Inspection on 16/02/06 for Northern Counties

This inspection was carried out on 16th February 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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

Northern Counties 16/03/07

Northern Counties 22/09/05

Northern Counties 23/11/04

Northern Counties 12/05/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Northern Counties 36 Lancaster Road Birkdale Southport Merseyside PR8 2LE Lead Inspector Mrs Janet Marshall Unannounced Inspection 16th February 2006 11:30 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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.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. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Northern Counties Address 36 Lancaster Road Birkdale Southport Merseyside PR8 2LE 01704 568019 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) mail@eventidehome.co.uk Northern Counties Management Commitee David Swan Care Home 31 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (31) of places Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service users to include up to 31 OP Date of last inspection 22nd September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Eventide is a voluntary run Home providing 31 registered places for both male and female Service Users with strong Christian faith. The Home provides personal care; nursing care is provided directly through the district nursing services when required. The Registered Manager is Mr David Swan. The Registered Provider is Northern Counties Management Committee. The Home is situated in Southport close to the town centre and with access to public transport on the Liverpool Road. Eventide is situated over 4 floors, the ground and upper floors accessible by stairs and a passenger lift (there are no bedrooms on the lower/basement floor). The Home has 2 spacious lounges, 1 small quiet lounge and 1 dining room. Single and double accommodation is provided though at present the double rooms are being used as single rooms. The gardens at the front and rear of the building are well maintained and accessible for wheelchair users. A ramp with handrails is in place at the main entrance to the Home. There is car parking space to the front of the premises where the Home’s minibus is parked when not in use. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second of two inspection visits that are required at the home each year. The inspection was unannounced and took place over 3 hours. The inspection was conducted with the manager Mr David Swan. There was just one requirement raised as part of the last inspection report this was examined and has been met. A partial tour of the home was conducted. Care records and other required records were inspected. Records that were examined included a selection of residents care plans, daily notes, medical notes, financial records and certificates of health and safety checks. Most part of the inspection was spent in discussion with residents their direct views about their experiences at the home were obtained. Evidence for this report was also gathered through general observations and compliance with standards. At intervals throughout the inspection discussion with staff took place. Their comments and views about the home were also obtained. What the service does well: The atmosphere in the home was comfortable, relaxed and friendly. The service is good at promoting independence for residents by encouraging them to make choices and take control over their own lives. The service is good at providing residents with information about advocacy services and providing them with the appropriate support and assistance so that their rights and responsibilities are respected & upheld. The home is maintained to a very high standard ensuring that residents live in a safe, comfortable and homely environment. Residents benefit from a manager and staff team who are fully committed to their welfare and wellbeing. The service is good at obtaining and acting upon residents views about the home. Comments made by residents during the inspection: “I go to bed and get up when I want” “If I don’t like what is on the menu I ask for something that I do like and I get it” “I can go out and come in when I choose” “I decide what I want to wear each day” “We sit in the lounge because that is what we prefer”. “This is not a show put on for you, it is like this all the time” “I feel as if I am on holiday everyday” “Everything is ok, a good home” “Out of this world” Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 “High Class” “I like my room I couldn’t ask for better” “I have more than enough furniture” “I have my own toilet and sink would you like to see it?” “The handy man is very good, he puts my pictures on the wall and looks after my plants” “My room is very comfortable, I have everything that I need” 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. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.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): None of these standards were assessed during this inspection. Key standard 3 was assessed at the last inspection and was met. Key standard 6 does not apply, as the service does not provide intermediate care. EVIDENCE: Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.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): None of these standards were fully assessed during this inspection. Key standards 7, 8, 9 & 10 were assessed at the last inspection and were met. The residents needs were clearly set out in an individual plan of care ensuring that they are understood and met. EVIDENCE: A selection of care plans that were examined showed that personal social and care needs of residents are clearly recorded and they have been reviewed and updated at regular intervals. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 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): 14. Key standards 12, 13, & 15 were assessed at the last inspection and were met. Residents exercise choice and control over their lives. EVIDENCE: Discussion with residents showed that they make choices regarding all aspects of their lives. Comments made by residents which supported this included: “I go to bed and get up when I want” “If I don’t like what is on the menu I ask for something that I do like and I get it” “I can go out and come in when I choose” “I decide what I want to wear each day” “We sit in the lounge because that is what we prefer”. Other comments made by residents about the home included: “This is not a show put on for you, it is like this all the time” “I feel as if I am on holiday everyday” “Everything is ok, it’s a good home” “Out of this world” “High Class” Questionnaires completed by residents and their families/representatives were viewed these showed that residents are given the opportunity to comment about the home and make suggestions. Discussion with the manager showed Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 that suggestions made by residents and/or their representatives are listened to and acted upon. For example extra board games were purchased in response to a comment made by a residents relative. The action taken in response to the questionnaires suggest that residents and their families/representatives exercise choice and control. Residents also supported this during discussion. Some residents confirmed that they received visitors and had privacy in being able to receive them. For one resident, it was stated that her friends and family were important to her and this was enabled to continue. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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): 17. Key standards 16 & 18 were assessed at the last inspection and were met. Resident’s rights and responsibilities are respected & upheld. EVIDENCE: The manager said that at least three residents exercise their right to vote. Records and discussion with residents supported this. Other residents are aware of their right to vote but choose not to. Two residents stated that they were financial independent and that they had been able to bring personal possessions in to the home with them. Those residents who are unable to manage their own finances independently have appointees. There are some cases in which the home deals with small amounts of money. Records of this were maintained, monies were securely stored, the system was accountable and monies were individually stored as opposed to being pooled. Information about advocacy services was displayed on a notice board in the main entrance of the home. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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, 22, 23 & 24. Residents live in a safe, comfortable home, which is fitted and furnished to a very good standard. EVIDENCE: The home was attractive both externally & internally. It is located in a popular residential area of Birkdale, Southport close to public transport links and amenities. Parking is available at the front of the building and on the Road outside the home. There are garden areas to the front, side and rear of the house, which are attractive and well maintained. Residents said they like using the garden in warmer months. There are two large lounges and a dining area on the ground floor for communal use. These areas were bright, comfortable and furnished and decorated to a high standard. Bedrooms are all single accommodation and are decorated & personalised to each individual’s taste & preferences. Bedrooms that were being occupied by residents were viewed during the inspection. Comments made by residents about their rooms included: Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 “I like my room I couldn’t ask for better” “I have more than enough furniture” “I have my own toilet and sink would you like to see it?” “The handy man is very good, he puts my pictures on the wall and looks after my plants” “My room is very comfortable, I have everything that I need” Outcomes of questionnaires completed by residents show that they are happy with their bedrooms and other accommodation at the home. Bedrooms viewed had en suite facilities and there are sufficient bathrooms located around the home. The toilet seat in a residents en-suite, which showed signs of wear and tear, should be replaced. The home was equipped with specialist equipment to enable residents to get around and be more independent. Such equipment included a passenger lift, walking frames, lifting hoists grab rails, specialist beds and wheelchairs. At the last inspection Commode pots were seen soaking in a bath that the deputy manager said was not used by residents. This had the potential to put residents health and safety at risk. Therefore a requirement was raised as part of the last inspection report for the bathroom to be kept locked at all times. On receipt of the last report the manager contacted and advised the commission that residents now use the bathroom and that a more suitable method for storing and cleaning the equipment has been put in place. This was evidenced during this inspection. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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): 28. Key standards 27, 29 & 30 were assessed at the last inspection and were t Staff receive training, which ensures that residents are in safe hands at all times. EVIDENCE: The staff training schedule was examined and this showed all staff have undertaken or booked all statutory training including Manual Handling, First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Fire Safety & Safe handling of medicines. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 33, 35 & 38. Key standards 31 & 38 were assessed at the last inspection. Standard 31 was met. Standard 38 was not fully met so was reassessed at this inspection The Manager is experienced and committed to residents welfare and is fully able within his role. Finances (assets/income) are managed by relatives with minor monies managed by the home. Fire alarms are not tested at the required intervals, which compromises the health and safety of residents. EVIDENCE: The Manager, Mr Swan, has several years experience in the care of older people. He has undertaken qualifications and good practice updates. The Manager is professional and both staff and residents report he has extremely high standards of care and quality. Mr Swan displayed a commitment to the Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 welfare of the residents and staff at the home. All residents spoken to felt the manager and deputy manager were very approachable and helpful. Many of the residents do not have the capacity to manage their own finances, or choose not to. The policy of the home is for relatives to manage this. The administrator manages personal allowances in house with input from relatives. Records are maintained and receipts kept for money spent. These were seen for one resident and they were satisfactory. A Health and safety Manual was available at the home, which include the required Polices and Procedures to protect the health safety and wellbeing of residents and staff, at the last inspection some of these were negated by the practice of socking commode pots in an unlocked bathroom accessible to residents. That particular hazard has been minimised by the action taken as described in the section about the environment. Examination of fire records showed that the testing of fire alarms takes place monthly. This must be done weekly to ensure the effectiveness of fire alarms in the home. The examination of other records showed that the passenger lift and other specialist equipment used in the home is tested for its safety at regular intervals. Discussion with the manager and records showed that a responsible person for the home carries out regular unannounced inspection visits and that a report is completed on the findings. A copy of the report must be forwarded onto the Commission each month. Records show that the Commission are not receiving the reports monthly as required under Regulation 26 of the Care Homes Regulations. During the inspection copies of the reports were obtained detailing the most recent visits, the last one was conducted on (01/02/06). They all suggested that the home is running effectively. Questionnaires are conducted regularly with residents and their representatives. This is an important process as it shows that the home is run in the best interests of the residents. A number of completed questionnaires that were viewed evidenced that residents and their representative are happy with all aspects of the home. Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 X X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 X 14 3 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 3 18 X 3 X X 3 3 3 X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 3 29 X 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X X 2 X 3 X X 2 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. 2. Standard OP38 OP33 Regulation 23(4) 26 Requirement The fire alarm system in the home must be tested weekly. Reports following visits from the registered provider must be forwarded onto the Commission monthly. Timescale for action 23/02/06 31/03/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Knowsley Local Office 2nd Floor, South Wing Burlington House Crosby Road North Liverpool L22 0LG National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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 Northern Counties DS0000005405.V281277.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 - 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. 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