CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Littlecroft Residential Home 44 Barry Road Oldland Common South Glos BS30 6QY Lead Inspector
Jon Clarke Unannounced Inspection 23rd May 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 Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Littlecroft Residential Home Address 44 Barry Road Oldland Common South Glos BS30 6QY 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) 0117 9324204 Quality Care Homes Ltd Mr Mark Anthony Hewlett Care Home 17 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (17) of places Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 12th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Littlecroft is one of three care homes owned and managed by Quality Care Homes Ltd. It is a converted property located at Oldland Common providing accommodation for up to 17 older people. There are 17 single rooms, 10 of which have en-suite facilities. There is lounge with conservatory, a smaller lounge used mainly for visitors and dining area. Residents accommodation is on the ground and first floors with lift access. There is an extensive garden, with level access, to the rear of the property. Aims of the home include to ensure quality of life for residents, by providing first class care in a friendly, relaxed yet stimulating environment and we aim to ensure that living in a residential setting is a positive experience (taken from the homes Statement of Purpose). Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over one day. As part of the inspection a number of records were examined including care plans, medication, recruitment and those relating to health and safety practice in the home. There was also an opportunity to discuss with residents their experiences of living in Littlecroft. Staff were approachable and helpful and the inspector spent some time talking with staff about working practices in the home. A tour of the home was also undertaken to assess the environment with regard to hygiene, general appearance and maintenance. As part of the inspection questionnaires were sent to residents and relatives and these were used to inform the judgements set out in the report. What the service does well:
Littlecroft continues to provide a supportive environment for residents with a stable staff group who have a commitment to providing a quality service. Residents were very positive about the “friendly and helpful staff” who “are always helpful and nothing is too much”. Comments from the home’s questionnaire to relatives also confirmed this with 80 of respondents saying that staff were approachable and listen to residents, 60 saying that staff offer a high standard of care with 40 saying they generally offer high standard of care. Comments about this included “my relative’s health and demeanour has vastly improved since she has been here”; staff “very competent and friendly”; “I find staff excellent”; “home is run to the highest standard”. Working practices in the home are generally good with structured care plans and involvement of residents in the life of the home through residents meetings. Residents spoke of feeling able to express their views “I can always say what I like and don’t like” “they (staff) listen to what I have to say and always try and do something about it”. The home creates an environment enabling residents to lead their own lives as far as possible. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS
Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Choice of Home
The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2, 5 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Pre-Admission assessments are undertaken so that an informed decision can be made about the ability of the home to meet the individual’s health & social care needs. Prospective residents are given an opportunity to visit Littlecroft before admission so that they can make an informed decision about the quality and suitability of the home. EVIDENCE: A number of resident’s files were looked at and copies of the home’s assessments were seen. In addition where the individual has been assessed by the local authority a copy of their assessment is obtained. The home confirms in writing the offer of accommodation and their ability to meet the individual’s care needs subject to a trial period. Potential residents
Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 are given the opportunity where possible to visit the home before making a decision. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10 The overall quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Individual care plans are generally good in providing the necessary information to enable staff to meet the needs of residents but more consistent practice is needed. The practice of the home in providing community health services helps to ensure the health needs of residents are met. The home’s practice in administering medication needs improving to ensure and evidence that residents are receiving the prescribed medication and that their health needs are fully met. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 EVIDENCE: A number of care plans (6) were looked at. Those sampled showed there is generally good practice with regular reviews, risk assessments completed, moving and handling profiles completed and reviewed. There was good detail reflecting individual preferences, likes and dislikes, abilities of the individual and where support is needed such as in maintaining personal hygiene. However, there were gaps in evidencing resident’s involvement in the completion of care plans and in two instances there was no personal details completed. The home needs to make every effort to obtain information about the individual’s wishes on their death. There is good access to health services with regularly visits from the chiropody service, dental and optician. District nursing is provided where this is needed to give nursing care ie for dressing of ulcers. The home has good practice in involving other professionals in meeting health needs particularly if there is mental health concerns. There are links with the local hospice to provide support and assistance where individuals require palliative care. Comment cards received from 8 residents confirmed that they receive the medical support they need with one resident saying “any medical problems are always dealt with promptly”. Residents confirmed that they felt their privacy was respected and can make a choice about how they spend their day. One resident spoke of how she felt staff treated her “as an individual”; another “ I am treated with respect”. The home’s practices wherever possible provide for flexibility and choice. The arrangements for the managing of medication are generally good with secure storage and staff having received relevant training. However, on examining administering records there were significant gaps in records failing to show if prescribed medication had been given. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities
The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,14,15 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The home provides structured opportunities for residents to undertake activities that meet their social, religious and recreational needs: however improvements could be made to improve staff social interaction outside of these times. The environment of the home encourages the involvement of relatives, family and friends in the life of the home so that residents maintain relationships and social contacts. There are good arrangements in the home so that the dietary needs of residents are met and they receive appealing balanced meals. Residents are able to exercise choice over how they spend their time. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 EVIDENCE: The home has an activities organiser who visits 2 or 3 times a week. Residents spoke very positively about her visits and the activities she provides. However outside of this time some residents spoke of little opportunity to speak with staff “they are always busy” “they don’t have enough time”, though there were other residents who felt differently “have only to say I want to chat about something and they will say come and have chat in a while and they do” “always have a chat”. In observing interaction of staff with residents during this inspection there was little evidence of staff spending time sitting with residents and their interaction was more about undertaking specific tasks such as assisting residents going to the toilet, providing drinks, getting ready for dinner. The inspector discussed with the deputy manager how to improve the social interaction with staff, one way being to have allotted key-worker time so that staff have “permission” to sit with residents, another was to look at staffing arrangements with a view to increasing staffing particularly during the period before and after tea. The allocation of some domestic tasks could be examined as the inspector noted that day staff were spending time undertaking tasks such as putting away clothes which could be undertaken by a domestic assistant thereby freeing care staff time to spend with residents. Visitors are encouraged to the home and residents said how their family and friends are always made to feel welcome. The home has organised events where family and friends are invited. Residents said they that always felt their family and friends were made to feel welcome “always a friendly atmosphere” Comment cards were sent to relatives prior to this inspection. 9 were returned all of which stated that staff welcomed them in the home and that they were able to visit their relative in private. Seven of the nine said they were kept informed of important matters affecting their relative. The home provides a varied and interesting range of food and the menus were seen to confirm this. There were positive comments form residents about the meals provided in the home “good choice” “very good” “staff will always get something else, always enough”. It was noted that there was fresh fruit available and one resident commented on this as being a change, which was good. The inspector joined the residents for a meal that was appetising and enjoyed by residents it was noted that staff were attentive and offered assistance and encouragement to residents where this was needed. In discussion with staff they spoke of a strength of the home which the flexibility and recognising that it was the residents home. This was confirmed by residents who spoke of “being able to choose what I want to do” “ don’t tie you down to do anything”. A number of residents chose to spend a lot of their
Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 time in their rooms when asked about this they said that it was “my choice” and they didn’t “feel under any pressure” to spend more of their time in the communal lounge with other residents. It was noted by the inspector that residents were able to move around the home as they wished; staff did not ask where they were going or what they were doing it was an accepted part of what happens in the home. This is an aspect of the home that is a real strength and is to be commended in that it creates an environment which enables residents to lead their own lives as far as possible. Other residents spoke of the lack of real routines and they could chose for example when they got up and went to bed particularly those residents who were very much reliant on staff to provide assistance and support in personal care. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 16,18 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The home has an effective complaints procedure and is open to listening to any complaint or dissatisfaction made by residents or their representative. Residents are protected as far as possible from abuse by the home’s policies and procedures and training practice in the home. EVIDENCE: In talking with residents there was evidence that residents are able to voice their views formally and informally. Residents meetings are held and residents have used these to express dissatisfaction and action has been taken to resolve this dissatisfaction. Residents said how they felt “listened to”; “I would know who to speak to” if they had any worries or concerns about the care they receive. Residents were aware of the formal complaints procedure available to them. In response to the home’s questionnaire 80 of relatives were aware of complaints procedure with 20 not being aware. Comment cards showed 8 aware and 1 not aware. It may be of help if the home looks at ways to ensure all relatives are fully aware of the complaints procedure and to register a complaint and/or satisfaction. No complaints have been made since the previous inspection.
Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 The home has good practice with regards to Protecting Vulnerable Adults. All staff have attended or will attend training. In talking with staff on duty at the time of this inspection they had a good understanding of what constitutes abuse. In particular they were able to give examples of abuse that are not evidently abusive such as leaving frames out of reach so residents have to wait until staff return them and residents do not feel able to ask for them. They were also clear about how they would respond to a resident who made an allegation about being abused or treated with lack of respect or dignity. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,26 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The home generally provides a warm and comfortable well-maintained environment with good standard of hygiene. EVIDENCE: In looking around the home the inspector noted that whilst the home is generally well maintained and decorated, there were areas that need attention and could be improved. Some rooms have been decorated and the residents commented on how “homely” the rooms were and generally satisfied with the décor, particularly the lounge and dining area. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 The bathroom on the first floor would greatly benefit from updating and decoration being at present rather cold and uninviting. Carpeting in room 14 was worn and an area of ceiling in the front lounge needs repair and decoration. The home was clean and there were no offensive odours at the time of this inspection. All of the residents comment cards stated that the home is always fresh and clean. The access to the garden is good with ramp being provided: however there is no levelled patio area for residents to sit. The providing of such a space would improve further the environment for residents and make it easier for those with mobility difficulties to use the garden. This was commented on by a resident. There are plans to provide additional living area and rooms and this may well be part of the development plan. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,29,30 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The staffing arrangements of the home are good and make sure there are sufficient competent and skilled staff always available to provide the necessary care to residents. The arrangements for the recruiting of staff make sure that residents are protected and all necessary checks and safeguards are undertaken. EVIDENCE: Staffing rotas were seen which showed staff on duty: 2 am until 6pm, pm 2 until 10pm with a waking night and sleep-in night. This taken against the current needs of resident is adequate in meeting those care needs. Comments under Standard 12 should be considered as part of staffing arrangements. All staff have or are undertaking NVQ 2 or 3 which provides a good grounding in the skills and knowledge of caring for older people. The home makes sure that all staff receive the required training such as moving and handling and in addition other areas such as managing continence. Staff commented to the inspector that the training arrangements were
Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 “brilliant” and “whatever’s available we do”. One resident commented, “staff were very good at their job”. A number of staff records were looked at with regard to recruitment: CRBs had been obtained or were in process, application form gave all required information as to personal details and employment history, medical declarations are obtained as were two references. The lack of CRBs in two instances was discussed with the deputy manager and she confirmed that relevant staff did not work unsupervised whilst CRBs are still pending. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 33,35,38 The Quality rating in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The home makes an effort to get the views of residents and others to make a judgement about the quality of care provided in the home. The finances, health and safety of residents and staff is protected by the home’s policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: The home undertakes regular questionnaires to residents and relatives. This should be extended to professionals to add to quality audit information about the service the home provides. There are residents meetings which provide a further opportunity for residents to comment and make suggestions about the
Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 care they receive. Minutes were seen at this inspection and illustrated the issues raised: however, these minutes did not state what actions had been taken to address any concerns or response to suggestions. This was discussed with the deputy at the time of this inspection and it was agreed that CSCI would in future be provided with copies of such information to provide evidence of the home’s practice and contribute to the quality rating of the home. Records relating to health and safety practice were looked at and showed that necessary checks of equipment and fire safety routines were good. Weekly alarm tests are undertaken as are monthly emergency lighting checks. Equipment is checked monthly with regular maintenance and servicing. Lift was serviced 6/12/05. The home has also been awarded the Food Safety Award by South Gloucestershire in recognition of the good standard of hygiene and kitchen procedures and practice this is to be commended. The home policy regarding handling resident’s monies is that they will assist where this is necessary but will not take responsibility for resident’s full financial affairs. Where able residents are encouraged to manage their own financial affairs if they are not able this is undertaken by a relative or representative. When dealing with any resident’s monies receipts are obtained or if cash is given to residents this is signed for by the individual or two members of staff. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 3 X X 3 X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 2 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 2 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 2 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 X X 3 X 3 X X 3 Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. 1 Standard OP7 Regulation 15(1) Requirement Ensure the involvement of resident in the completion of their care plan is evidenced by individual’s signature or if not able to participate in the completion their representative to do so. Ensure all care plans give full and detailed personal information about individuals, particularly relative or representative to be informed where residents dies in the home. Ensure administering of medication is recorded on appropriate record. Repair and decorate ceiling area in lounge. Replace or make good worn carpet Room 14. Timescale for action 23/05/06 2 OP7 15(1) 23/05/06 3 4 OP9 OP19 12(1a) 13(2) 23 (2b) 23/05/06 30/08/06 Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 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 Refer to Standard OP12 OP19 OP19 Good Practice Recommendations Explore options to improve social interaction between staff and residents to provide more social contact and activity. Decorate and refurbish first floor bathroom. Provide level paved seating area in garden. Littlecroft Residential Home DS0000061093.V293525.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Bristol North LO 300 Aztec West Almondsbury South Glos BS32 4RG National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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