Inspection on 22/09/08 for Sea Bank House

This inspection was carried out on 22nd September 2008.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 01/12/2008.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for older people Name: Address: Sea Bank House 27/31 The Esplanade Knott End On Sea Lancashire FY6 0AD     The quality rating for this care home is:   two star good service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Jennifer Hughes     Date: 2 2 0 9 2 0 0 8 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. the things that people have said are important to them: They reflect This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Older People can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 29 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2008) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Older People Page 3 of 29 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Sea Bank House 27/31 The Esplanade Knott End On Sea Lancashire FY6 0AD 01253810888 01253813312 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mrs Andrea Coward Type of registration: Number of places registered: Mr G S Nijjar,Gurkirit Kalkat care home 23 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 old age, not falling within any other category Additional conditions: The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care home only- Code PC To people of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not falling within any other category - Code OP The maximum number of people who can be accommodated is: 23 Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Sea Bank House is situated on the sea front at Knott End, its large front windows open to views across the bay. There is a small front garden with flowerbeds and seating, and a cosy patio area at the rear of the home. Local shops are a short walk away. The home has been adapted to suit the needs of older people, for example a passenger lift is in place, grab rails are fitted and ramps give ease of access. The rooms are on the ground and first floors, and are made up of 15 single rooms and four double rooms. Toilets and bathrooms are conveniently located. There are two adjoining lounges, a third quiet lounge, and a dining room. Information about the service the home Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 29 Over 65 23 0 Brief description of the care home provides is available in a guide that tries to cover everything a resident needs to know about daily life in the home. At September 2008, the fee scale ranges from £400 to £450 a week, with additional charges for chiropodist and hairdresser visits, and extra newspapers and toiletries requested. Further details about fees are available from the manager. Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 29 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: two star good service Choice of home Health and personal care Daily life and social activities Complaints and protection Environment Staffing Management and administration peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: This was an unannounced visit to the home, meaning that the owners, manager or staff did not know that the visit was to take place. This site visit was part of the key inspection of the home. A key inspection takes place over a period of time, and involves gathering and analysing written information, as well as visiting the home. During the visit we (Commission for Social Care Inspection) spent time speaking to residents, staff and the manager. Every year the registered person is asked to provide us with written information about Care Homes for Older People Page 6 of 29 the quality of the service they provide, and to make an assessment of the quality of their service. It also asks about the registered persons own ideas for improving the service provided. We use this information, in part, to focus our assessment activity. Surveys were received back from residents and staff from the home. During the site visit, staff records and resident care records were viewed, alongside the policies and procedures of the home. We also carried out a tour of the home, looking at both private and communal areas. Everyone was friendly and cooperative during the visit. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? All residents now hold contracts which outline the terms and conditions of their care in the home. Staff who handle medication have attended training provided by the NHS Primary Care Homes for Older People Page 8 of 29 Trust. Residents are routinely asked whether they wish their bedroom to be lockable, and to hold a key to it. The surface temperature of the radiators is checked every week by the maintenance man, to make sure they are within an acceptable range so as to keep the risk of scalding residents to a minimum. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Older People Page 9 of 29 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 29 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them and the support they need. People who stay at the home only for intermediate care, have a clear assessment that includes a plan on what they hope for and want to achieve when they return home. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, or people close to them, have been able to visit the home and have got full, clear, accurate and up to date information about the home. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between them and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home has a clear assessment procedure, which is carried out for all residents. This means that the service provided is tailored to an individuals needs and preferences. Evidence: Individual records are kept for each of the residents, and there is a set procedure for admitting someone to the home. A formal pre-admission assessment is done at a home visit by the manager, when a standard form prompts the assessment of need she makes of the prospective resident. This identifies whether the home is the right place for the person to live. Three files were randomly selected to examine, and we saw that all information held about present residents is being transferred onto a new Standex recording system. This means that all of the records about each person are held in one file. The system uses standard forms, which prompt staff to carry out particular actions. This means Care Homes for Older People Page 11 of 29 Evidence: that there is an equality of care assessment and planning for all residents. The manager told us that within a month of living at the home a full care plan is completed with information from the assessment, alongside practical knowledge of the persons care needs. Staff we spoke to were aware of the needs of the residents, and generally how to meet those needs. Relatives told us they were included in any discussion about the care needed. All residents are provided with a contract, which outlines and agrees the terms and conditions of residency. Staff told us that they receive up to date information about residents, and that communication in the home was good. Care Homes for Older People Page 12 of 29 Health and personal care These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s health, personal and social care needs are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. If they take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it, in a safe way. People’s right to privacy is respected and the support they get from staff is given in a way that maintains their dignity. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The health and personal care needs for everyone living at Sea Bank House are well organised, meaning people benefit from individualised care and support. Evidence: There is a standard format for the care plans covering areas that clearly identify the needs of each individual, so staff know how best to look after people. We saw the needs and goals of each person, with clear instructions that are important to that person, on each of the selected files, such as prefers small portions at mealtimes. Aims and objectives of people were identified, for example,to be able to maintain contact with son, to be able to participate in activities and to be able to keep independence. These showed that diverse and differing needs were addressed. The care plans were signed and dated by the resident, or their representative, to show they were involved in deciding what their care needs were. Monthly reviews were carried out on the care plans, or more often if needed. Care Homes for Older People Page 13 of 29 Evidence: In the individual files we saw risk assessments on moving and handling, and falls, which were carried out as needed. We saw that the assessment included information on the persons capacity to make decisions. Skin integrity was monitored in the plans, and we saw that any risk of pressure sores was identified, with instructions for staff on how to minimise that risk. They always ask me if I need anything commented a resident. Staff we spoke to said that they are kept up to date with the needs of the people living at the home. We are told at the beginning of each shift said a staff member. Selected files showed us that all changes in need are fully recorded. Daily records are made three times a day by staff, and we saw these were detailed, and gave a good picture of the daily events in peoples lives. They prompted contact with other professionals, such as GPs or district nurses. Medication is stored in a lockable cabinet. Medication needing storage in a refrigerator was in a locked box in the fridge in the kitchen. We advised that any medication in its own packaging should have the date of opening marked on the box or bottle to be able to audit correctly. The manager confirmed that medication administered is recorded individually. We looked at the times medicines were given and found they were given at the best time, notably any medicines that needed to be given before food were given correctly, and this was clearly recorded on the medicines records. Giving medicines at the right time helps make sure they work properly. The medication records we saw were up to date, and the manager confirmed she audits these every month, and is able to monitor regularly as she administers medication herself in a morning when on duty. The manager informed us that staff dealing with medication have attended medication training provided by the NHS Primary Trust. We saw and heard staff chatting with residents, some of whom were clearly able to say what they wanted and how they felt, and others who responded as best they could with a smile or a wave. Residents can choose to go where they wish in the home, and may see visitors in the lounges, dining room, conservatory, or in their own room. Some residents prefer to stay in their room, where staff were seen to knock and wait for an answer before entering. Care Homes for Older People Page 14 of 29 Care Homes for Older People Page 15 of 29 Daily life and social activities These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives. They are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. People have nutritious and attractive meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Residents daily lives and social activities are generally catered for, and people benefit from living in a home that works to try and continually develop to ensure that people are provided with opportunities to live lives that are fulfilled. Evidence: At the last visit most of the individual care plans we saw included information on each persons life history, their religious needs, and which hobbies and activities they preferred. So that the new care plans have up to date information, we saw questionnaires which had been given to residents to complete, with the help of family if needed, to identify clearly the background information of each person, and what activities they enjoyed. Planned activities in the home are listed in the entrance hall, and a trip out in the homes minibus to local places of interest takes place very week. I think weve been everywhere around here now, said one resident, I liked the illuminations, they were good. There is usually a sing-a-long session once a week, and a gentle fitness session once a week, taken by a visiting physiotherapist. Activities in the home need to be further explored. Staff commented that they felt residents needed more stimulation, Care Homes for Older People Page 16 of 29 Evidence: and the manager said she hopes to develop these in line with the results of the questionnaire from the residents. Our survey responses indicated that residents usually or sometimes took part in arranged activities, and a relative stated When I visit there are activities going on. Staff record in individuals files when people have taken part in activities, and we advised an overall record of who had participated, so the manager could easily identify those people who did not join in and may need to be stimulated in a different way. There is a large television in one lounge. This was turned on at this visit, but none of the residents in the lounge were watching the programme at the time. Staff said that the residents were asked what they wanted to watch before it was turned on. Use of the television needs to be monitored to make sure it is the right stimulation to use through the day. Other forms of stimulation such as chats with staff, or music on the radio, may at times be more suitable. Staff spoken to commented that residents would benefit from more activities, and they are able to pass on suggestions or concerns at their staff meetings. We still need to develop activities in the home. People tend to sit quietly in the lounges doing nothing, said staff. The manager told us she planned time for a staff member to have one to one time with residents, or group chats. We advised that the key worker role would accommodate this. A key worker has responsibility for more individual needs, and is someone the resident can feel a closer relationship with. Staff address any diverse and individual needs in order to make sure each person is cared for equally, and feels as much at home as possible. There is involvement in the local community, with one resident enjoying an accompanied walk to the newsagents, and visits to the local Christmas Pantomime for all residents being arranged. A chiropodist and hairdresser call regularly. Visitors are welcome at any time, and called in during our visit. The visitors book in the hall showed us that people called in at the home every day. There is a two-week menu in place, with the main meal being at mid-day, and a lighter meal in the late afternoon. Other refreshments are available and provided through the day. The meals we saw were well balanced and nutritious, but we advised developing this menu to include more variety, as one resident commented Not this again!. The manager confirmed the menu was new and being added to, and residents suggestions were being noted at their meetings. Our surveys indicated that people usually liked the meals. I am rather fussy, but an alternative is always available, said Care Homes for Older People Page 17 of 29 Evidence: a resident. The cook said she sometimes speaks to residents to make sure they like their meals, and see what they would like for a change. We saw that she had records of peoples likes and dislikes, and any dietary needs. New dining furniture made for easier movement around the room, and encouraged residents to converse, as they were sat nearer each other around smaller tables. The meal was eaten in a calm, peaceful atmosphere, unhurried, and served by pleasant, helpful and tactful staff. Gentle radio music helped the atmosphere. We saw plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the home, and the store cupboards were plentiful. Care Homes for Older People Page 18 of 29 Complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them know how to complain. Any concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse and neglect and takes action to follow up any allegations. People’s legal rights are protected, including being able to vote in elections. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Residents are confident their concerns will be listened to and acted upon. Staff have an understanding of adult protection issues, which protect residents from abuse. Evidence: There is a complaints procedure in place, with a complaints book to record any complaints that may come to the managers attention. There have been no complaints recorded since the last visit. The manager said that staff try to encourage residents to be open in informal conversations, and talk about any issues they are not happy with. These can then be addressed before they become major problems. We discussed the benefits of recording these minor problems in order that the manager has a good overview of the events in the home, and can see any patterns emerging, which can then be dealt with to improve the service. We saw residents telling staff if they wanted a drink, or if they felt uncomfortable, and staff responded positively, which was clearly the expectation of the residents. A resident said I suppose Id tell the manager if I was not happy about something. But Id tell any of them. The manager said that all staff have the in-house mandatory training in the Adult Protection procedure, now known as Safeguarding Adults procedure, and staff we spoke to knew what to do if they had any concerns. They said they would always act if Care Homes for Older People Page 19 of 29 Evidence: they thought a resident was at risk. Training records showed staff had attended this course. The manager added that the subject would also be discussed at staff meetings, and during one to one sessions to refresh staff. Advocacy service are well advertised in the home. Care Homes for Older People Page 20 of 29 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home has a well-maintained environment, which provides aids and equipment to meet the care needs of the residents. It is a very pleasant, generally safe, and homely place to be. Evidence: At this visit we saw that the home was very clean, tidy and fresh, with homely furnishings in the communal areas. We saw personal belongings in the individual bedrooms we viewed. Some redecoration has taken place since the home has had new owners, and there are new carpets on the ground floor of the home, and new dining room furniture. Some of the bedrooms have been refreshed, and all of the rooms have been provided with new bedding, with many of the rooms having new beds. The manager said that all of the rooms would be refreshed as they became empty. We advised that residents may enjoy helping to choose the decoration as this was their home, and suggested the manager do this whenever possible. A couple of the bedrooms have had carpet replaced with easily washable non-stick flooring. This was in discussion with the resident and their family, and the manager confirmed it would be replaced with carpet if there was ever a new resident who preferred it. An electric carpet cleaner is used regularly to maintain the freshness of the carpets. All of the rooms have a call bell system, and residents have a choice on Care Homes for Older People Page 21 of 29 Evidence: whether they have a lock with their own key on their bedroom door or not. I dont really need to lock my door. Im not bothered about having a key. I dont think Id use it, said a resident. Domestic staff are employed and work to a set routine. Relatives spoken to said they had noticed the changes being made in the home to the environment, and initially had felt it was unnecessary. They said they had spoken to the manager and now understood some changes were for health and safety reasons. For example, ensuring there was enough room in lounges for walking frames and wheelchairs by changing the furniture set out there. Also changing dining furniture to include small round tables to encourage more socialising, and ski chairs, which make it easier for residents with mobility problems to move chairs up to and from the table. Changes and refreshed decoration are always nice to see, commented a relative. More major maintenance is to take place, with the replacement of the main windows in the home. The manager and staff discussed their awareness of the need to lessen the disruption for residents as much as possible, and were heard chatting to residents about the changes taking place. Theres always something going on at present, said a resident, but Ive got a nice room I can always go to if I want. The kitchen has also been refurbished, with new stainless steel work-tops, and arranged so that the cook has more space to work in. The maintenance man we spoke to was very clear on his tasks, and showed us where staff record work that needs doing, such as light bulb replacement, or minor breakages repairing. He also discussed his work monitoring water temperature, and radiator surface temperature, to help minimise the risk of residents being scalded. He said that he managed any workmen who came into the home to carry out work. Staff were able to contact him in any emergency relating to the maintenance of the building. Care Homes for Older People Page 22 of 29 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable to care for them. Their needs are met and they are cared for by staff who get the relevant training and support from their managers. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home is properly staffed, which means that the residents are supported by sufficient numbers of trained staff. Evidence: There is a recruitment procedure in place showing that the necessary recruitment checks are carried out to ensure the protection of residents. Two staff files were selected and we saw the procedure had been followed, with references, and Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosures obtained, prior to starting work. The manager needs to maintain the procedure and ensure files are structured and complete showing evidence of the full recruitment process. It was clear that a formal induction procedure was in place, with new staff shadowing experienced staff for about two weeks, or as necessary, followed by a feedback session with the manager after a month. A further two months probation are worked after this, during which time the new staff are constantly monitored. The manager said that the new owners have very structured procedures for staff to follow to enable them to maintain good standards. In-house mandatory training Care Homes for Older People Page 23 of 29 Evidence: courses are provided for all staff, and we saw evidence of attendance on moving and handling, food hygiene, principles of care, health and safety, infection control, sensory deprivation, medication and health care, communication, risk assessments, and abuse and neglect awareness. The manager confirmed there were 10 care staff employed, with six holding an NVQ award (60 ), and the four others due to start the course. The home meets the standard of 50 NVQ qualified staff recommended by the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes. Both the domestic staff member and the cook were attending NVQ courses. A second cook already holds the qualification. The rota was discussed with the manager. She confirmed there is always a senior carer and two carers on duty during the day, with the manager. Two staff are on duty overnight. Domestic staff work every week-day. Domestic and kitchen staff are an important part of the overall care team, and the rota shows plenty of care staff support available for residents. Staff commented that there had been occasions when low staff numbers had caused them to have to work long hours, which can effect the quality of the work. Surveys returned from staff indicated that there was usually, or sometimes, enough staff to meet the needs of the residents. The situation seems to have eased, but the manager needs to ensure the European Working Time Directive is addressed and covered in staff contracts. This legislation is to enable workers to have a choice on whether they work longer than 40 hours a week or not. There were appropriate numbers of staff on duty at the time of this visit. The manager discussed the changes in staffing and work routines since the new owner has been in place. She commented that staff had found some things difficult, but over time the staff team seemed to be working well together. One staff said It was hard at first to get used to different ways of working, but I think we have settled into it now, and its actually working quite well. Weve all had mandatory training, and I feel quite happy working in the team A resident commented on a survey Without exception the staff are hard working, caring and conscientious. Care Homes for Older People Page 24 of 29 Management and administration These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is led and managed appropriately. People control their own money and choose how they spend it. If they or someone close to them cannot manage their money, it is managed by the care home in their best interests. The environment is safe for people and staff because appropriate health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. The people staying at the home are safeguarded because it follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and ensures their staff understand the way things should be done. They get the right care because the staff are supervised and supported by their managers. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The service protects the health, safety and welfare of the residents. Evidence: The registered manager has obtained the Registered Managers Award, and has several years experience of care work, and of working in a supervisory capacity in care home environments. She has worked at this home as manager since the change of ownership in May 2008. The manager told us that she is well supported by the owners, who visit very regularly, and who are working at making sure the fabric of the home and the procedures used within it are up to date and comply with the Care Homes Regulations 2001. Relatives and staff also said that they had often seen the owners visiting, and had spoken to them. Generally staff felt well supported by the management of the home. One to one Care Homes for Older People Page 25 of 29 Evidence: sessions with staff need to be fully implemented on a regular basis, and maintained. Lack of this consistent support was reflected in staff surveys, which indicated there was only sometimes individual contact and time given to promote the personal development of the staff team. The manager confirmed that she is addressing the need to follow the structured plans the owners have in place for these. One staff commented, They (management) let you know if you are supporting them (the clients) right, and praise you for your help. Another staff said, Id feel able to go to the manager if I was unhappy. The main thing is the residents, and making sure they are well cared for. The manager ensures she encourages feedback from residents with a meeting every 6 weeks, to which their relatives are invited. Some relatives spoken to said they are unable to attend due to distance from the home, and we advised the manager to provide all residents and relatives with minutes from the meeting, and also encourage people to suggest items to discuss for the meeting beforehand. We saw minutes from staff meetings, which are held about every six weeks. They are held to both pass on information and to receive feedback from staff. The manager said she planned to give each resident a questionnaire to complete once a year, to monitor how satisfied they were with the service. We will view the outcome from this at our next visit. We discussed how she could develop the service with good quality assurance procedures, involving auditing records such as complaints, accidents, and activities records, and care plan reviews, and so having a clear overview of how the service is operating and where it could improve. She confirmed that the owners procedures identifies this, and over time she planned to incorporate the audits as routine. The manager confirmed that the home has no involvement with personal finances. The manager had recorded that the equipment used in the home had been correctly serviced or tested as required. Care Homes for Older People Page 26 of 29 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Older People Page 27 of 29 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 9 Any medication administered from its original packaging should have the date of opening marked on it to enable correct auditing. The activities programme should be further developed, linked to individual needs, to ensure all residents have the opportunity to be stimulated and live fulfilled lives. The menu needs to be developed so that residents are offered more variety and choice of food. The residents should be included in decisions about new decor in their home so as to help stimulate interest in their surroundings and ensure individual needs are met. Training should continue to ensure 50 of care staff hold NVQ qualifications. The quality assurance system should be developed so that there is continuous self monitoring, and the success at meeting the aims and objectives of the home can be measured. Formal 1:1 supervision sessions with staff should be carried out on a regular basis for personal development and to develop and maintain good care practices in the home. 2 12 3 4 15 19 5 6 28 33 7 36 Care Homes for Older People Page 28 of 29 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2008) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. 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