Inspection on 14/05/07 for Oaks The

This inspection was carried out on 14th May 2007.

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

Oaks The 22/05/09

Oaks The 03/02/06

Oaks The 27/06/05

Oaks The 04/01/05

Oaks The 29/07/04

Oaks The 02/03/04

Similar services:

Carentan House

Ravensworth Lodge

Snydale Care Home

Abbey The

Larchfield Manor

Hawkhills

Beeches The - North Yorkshire County Council

The Grove Waltham

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Oaks The Hartrigg Oaks Haxby Road New Earswick York North Yorkshire YO32 4DS Lead Inspector Donna Burnett Key Unannounced Inspection 14th May 2007 09:15 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 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.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. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Oaks The Address Hartrigg Oaks Haxby Road New Earswick York North Yorkshire YO32 4DS 01904 750700 01904 752225 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) Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Mrs Susan Jacqueline Davies Care Home 42 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (11), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (42) of places Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The registration of dementia care be for a maximum of 2 years to allow the new facility to be commissioned. That staffing levels do not fall below the appropriate numbers of the previous regulatory authority as in the enclosed matrix. 3rd February 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Oaks forms part of the facilities in the Hartrigg Oaks retirement village in the village of New Earswick on the outskirts of York. The home is managed by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. The Oaks is a purpose built home able to care for up to 42 older people, who may receive a nursing service. The home is also registered to care for up to 11 people with dementia care needs. Attached to the complex are a number of facilities including a gym, restaurant, coffee shop, library, shop and hydro therapy pool which can be used by people from the home and the retirement village. There is a large car park to the front of the home. All bedrooms overlook the central garden area. Up to four of the bedrooms can be used for short-term, respite care services. The accommodation is over two floors. The second floor is accessible by staircase, chair lift and passenger lift. The Oaks provides written information to people thinking about coming to live at the home so that they can know what to expect from the service and how much it costs. Information provoided by the manager of the home states that the fees charged by the home, at the time of the inspection, range from £1744 to £2474.50 per calendar month. Additional charges are made for hairdressing, chiropody and newspapers. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. One inspector made an unannounced visit to the service on 14 May 2007. The visit took place over seven hours and included a tour of the building. An additional five hours were spent preparing for the inspection and gathering information about the service including what had been happening at the home since the last inspection. The manager provided information about the home before the visit, which was used to help plan the inspection. Surveys were sent to ten people who live in the home and eight relatives. Six people who live in the home provided written comments and feedback about the service, as did five relatives. Three health and social care professionals also returned surveys. All of the key standards were looked at during the inspection to try and find out what it was like to live at the home. The inspector spoke with people living in the home and observed the way in which staff interacted with them. Time was also spent looking at care plans and other records, and talking to staff. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The manager responded quickly to shortfalls identified at the last inspection. The sluice room sink has been fitted with a safety valve to avoid the risk of scalds form the hot water tap. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Staff are no longer being deployed to work at the home until satisfactory police checks have been obtained. Medication charts clearly show which member of staff gave what medication, and when. Risk assessments are being reviewed regularly so that people’s care needs are clearly identified and planned for. 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. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3 & 5. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. There is enough information available for people to be able to decide if they want to live at the home or not. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: People who live in the nearby bungalows are given priority admission to the home over people living in the wider community. This is made clear to everyone who makes an enquiry about the service. Either the manager or the deputy manager visits people who are thinking about coming to live at The Oaks. They carry out a full assessment of their care needs to make sure the home can provide the care required. A GP who returned a survey said that the staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of the people they care for. People are encouraged to visit the home and talk to people about what it is like to live at The Oaks. Everybody who returned a survey, and those who were Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 spoken with, said that they had received enough information before moving into the home to help them decide if it was where they wanted to live. A family member who completed a survey on behalf of their relative commented on the ‘smooth transition’ from living independently to being admitted to the home. Another family member commented on the ‘seamless’ move from residential to nursing care. The home occasionally admits people, who live in the nearby bungalows, for short periods of time. This provides them with respite care and the opportunity to recover from periods of ill health. This time can also be used to help people prepare for a permanent move to the home. Standard 6 was not looked at as the home does not provide an intermediate care service. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 & 10. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. People are well cared for and get the support and help that they need. However, it is unclear whether or not people who are not always to speak out for themselves, have been consulted with and have access to, the same information and choices as everyone else. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Individual plans of care provide care staff with information about what help and support to give to meet people’s needs. The plans are reviewed regularly so that the information on them is kept up to date. The people who the plans relate to, had not signed the care plans which were looked at however and it was unclear whether or not either they themselves or a representative had been involved in the drawing up of them. One relative who returned a survey stated that ‘more consideration needs to be given to the needs of dementia sufferers’. Another relative who returned a survey expressed some concern that the home focuses ‘almost solely on physical aspects of care, to the possible detriment of their social care needs’. People who live in the home and/or their representatives should be consulted with when drawing up plans Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 of care so that the care and support provided meets with individual needs and expectations. A relative who was consulted with was unclear about the role and benefit of the home’s key worker system. The service user guide explains that the key worker is a trained nurse who co-ordinates the care needs of the people they are allocated to. However, there needs to be more clarity about what this role entails so that people living in the home and their relatives know what to expect and whether or not they have a choice about who their key worker is. People who live in the home have access to a variety of health and social care professionals, which ensures that they get the help and support they are entitled to. The home takes appropriate action when no longer able to meet the needs of people living in the home. Records show when referrals to other agencies are made and what the outcomes are. Everyone who returned a survey said that they received the medical support they need. People who returned surveys said that people who live in the home are ‘well cared for’. Relatives who returned surveys describe the care as being ‘fantastic’, of a ‘high standard and ‘very good’. Someone commented that the attitude of staff showed respect for people’s dignity ‘at all times’. People living in the home who were spoken with all said that their needs were being met. A GP who returned a survey said that when specialist advice is given, it is incorporated into the care plan. Specialist equipment such as pressure relieving mattresses are provided for those people assessed as needing them. Gentle exercise is provided for people with reduced mobility so that they can continue to be as physically active as possible. People who live in the home keep their medication in locked cabinets in their bedrooms. Some people have been assessed as able to look after and administer their own medication. These people are supported to do so safely. Care staff administer medication for people unable to take responsibility for their own medication. The system is safe and good records are kept including who received what medication, when, and who gave it. People were observed being spoken to kindly. Personal care is provided, and medical consultations are carried out, in private. Most people who live in the home have their own telephones. A portable telephone is available for anyone else wishing to either make or take a telephone call in private. One person was seen to have a list of useful telephone numbers, written in large print, within easy reach of the telephone so that important people could be contacted easily. A relative who returned a survey, however, felt that more attention should be given to confused people living in the home to encourage and support them to keep in closer contact with their family. The home works hard to care for people as their needs change and health deteriorate, and a number of care staff have attended training in caring for people who are near the end of their life. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. The home offers a good variety of social and recreational activities. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Social, recreational and religious needs are identified and catered for as much as is reasonably possible. There are plenty of opportunities both within the home and in the local community for people to remain socially and physically active, if they wish. A relative who returned a survey commented that families should be asked what activities their relative would like to join in, especially when they cannot say for themselves. They would like to be more involved in providing staff with information about previous interests, hobbies and interests. In discussion with the activities organiser however, it was evident that a great deal of time and effort had been spent trying to find out about people’s interests, likes and dislikes. Whilst many of the people living in the home are able to independently choose how they spend their time, attention is given to people who are less independent to try and encourage social inclusion and stimulation. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Records were looked at which detailed communications with family members. However, two family members commented on some ‘barriers’ and communication difficulties between the staff and themselves. They did not feel that they were always consulted with or told about important issues affecting the lives of their relative. People who live in the home have access to a well-stocked library. Large print and talking books can be ordered for people with eyesight problems. The home has its own transport so that people can access facilities and amenities away from the home. Many people who live in the home clearly feel part of the local community. Whilst there is a designated activities organiser employed by the home, volunteers and outside speakers help people living in the home to retain contact with people from the wider community. Visitors say they are ‘always given a warm welcome’ and subject to availability, guest rooms can be made available should anyone wish a visitor to stay overnight. The six people who returned surveys, and who live at the home, all said that the care staff listen to them and act on what they say. People can choose to spend time alone if they wish. The routines of the home are not restrictive and people can go to bed and get up, when they want. People who live in the home say that ‘meals are of a good standard’ and that they like them. Dietary needs, likes and dislikes are recorded. Food preferences are catered for and respected. People who live in the home can choose to eat either in their rooms, or in one of three dining areas. Help is given to people who require it. The kitchen is clean, well organised and subject to routine environmental health inspections, which makes sure it is a safe place in which to prepare food. The menu is varied and offers good vegetarian options. Food is sourced locally, of good quality, nutritious and fresh. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 & 18. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. People know who to go to if they have any concerns. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: People who live in the home are provided with a handbook which gives information about how to complain and who to contact should the need arise. Five out of the six people who returned surveys, and who live at the home, said they would know how to make a complaint if they needed to. Relatives who were consulted with said the same. There are very few complaints made about the home. The manager keeps a record of the actions taken in response, when there is. A large number of letters of commendation have been received by the home, which show immense satisfaction with the service and praise for the staff. Care staff receive one week’s induction training during their first three months of working at the home. The training includes how to protect people from abuse and harm. Although safeguarding adults training is not routinely provided by the Trust, it is also covered in NVQ training, which many staff go on to do. The Trust has a whistle blowing policy, which encourages care staff to report bad practice, which could cause harm to people living in the home. People who live in the home have access to money and valuables, which they can either keep in their own rooms, or hand to the manager for safekeeping. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 26. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. The home is a safe, comfortable place in which to live. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home is kept fresh and clean and people who live in the home say that the home is always cleaned to a ‘high standard’. The home is accessible throughout to everyone who lives there. Doorways and corridors are wide enough for wheelchair access and handrails are available to support people with mobility difficulties. Records show that repairs and general maintenance work are carried out, as required, to keep the home safe. A relative who returned a survey commented that the home ‘provides a friendly, caring and supportive environment’ and describes rooms as being of a ‘high standard’. Another person commented on the ‘excellent accommodation’. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Each bedroom has access to a small balcony from which they can enjoy fresh air and the garden. The laundry is situated away from the main areas of the home so is unobtrusive. The laundry staff deal with large amounts of laundry every day and work hard to make sure that clothing belonging to people who live in the home is kept in good condition. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 & 30. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Care staff are trained to meet the needs of the people living in the home. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home employs both registered nurses and care staff. Many of the care staff have achieved a recognised qualification in care and are equipped with the skills they need to be able to care for people properly. A GP who returned a survey said that there was always a senior member of staff on duty to talk to about the needs of the people living in the home. Night staff have the additional responsibility of taking calls from people living in the bungalows, who may require help or support during the night. This sometimes takes care staff away from the building and the needs of the people living in the home. It was discussed with the manager who stated that The Trust is currently addressing this issue and planning for different staff, who are not involved in the care of people living in the home, to take responsibility for people living in the bungalows. A selection of staff records were looked at to see if people were being properly and safely recruited. Police checks are carried out before people start work at the home and references from previous employers are obtained. However, on one of the files looked at, one of the references was not from a recent Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 employer so it could not be established why that person had left their previous place of work. These checks are essential to help to make sure that people applying to work at the home are suitable. The recruitment process is not discriminatory and provides equal opportunities for all applicants. There is low staff turnover, which ensures continuity of care for people living in the home. The Trust provides lots of training to its staff, relevant to the specific needs of the people living in the home. A specialist mental health nurse who is employed by The Trust, works at the home once a week and is available to give advice and support as to how best meet the needs of people with mental health problems. Many staff have also attended dementia care training. Relatives who returned surveys describe the care staff as ‘committed’, ‘kind and efficient’. People living in the home describe the care staff as ‘unfailingly kind and patient, over and above their duty’. They say that ‘the staff are very good’. Everybody who was spoken with during the inspection was complimentary about the staff team as a whole. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35 & 38. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. The home is managed well and protects the health, safety and welfare of people in the home. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The registered manager of the home is also a qualified nurse. She has managed the home for several years and has been approved by The Commission for Social Care Inspection to be a fit person to manage the service. The deputy manager is usually available to provide management cover and support in the absence of the registered manager. The manager says that she is always available for people to speak to and specifically keeps one morning a week free for anyone wanting to talk to her in private. People living in the home say that she is approachable. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Someone who lives at the home and returned a survey commented on the home’s ‘high ethical standard’. The Trust’s policy on quality assurance states that a quality audit is carried out annually and that people living in the home should be involved wherever possible. An audit was carried out last year, which sought the opinion of people living in the home. A summary of the report was looked at during the inspection and although not particularly easy to read, highlighted some issues that had been raised around ‘choice’. It was clear what actions had been taken as a result of the audit to try and improve the service for people using it. A representative from the home is invited to attend regular meetings so that issues or suggestions can be presented to senior people within The Trust. This allows people living in the home the opportunity to have their say. As already noted however, comments from a number of relatives (see Health & Personal Care and Daily Life & Social Activities) indicate that they do not always feel consulted with, particularly when their family member is not able to speak out for themselves. The manager ensures that money belonging to people living in the home is stored safely and records kept of all transactions. All staff are taught how to work safely and protect people living in the home. A sample of records were looked at which showed that equipment is being serviced regularly and is therefore safe to use. The hot water temperatures in two bathrooms were checked and found to be within safe limits. Valves have been fitted to make sure that the hot water temperatures are not excessively hot and cannot burn or scald. Bed rails are only used when written consent has been given. The maintenance book showed that a bed rail, which had not been working properly, had been reported, and the work done to rectify the problem. However, there were no records showing that bed rail checks were being routinely carried out or that bed rail guards were being used to protect from injury. During the inspection it was observed that someone who was resting on their bed had their bed rails in place but with no padding or protection. It was brought to the attention of the manager after care staff failed to rectify the problem. The manager ensures that the home remains a safe place in which to live. Steps were being taken during the inspection to secure a door, which had been identified by the manager as potentially hazardous to people living in the home. Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 4 X 4 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 4 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 3 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 4 17 X 18 3 4 X X X X X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 4 29 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 2 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP38 Regulation 12(1)(a) 13(4)(c) 23(2)(c) Requirement Bed rails must be regularly checked for safe use and always used with bedrail protectors. This is so that people living in the home are not put at risk from faulty or unprotected equipment. Timescale for action 15/05/07 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 OP7 Good Practice Recommendations Plans of care should be drawn up in consultation with the people they relate to, and/or their representative, and should show whether or not they agree with the content of the plan. It is recommended that plans go ahead to provide a separate night service for people living in the bungalows. Staff at the home should be available to meet the needs of people living in the care home at all times. The care of people living in the home should not be compromised due to staff being out of the building and unavailable. References should be sought from an applicant’s two most recent employers so that suitability for the post applied for can be confirmed. Any gaps in employment history should be explored and the reasons why a recent employer has not been approached for a reference should be clearly recorded. The views of relatives should be more actively sought, particularly when people living in the home have memory problems or cognitive impairment. 2. OP27 3. OP29 4. OP33 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection York Area Office Unit 4 Triune Court Monks Cross York YO32 9GZ 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 Oaks The DS0000027974.V340198.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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