CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited Mill Lane St Ippollitts Nr Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 7NN Lead Inspector
June Humphreys Unannounced Inspection 18th October 2006 14:00 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 Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited Address Mill Lane St Ippollitts Nr Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 7NN 01462 459978 01462 437497 sloehill@hotmail.com www.sloehill@hotmail.com Lazyday Investments Limited 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) Violet Jane Endersby Care Home 28 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (28), Physical disability over 65 years of age of places (28) Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. 2. Bedroom 11, which measures less than 9.3 square metres, must not be used to accommodate any resident after the date of registration. Bedroom 10 on the ground floor measures less than 9.3 square metres. When the resident accommodated at the date of registration vacates this bedroom it must not be subsequently re-occupied. The maximum number of residents to be accommodated in the home will then reduce from 28 to 27. The NCSC Hertfordshire Area Office must be notified when this bedroom becomes vacant. All bedrooms will be occupied by one person apart from bedrooms 2 (23.9 square metres), 4 (19.3 square metres) and 6 (18.8 square metres), which may be shared by a maximum of two persons. These bedrooms may only be shared by residents who have made a positive choice and mutual agreement to do so and this must be recorded. Bedrooms 6 and 7 on the first floor, which are accessible via some steps, may only be used to accommodate ambulant residents. Non-ambulant residents must not be accommodated in these rooms unless ramps have been provided to make them accessible to nonambulant residents. The home must have three assisted bathrooms. To achieve this, one of the two existing bathrooms must be upgrated and one additional assisted bathroom installed by 1st June 2003. 26th October 2005 3. 4. 5. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Sloe Hill is an independently run home owned by Lazydays Investments Ltd. The home transferred ownership to the current proprietors in 2002. It is situated down a narrow lane about mile from Hitchin town centre. It is a large attractive Edwardian house set in two acres of grounds overlooking a rural setting of villages, farms and fields. The home has been extensively converted and an annexe has been added. The annexe blends in with the existing premises. The home is registered to provide personal care to 28 elderly persons. It has a total of 25 bedrooms, 3 of which may be shared by 2 people. Accommodation is on 2 floors served by a passenger lift. There is no level access from the lift to two rooms on the first floor. The ground floor comprises an entrance lobby, lounge, lounge/diner, conservatory, dining room, main kitchen, kitchenette, laundry, 19 bedrooms, 1 assisted bathroom and 4 WC’s. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 The first floor comprises of 6 bedrooms, 1 non-assisted bathroom and a WC. 14 bedrooms are en-suite with a toilet and a wash-hand basin. There is parking around the front of the home. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. One inspector conducted this unannounced inspection on October 18th 2005 over a period of 5 hours. The inspection included observation and discussion with both residents and care staff. A significant amount of time was also spent with the manager discussing the outstanding requirements from the previous inspection in October 2005,and looking at various policies and records. All of the key standards were assessed during this inspection and the overall outcome is that good care is provided in the home, which unfortunately is marred by the poor environment. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection?
Low surface temperature radiator covers and thermostatic valves have been applied to some radiators but not all. The inspector saw a copy of the Legionella test certificate. An electrical safety test has now been completed of the building. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Automatic doors closes have now been fitted where necessary and are working effectively. Risk assessments on the use of hoists have been completed, and all hoist slings have been checked regularly. What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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 Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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): 3 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective service users are provided with sufficient information to make an informed choice regarding the suitability of the home. The assessment format is adequate, but relies heavily on the judgement of the assessor. EVIDENCE: A copy of the statement of purpose, and service user guide is available to perspective service users, carers and families. The overall dependency of services users has increased and the manager must ensure that the homes facilities can adequately meet the needs of any future admissions. The current limitation of bathing facilities restricts the possibility of further admissions at the current time.
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The manager must ensure that sufficient information is made available from the referring local authority or health service. This will allow greater accuracy when completing the assessment prior to admission. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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): 7,8,9 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good with the exception of the facilities which impacts on the delivery of the service. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Care plans were good; clear and precise. They were reviewed regularly and had, where possible, service user and family involvement. The administration of medication was carried out and recorded. EVIDENCE: Three care plans were looked at as part of the inspection. They contained good detail of service users needs. The care plans were up to date and easy to access, and regular reviews had been held. Medication appeared to be managed appropriately with protocols having been put in place for individuals who can self medicate. Medication was observed to be appropriately administered and stored, and no gaps were found on the medication records.
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The staff team work hard to ensure the service wherever possible is provided with dignity and respect. However residents have limited choice of when to bath. A ratio system is currently in operation has all service users are currently sharing only one bathroom. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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): 12,13,14 and 15 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There is no restriction on when family and friends visit, and with agreement some service users are supported to go out on a regular basis. Service users have limited access to community-based activities, however local community groups are invited into the home, especially at Xmas. Service users stated the food offered was generally good but there were some issues relating to the food served not being as per menu. EVIDENCE: A limited number of activities are provided in the home on a weekly basis, and on two afternoons outside tutors come in and offer a range of activities including crafts and sewing. Service users said that they enjoyed these activities and that the balance between joining in what was offered and being
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 given personal space was good. The home currently has no transport, and although staff stated that service users often did not take up the opportunity to go out when offered, this does limit going out to people who have relatives who are able to facilitate this. The home has a menu, which the residents spoke highly of; generally the standard of food served was good. On the day of inspection the food offered was not has written on the menu. The grill had not been in operation for a period of four weeks. It was also observed that a cooked breakfast is only offered once per month. When spoken to service users said that they did look forward to a cooked breakfast and this should be increased to weekly. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.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): 16 and 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The service users and their relatives can be confident that complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected, and staff are committed to protecting them through the policies and procedures in place. EVIDENCE: The home has a comprehensive complaints procedure in place. A record is maintained of complaints made, detailing actions and outcomes as necessary. All service users have been informed about the complaints procedure, and it is also on display within the home, including age concern advocacy services information leaflet. Feedback from service users revealed that there complaints are listened to and appropriate actions are taken. Comments were received from the service users were very positive regarding the relationship they have with the staff. Those interviewed all said that they would feel able to complain, should it be necessary. Staff reported that they new how to report an incident, and understand the protection of vulnerable adults policy. The home provided training regarding vulnerable adults procedures to all staff last year, as noted in the inspection report in July 2005. Updates are offered to all staff, and training is included in the induction of new staff.
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment
The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,21,25 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is poor. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The building requires considerable work, and is currently not fit for purpose. Risks to health and safety have largely been addressed. The home was seen to be clean and tidy. The garden is very attractive and well maintained EVIDENCE: There are areas in need of development to bring older parts of the home nearer to the standards required. Requirements made over the last three inspections have been slow to be acted on, and several remain outstanding with no plan to rectify the concerns raised in the near future.
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 There is only one bathroom available for use to all 21-service users. . This is based in the new extension. Service users who live in the original house have to walk to the new extension to use the facility. The second upstairs bathroom is not accessible to the current group of service users. It was found in disrepair with wallpaper peeling from the walls. One assisted bath (or assisted shower provided this meets residents needs) must be made available to every eightservice users. The first requirement regarding the bathing facilities was made early 2005 and in February 2007 it will be a period of two years without any real plan to make the necessary changes. I understand that there has been difficulty with planning permission and the proprietor had submitted information regarding this. However the current rota system in operation is unacceptable and if planning permission is not fourth coming then another room within the house should be used for this purpose. There are currently five separate toilets available to use. The gas safety certificate was not available at inspection. The registered manager advised that she had been off sick and that this was due to be acted on shortly. Again the fire certificate was available at this inspection, but it had taken time, 12 months before the service had acted on the requirement. The home had been inspected by the fire safety service in September 2006 and concern was raised with regard to the evacuation of service users from the premises and further requirements were made with regard to doors opening outwards in the conservatory area, and the new corridor of the extension. A further follow up visit from the fire safety service is due in December 2006 and C.S.C.I will liaise with the service regarding this visit. The lighting in the original building, preceding the dining hall is poor and could be hazardous. This requires replacement to prevent possible falls. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staffing
The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29 and 3 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users needs are met by an adequate number of staff that is caring and committed. Service users are in safe hands, and are protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. The staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. EVIDENCE: On the day of inspection there were 4 care staff, two cleaners and the cook as well as the manager on duty. This is the pattern of staff also recorded on the rotas seen. The morning and evening shift reduce to three care staff in the afternoon. There is two waking night staff. The staff were well organised, and responsive to service users needs. Again the building layout does not make ease of monitoring vulnerable service users, and staff should be praised for their continued efforts. The service users spoken to, talked very positively about the quality of care received, particularly the manager. They said that their views were listened to and that they could raise any concerns if needed. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The files for two employees were inspected. They contained all the appropriate security and identity checks including Criminal Records Bureau checks and two up to date references. The manager has an annual training programme in place and continues to support staff to undertake N.V.Q training in care. Four staff had completed their training since the last inspection, and five further staff have enrolled at Oak lands Collage. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Management and Administration
The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35 and 38 Quality in this outcome area is adequate This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The current management system in operation requires review. Service users, relatives and representatives are invited to give their views and to influence how the home is run. There are concerns requiring health and safety that need to be addressed in relation to the building. The registered manager must address these issues with the proprietor, and provide C.S.C.I with clear information on how these will be addressed, with set timescales. Infection control is good both within the kitchen and the laundry. Staff are able to describe what is good and bad practice. Service users financial records are satisfactory.
Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 EVIDENCE: The manager was robustly checked and interviewed during the registration of manager process by the Commission and found to be fit and competent and has managed the home well during her service to the home. The proprietors need to examine how the home can be appropriately managed in the registered managers absence. The current deputy supports the manager in the office only one day per week. The remaining time she operates on shift as one of the senior carers. There are three other senior carers who also take the lead in the provision of direct care. In the managers absence the deputy is expected to cover, but also continue to work directly with service users. It was evident from the inspection that a full time deputy is required to support the manager, and provide the necessary managerial support that the home requires. The preptier is in regular contact with the home, and whilst her support is appreciated her expertise is regarding the financial business management. Supervision was in place, and appeared to be provided to staff on a regular basis. There was a query around the supervision of the manager. The home would benefit greatly if the manager was provided with regular freelance supervision and guidance. The responsibility for the improvement plan, and the repeated requirements being acted on is the registered manager. The manager must ensure, along with the registered provider that the building is fit for purpose. An improvement plan must be submitted by the service to C.SC.I. By the end of December 2006. Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES
This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from:
4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable
CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 2 X 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 X 13 2 14 X 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 1 X 1 X X X 2 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 2 X 3 1 X 1 Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 OP25 Regulation 13(4)(a) (c) Requirement Confirm action and timescales to provide low surface temperature radiator covers and thermostatic valves where these are not currently provided. (Some work has been started but not completed) Update CSCI on progress to achieve local authority building control approval to provide an additional bathroom and anticipated timescales for completion. Outstanding over three inspections. *(a)&(c) Provide a copy of the annual gas safety check. Outstanding over two inspections The lighting in the original building (hallway between the dinning room and service users bedrooms) is very poor and could be hazardous. This requires replacement to prevent the possibility of falls. Timescale for action 31/03/07 2. OP19 23(2)(j) 31/12/06 3. OP38 13(4)* 23(2)(c) 31/12/06 4. OP19 13 (4)(c) 31/01/07 Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 5. OP19 13(4)(a) Fire doors in the conservatory and new extension must open outwards to allow service users to leave the building easily in case of fire. A ramp on to the grass area should be provided to allow safe exist out of the door from the new extension. Provide copy of updated risk assessment required under The Fire Precautions (Workplace) regulations 1997 (as amended). Insufficient number of assisted baths or showers to meet the needs of the number of residents. 31/03/07 6. OP19 13 (4) (a) 31/03/07 7. OP38 23(4)(c) (iv)(v) 31/12/06 8. OP21 16(2)(b) 31/05/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP33 Good Practice Recommendations Aim to provide residents stakeholders and CSCI with a report on the outcome of the quality reviews and surveys carried out by 30.4.06 Limited activities are provided in the home, and no transport is available to take service users out. The service must demonstrate that opportunities are available for service users to maintain contact with the local community. A cooked breakfast should be provided weekly, rather then monthly. The management structure within the home should be reviewed, and there must be evidence of the manager being regularly supervised. 2. OP13 3. 4. OP15 OP36 Sloe Hill Residential Care Home Limited DS0000037036.V322499.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Office CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB21 5XE 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
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