Inspection on 16/04/07 for Roberta House

This inspection was carried out on 16th April 2007.

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

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

Other inspections for this house

Roberta House 17/10/05

Roberta House 31/05/05

Roberta House 15/02/05

Roberta House 05/07/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Roberta House 99-103 Island Road Upstreet Canterbury Kent CT3 4DE Lead Inspector Mark Hemmings Unannounced Inspection 16th April 2007 09:00 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 Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.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. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Roberta House Address 99-103 Island Road Upstreet Canterbury Kent CT3 4DE 01227 860704 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) bobbie@robertahouse.com Mr Rodney Gilbert Tarry Mrs Roberta Dorothy Cooper Tarry Post Vacant Care Home 17 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (17) of places Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. One Service User whose date of birth is 02/12/1943 under 65yrs of age. 17th October 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Roberta House (the Service) is registered to provide care for up to 17 older people (service users). In practice, only fourteen people are accommodated because a number of shared bedrooms are used for single occupancy. The premises are three terraced houses which have been converted into one dwelling. The accommodation for the service users is on both the ground floor and the first floor. There is a stairlift which gives step-free access around the accommodation. All of the bedrooms have a private wash hand basin. There are hoists in the bathrooms to help those service users who have limited mobility. There is a call bell system. This means that there are call points which service users can activate to alert staff if they need assistance. The property is located on the outskirts of Upstreet. This is a small village which is about half way between Canterbury and Margate. The property is set back a little from quite a busy main road. There is a limited amount of off-street parking. To the rear of the property, there is a large secluded garden. The Registered Providers use a number of means to give information about the Service to prospective service users. These include the provision of a Service Users’ Guide. This is a brochure which outlines the principal features of the facilities and services available in the Service. Also, the Registered Providers ensure that a copy of the most recent Inspection Report from the Commission, is available for reference in the Service. The range of fees currently charged for residence in the Service, runs from £309.81 to 350.00 per week. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This Report is based upon a number of sources of evidence. These include a review of the correspondence in relation to the Service received by the Commission since the last inspection. Also, the Inspector completed an unannounced inspection visit to the Service. This took about six hours to complete. During this time, the Inspector spoke with or spent time, with five of the 12 service users in residence. Some of these discussions/periods of time were in private. The Inspector spoke with both of the Registered Providers and with two of the senior care workers. The Inspector examined various parts of the accommodation and he reviewed a selection of the key records and documents. The Registered Providers operate the Service suitably, so as to enable the service users to receive the support and assistance they need. There are three Required Developments at the end of this Report. There is a small number of other matters which are mentioned in the main parts of the Report, which also need the Registered Providers’ attention. The Registered Provider’ say that all of the Required Developments and all of the other matters will be addressed within the timescales which have been agreed. What the service does well: Service users say or indicate by their manner, that the Service provides them with a relaxed and generally comfortable setting within which to make their home. They consider that they receive all the assistance they need. Also, they say that the care workers are attentive and kind in their manner. Service users say that they receive good quality meals. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 1, 3 and 4. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. Prospective service users and their representatives have the information they need in order to reach a decision about the suitability of the Service. Prospective service users have their needs assessed before they move in. EVIDENCE: People who are thinking about moving into the Service, can do a number of things to find out what is provided. They can speak with the Registered Providers. Also, they can read the Service Users’ Guide, which gives a short introduction to the Service. Further, they can refer to a document called the Statement of Purpose. This gives a more detailed account. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The Registered Providers, in consultation with the person concerned, completes an assessment of each prospective service user’s needs for assistance. This is done before a decision is made about whether or not the Service is a suitable place for the person’s residence. Care workers say that the Registered Providers inform them about the needs of new service users, so that their needs for assistance can be met from the point of admission. Service users say that things were in place to meet their needs when they moved into the Service. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. The health and personal care which service users receive, is based upon their individual needs. Suitable arrangements are in place to retain and dispense medication. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: Service users say or indicate, that the care workers offer them all the assistance they need and that this is provided in a reliable and consistent manner. There is a written individual plan of care for each of the service users. These are important documents. This is because they form one of the means by which each service user can be informed about and can agree to the Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 assistance he or she will receive. Also, the plans are a source of information for staff. This then helps them to provide support in a consistent manner. Sensible arrangements are in place to ensure that potential risks to the service users’ personal health and safety, are anticipated and managed. Service users are assisted to maintain their health. Care workers are alert to the need to identify occasions when someone is becoming unwell. This is so that medical assistance can be sought promptly. Suitable arrangements are in place to enable service users’ medication to be retained and to be dispensed in accordance with the doctors’ instructions. Service users say that the care workers are cordial in their approach. Also, that they are respectful of their individual preferences. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): Standards 12, 13, 14 and 15. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. There is a variety of social activities taking place. Service users are able to choose their life style and to keep in touch with family and friends. Service users have a normal diet which meets their requirements. EVIDENCE: There is a calendar of social events held in the Service. Service users say or indicate that they are suitably occupied. They can join in with activities or not, according to what they want to do. Service users consider the pace of daily life in the Service to be relaxed and unhurried. They are free to decide what to do each day. As appropriate, they can retire to the privacy of their bedroom. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Service users are assisted to keep in touch with members of their families, if this is necessary and if it is their wish. Family members and friends are welcome to call to the Service at any reasonable time. Service users are free to spend time in private with their relatives and friends, should they choose to do so. Service users say that they receive good quality meals and that they have enough to eat. They consider meal times to be a relaxed and pleasant experience. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): Standards 16 and 18. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. There is a sensible system for addressing complaints. Service users’ wellbeing is promoted and they are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a written complaints procedure. This explains how service users and their representatives can go about raising a concern. Service users say or indicate that they feel themselves free to speak up if there is anything troubling them. Since the last inspection visit, the Registered Providers have investigated a complaint. This raised questions about the adequacy of some of the provision made for two of the service users. The investigation was completed in a prompt and thorough manner. The Registered Providers concluded that some improvements would need to be made as a result of their investigation. These have been implemented. Registered providers need to be able to be self Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 critical. Therefore, the way they went about resolving the complaint is an example of good management practice. The care workers have a sound understanding of what is recognised to be good care practice. As part of this, they are aware of the need to be alert to instances in which the well being of a service user might become compromised. Service users say or indicate, that they feel safe living in Roberta House. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): Standards 19, 22, 23, 25 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. Service users are provided with a comfortable environment, which promotes their independence. EVIDENCE: Service users say or indicate that they are comfortable living in Roberta House. They consider the accommodation to be homely and welcoming. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The property is fitted with a modern automated fire detection and fire containment system. This is designed to give a high level of protection to service users. The Registered Providers have completed an organised assessment of the adequacy of the fire safety measures in use in the Service. They are now going to submit this to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service by 1 June 2007. This is so that this Agency can confirm the continued adequacy of the fire safety measures in place. The local Department of Environmental Health is understood not to have recommended any improvements in the kitchen, which remain outstanding. The kitchen is well equipped, orderly and clean. Suitable arrangements are in place to assist those service users who have difficulty getting about. There are hoists in the bathrooms. Also, there is a mobile hoist which can be used in some of the bedrooms. Care workers say that they have all of the equipment they need to enable them to safely assist the service users. Service users say that their bedrooms are arranged according to their choice. Service users say that the accommodation is kept comfortably warm. The radiators are not protected with guards. These are one of the ways often used to reduce the risk that someone might be burnt if they have a fall near to a radiator. The Registered Providers say that they do not consider there to be a significant risk at the moment. However, they do intend to keep the matter under review. This is so that guards can be fitted quickly should the need arise. Care workers say that there is always an adequate supply of hot water. The baths and the shower are fitted with valves, which reduce the temperature of hot water to a level that is not likely to scald someone. Service users’ clothes are adequately laundered and they are returned promptly to them in a presentable condition. The laundry is well equipped and its operation is suitably organised. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. There are enough care workers on duty. Care workers know what they are doing. EVIDENCE: There are always at least two care workers on duty to meet the service users’ needs for assistance. The care workers are supported in their work by other members of staff, who complete some of the catering tasks or who do most of the main cleaning. The care workers have a detailed knowledge of the needs and preferences of each of the service users. The Service is adequately staffed given the needs for assistance of the service users who are currently in residence. Of the 24 care workers employed in the Service, five have acquired a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in health and social care. This Award is useful because it provides care workers with a range of opportunities to confirm elements of good care practice and to extend their range of skills. The Registered Providers say that they intend to continue to encourage additional care workers to study for the Award. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The Registered Providers complete a number of security-related checks. These are designed to ensure that only trustworthy people have access to service users who may be vulnerable. One of the checks which should have been completed in relation to Care Worker A, has been overlooked. The Registered Providers are going to attend to this matter within the timescale explained in the relevant Required Development at the end of this Report. All new care workers receive introductory training. This is designed to ensure that they have the basic knowledge and skills they need in order to be able to work effectively without direct supervision. In relation to Care Worker A, this exercise appears to have become a little disorganised. Some of the tuition has not been recorded as having been delivered. The Registered Providers are going to correct this oversight by 1 June 2007. After their introduction to the Service, care workers undertake a number of further training courses. These are designed to enhance their capacity to deliver care. The Registered Providers are going to complement this provision by completing a specific review of the adequacy of the knowledge and skills possessed by each of the existing care workers. This will be a very useful development, because it will double check that everyone knows what they should be doing. The Registered Providers say that this exercise will be completed by 1 January 2008. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. There are suitable management arrangements to organise the Service reliably. There is a quality assurance system. The health and safety of people who live and work in the Service, is safeguarded. EVIDENCE: The Registered Providers have a good general knowledge of the running of the Service. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Suitable arrangements are in place to enable the care workers to coordinate their activities. This means that there is good team-work in the Service. Service users say that the Service is run without there being any unnecessary rules or routines. This means that they can continue to experience a normal home life of their choosing. In addition to everyday informal consultation, the Registered Providers have a more formal system whereby service users are invited to comment about their home. The Registered Providers assist some of the service users to administer aspects of their weekly personal spending allowance. Suitable arrangements to complete this task are in place. The Registered Providers say that all items of equipment in use in the Service remain in good working order. There are various certificates which confirm this account. There is an omission in what should be the regular checks to ensure that the Service’s automated fire detection and alarm system remains in good order. The Registered Providers should ensure that this oversight is corrected in the manner described in the relevant Required Development listed at the end of this Report. The programme of unannounced fire drills is overdue. The Registered Providers say that this matter will be addressed by 1 May 2007. The Registered Providers now are required to have an additional system which is designed to confirm regularly that all members of staff know how to operate correctly the Service’s fire safety regime. This is important because the actions taken by members of staff, determine largely the level of fire safety protection provided in the Service. The Registered Providers have said that this improvement will be completed within the timescale explained in the relevant Required Development at the end of this Report. A limited number of accidents has occurred since the last inspection visit. Their nature and frequency does not indicate the need for any special concern. The Registered Providers monitor the premises and the accommodation so that potential hazards to health and safety can be identified and resolved. They say that there are no significant hazards waiting to be addressed. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 X 3 3 X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X 3 3 X 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 2 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 2 Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 OP29 Regulation 19 Requirement The Registered Providers should submit in relation to Care Worker A, an application to receive a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. The Registered Providers should ensure that the operability of the fire detection and alarm system is checked at least every seven days. The Registered Providers should ensure that all members of staff are included within a suitably organised and recorded system which is designed to ensure that they are able to operate reliably the Service’s fire safety regime. Timescale for action 01/05/07 2. OP38 23 16/04/07 3. OP38 23 01/06/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Roberta House DS0000023527.V334460.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!