Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 15/11/07 for Long Close

Also see our care home review for Long Close for more information

This inspection was carried out on 15th November 2007.

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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Long Close provides a homely, relaxed and comfortable environment with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The home is well presented and has attractive grounds. The home is kept clean and smells pleasant. 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 they move in. The home has a good care planning system in place to ensure that staff have the information they need to meet the health and personal care needs of residents. A range of community health professionals support the care staff in looking after residents. Residents confirmed that they felt well treated. Residents are encouraged to exercise choice in their daily lives. Activities are on offer at the home that people can join in with if they choose to. Visitors are always welcome at the home and residents are encouraged to maintain and develop relationships with other people in the home, with their families and friends and to maintain links with the local community. Meals are varied and a choice is always available. The dining room 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. Sufficient numbers of well-trained staff are on duty throughout the day and night to be able to meet the needs of the residents. The home is well managed and organised with the care, contentment and safety of residents being central to the way the home is run.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The home has acted on the suggestions made in the last report and a lockable plastic box has been found to store medicines in the fridge as advised. In addition a `sample signature` (initials) sheet is now held at the front of the medication records file so anyone can tell at a glance who administered medication at any time.

What the care home could do better:

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Long Close 23 Forest Road Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 6DQ Lead Inspector Debra Jones Key Unannounced Inspection 15th November 2007 10:00 X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.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. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.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 Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 11th October 2006 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 £500 and £625. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.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 on 15 November 2007. Debra Jones was the inspector who carried out the visit. Christine Barrow (Registered Manager), Keith London- Webb (Proprietor) and the staff of Long Close helped the inspector in her work. The main purpose of the inspection was to check that the residents living in the home were safe and properly cared for and to review progress in meeting the recommendation made at the previous inspection. The inspector was made to feel welcome in the home throughout the visit. A tour of the premises took place and a variety of records and related documentation were examined, including care records. Time was spent talking with 3 residents in their bedrooms and a resident and their visitor in the lounge. The recommendation made at the last visit was carried over. Some good practice suggestions were discussed at the inspection and these are referred to in the report, intended to encourage improvement in an already well rated service. During the course of the visit residents talked about the good food, the standard of cleanliness and their fondness of staff in the home. Comments included:‘There’s always someone to talk to.’ ‘All the staff are very nice and caring.’ ‘It’s like being at home.’ ‘We are very well looked after here.’ ‘People are kind. Nothing is too much trouble.’ Prior to the inspection the home submitted to the Commission a completed annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA). This gave information about the service and the home’s performance. This document was also helpful in the planning of the inspection visit. The home also sent out comment cards on behalf of the Commission; seven were returned by residents, 1 by a relative and 1 by a health professional. When asked ‘What do you feel the service does well?’ a health professional said ‘Cleanliness, medication, nice food.’ The relative said ‘It does its best to make the resident feel at home.’ The relative went on to say ‘The care of my father is very good. Being totally deaf he responds to the open- plan living area where he can see all that is going on. At 101 he is more ‘bright’ than he was at his previous care home.’ Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The home has acted on the suggestions made in the last report and a lockable plastic box has been found to store medicines in the fridge as advised. In addition a ‘sample signature’ (initials) sheet is now held at the front of the medication records file so anyone can tell at a glance who administered medication at any time. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3 and 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. Three 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. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 After the pre admission assessments were done the home wrote to the prospective residents to say that the home could meet their needs and a copy of these letters are held on file. 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. Two of the three residents, whose assessments were reviewed, and family members of all three, visited the home before they moved in. Residents spoke positively of their moved ‘I am so lucky that my family found this home.’ ‘I came to Long Close after a spell in Poole Hospital. I had deteriorated a great deal and was very frail when I arrived. I have been so well looked after I am now back to my old self. My family and friends are amazed at the progress I have made.’ Six of the 7 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 and remembered getting a contract. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 and 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Systems are in place to provide staff with the information they need to meet the health and personal care needs of residents. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: Care plans seen were appropriate to the level of dependency of the residents, and varied in the their content according to the specific and individual needs of the person. 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 them with and how. There is a helpful summary in the front of each file giving an ‘insight’ to the care needs of the resident. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Care plans are backed up by various assessments e.g. risk assessments, oral health assessments. Where appropriate skin and pressure area assessments are carried out. One seen had been devised with a district nurse. One resident has been assessed as needing to be hoisted for transfers and a moving and handling plan was on file carried out by Poole Social Services who had also provided the necessary equipment. It is suggested that the home carry out basic moving and handling assessments for all residents to further support their plans. Since the last inspection the home have introduced the use of the malnutrition universal screening tool and are completing an assessment for each resident. All plans are regularly reviewed at the recommended interval i.e. monthly, and the review date is recorded. When asked ‘do you get the care and support you need?’ Six of the 7 residents who returned comment cards prior to the visit replied ‘always’. When asked ‘do the staff listen and act on what you say.’ All 7 said ‘yes’. One commented ‘I am very fond of most of the staff. They are very kind to me.’ Records are kept of the visits and interventions of health professionals e.g. GPs, District Nurses, Community psychiatric nurses etc. and notes are made of the outcome of their visits. 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 management and staff at the home help them to get to them if they need assistance. Residents are always accompanied if they have to go to the accident and emergency department by someone from the home. One resident talked about how the manager recently took her to and from appointments at the dentist and how much this was appreciated. 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. Six of the 7 residents who returned comment cards said that they ‘always’ received the medical support they needed and 1 did not answer. ‘Since coming to Long Close 6 months ago I have needed to attend the hospital, see a dentist, be referred for hearing aids and often need the services of a District Nurse all this has been arranged for me.’ The health professional who returned a comment card said that it as always the case that individual’s health needs were met by the home. Medicines prescribed by doctors are safely stored and administered to residents only by staff who have received training in this work. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Medication administration records (MARs) sampled were up to date and properly completed as to medicines received and administered. Any allergies known are clearly recorded, and where there are none known this is also noted. Where handwritten entries had been made to the printed records these were countersigned by another competent person to confirm accuracy. Most medicines are delivered to the home in blister packs. Some residents hold and administer their own medicines, mostly creams. 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. The fridge where medicines are stored is regularly checked for temperature. A lockable plastic box has been found to store medicines in the fridge as advised at the last visit. Some eye drops that were in use were being stored in the fridge unnecessarily. 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 these are documented. A ‘sample signature’ (initials) sheet is now held at the front of the medication records file so anyone can tell at a glance who administered medication at any time. Some residents are prescribed medicines to take ‘when required.’ In most cases residents are able to make the decision as to when they want these medicines. In one case the home decides when a medication for agitation is needed rather than the resident. It was not clear in the care plan when and why staff were to take the decision to administer this medicine. Some medicines are prescribed with a variable dose e.g. take one or two. It was not clear from the records if one or two had been given therefore making the medicine audit for these tablets very difficult. Residents confirmed that they were treated with respect and kindness ‘oh, always’ and their right to privacy was upheld. Staff were seen to knock on doors and performed their tasks discreetly and politely. The name that residents like to be known by 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. 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. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 and 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A range of activities is available for residents to participate in should they choose to. People are generally encouraged to make choices about their life style and to maintain contact with their family and friends. The meals in this home are wholesome and varied and are served in a pleasant environment. EVIDENCE: A structured event takes place every Tuesday and the monthly programme is prominently displayed along. A regular exercise class takes place. A hairdresser visits. Hairdressing can take place in the lounge but those residents who prefer can have their hair done in their own rooms. One resident talked of how the hairdresser visit was an enjoyable and social event. There are regular visits by a chiropodist. The library service also comes to the home. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Residents spoken to talked of how they pursued their own lifetime interests. People talked of how they liked to spend their days, reading, enjoying the view from their windows, watching TV and listening to the radio. The home keeps an activities book as a reminder of all the things that go on at the home. Residents also talked of how they went out of the home, sometimes with families, sometimes with staff e.g. on shopping trips, and of visiting and entertaining friends. Twice a year the home throws a party for the residents and their friends and families. This year the summer party ended up inside due to the poor weather. The Christmas party is currently being advertised at the home. Of the 7 residents who returned comment cards 2 said that it was ‘always’ the case that there are activities arranged by the home that they can take part in, 3 said that this was true ‘usually’ and one resident said that it was the case ‘sometimes.’ Visitors are welcome at any time and residents can go out of the home whenever they wish. One relative spoken to during the visit said that they always felt welcome in the home at any time and were always offered a drink. Residents talked of how their visitors were welcomed, of how trays of tea were brought to rooms and of how relatives could have a meal if they wanted. 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 this. Not all residents choosing to have a flu jab this year further demonstrated how choice is respected. Meal records show that a varied and wholesome diet is supplied. Records are kept of what residents eat showing the range and variety of meals available along with the alternatives for those who did not want the main meals on offer that day. On the day of the inspection visit lunch was duck with plum sauce, potato rosti, brussels sprouts, carrots and green beans. Residents who did not want this had meat pies or hot pot with vegetables instead. Banoffi pie was for dessert. 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. ‘If there is anything you want they’ll get it for you.’ (a resident) There were fresh jugs of juice in all rooms visited and residents in the lounge had drinks to hand. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 A bowl of fruit is always available for residents to help themselves to. Morning coffee and afternoon tea are served with biscuits and / or home made cake. Four of the 7 residents who returned comment cards said that they ‘always’ liked the meals at the home, with 2 saying they ‘usually’ liked them and 1 saying they did ‘sometimes.’ Those spoken to at the visit were very positive about the food ‘it’s excellent.’ ‘The meals are very good.’ ‘The food is exceptionally good.’ ‘The food is varied and more like home cooking than the last place I lived in. There’s always home made cake, the chocolate cake earlier this week was beautiful.’ Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service are able to express their concerns, and have access to a complaints procedure. Policies and staff training in abuse protect residents from harm. 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 or by the home since the last inspection. The comment cards sent to residents asked the question ‘Do you know who to speak to when you are not happy?’ Seven residents sent back cards. Five answered ‘always’ to this question and 2 answered ‘usually.’ In respect of knowing how to make a complaint the 6 who answered this question said yes ‘always.’ One commented ‘Yes, I would speak to the owner (Keith) or the manager (Christine) they are very approachable.’ 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 Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. Prior to any members of staff commencing employment at the home the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list is checked to ensure their suitability. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 and 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. There is an ongoing programme of refurbishment at the home. Residents talked of how they enjoyed walks around the garden and plenty of seating is provided indoors and out. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The lounge / dining area is comfortably furnished. All bedrooms are currently singly occupied and most have en suite facilities. There are a number of communal bathing areas in the home. 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. ‘If I ring they are here within minutes.’ (a resident) The home was clean and there were no unpleasant odours. All laundry is done on the premises. The laundry was visited and was clean and tidy. Towels are changed daily. All 7 residents who returned comment cards said that the home is ‘always’ fresh and clean. One commented ‘Yes, it is very nicely decorated, clean and fresh and never any smell. I am very happy in my little room. It is as near to being in my own home as you can get!’ Residents spoken with at the visit said that they were very satisfied with the standard of cleanliness in the home, with the personal laundry service and with bed changing arrangements. ‘You just leave your things out and they are laundered and returned in the day.’ ‘It’s very clean.’ ‘It’s spotless.’ Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 and 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 meet the care needs of residents. EVIDENCE: Clear staffing rosters are in place that show who is on duty, where, when and what jobs they do. The current 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? All 7 who responded said ‘always’. ‘Yes when I ring my bell someone always comes. They never let me down.’ The manager reported that staff had had training in subjects including medication, the mental capacity act, continence care, first aid, fire and moving and handling since the last inspection visit. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 New staff have induction training based on the industry standard, Skills for Care; this is proportionate to their experience and care qualifications. Three files were reviewed of staff who have joined the home since the last visit in October 2006. Documents that should be on file were. Prospective staff complete an application form and are interviewed. The files included proof of the person’s identity and that they were not on the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list, held by the Department of Health. Two references had been received in all cases along with full employment histories. It is suggested that the home make the statement required by law by the person as to their mental and physical health more explicit. At times the home has to rely on agency workers to keep the home fully staffed. Records were available to show that the home has the required information about agency workers e.g. in respect of pre employment checks, proof of identity and training. Eleven care staff are employed at the home. Two have a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 2 in care and one has an NVQ 3. Another is studying for their NVQ 4. (The Department of Health target is for 50 of care staff to have an NVQ at level 2 in care.) Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 and 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 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 people 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 a qualification in management. The son of the proprietor, who works in the Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 home, is currently studying for the Registered Managers Award and an NVQ in health and social care. Both staff and residents 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. The last residents’ meeting took place in August 2007. Topics for discussion included the fire policy, food, and the garden party. Good feedback in respect of staff from residents was noted. Staff meet with managers formally at least every two months. Twice a year they have a one to one meeting. During these meetings training is discussed and any training needs identified. Records are kept. The Annual Development Plan for April 2007 – 2008 was submitted to the Commission prior to the inspection. The plan includes the results of the 2006/7 surveys of residents, relatives and GP surgeries. Feedback was particularly good about staff and the environment with a high proportion of people reporting satisfaction with the food. Relatives were equally complimentary in respect of care and the environment. GPs reported 100 satisfaction in about staff and care. The maintenance programme for the coming year and what was achieved in the last year is also included in the Annual Development Plan. 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. Policies and procedures that underpin the care at the home are reviewed at appropriate intervals. New policies have been developed in respect of smoking, and the mental capacity act. 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, including fire-fighting equipment. Some fire records were seen. Staff receive regular 3 monthly fire training, while new staff are trained more frequently. Fire drills and evacuations take place. Clear records are kept. When Dorset Fire and Rescue last visited the home they confirmed that they were satisfied with the fire risk assessment carried out in respect of Long Close. They will be visiting again in March 2008. Accident records were looked at. Accident forms seen were generally well completed. Records were mostly 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, Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 measures are put in place to minimise further risks to residents and anyone working at the home. Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 3 X 3 3 X 3 Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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). Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 Long Close DS0000004050.V354976.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!