Inspection on 12/09/06 for Obelisk House

This inspection was carried out on 12th September 2006.

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

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

Other inspections for this house

Obelisk House 14/11/05

Obelisk House 16/05/05

Obelisk House 09/12/04

Obelisk House 16/08/04

Obelisk House 11/03/04

Similar services:

Byars Care Home

St Marys Nursing Home

Bramble Lodge

Parkmanor Residential Home

Thornham Grove

Hunter`s Lodge

London Road Neurological and Specialist Care Unit

Carlton Care Home

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Obelisk House Obelisk Rise Kingsthorpe Northampton Northants NN2 8SA Lead Inspector Mrs Pat Harte Unannounced Inspection 12th September 2006 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 DS0000035721.V311095.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. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Obelisk House Address Obelisk Rise Kingsthorpe Northampton Northants NN2 8SA 01604 850910 01604 850912 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) www.northamptonshire.gov.uk Northamptonshire County Council Mrs Frances White Care Home 44 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (22), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (44), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (8) DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Home may continue to provide care for 1 existing named Service User within the category SI (E) No person falling within the OP category can be admitted where there are already 44 people of OP category already in the Home. No person falling within the DE (E) category can be admitted where there are already 22 people of DE (E) category already in the Home. No person falling within the PD (E) category can be admitted where there are already 8 people of PD (E) category already in the Home. The Home may continue to provide care for 3 existing named Service Users who have additional Mental Health needs within the category of MD (E) Total number of Service Users in the home must not exceed 44. Date of last inspection 14th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Obelisk House is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 44 Elderly Residents, including 22 people with Dementia and 8 people with Physical Disabilities. The Home has additional conditions to be able to continue providing care for 3 Residents who also have Mental Health or Sensory Impairment needs. Permanent care only is provided. The Home is owned by Northamptonshire County Council and the Manager is Mrs. F. White. The Home is situated in a residential suburb of north Northampton, near to local shops and easily reached by public transport. The premises are sat back from the road and offer all ground floor accommodation. There are four self-contained units with their own lounge dining rooms, bedrooms and bathing and toilet facilities. Single bedrooms are provided for all Residents. There is also a central lounge area by the entrance, which offers additional seating. The Home has a bar and a shop. Financial assessments are carried out by the County Council to determine charges. The charges vary according to the assessment from approximately £70 to £347 per week. Extra charges, not covered by the fees, include services such as Chiropody and DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 Hairdressing. Residents are responsible for charges for newspapers, toiletries and transporting costs for Taxis. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The focus of inspections undertaken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection is upon outcomes for Service Users and their views of the service provided. Inspection planning took half a day and consisted of a full review of the inspection record, the Homes service history record including notifications of complaints, accidents, events and incidents, the pre inspection information submitted by the Home and correspondence and contacts between the Commission and the Home. Twenty-six Residents, twenty-one Relatives and one visiting professional responded to our pre inspection questionnaires. All the information was taken into account to form the plan of inspection focusing on the outcomes for Residents. The primary method of inspection used was ‘case tracking’ which involved selecting three Residents and tracking the care they receive through review of their records, talking with them and the care staff. In addition six Residents, four staff and five visiting Relatives were spoken with. Observations were made on routines and care practices. Selected areas of the premises were viewed and a selection of records was inspected. Discussions were held with the Registered Manager. The Inspection took place during the morning and afternoon over a period of five and a half hours and was carried out on an unannounced basis What the service does well: Obelisk House continues to have a dedicated Manager and a stable staff group who demonstrated their commitment to the well being of their Residents. Residents spoke very highly of the staff group commenting that they were very caring, helpful and on hand to quickly respond to their needs. They said, and observations confirmed, that relationships with the staff were very good. All Residents are visited prior to their admission and thorough assessments are carried out by staff. This ensures that the needs of People admitted to the Home are met in full. Staff demonstrated that they involved all their Residents in the planning of their care, including those Residents with Dementia. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Residents’ commented that staff treated them as individuals and respected their individual wishes and preferences on how the care was to be provided. Peoples differing backgrounds and lifestyles are respected. Arrangements were made to support the Residents, uphold their wishes and enable them to pursue their religious observances. Health care needs were carefully monitored and Residents confirmed they were enabled to see their relevant medical professionals promptly and in private. Records showed that specialist professionals such as the Continence and Falls Advisers were called in to give staff advice on how best to support their Residents in these areas. Residents and their Relatives confirmed that they were aware of the home’s complaints procedure and felt confident to raise any issues or concerns with staff or the Manager. Complaints are properly handled and investigated. Routines were relaxed and flexible and Residents preferred routines were respected. They could get up and go to bed when they wished; they had choice in how and where they wished to spend their time. They could choose to join in or not the range of excellent activities arranged for them. Observations confirmed that staff took care to protect Residents’ dignity and privacy by ensuring personal care tasks were carried out in private. Residents commented that staff took care to ease any embarrassment and make them comfortable when intimate tasks such as bathing were carried out. Residents’ comments and the review of records showed that they were encouraged to remain as independent as possible and do things for themselves. Residents’ comments on the food provision were very positive. They felt that they were provided with a good range of meals, choices were available and staff went out of their way to “tempt” their appetites. The catering staff were fully aware of their dietary needs and likes and dislikes and special health and cultural diets can be catered for. Records showed that Residents’ weight is monitored and staff quickly identify any problems and refer on for specialist help. Residents were provided with a safe and comfortable environment. Both Residents and Relatives spoke of the family atmosphere of the Home. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The assessment process is thorough and ensures that the needs of the Residents admitted to the Home can be met. EVIDENCE: We looked at the information given to Residents on the Home’s services and the way in which staff assessed new Residents’ needs see that this was thorough and ensured that those needs could be met. Residents felt that the information given to them on the Home before their admission was accurate, helpful and gave them a flavour of what the Home was like. This information is also available in the Home, together with the last inspection report, the results of surveys of Residents, Relatives and Professionals opinions on the service, so that anyone visiting the Home may read them. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The Manager or senior staff visit all Residents before they are admitted to assess their needs. The Manager showed, through discussions, that the needs of each prospective Resident is carefully considered and balanced with the needs of People already living in the Home to ensure that the needs of all can be met. Where at all possible prospective Residents and their Relatives are encouraged to visit the Home to view their proposed accommodation. They are able to meet with existing Residents and find out about their experiences and there are opportunities to meet with staff to discuss their individual needs, ask questions and discuss any worries. Residents felt that these opportunities helped them to come to a decision on whether this Home was right for them. Two Residents’ assessments were viewed and showed a well-rounded approach. Their daily routines were noted so that these could be continued after admission, for example the times they usually got up and went to bed. Food likes, dislikes and any special diets were recorded to ensure their preferences were known to staff so that they were provided with food to their tastes or cultural backgrounds. Care was taken to identify any arrangements needed so that Residents could continue to follow their Religions. In one case an Advocate had been arranged to see if arrangements could be made for him to go to a local Temple. Hobbies and interests were established so that Residents could continue to purse them. The assessments carefully recorded the physical support that Residents would need in their daily lives and care had been taken to record the things they could do for themselves so they could be as independent as possible. Any equipment necessary for their comfort and safety had been identified, for example hoists, walking frames and special mattresses. The assessments also took account of the emotional support Residents would need to settle and adjust to living in the Home. Medical information was recorded ensuring that the right health care arrangements were made. Historical information was gathered from Residents, Families and relevant Professionals to broaden staffs’ understanding and to support Residents with Dementia. Assessments had been undertaken to identify any areas of risk that may make Residents vulnerable. For example on areas such as skin care. Where Residents were suffering from Dementia care had been taken assess their levels of confusion and the support they would need. Resident’s records showed that they had been given contracts detailing the terms and conditions of their placement, details of the fees to be charged are DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 provided direct from the County Council following a financial assessment. The Service User Guide gave information on services not covered by the fees. Residents felt that when they had arrived at the Home the staff were well briefed and ready to take care of them. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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, 10 & 11 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents care needs were thoroughly documented and good levels of guidance and instruction were provided to staff on how the care was to be carried through. EVIDENCE: We looked at the care plans to ensure that staff were given instruction and guidance on how to provide the care. Three Residents care plans were inspected. Records showed and Residents confirmed that they had been involved in the development of their plans and that they were consulted on any changes that were made. Where there were changes the plans were updated and new instructions were given to staff. The care plans gave step-by-step guidance to staff on the areas on the personal support needed. For example routines such as bathing were thoroughly documented, showing Residents preferences, giving detailed DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 instructions to staff on the equipment needed and how the task was to be carried through. The plans detailed the areas that the Residents could safely undertake for themselves showing they were encouraged to maintain as much control over their lives and be as independence as possible. Reminders were incorporated into the plans for staff to routinely monitor skin and nail conditions, this meant that any changes were quickly picked up and referred to the necessary specialist such as Doctors or Chiropodists. Residents confirmed that the need for or their preference for night checks had been discussed and agreed with them. They spoke of being reassured that help was at hand throughout the night and had peace of mind that that staff popped in to check that they were all right. The care plans showed that good use was made of historical information to help staff understand, support and talk with Residents who had Dementia. Staff showed that they knew the ways in which individual Residents could be helped if they were distressed, angry or frustrated but this was not always written down in the care plans. Observations showed that staff responded warmly and sensitively to their Residents. They spent time with them dealing with their questions or concerns and finding out what they wanted to do or what was worrying them. Staff showed that they took care and time to work at their Residents’ pace and enabled them to make their wishes known and have choice. For example a staff member saw that a Resident restless, found out he wanted to go out and took him for a walk. Health care records were very detailed and showed that staff were quick to identify any changes and requested Doctors visits. Residents said they were able to have routine checkups, for example eye or dental checks and that arrangements were made for regular foot care. They confirmed that they were able to see their Doctors or other medical professionals in private. Staff can provide care for Residents who are ill or dying provided so long as the needs of the individual can be met with the assistance and support of the Community Medical Services such as Doctors, Nurses and specialist Nurses. The medication system was viewed. Medication was safely stored and records for incoming, administration and disposal of medication were well kept. Residents confirmed that they were given their medication at the right times. Where a Resident is assessed to safely manage their own medication they are encouraged to do so and are provided with safe and lockable storage arrangements. Observations showed that Staff made sure that any personal care tasks are carried out in private. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, `14, & 15 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service Residents are able to continue to keep control over their lives, continue with their preferred routines, make choices and are offered an excellent range of activities. EVIDENCE: We looked at the routines of the Home and the activity programme to ensure that Residents were able to live relaxed and fulfilled lives reflecting their personal preferences. Residents stated that routines were relaxed and flexible. They commented, and observations confirmed, that they were free to decide on how and where they wished to spend their time. They said they could choose when they wished to get up or go to bed. They gave examples of being provided with early morning cups of tea in bed, being able to lie in, take a late breakfast, take a nap when they wished and chose whether they wished to join in activities. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Residents were very satisfied with the activity programme. They felt that they were supported to continue with their individual interests and hobbies if they wished. An activity organiser is employed to provide some of the main group activities whilst staff on individual units provides others. The activities include exercise sessions, music, quizzes, games, cookery and talking about past times. The bungalow in the Home’s grounds is also used as an activities centre. Residents commented that they enjoyed visiting the bungalow for a change of scenery. Here they had been given an opportunity to have a go at Pottery and other craftwork. External entertainers also visit the Home to provide musical events. Records showed that historical information is gathered on Residents who have Dementia on areas such as past hobbies and interests, what they used to do for a living and of people and events that were important in their lives. This enables staff to provide equipment or books that will help stimulate their memories and encourage interest and conversation. Quizzes are designed with reminiscence in mind so that Residents can get the full benefit of joining in and recalling past events and ways of life. Equipment and games are provided to help Residents follow their interests. For example a Resident, who had been a Mechanic, has been provided with games to help him to design and make things. This has enabled him to continue to use his skills and have a pleasurable and worthwhile activity. One to one time provides Residents with opportunities to go for walks or to go shopping and regular nail care sessions are thoroughly enjoyed by the Ladies and enabled them to present themselves well. Residents can receive their visitors at any time and may take them to their rooms if they prefer. Visiting Relatives spoke of the real family feel of the home. They said that they were always made welcome and were extended hospitality. They stated that staff made time to discuss their Resident’s care needs and felt that they were kept well informed of any changes or concerns. Residents said the food at the Home was good and they were offered choices for all meals. They spoke of being offered alternatives if they did not fancy the main menu and felt that staff went out of their way to tempt their appetites. Special arrangements to provide Asian food and Halal meat had been made for one Resident to respect his cultural preferences and uphold his religious beliefs. Mealtimes were also adjusted to meet his needs. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Records showed that staff monitor Residents’ appetites and weight and are quick to note any problems. Referrals were made to Doctors if there was a need for food supplements. Observations of the mid day meal confirmed that the food was nicely presented and quickly served. Staff were on hand to help Residents to manage their meals or feed them where necessary. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16, 17 & 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Effective systems are in place to ensure that complaints or concerns are listened to, investigated and acted upon and to ensure that Residents are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: We looked at the systems in place to ensure that any complaints were properly dealt with and that Residents were protected from abuse. Residents and Relatives said that they had been given information on how to complain; this information was also displayed in the Home. All those spoken with felt able to raise any concerns or complaints with staff. A complaints record is maintained. Since the last inspection two complaints have been raised with the Commission and were passed back to the Manager to investigate. One was about the care given to a Resident; this complaint was withdrawn shortly after being made. The second complaint was that there were “straight jackets” hanging in the entrance hall. The Manager was able to inform the complainant that these articles were hoist slings and movement and handling belts. The names of Residents are registered on the Electoral roll in order that they can continue to exercise their voting rights, if they wish. Postal Votes are used DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 or alternatively arrangements can be made for Residents to go to the polling station. Safe and thorough systems are in place for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. This means that any allegations or suspicions of abuse are reported to the Authorities and investigations carried out in order to protect the Residents. Staff receive training in recognising abuse and discussions with two carers showed that they were fully aware of their duty to report any allegations or suspicions. Since the last inspection two allegations of missing money were reported. The Police carried through an investigation and found no evidence of theft. The Resident concerned now has her money stored safely in the safekeeping system. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are provided with a warm, safe, clean, comfortable and wellmaintained environment suitable for their needs. EVIDENCE: We looked at the premises to ensure that they were suitable for the Residents and offered them a comfortable and safe environment. Observations confirmed that the premises were homely and in good order. They were warm, safe, comfortable and well maintained. Residents stated that cleaning routines were carefully organised and did not disrupt them. Comments received from Residents and their relatives prior to the inspection and observations made on the day showed that standards of cleanliness were very good in general and bathrooms and toilets were kept clean. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Three Residents bedrooms were viewed. They were comfortable and safely maintained. Residents commented that they were able to have their furniture and belongings around them and arrange their rooms as they wished. The lounges and dining rooms were comfortable and suitable for the Residents’ needs. There is additional lounge space by the main entrance; one corner area is fitted with an extractor fan for Residents who smoke. Some Residents said they really liked to sit in this area as they could see what was going on, they could meet up with friends from the different units as well as using the space to entertain their visitors. The home also has a shop and a bar and Residents said it was nice to be able to gather at the bar for a drink. The outside area has perimeter fencing and doors of the two Dementia care units are alarmed for safety in order to alert staff if Residents try to leave the building unnoticed. Work is being carried out on the garden areas. Concrete ramps have been laid to all fire exit doors and handrails are being fitted by the ramps to make the areas safer for Residents to use. A pathway is being laid around the Home so that Residents and staff have level ground and safe paths to walk on. The paving slabs in the patio garden areas have been re-laid and drainage channels have been removed to ensure the ground is level. When the work is completed the garden areas will be much safer and the risk of Residents falling or tripping will be reduced. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Sufficient numbers of competent staff are deployed to meet the Residents needs. EVIDENCE: We looked at the Home’s staff recruitment and training process and the staffing levels to ensure Residents were in safe hands. Residents spoken with said that the all the staff, including ancillary staff, were very kind, committed and caring. They felt that staff did everything possible to ensure their well-being. Residents’ comments included “Staff are very kind” “Staff can’t do enough for you,” and “Staff come quickly if you call for help.” Relatives comments included “Very happy with care,” “They can’t do enough for my Mother, the care is very good,” and “I’ve always found staff wonderfully kind and caring, very pleased with the service they give.” Observations showed that staff constantly monitored their Residents and responded promptly to their needs or requests for help. Relationships and communication between the Residents and staff were viewed as good. Some Relatives and Residents had said in their satisfaction questionnaires returned to us before the inspection that they did not think enough staff were DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 on duty. The staff rotas showed that seven care staff are on duty on daytime shifts between the hours of 8am and 2pm. Five care staff are on duty between 2 and 5pm and then six carers are on duty until 10pm. Three carers provide overnight care. In addition a Residential Care Supervisor is on duty on all daytime shifts and provides guidance and support for staff as well as the Manager who is available on weekdays. In addition to the care staff, an activity organiser, domestic, laundry and catering staff are employed together with a Handyman. This ensures that care staff are not taken off their care duties. Regular care staff are allocated to each of the four units, this enables Residents, including those with Dementia, to become familiar with their staff groups. On the busier morning and evening shifts at least one carer is available to act as a “floater” giving assistance to other staff where required. One staff member’s record was viewed. The necessary Criminal Records Bureau Checks had been undertaken and references obtained before she was employed. Records showed that new staff received an “induction” introducing them to their work, responsibilities and to their Residents and their needs. The introduction also includes training in the policies and procedures and in the care to be provided. The Manager showed that she monitors staff training. The annual plan showed that staff receive training and undertake regular updates in both essential and special areas. For example records showed that Fire training is regularly updated and that staff caring for Residents with Dementia have received special training in this area. Staff spoken with felt that they had good access to training courses and were also encouraged to undertake National Vocational Qualifications in care. Currently about 65 of the staff group have obtained a qualification; the percentage is over and above the expected level of 50 . DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Manager continues to run the Home in the best in the best interests of the Residents and safe systems are in place for the management of Residents monies and items held for safekeeping. EVIDENCE: We looked at the overall management of the Home to ensure that Residents were involved and consulted and that it was run in their best interests and protected their health and safety. The Manager continues to demonstrate that she takes her duties seriously and runs the Home in the best interests of her Residents. She continues to review DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 the service and make improvements for the benefit of her Residents. This is shown by the fact that no requirements have been made in this report. She closely involves her Residents in the running of their home. Regular Residents’ meetings are held and the Manager showed that she involves all Residents, including those with Dementia care needs, to have a voice and offer their opinions and suggestions. It was clear from the records and Residents and Relatives comments that their opinions and wishes are listened to, valued and acted upon. Residents said that the Manager was readily available to them, was in contact with them on a daily basis and observations showed they knew her well and relationships were good. The Manager has undertaken surveys with the Residents, Relatives and other people, such as Doctors, Nurses, Chiropodists and Hairdressers, to get their opinions on how well the service is operating. The results of the survey are drawn together and published; they are available in the foyer of the Home and show that people think Obelisk House is providing a good service. Staff spoken said the Manager was always available to them and was willing to discuss any issues, guide them and offer support. Records showed that all staff have regular supervision during which they can discuss any problems, review how they work, talk about training and discuss any concerns. The County Council revised all their policies and procedures last year. These are now available to all staff to guide and help them in their work. The systems for the safe keeping of Residents’ moneys were viewed. Records were carefully and accurately completed and receipts were kept for any items bought for Residents by staff. Receipts were also kept for services such as Hairdressing and Chiropody. Items of values deposited for safekeeping were securely held with records kept showing deposit and withdrawal. The Manager showed that the accounts were regularly checked to ensure no errors occurred. Residents said they were able to get access to their money and valuables when they wished. DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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 3 3 4 3 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 3 3 X 3 3 3 3 DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations DS0000035721.V311095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northamptonshire Area Office 1st Floor Newland House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB 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. 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