50 of care staff to have a NVQ at level 2. Timescale for action 1/9/05 2. 30 18 1/11/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard 38 Good Practice Recommendations That all documentaion relating to Health & Safety at the home are kept in a file for easy access. Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Fairfax House Causton Road Colchester CO1 1RJ 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 Little Oaks Residential Home I56 105 S17869 Little Oaks V238992 UI 100805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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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