CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Littlebourne House 2 High Street Littlebourne Canterbury CT3 1UN Lead Inspector
Wendy Gabriel Announced 13 June 2005 09:00 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. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Littlebourne House Address 2 High Street, Littlebourne, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1UN 01227 721527 01227 721771 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 M Hussein & Mr M Moreland Mrs L Jarmaine Care Home 35 Category(ies) of Older People (35) registration, with number of places Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18/01/05 Brief Description of the Service: Littlebourne House is registered to provide care for up to 35 older people. The Home is situated by the main road in the rural village of Littlebourne and is surrounded by gardens and with some parking spaces to one side of the house. There are two double rooms in the Home and one is maintained for single use. Bedrooms are spacious and light. A conversion to a property in the grounds provides a further 11 single en-suite bedrooms. The conversion adjoins the house by a large all weather conservatory that provides further day space for all Service Users. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The two Registered Owners, the Registered Manager, administrator and night care manager were in the office with the Inspector at the time of the announced inspection. Two members of the care staff on duty and one resident spoke privately with the Inspector. Other residents and staff were introduced to the Inspector during the accompanied tour of part of the premises. The home was clean and tidy and with no unpleasant odours on the day of the announced inspection. As part of the Registered Owners five year plan, the laundry and sluice is to have renewal/redecorating carried out this year, a bathroom is to be replaced by a walk in shower and the outside of the conservatory is to be repainted. The Inspector received many comment cards from relatives and friends. One written comment from a visitor suggested that there were not always enough staff on duty but that the staff were all caring and did their best to keep the residents happy. Other positive comments ranged from, ‘the best home for care and kindness’, ‘so pleased our (relative) is in this lovely home’, ‘such caring staff, do a superb job’, ‘pleasant courteous staff’. Two members of staff were singled out for special mention as being ‘so very caring’. Written comments were received from residents. One said that some staff were rough when handling her in the hoist and should remember the pain she is in. This was discussed with the Registered Owner who expressed concern and said that this would be taken forward to the staff and that extra training would be given regarding moving and handling and being aware of residents’ different needs. Since the previous inspection some work has been done to improve the care plans and these now include pertinent details of the residents care and staff involvement as in risk assessments. Staff training is being reviewed and a new company induction package approved by TOPSS (The national training organisation for social care) has been purchased for appropriate training paperwork. The Registered Owner confirmed that all staff are undertaking the induction as well as new staff. Some understanding of adult abuse is included in the induction as confirmed by staff but the home has yet to use a suitable training programme on adult abuse as they were waiting for a ‘training for trainers’ course to be undertaken by the night care manager who has dedicated training responsibilities. The Inspector advised that a training matrix be formulated for identifying training needs and updates for staff. The administrator is preparing individual booklets for staff and residents with simple details of policies and procedures that directly affect them. A copy will be sent to the Inspector when they are completed. Appraisals are undertaken but formal supervision is not recorded. This was discussed with the Registered Owner and administrator who agreed to set up formal sessions appropriately. The statement of purpose is to be revised and sent to the Inspector. A new
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 brochure to include the service users guide details will be returned from the printers in approximately six weeks and a copy sent to the inspector. Two members of staff confirmed the ongoing induction and training offered at the home also that NVQ is promoted. Three requirements were made following the inspection and are detailed in the body of the report. One resident who spoke to the Inspector said that there is one phrase used all the time by the staff and that is “You’re welcome”, and that he believed they meant it. Interaction between residents and staff was observed to be friendly, appropriate and helpful. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better:
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 Certain policies and documents as required by the Commission for Social Care Inspection are not yet completed satisfactorily. The administrator is methodically identifying these and some are in the final stages of completion and are to be forwarded to the Inspector by given dates. The administrator agreed that some policies in the home do not give quick and easy advice to either carers or residents; being too management oriented. The administrator is collating separate booklets with simplified key policies and procedures for carers and for residents. 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. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 1-6 The home does not currently provide adequate information to prospective residents to be sure the home can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: A pre admission format is used by the home to assess prospective residents. Residents and families are invited to visit and spend a short time in the home prior to making a decision regarding living in the home. But not all residents are seen prior to entering the home for a trial period. The Registered Owner said this is because some come from so far away it would be too far for representatives of the home to travel. In those situations they would speak to families, either by ‘phone to get information about the residents needs, or families would visit if they lived locally. The Inspector stated that this was not always a reliable assessment and that the Registered Owner has a responsibility to provide suitable care facilities for the assessed needs of the residents coming in to the home as well as responsibilities to the people already residing in the home. Contracts and terms and conditions are given to all residents except those who are placed by care managers whereby the contracts are between the resident and the local authority. The Inspector, Registered Owner and administrator
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 discussed the importance of the home ensuring that the resident abided by the homes own terms and conditions. The statement of purpose requires further information and the administrator agreed to complete this. The administrator said that the Service Users guide is currently being printed in the form of a brochure to meet the National Minimum Standards and would be forwarded to the Inspector when returned from the printers’ in approximately 6 weeks. The Registered Owner said that home take Service Users for short-term care but not for intermediate care. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 7-11 The health needs of residents are met with evidence of input from Health care professionals. EVIDENCE: The care plans and risk assessments have been improved since the last inspection and detail health needs and risk assessments and the Inspector advised that the social activities identified by and for the individual are also included. Evidence of visits by and to Health care professionals is recorded. Useful body maps record skin abrasions or changes and are dated when first observed and when treatment or healing is completed. Medication administration is recorded. The home now has individual locked cabinets in residents’ bedrooms. These are locked and only staff hold the key. The Registered Owner said she felt the system was an extra source of security for staff who administer medication, as information specific to the individual could be kept in the boxes in addition to the medication administration sheets. Bedrooms have locks and staff were observed knocking on doors and waiting for a response prior to entering. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Terminally ill Service Users are expected to remain in the Home unless hospital care is required. The Home would seek the advice and input of District Nurses and Doctor to ensure the comfort of the Service User. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12-15 Residents’ social and recreational preferences are met. Residents’ community and family contact is enabled. The meals offer choice and variety and where to dine is the residents’ choice. EVIDENCE: A resident said he and other residents had varied activities to chose from. Trips out in a hired vehicle take residents to different places of interest. The resident said that he carries the homes’ ‘walkie talkie’ with him when he goes out unaccompanied and this enables him to call the home and gives him a feeling of security. Occasionally visiting entertainers come into the home and these are greatly enjoyed. Also he was enabled to continue with his hobby of watercolour painting. The vicar visits every two weeks and religious preferences are recorded as appropriate. Staff confirmed that activities take place daily and a dedicated activity person visits once a week and will visit every resident in the home. One member of staff said that she had undertaken cake making with some of the residents recently and they had really enjoyed this, adding that appropriate health and safety checks had been made for the activity. Another member of staff said that there was always enough staff on duty to enable regular one to one contact with residents whereby staff could spare time to sit and talk with residents.
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Two residents said they enjoyed the meals and confirmed that there is a choice of menu. One resident said the menu was written daily on a board in the hall. Meals may be taken in the dining area of the conservatory, bedrooms, or as chosen by one couple, in the large hall by the entrance to the home. One resident said it was individual choice. The kitchen was redecorated last year and included new equipment. The cook confirmed that the equipment was suitable for the amount of residents in the home. Families are welcomed into the home and will be invited to celebratory events. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 16-18 Residents know their complaints will be listed to. Residents’ legal rights are protected. Adult abuse awareness training for staff is through basic induction but is in the process of being upgraded. Staff are aware of whistle blowing and residents rights. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is available but the Inspector required the Commission for Social Care Inspection address be added. The administrator is currently reviewing policies and procedures and stated that a simplified complaints procedure will be added to booklets being compiled for staff and residents that contain procedures directly relevant to them. Terms and conditions include formats for residents to complain with details of the homes’ action plan. Understanding abuse is undertaken via the new induction procedure and in NVQ training. However, the administrator said that further input is planned when the manager responsible for training has undertaken a ‘training for trainers’ course. The Inspector recommended this as a priority to underpin the homes commitment to preventing adult abuse. Staff spoken to were able to clearly identify causes of abuse and confirmed that they would know who to speak to if they had concerns. A resident also said that he had confidence in approaching staff or the manager if he ever had any concerns. Residents’ advocacy is not undertaken by the home and solicitors or families would undertake this as required. Residents are enabled to participate in the political process such as voting. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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) 19-26 The standard of the environment within the home is good providing residents with an attractive and homely place to live. Suitable communal, bedroom, washing and toilet facilities are in place. Improvements to hygienic clinical waste disposal will improve the residents’ environment. EVIDENCE: The home is well maintained and health and safety risk assessments are undertaken. Communal facilities are plentiful and most bedrooms are large enough to comfortably entertain visitors. Only one bedroom does not have an en-suite through the residents’ choice. The Inspector was told that the resident exclusively uses the bathroom next to the bedroom. One resident was very pleased with the en-suite to his room and said it was ‘very good’ to have private facilities. Bedrooms are individual and contain comfortable furnishings and many have furniture that the residents brought in with them. All bedrooms seen had evidence of personal possessions that suited the residents’ needs and interests.
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 The laundry is due to be ‘revamped’ as part of the Registered Owners’ fiveyear plan and a member of staff confirmed that the hired washing machine and tumble dryer were suitable for the amount of laundry produced in the home. The washing machine met the high temperature requirements to minimize the risk of infection and alginate sacks are in use for soiled linen. Clinical waste contractors had written on their work sheets on four occasions that the clinical waste sacks had been overfilled. A requirement was made for staff to fill sacks appropriately. The Registered Owner said staff would be reminded again that overfilling the sacks is an unhygienic practice. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 There is a good match of staff offering consistency of care within the home. Appropriate checks for staff recruitment are undertaken. Although induction and training is ongoing, further training is recommended to meet clients’ needs. EVIDENCE: The rota indicated staffing was complete according to the current needs of the residents in the home. There are three care staff on per shift plus a ‘twilight’ carer between 5pm and 9pm, a bath person three days a week between 9.30 to either 11.30 or 2pm and an activities person once a week. Recruitment includes obtaining a CRB (criminal records bureau) check, references and interview. Job descriptions are given and new staff start their first week on shift as an ‘extra’ to shadow a more experienced member of staff. A member of staff confirmed that she had to shadow an experienced member of staff when first employed as a carer. The induction takes six weeks and includes a three weeks assessment. Written ‘units’ are completed, regarding different aspects of care that have formed part of the induction. These are sent away and marked by the TOPSS approved training package as indicated in the summary. All new staff are on three months probation, or longer if personal circumstances dictate. One written comment received by the inspector from a resident said that some staff were rough when handling her in the hoist and asked that they remember the pain she is in. The Registered Owner was very concerned by this and agreed an action plan to increase manual handling training especially with the hoist and to remind all staff to be aware of the different needs of residents. Other residents seen or spoken to
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 were notably comfortable in the company of staff and communication was friendly and relaxed. Another resident said how kind the staff always were and another said they always used the term “you’re welcome” and believed they meant it. One staff file was seen and included evidence of training certificates as well as recruitment information. One member of staff confirmed that basic training included fire safety, food safety, manual handling, first aid and infection control. NVQs’ also include basic training as detailed in the National Minimum Standards. A member of staff confirmed that requests for specialised training, for example, understanding stroke or diabetes, would be favourably considered by the Registered Owner. As indicated in the summary, the training for trainers is to be undertaken by the night care manager in understanding adult abuse. The Inspector recommended this be a priority to enhance and maintain staff awareness. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 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) 31-38 The management of the home is satisfactory overall but policies and procedures are not well managed. However this is being reviewed and addressed. Health and safety risk assessments are undertaken. Formal supervision is not undertaken. A business and action plan for the home is in place. Insurance cover is in place. EVIDENCE: There are clear lines of responsibility in the home. The Registered Owner has delegated certain responsibilities to key senior staff including housekeeping management and night care and training management. This is in addition to the Registered Manager. Appraisals are undertaken but supervision has not been given on a formal basis and a recommendation was made for this to commence. The importance of supervision was discussed including its use for staff development. The Registered Owner has purchased a TOPSS approved induction and training package for staff.
Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 The Registered Owners’ are rigorously undertaking a five-year action plan for improvements to the home. Major building work has already taken place, providing a large all weather conservatory, providing further en-suite bedrooms with day space, refurbishing the kitchen and general decorating. The laundry and sluice is to be refurbished and a bathroom altered to a walk in shower this year and the conservatory re painted outside. No advocacy is undertaken but a small amount of cash is held for some residents and receipts are kept for these. Records for the protection of residents are maintained and held securely. As discussed in the summary, policies and procedures are being written or rewritten in an easy and clear format to enable staff and residents to understand their responsibilities and rights. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 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 2 3 2 2 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3
COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 no 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. 2. Standard 1 18 Regulation 4 12 Requirement Statement of Purpose is to be provided. Complaints policy to include address and telephone number of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Clinical waste to be desposed of hygienically. Timescale for action 30/06/05 20/06/05 3. 26 16 immediate 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. 3. 4. 5. Refer to Standard 1 30 38 36 30 Good Practice Recommendations Service users guide is to be provided. Training to ensure residents are in safe and capable hands is to be reviewed to meet their assessed needs. Policies and procedures to be put into suitable format for use by staff and residents. Formal supervision is to be given and recorded. Adult abuse awareness training is to be undertaken. Littlebourne House H56-H05 S23469 Littlebourne House V222998 130605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection 11th Floor, International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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