Inspection on 11/10/06 for Long Close

This inspection was carried out on 11th October 2006.

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

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

Other inspections for this house

Long Close 15/11/07

Long Close 30/09/05

Long Close 26/04/05

Long Close 30/12/04

Long Close 10/06/04

Similar services:

Fairfields Country Rest Home

Poldhu

Queensmount

Trevaylor Manor

Didsbury Court Rest Home

Belma

Hunters Care Centre

Manor Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Long Close 23 Forest Road Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 6DQ Lead Inspector Debra Jones Unannounced Inspection 11th October 2006 09:50 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 DS0000004050.V316088.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. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Long Close Address 23 Forest Road Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 6DQ 01202 765090 01202 768958 long_close@btconnect.com 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) Mr Keith London-Webb Mrs Christine Jeanette Barrow Care Home 17 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (17) of places DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 30th September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Long Close is situated in a quiet residential area of Branksome Park, and set in pleasant woodland gardens. The home is easily accessible to shops in Westbourne, local amenities and beaches. It is registered under the category of OP (Older Persons) for up to seventeen elderly service users. The home caters for people who have low to medium personal care needs. The majority of rooms are single en-suite and some have access to the garden or a balcony. There is a spacious lounge leading on to the dining room. The home has a passenger lift that is able to accommodate wheelchair users. Mr London-Webb the proprietor lives on site and shares the day to day running of the home with the registered manager Mrs Barrow. The current weekly fees range between £450 and £580. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place over 7 hours and was the anticipated key inspection of the year. During the inspection some records were looked at. The inspector walked around the building and met and chatted with some residents in their rooms. The 1 requirement and 6 recommendations made at the last inspection were followed up to see if progress had been made. It had. Christine Barrow (Registered Manager). Keith London- Webb (Proprietor) and the staff of Long Close helped the inspector in her work. Prior to the inspection the home sent out comment cards on behalf of the Commission to people living in and interested in the service so that they could give feedback about their experience of the home. Eleven were returned from residents, 10 from relatives, 2 from GPs, 1 from a care manager and 4 from other health and social care professionals. All comment cards returned were positive about the staff and service provided at Long Close and all said that they were satisfied with the overall care provided there. ‘I am very fond of all the staff and I am very happy.’ (a resident) ‘I think it’s a splendid place. Clean and friendly.’ (another resident) ‘My mother is very happy and extremely well cared for at Long Close. She has been a resident for three and a half years and looks better now than when she arrived. The staff are always very kind, helpful and give my mother every assurance in all aspects of her care.’ (a relative) ‘XX is very well looked after. We are very happy with the care given and we find the staff always helpful.’ (another relative) ‘I have moved away but would not consider moving mum.’ (another relative) ‘Excellent home. Very happy with staff. Happy atmosphere.’ (another relative) ‘Patients well cared for in a pleasant environment.’ (GP) ‘ Long Close has very caring staff and I would be happy to send a relative there to stay. It is one of the most pleasant care homes I have worked in.’ (a chiropodist) ‘A very friendly residential home. All residents appear well cared for and happy. I have no hesitation in saying that I would recommend the home to any patient who required care.’ (a Community staff nurse) ‘Home appears to be well managed and staff seem to address needs of their residents.’ (a community nurse) ‘XX is very happy and settled at Long Close. She came for respite and doesn’t want to go home so is staying as a permanent resident.’ (a community social worker) When asked ‘what would you say to someone thinking of coming here? One resident answered ‘come here they’re a lovely lot of people.’ DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: Long Close provides a residential care service for older people in a well decorated home that is furnished to a high standard. The home has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere and residents are clearly at ease and were seen sharing a laugh and a joke with staff. The home is well organised and the care and contentment of residents is clearly at the heart of the way the home is run. A good admissions procedure is in place that ensures that only people whose needs can be met are offered places at the home. Prospective residents and their representatives have the opportunity to visit the home to see if they like it before residents move in. Assessments and care plans are of a good standard. They are kept up to date to make sure that staff know how to care for the residents living at the home. A range of community health professionals support the care staff in looking after the residents. There is a good system for medication administration at the home. Staff were observed throughout the inspection to be treating residents with courtesy, patience and kindness and residents confirm that their privacy and dignity are respected at all times. There is a programme of activities on offer at the home that residents can join in with if they choose to. Residents are free to spend their days doing as they wish. Visitors are always welcome at the home and residents are encouraged to maintain and develop relationships with people in the home, with their families and friends and have a presence in the local community. Meals are varied and a choice is always available. The dining area is pleasant and comfortable. The complaints and adult protection procedures reassure residents and their representatives that the well-being and comfort of residents is important to the home and that any concerns raised will be properly investigated and resolved. The home and grounds are well maintained, comfortable and safe for the residents living there and anyone visiting. The home is kept clean and smells pleasant. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The numbers and skill mix of staff are sufficient to meet the needs of residents. Staff receive training in aspects of care work and other essential topics e.g. food hygiene. There is a recruitment procedure in place that is followed to ensure that only suitable people are employed at the home. The home wants to know what people who live at the home and other people with an interest in the home think about how Long Close is run and if they can make any improvements. An annual quality audit is carried out to help achieve this and an annual development plan written, saying what the home did last year and is hoping to do in the next year. The home does not get involved in residents’ finances in any way. Systems are in place and records kept, that demonstrate the homes commitment to keeping residents safe. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: It would be good if more care staff had an NVQ level 2 qualification in care. This might make care staff more knowledgeable about the job they do and potentially improve the quality of care delivered to residents at the home. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The admissions procedure enables prospective residents to make informed decisions about moving to the home and ensures that only residents whose needs can be met by the home are offered places there. EVIDENCE: The home is very clear about their limits and what level of need they can meet i.e. low and medium levels of dependency and only offer places to people who fall into these categories. Pre admission assessments that had taken place since the last inspection were seen. The records indicated that the needs and circumstances of the person had been properly assessed. Prior to anyone moving to Long Close their needs are fully assessed by the registered manager. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 After the pre admission assessment has been done the home writes to the prospective resident to say whether the home can meet their needs or not and keeps a copy of this letter. Prospective residents are given copies of the home’s brochure and terms and conditions. They are also given the opportunity to visit the home as are their representatives. One resident spoken to on the day of the visit had been to see a number of homes before deciding on Long Close. Their first impression of the home was ‘very good indeed.’ Another resident talked of how they had felt confident in the home as it appeared to be well established and had a ‘maturity’ about it. Residents generally talked of how they and their relatives had visited the home before they moved there and of how impressed they had been with the warmth and friendliness they found on arrival. All of the 11 residents who returned comment cards to the Commission prior to the inspection said that they had enough information before they moved in to the home to decide if it was the right place for them. ‘I looked around the home.’ ‘My son arranged it.’ Ten of the 11 residents who returned comment cards to the Commission remembered getting a contract; 1 did not answer. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 & 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The care planning system in place ensures that staff have the information they need to meet the needs of the residents. The health needs of the residents are also well met with evidence of good support from community health professionals. Medication at this home is generally well managed promoting the good health and well being of residents. Residents are treated with dignity and their privacy is respected. EVIDENCE: Care plans seen were appropriate to the level of dependency of the residents. Plans were easy to read and informative about their needs and how the home is to meet them. Residents sign the care plans to show that they have been involved in their development and agree with what the home is going to help DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 them with and how. There was a helpful summary in the front of each file giving an ‘insight’ to the care needs of the resident. Care plans are backed up by various assessments e.g. risk assessments, oral health assessments. All plans are regularly reviewed at the recommended interval i.e. monthly. Daily notes support and evidence the delivery of care to residents. Information from these notes and discussions with staff and residents feed into the care plan reviews. The analysis of accident records also informs the ongoing care of residents e.g. one resident had fallen a number of times and had been referred to the falls clinic. When asked ‘do you get the care and support you need?’ All of the 11 residents who returned comment cards prior to the visit replied ‘always’. When asked ‘do the staff listen and act on what you say.’ Ten said ‘yes’ and one did not choose to answer. Ten relatives responded by comment card. All said that they were informed of important matters in respect of their relative and consulted about their care where appropriate. The GPs and community health professionals who returned comment cards said that if they gave any specialist advice this was incorporated into the care plan. The Care manager who returned a card said that there was a care plan for the person that they had placed at the home and that it was being followed and reviewed regularly. They also confirmed that they were notified of significant events affecting their client’s well being. Records are kept of the visits and interventions of health professionals e.g. GPs, District Nurses etc. and notes are made of the outcome of their visits. Residents are able to choose their GP and a number of different GPs support residents living in Long Close. The manager said that the home was in the main well supported by local GPs and nurses. Residents also have access to community services such as chiropodists, dentists and opticians. Residents are encouraged to take up appointments in community health settings and the staff at the home help them to get to them if they need assistance. One resident talked about how the manager took her to and from appointments at the doctor for blood tests and to the dentist. Where residents are in need of aids to help them around the home, or to get around outside aids have been made available to them e.g. zimmer frames, rollators, wheelchairs etc. Most of the beds in the home are electronic and can be easily controlled by the resident e.g. they can raise the foot or head of the bed at the touch of a button. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Residents talked at the visit of the equipment they used and of the types of chair they preferred to sit in. One had brought a recliner with foot raiser from home, another preferred sitting in a garden chair which she could easily move to a reclining position and back again. ‘It’s just right for my back.’ Ten residents who returned comment cards said that they ‘always’ received the medical support they needed and 1 said this was the case ‘usually’. Medicines prescribed by doctors are safely stored and administered to residents only by staff who have received training in this work. Medication administration records (MARs) sampled were up to date and properly completed as to medicines received and administered. Any allergies known are now clearly recorded, and where there are none known this is also now noted. Most medicines are delivered to the home in blister packs. Where possible these are taken to the appropriate resident and the tablets are removed from the pack and given directly to the person. Where this is not feasible one person takes the tablet from the pack and administers it to the person and signs to say they have administered it. Some residents hold and administer their own medicines. Where this is the case there is a risk assessment on their care file and records to show what medicines have been passed to them. Residents have lockable areas in their rooms to store their medicines safely. Since the last inspection the controlled drugs cupboard as been secured to the wall. The fridge where medicines are stored is regularly checked for temperature. It is suggested that the lockable metal box used to store medicines in the fridge be replaced with a lockable plastic box. The home has a system for returning unused medicines to their pharmacist and appropriate records are kept. The home carries out self-audits of medicines on the premises. It is suggested that a ‘sample signature’ (initials) sheet is held at the front of the medication records file so anyone can tell at a glance who administered medication at any time. The inspector asked residents about their medication and if they felt confident in the home administering it to them. All said ‘yes’. ‘I get them when I need them.’ Residents confirmed that they were treated with respect and kindness and their right to privacy was upheld. Staff were seen to knock on doors and performed their tasks discreetly and politely. Residents confirmed that they were called by the name they liked to be known as. This is noted on their care notes. Clothes are marked with names on admission to ensure that residents only get their own clothes back after they are laundered. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 All residents have a lockable area in their rooms for their use and all residents spoken with during the visit had their own telephones in their rooms. A mobile phone is also available for residents to use. All residents currently have their own rooms and can see friends, relatives and visiting professionals in private. The relatives who returned comment cards said that they were able to visit in private. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ lives are enriched by the social opportunities afforded by their visitors and the social activities available in the home. Visitors are made welcome at the home and can come whenever it suits the residents. Residents are helped and encouraged to exercise choice in their daily lives at the home and to retain as much independence and control over their lives as possible. The meals in this home are good offering both choice and variety and can be taken in the pleasant dining area. EVIDENCE: A structured event takes place every Tuesday and the monthly programme is prominently displayed. There is a regular exercise class which residents spoken to always tried to attend. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 A hairdresser also visits. Hairdressing can take place in the lounge but those residents who prefer can have their hair done in their own rooms. There are regular visits by a chiropodist. The library service also comes to the home. The manager said that there was always someone around the lounge and residents often sat in there knitting, chatting or watching films. Residents spoken to talked of how they pursued their own lifetime interests. One enjoyed regular trips to hear the local symphony orchestra and another was off to play bridge. Residents had also been involved in a recent local radio broadcast where they had been interviewed about their views of Bournemouth. Residents talked of how they liked to spend their days, reading, enjoying the view from their windows, watching tv and listening to the radio. All spoke enthusiastically about the big party held in the garden over the summer, which they and their relatives had really enjoyed. This had been to celebrate a 100th birthday and had been attended by the mayor. Barbershop singers and a string quartet had provided the entertainment. The home keeps an activities book as a reminder of all the things that go on at the home. Of the 11 residents who returned comment cards 4 said that it was ‘always’ the case that there are activities arranged by the home that they can take part in and 5 said that this was true ‘usually’ ‘when I feel OK.’ Two residents said that it was the case ‘sometimes.’ Visitors are welcome at any time and residents can go out of the home whenever they wish. The relatives who returned comment cards to the Commission said that they felt welcome in the home at any time. Relatives are offered drinks and could have a meal. The visitors’ book confirmed the number and range of visitors to the home. People are encouraged to make choices about how they live their lives at Long Close. They can do as they wish, choose to eat what they like and join in with activities as it suits them. Preferences such as when they like to get up and go to bed are respected and residents confirmed that these choices are respected. ‘I like to have a cup of tea in bed at 6am and then get up around 8am.’ Residents are also involved with changes to the home e.g. when the hallways and communal areas were recently decorated residents had a say in the choice of wallpaper. Menus supplied to CSCI show a varied and wholesome diet is supplied. Residents are offered meal choices the day before. A cooked breakfast is available in the morning in the dining room should anyone fancy it. There is a choice of hot meals at lunchtime and a choice of hot and cold meals in the evening. The manager said there was always scope for people to change their DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 minds on the day. Morning coffee and afternoon tea are served with biscuits and / or home made cake. The meals on offer on the day of inspection were roast chicken with stuffing, or sausages, cauliflower with cheese sauce, parsnips and mash and roast potatoes. Home made cherry pie and custard was for dessert. Supper was to be carrot and orange soup followed by a choice of fish fingers or corned beef sandwiches. Most residents have their lunch in the pleasant dining area but they can have any or all of their meals in their rooms should they wish or need to. Residents spoken to said that they chose where to eat their meals and that their choice was respected and acted upon. There were jugs of juice in all rooms visited; the manager said these were changed at least once a day. A bowl of fruit is always available for residents to help themselves to. Records are kept of what residents eat and these show the range and variety of meals along with the alternatives that were made available for those who did not want the main meals on offer that day. All of the 11 residents who returned comment cards said that they ‘always’ liked the meals at the home. Comments included. ‘excellent! Menu varied and good choice.’ ‘I always find them very good.’ Those spoken to at the visit were very positive about the food in respect of the quality and the choices they are offered. ‘It’s good quality food, they don’t buy cheap stuff!’ When asked about the quantity i.e. was there enough food, one resident answered ‘I’ll say!’ DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A system is in place to deal with complaints that are made by residents and their representatives. The home’s adult protection policy and ongoing staff training demonstrates the homes commitment to understanding abuse and of protecting residents. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken to at the visit were clear about who they would complain to should they need to and that they felt confident in raising issues with staff and management. They all said that they had nothing to complain about. No complaints have been received by the Commission for Social Care Inspection since the last inspection. The few complaints that had been made to the home since the last inspection had all been acted upon quickly to resolve the issues raised. The comment cards sent to residents asked the question ‘Do you know who to speak to when you are not happy?’ Eleven residents sent back cards. All answered ‘always’ to this question. ‘Mum is now unable but when she was able she always got help.’(a relative) ‘My mother and all her relatives are very happy with Long Close and have no complaints.’ (another relative) DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 At the visit one resident said if they were unhappy they would be confident in raising their concerns with the managers ‘yes I would, they are very approachable.’ In respect of knowing how to make a complaint 10 said yes ‘always’ and 1 ‘usually.’ All ten relatives who returned comment cards said that they were aware of the complaints procedure. Only one had made a complaint. The home has an adult protection policy that shows that they are committed to following the Dorset guidelines, based on the Department of Health ‘No Secrets’ document should there be any allegations of abuse. There is also staff training in this subject at the home from induction onwards. Staff are issued with a Whistle Blowing Policy and an information leaflet about protecting vulnerable people. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of the environment is good providing residents with an attractive, comfortable and homely place to live. Bedrooms are decorated, furnished and personalised to suit the residents. Adequate facilities are available to meet the number and needs of the people living there. The home is kept clean and smells fresh thereby making daily life for all in the home more pleasurable. EVIDENCE: The home has a warm and homely atmosphere. It is well decorated throughout. The lounge / dining area is comfortably furnished. There is an ongoing programme of refurbishment at the home. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Since the last inspection there had been work to the outside of the building, including eaves and guttering work and roof repairs. One resident talked of how pleased she was with her new bedroom windows. Hallways have also been redecorated. Residents can enjoy walks around the garden and plenty of seating is provided indoors and out. All bedrooms are currently singly occupied and most have en suite facilities. There are a number of communal bathing areas in the home. One resident in a room without an en suite was hopeful that in the near future one would be created for her room, feeling that it would make a big difference to her quality of life. Residents are able to personalise their rooms with furniture and general belongings as they wish and in agreement with the home. All residents have a key to their bedroom door. There is a passenger lift in the home, enabling easy access between the floors. There are emergency alarm bells throughout the home – in each bedroom and in communal areas. The home was clean and there were no unpleasant odours. The laundry was clean and tidy. All laundry is done on the premises. Towels are changed daily. The home is advised to obtain a copy of the new Department of Health guidance ‘Infection control guidance for care homes’ June 2006. Ten of the 11 residents that returned comment cards said that the home is ‘always’ fresh and clean, with the other saying that this was the case ‘usually.’ ‘it’s been redecorated. Very clean and spotless.’ DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Sufficient, well-trained care staff are employed and deployed to ensure that the needs of residents can be met. Recruitment procedures are in place to protect residents from the risk of unsuitable staff working at the home. The home does not meet the recommended standard for at least 50 of care staff to hold a National Vocational Qualification in care at level 2. EVIDENCE: Clear staffing rosters are in place that show who is on duty, where, when and what jobs they do. The pay records show who actually worked and when. The present roster shows that there are 2 care staff on duty at all times of day. At night there are two people rostered, one awake and one asleep. In addition the manager works full time and the proprietor and his son take an active part in the daily running of the home. Care staff are further supported by catering and domestic staff. The proprietor oversees the maintenance of the home and a gardener visits weekly. Residents were asked are the staff available when you need them? Seven who responded said ‘always’ 3 said ‘usually’ and 1 did not answer. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 At the visit one resident said ‘staff are super with a good sense of humour.’ Another described staff as’ kind and thoughtful.’ All the relatives who returned comment cards to the Commission said that in their opinion there were always sufficient numbers of staff on duty. Evidence was seen that training had taken place at the home in areas including medication, continence care, record keeping, emergency first aid and fire. Manual handling training was planned for the next day. At present the Department of Health target that 50 of care staff should hold an NVQ in care at level two has not been met. Two of the eleven care staff employed at the home hold this qualification. The files of three of the latest members of staff to join the home were inspected. Most documents that should be on file were. The home immediately set about getting copies of the couple of documents that were missing i.e. proofs of identification. These must have been held by the home at some point for them to have got the necessary CRB certificate, which they had done. The home were not aware of the changes to the law in respect of obtaining a full employment history, with dates, for any prospective staff. Paperwork was immediately amended to ensure that this is done from now onwards. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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, 36, 37 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is very well organised and the daily management and running of the home centres round the care and contentment of residents. Good management practice, systems in place, and records kept, confirm the health and safety of all in the home. EVIDENCE: Christine Barrow, the manager, has successfully completed her National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 4 in care. Mrs Barrow has a number of years of experience working in care and managing the home but does not have DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 a qualification in management. The son of the proprietor, is currently studying for the Registered Managers Award and an NVQ in health and social care. Both staff and service users spoken with felt the manager and proprietor were approachable and their daily presence was evident in the home. There are regular recorded meetings for residents and staff where all are able to air their views. Staff meet with managers formally at least every two months. Twice a year they have a one to one meeting. During this meeting training is discussed and any training needs identified. Records are kept. The Annual Development Plan for April 2006 – 2007 was submitted to the Commission prior to the inspection. The plan includes the results of the 2005/6 survey of residents, relatives and GP surgeries. There is also a section on complaints, staff training, staffing levels and occupancy of the home along with the maintenance programme for the coming year and what was achieved in the last year. After the development plan has been completed the home compiles an attractive newsletter and gives a copy to all residents; copies are also available in the home for visitors. The newsletter outlines what has been going on at the home and what they are planning to do next. At the current time the registered manager confirmed that the home do not have any dealing with the finances of residents, do not handle any cash or hold any valuables. All records required to be kept by law were made available to the inspector as requested. In order to ensure a safe environment for residents to live in equipment is regularly maintained. Information sent to the Commission prior to the inspection confirmed that the home is undertaking appropriate checks of equipment and facilities at appropriate intervals. Some fire records were seen. These were up to date and showed that internal checks of fire safety equipment are being carried out. Staff receive regular 3 monthly fire training, while new staff are trained more frequently. Clear records are kept. Fire drills and evacuations take place and reports are written about what happened. The home has a fire risk assessment that includes how often fire drills involving residents take place. The home have decided that doing a drill every 6 months would be right for their home. The last one took place in August 2006. One resident in an upstairs room described what she was to do in the event of a fire and from where she would expect to be rescued. Dorset Fire and Rescue visited the home recently and have confirmed that they are satisfied with the fire risk assessment carried out in respect of Long Close. They will next be visiting in March 2008. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Accident records were looked at. Accident forms seen were well completed. Records were clear about how staff came across accidents or if they had witnessed them, what they did and any follow up that was needed. Accident records are analysed continuously and where appropriate measures are put in place to minimise further risks to residents and anyone working at the home. DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 3 X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 4 X 3 3 3 3 DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP28 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that 50 of care staff achieve NVQ level 2 in care (or equivalent). DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 Commission for Social Care Inspection Poole Office Unit 4 New Fields Business Park Stinsford Road Poole BH17 0NF 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 DS0000004050.V316088.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 31 - 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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