CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
New Milton House Station Road Alsager Stoke-on-trent ST7 2PB Lead Inspector
Bronwyn Kelly Key Unannounced Inspection 2nd 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 New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.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. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service New Milton House Address Station Road Alsager Stoke-on-trent ST7 2PB 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) 01270 874422 01270 884191 www.clsgroup.org.uk CLS Care Services Limited Ms Julie Lawrence Care Home 41 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (41) of places New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. This home is registered for a maximum of 41 service users in the category of OP (old age not falling within any other category) The registered provider must, at all times, employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection Staffing must be provided to meet the dependency needs of the service users at all times and will comply with any guidance, which may be issued through the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 16th December 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: New Milton House is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for 41 older people. The home is owned by CLS Care Services, a not for profit organisation’ that manages a number of homes in the northwest region. New Milton House is situated in the small town of Alsager, and is part of the local community. There are shops, a library, doctors surgery and a bus stop close by. The home is next to a local park. New Milton House is a two-storey building, and was purpose built approximately thirty years ago. Two passenger lifts are available for access to the first floor. Residents’ accommodation consists of 40 single bedrooms, one of which can be used as a double room if required. Communal facilities include four lounges and a dining room, providing a choice of sitting areas. There is access to a garden area with seats, benches and sunshades provided for the warmer weather. The range of fees for this home is £343.43 - £430.00 per week. This figure was given on 26 April 2006. Additional charges are made for newspapers, hairdressing and toiletries. Prospective residents are able to read the latest CSCI inspection report, which is available in a copy of the Service User Guide in the entrance hall. A copy of this guide is also placed in each resident’s bedroom. Other information about the home and CLS is available in leaflets on display in the hall. These outline the lifestyle that residents can expect when they move into the home. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over six hours on one day. A tour of the building took place, and with the permission of the residents, a number of bedrooms were seen. A variety of records were examined as part of the inspection. Part of the process of the inspection is to listen to the views of the residents that live in the home and to the views of their relatives and visitors. On this occasion, four residents were spoken with privately and group discussions took place in lounge and dining areas with a number of other residents. One visiting relative was happy to give his views of the home during the inspection. A GP who had been called in to see some of her patients was spoken with. The views of three care staff, activities co-ordinator, care team leader, cook, domestic staff and a visiting hairdresser were also listened to. A number of CSCI questionnaires were given to residents and relatives for completion, but only one resident card was completed and returned. What the service does well:
The residents living in New Milton House are happy with the care they receive. One resident said “The staff are very good – very friendly – always have a chat”. Another resident said she was “treated with respect” and another described the staff as being “very obliging”. A group of residents were spoken with while they were enjoying a sherry or whisky as part of a ‘Tuesday Club’. They all felt well cared for and enjoyed living in the home. A visiting relative said his mother had settled into the home very well and he was very pleased with the standard of care given to her. Residents have a comfortable home in which to live, with a choice of lounges and a conservatory. The atmosphere in the home is warm and welcoming and there is evidence of good relationships between residents, relatives and the staff group. Various activities and outings take place, which residents can join in with if they wish. Residents spoken with were complimentary about the food and the choices available. Staff are well supported to complete NVQ training while working at the home. The Commission for Social Care Inspection has not received any complaints regarding the home.
New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.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. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.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 New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.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): 3. Standard 6 does not apply, as intermediate care is not provided. Quality in this outcome area is good. Residents’ needs are assessed before they move into the home. This ensures that the resident and their family know that these needs can be met when they move into New Milton House. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager or a member of the senior staff visit each prospective resident before they move in, to carry out an assessment to ensure their needs can be met at the home. Social work or medical assessments may also be used as part of this process. When a resident moves into the home, this assessment information is used to develop a plan of care. The files of the last two residents to move into the home were checked, and both contained a ‘Care Needs Initial Assessment’ document completed by the manager. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 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 and 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. There is a clear care planning system in place to provide staff with the information they need in order to meet the social and health care needs of the residents. Personal support is provided in a way that enables residents to have privacy and dignity in their lives. The medication is well managed, promoting good health. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Four care plans were seen. Each had recently been re-written using CLS’s new care planning system. All were written in easy to understand language and each contained a risk assessment. All contained clear information for care staff regarding how each resident’s needs were to be met. The plans are reviewed and updated monthly. Inconsistencies in the quality of recording are being addressed by the manager through care plan audits, and areas requiring updating or signing are passed to the key worker concerned for action. The recording of how residents’ social needs are met could be improved upon, and staff spoken with are looking at ways to achieve this.
New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 A visiting GP was spoken with. She said she has always found the staff to be very caring, and there is continuity of staff. She also said that if residents asked to see her alone in their bedrooms, then staff respected this. She has never seen or heard anything that gives her cause for concern during her visits to the home. The care plans showed that residents have regular visits from a chiropodist, dentist and optician. A separate section of each resident’s care plan is used for recording any medical interventions, which enables effective monitoring. Referrals are made to other health care specialists as and when required. Policies and procedures for dealing with medication are in place. The systems for recording, storing and administering medication were checked. All were in good order and well managed. The staff spoken with displayed a good understanding of the importance of ensuring privacy and dignity when delivering personal care to the residents. Induction training for new members of staff includes privacy and dignity. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities
The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 and 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. Social activities provided in the home and links with the local community and relatives are well organised to provide stimulation and interest for the residents. Support is offered to residents in such a way as to promote choice and control over their lives. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: On the day of inspection, residents and staff were seen to enjoy a session of gentle exercises with a visiting PE teacher. Much laughter was heard during this session and residents all said how much fun it had been. The activities coordinator continues to discuss a programme of activities with residents on a regular basis, and some recent examples have been musical evenings, fortnightly choir practice, Tuesday Club, monthly themed evenings (this month Irish Night with Irish stew and soda bread and next month a Hawaiian night). Regular residents meetings take place and the minutes are displayed. The menu for the coming month was seen as part of the information sent to CSCI before the inspection. It was well balanced and provided a good choice and variety of food. Residents have a choice of food at each meal. The care staff discuss these choices with the residents each day and record their wishes.
New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 The cook confirmed that she has some flexibility in the menus, and tries to meet individual needs wherever possible. Residents confirmed that they have a number of choices in their lives and the routines of the home are flexible. Meals can be taken in bedrooms, if that was a resident’s choice. A number of the residents have lived in the local area for many years, and continued contact with the local community is encouraged. Family and friends know that they can visit the home at any time. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Complaints and Protection
The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. The home has a satisfactory complaints procedure ensuring that any concerns of residents or their families are dealt with promptly and correctly. Arrangements for protecting residents from abuse are satisfactory so residents are not at risk from harm or poor practice. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is available in the service user’s guide and a copy is displayed in the entrance hall. Information regarding how to contact the CSCI is also displayed. CLS encourages residents and visitors to express any comments they have about the service provided, and comment cards are on display in the entrance hall. Internal complaints were checked and these had been resolved satisfactorily The staff spoken with displayed a good understanding of adult protection procedures. The manager has completed a training course on adult abuse and has recently arranged for staff to take part in a video and training pack exercise to update their knowledge. These training sessions will continue for new staff. The home’s policies and procedures in relation to protecting residents from abuse are thorough and were last reviewed in June 2005. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 Since the last inspection, an allegation of verbal abuse was made against a ‘bank’ member of staff. This was dealt with according to procedures, and CLS acted to ensure a satisfactory outcome. A visiting GP was spoken with. She has never seen or heard anything in the home that gives her cause for concern. She said the staff in the home are very caring. A visiting hairdresser, who has been coming to the home for many years, also expressed an opinion that the staff group are very caring. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. Residents live in a safe, comfortable environment, which meets their needs and encourages independence. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Over the past year, there has been improvement to a number of areas of the home, providing a more homely environment for the residents. As well as new carpets in the dining room, more coffee tables have been provided in the conservatory, making it look less cramped with chairs. A tour of the building took place. The home was clean and tidy, with no noticeable odours. The shared areas provide a choice of communal space, including a smoking lounge. There are three small patio areas provided for residents to sit outside in the warmer weather.
New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 The fire prevention officer last visited on 3/08/2005 and the environmental health officer on 16/12/2005. All requirements or recommendations have been implemented. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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, 28, 29 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is satisfactory. Although there are insufficient numbers of qualified care staff working in the home, the residents are well cared for by a caring staff team. In-house training is continuing, ensuring staff are competent to do their jobs. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There are sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents, and numbers have increased or decreased over the past few months to reflect the number of residents living in the home and their individual needs. Staff are encouraged and supported in pursuing NVQ qualifications and are working towards the CSCI target of 50 trained care staff, which was 19 on the day of inspection. Many of the general domestic staff have completed NVQ training in housekeeping. In-house training takes place that is relevant to the care and support needs of the residents. The staff group spoken with said that plenty of training is available in addition to NVQ. Some staff felt they would like to see an improvement in communication in the home, with more staff meetings being held, so that staff can raise any issues or concerns. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 Good policies and procedures are in place for the recruitment of staff. As the management team were on a training course on the day of inspection, no keys were available for the staff filing cabinet. Therefore, no checks could be made to ensure the procedures are followed in practice and staff files could not be checked. A requirement was made concerning the accessibility of records at the previous inspection and has been made again. A number of vacant staff posts at the home have recently been filled, reducing the need for ‘bank’ or agency staff working in the home. This has provided better continuity of care for the residents. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 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): 31, 33, 35 and 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. The manager is experienced and supported by senior staff, ensuring the residents live in a well run home. Opportunities are given to residents to express a view on the running of the home and services received. This judgment has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: New Milton House has had three managers in the past two years. The present manager has been registered since the last inspection, and staff and residents are hoping for a period of stability. The manager is continuing with her training to achieve the registered managers award. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 A quality assurance system is in place, and residents and/or their families complete a questionnaire once or twice a year. The results of this survey are collated and a summary is available in the service users’ guide, including one in the entrance hall for visitors to see. The planned actions for any areas of improvement are explained. As mentioned under standard 16, the home encourages comments or suggestions from visitors to the home, and forms for this are available in the entrance hall. Records regarding money that is looked after on behalf of the residents could not be checked as keys to where they were stored were not available on the day. A requirement has been made regarding the accessibility of records for inspection. Health and safety matters in the home are given good attention. Staff spoken with said there is always plenty of opportunity to attend update courses on moving and handling and fire safety training. Training in fire safety is up to date and all care team leaders have completed training in first aid. This ensures a safe environment for residents. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 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 x x x 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 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 2 x x 3 New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES 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 OP29 Regulation 17(2)(3) Timescale for action Records of staff employed in the 30/06/06 home must be available for inspection at all times. Original timescale of 31/01/06 was not met. Records of money or valuables 30/06/06 deposited by residents for safekeeping must be available for inspection. Requirement 2 OP35 17(2)(3) 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 A minimum of 50 of the care staff should be trained to NVQ level2 or equivalent. New Milton House DS0000006507.V289203.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northwich Local Office Unit D Off Rudheath Way Gadbrook Park Northwich CW9 7LT National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk
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