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Inspection on 07/11/05 for Robin Hood House

Also see our care home review for Robin Hood House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 7th November 2005.

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

The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The staff know the service users very well and the inspector observed good interaction between staff and service users. There is a calm and homely atmosphere in the home.

What has improved since the last inspection?

There have been improvements in the environment, the sitting rooms and two bedrooms have been re-decorated and new carpets laid. Care plans have been reviewed and progress has been made on improving the lay out and detail contained in them.

What the care home could do better:

With the exception of the hot water temperatures, all standards inspected were met.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Robin Hood House Nettledon Road Little Gaddesden Hertfordshire HP4 1PL Lead Inspector Marian Byrne Unannounced Inspection 7th November 2005 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 Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Robin Hood House Address Nettledon Road Little Gaddesden Hertfordshire HP4 1PL 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) 01442 842759 01442 842759 deborah@benslow.co.uk Benslow Management Company Limited Deborah Ann Porter Care Home 23 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (23) of places Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 7th June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Part of Robin Hood House is a 16th Century house situated in village of Little Gaddesden. It is surrounded by Ashridge National Trust Estate. It is a threestorey house with a single storey extension, which was added in 1996 to add five single rooms. In the older part of the building bedrooms are provided on three floors serviced by a lift. The communal areas consist of two lounges and a dining room. There is a pleasant patio are overlooking the garden. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a very positive inspection, it was carried out by one inspector over one day. The Registered Manager and staff continue to work very hard to provide a very good service to the service users. The home was clean and fresh and the service users were well presented in freshly laundered clothes. All service users spoken with were very positive about the living at Robin Hood House. Rooms were decorated to reflect the personality of the service user. The sitting rooms have been decorated and new carpets have been laid making the rooms fresh and welcoming. Two bedrooms have been similarly decorated and refurbished. What the service does well: 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. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 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): 1-5 Service users have all the information necessary to make a decision on where to live, all have a contract. The Registered Manger carries out a thorough assessment prior to moving into Robin Hood House. Service users have an opportunity to visit and spend time in the home prior to making a decision to move in. EVIDENCE: The home has a Statement of Purpose, it is regularly reviewed. All service users and their families/representatives are given copies. This ensures the service users know what to expect from the service. Three service users files were inspected and they contained assessments of service users needs. Service users and their families are welcome to visit the home to assess it. Service users may visit at any time prior to admission and spend a day in the home. Many service users had used the home for respite care prior to admission. On the day of the inspection a man who was in the Robin Hood House for respite had gone home that morning and returned later in the day realising he no longer wanted to live at home. All service users have a review at six weeks to assess the suitability of the home to meet their needs. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 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, 9 - 11 In the main all these standards were met. Care plans contained good information on service users. Service users were treated with respect and their dignity was preserved. The home wishes where possible to offer a home for life to all service users. EVIDENCE: Three care plans were inspected and they reflected the needs of the service users. They contained good information and are reviewed regularly to ensure optimum care. Service users have their health care needs met through the use of community health care services. All service users where possible retain their own GP. If that’s not possible the home acquaints them with the local GP practices where they can make a choice about the GP they want to attend them. All service users have their health and social care needs met in the privacy of their own rooms. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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 - 15 The day-to-day life at Robin Hood House is very relaxed. Visitors are encouraged to visit at reasonable times but may visit at any time. Service users chose their own routine as to rising and going to bed. Breakfast and supper may be taken at any time to suit. Good quality fresh food is taken in pleasing surroundings. EVIDENCE: Service users reported that they were happy with the routines at Robin Hood House. The home is in the countryside and could be isolated however the service users take regular trips out to the local town. A local clergywoman calls regularly and some service users use the local church. Children from the local school visit on festive occasions. There is a steady stream of visitors to the home. The food on the day of the inspection was of good quality and where tasted was found to have a good flavour. The service users declared themselves happy with the quality of the food. The menu is on display in the home. At lunchtime in the dining rooms there was lively with staff and service users chatting and appearing to enjoy their lunch. One service users likes to remain in her room and finds it difficult to leave there. The Registered Manager endeavours to ensure that she does not miss out on the entertainment in the home by ensuring she knows in advance what is going on and ensuring a member of staff is available to her to escort her at all times. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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 - 18 The service users living at Robin Hood House are well protected. EVIDENCE: There were no complaints since the last inspection. Service users have their legal rights protected and they are protected from abuse. Staff were aware of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy and the staff were aware of the home’s whistle blowing policy. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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 & 26 The environment of Robin Hood House is homely, safe and welcoming. Service users have personalised their rooms. In the main the home is well maintained with extensive gardens. The home was clean and odour free and nicely decorated. EVIDENCE: The home was clean fresh and well decorated. The two sitting rooms had been re-decorated and new carpet had been laid. The Registered Manager now has a maintenance budget and has plans to upgrade the décor of the home on a monthly rotation. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 29 & 30 The home follows a robust recruitment policy. The staff are trained to carry out the requirements of their posts. EVIDENCE: Three staffing files were inspected. They contained all the required documentation of security and identification. Staff are well trained to carry out their jobs. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): 38. The home is run in the best interests of the service users in an open and transparent way. EVIDENCE: In the main, the health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. The equipment in the home is regularly serviced and there are regular fire drills. The home regularly check the temperature of the hot water as delivered from taps available to service users. This is regularly over the required temperature of 42 degrees centigrade. An immediate requirement was left for the Registered Manager to monitor the temperature of water delivered from all taps available to service users. Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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 3 3 3 X 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 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X X X X X X X 2 Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? YES STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP19 Regulation 23(4)(a) Requirement The Registered Provider must ensure that automatic door closures perform the function they were installed to do THIS STANDARD IS NOW MET. The Registered manager must safeguard the service user by ensuring that all substances covered by COSHH are stored appropriately. THIS STANDARD IS NOW MET The Registered Provide must ensure hot water is delivered at no more than 43 degrees Centigrade. THIS STANDARD HAS NOT BEEN MET AN IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN LEFT TO MONITOR AND CORRECT THE WATER TEMPERATURE. The Registered Manager must ensure that all staff are appropriately trained in the administration of medication and the moving and handling of service users. THIS STANDARD WAS NOT INSPECTED DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Timescale for action 07/06/05 2. OP38 13(4)(a) 07/06/05 3. OP38 13(4)(a) 07/06/05 4. OP30 18(c )(i) 07/06/05 Robin Hood House Version 5.0 Page 16 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 Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office Mercury House 1 Broadwater Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 3BQ National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Robin Hood House DS0000019512.V266999.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 - 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!