Inspection on 19/10/07 for Solway House Residential Care Home

This inspection was carried out on 19th October 2007.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Solway House Residential Care... 17/09/08

Solway House Residential Care... 02/11/06

Solway House Residential Care... 13/06/06

Solway House Residential Care... 20/10/05

Solway House Residential Care... 12/04/05

Solway House Residential Care... 03/09/04

Solway House Residential Care... 13/04/04

Similar services:

Turret Villa Retirement Home

Moor House

Mendip House

Beaconsfield Court Care Home

Little Sisters Of The Poor

Manor House

Middleton Hall Ltd

Middlesbrough Intermediate Care Centre

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Solway House Residential Care Home 5 Station Road Benton Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 8AN Lead Inspector Anne Brown Key Unannounced Inspection 10:30 19th and 22nd October 2007 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 Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Solway House Residential Care Home Address 5 Station Road Benton Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 8AN 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) 0191 2660138 F/P 0191 2660138 jen.weedy@btconnect.com Mr Davinder Vij Mrs Jennifer Elizabeth Weedy Care Home 27 Category(ies) of Dementia (DE) 27 Both registration, with number Old Age not falling within other category (OP) 27 of places Both Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 2nd November 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Solway House offers residential care to male and female residents over the age of 65 who are suffering from problems relating to general old age and/or dementia. The home was opened in 1983 and was originally a Victorian house which has now been extended with wings on either side, that are in keeping with the original building. The accommodation is provided on two floors and a passenger lift has been installed. There are two main lounges, a dining room and a sun lounge overlooking the gardens. There are twenty-one single and three twin bedrooms. Nine bedrooms in the south wing are not suitable for residents with mobility problems due to the size of the rooms. The home is situated in Benton close to the metro network and local shops are nearby. The home is surrounded by gardens and there is seating in the patio areas. The fees range from £361 - £365 per week. Information about the home and inspection reports are readily available. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • • • • • Information we have received since the last inspection on 2nd November 2006. How the service dealt with any complaints and concerns since the last visit. Any changes to how the home is run. The provider’s view of how well they care for people. The views of people who use the service and their relatives. The visit • • An unannounced visit was made on 19th October 2007. A further visit was made on 22nd October 2007. During the visit we: • • • • • • • • Talked with staff. Talked to the people using the service. Observed the interaction between the staff and the people using the service. Looked at information about the people who use the service and how well their needs are met. Looked at other records that must be kept. Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills and training to meet the needs of the people they care for. Looked around the buildings to make sure they were clean, safe and comfortable. Checked what improvements had been made since the last inspection. We told the manager of the home what we found. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The owner, manager and staff have worked hard to provide a pleasant and comfortable environment for the people living in the home. A wider range of activities are now available for the people living in the home to enjoy. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 Health and safety training has been updated and a programme is in place for all staff to receive training on nutrition, restraint, equality and diversity and person centred care. 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. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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): 1 and 3. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People are given clear information about the home to help them decide if they wish to live there. Needs are assessed prior to people moving into the home, to help ensure their needs can be met. EVIDENCE: A statement of purpose and a service user guide have been produced and copies of these documents are available in each bedroom. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Residents are assessed by care managers and/or senior staff prior to moving into the home. The acting manager confirmed that she visits prospective residents in their own home or in hospital to carry out these assessments. Copies of the assessments were available on the case files, which give the care staff the information they require to help ensure the residents’ needs are met. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The individual personal and health care needs are monitored in residents’ care plans but this information is sometimes limited. Therefore staff may not always have comprehensive information about the needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: A sample of care plans was examined. The staff continue to work hard to improve the care plans. They are well organised and evaluated on a monthly basis. The staff on duty were able to describe the individual needs of the people living in the home but some care plans did not record all these needs. Health needs are monitored by the staff who work closely with a range of other professionals to ensure that any specialist needs are met. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 A random sample of medication records and the system for storage and handling medication was looked at. This system was appropriate and in accordance with the pharmacy guidelines. People living in the home are assessed and encouraged to keep their own medication if they are able. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. A wide range of activities and events are provided in the home for the residents to enjoy and they are able to make personal choices. Friends and family are encouraged to visit and participate in any events taking place. EVIDENCE: Activities taking place in the home are displayed in the dining room and are recorded in the activities book and daily recordings. Activities include bingo, crafts, armchair exercises, knitting, board games and sing a longs. Social events are arranged on a weekly basis. These include pea and pie suppers, broth and stotty nights and seasonal parties. The people living in the home are encouraged to plan these occasions and decorate the Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 dining room accordingly. At the time of the inspection they were preparing for Halloween. Live entertainment is provided on a regular basis. This has included cabaret singers, karaoke and a magician. The people living in the home who were spoken to said they thoroughly enjoyed these occasions. They also said they enjoyed going to Tea Dances in the local community. Short trips take place to shopping centres and local places of interest. Some people said they had enjoyed visiting the aquarium at Tynemouth and the Millennium Bridge. Others said they enjoyed going to the coast. Comments from relatives include:‘I feel more day time activity would be welcome’ ‘The social calendar is always full and caters for all residents (even families like to attend)’ ‘Residents are encouraged to mix but if my mother needs peace and quiet she is given this’ A telephone call made to two relatives confirmed they were always made welcome and encouraged to join in any events that take place. The residents said they could choose what they would like to eat and how to spend their time. The menus have been reviewed to include a choice of meal and they list the alternatives that are available. The daily menus are placed on each dining table. The chef asks each resident what they would like from the menu on a daily basis. Menus are discussed during the residents’ meetings and the chef meets new residents to ask their likes and dislikes. The people living in the home who made comments all said the food was enjoyable and a choice is always available. Lunch was taken in the home. Staff were observed to be dealing with the needs of the people living in the home in a sensitive and caring manner. One person asked if the meal they had ordered could be changed. This was done immediately. Second helpings were offered. The staff try to make mealtimes more interesting by providing special menus for various events, i.e. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Birthdays etc. The staff spend time on a one to one basis with people who are unable to join in group activities. The acting manager has identified that more activities need to be introduced for people suffering from dementia. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The procedure for dealing with complaints is satisfactory, though not everyone was familiar with this. EVIDENCE: A complaints procedure is in place and forms part of the service user guide. No complaints have been received since the last inspection. A complaints procedure is displayed in the hallway and forms part of the service user guide. The residents confirmed they knew how to make a complaint. However one questionnaire returned by a relative stated they did not know how to do this. Also a questionnaire returned by a member of staff stated they did not know what to do if a resident/relative/advocate had concerns about the home. The staff on duty confirmed they had attended a training course on the protection of vulnerable adults. The manager said all but one member of staff had attended this course. This person has been booked to attend this training in the near future. Certificates of attendance at this course were available on the staff files Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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, 20, 21, 24 and 26. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has a programme to improve the decoration, fixtures and fittings to provide a more comfortable and pleasant place for people to live. EVIDENCE: The acting manager stated that a refurbishment programme is in place. Since the last inspection the following improvements have taken place:New dining tables and chairs have been provided. New carpets have been provided in the dining room, downstairs corridors and lounges. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Blinds have been fitted in the lounges and front porch. Privacy blinds have been fitted to the window in the downstairs toilet and tiles and units have been updated. Two extra large screen televisions have been purchased for the front and back lounges for the enjoyment of the people living in the home. Some people living in the home confirmed that they had been consulted about the above improvements. Unpleasant odours were apparent in two bedrooms. The manager stated there is a programme in place to renew the carpets in these bedrooms. The mechanical ventilation systems in one en suite and the staff toilet were broken. These were repaired before the end of the inspection. The mechanical ventilation system on one en suite was covered in cobwebs. The frames on two commodes were starting to rust. The sealant around one downstairs toilet was inadequate. A pane of glass in the garage was broken. This creates an unpleasant outlook for people using the dining room. One relative stated they would find it helpful if a telephone was installed in their mother’s bedroom. The acting manager said she would discuss this in the next residents’ meeting to find out if others might appreciate this facility. There is no sluicing facility and commodes are cleaned in the bath. This does not meet infection control recommendations. The acting manager confirmed that a company had been identified to install a sluice. This will commence in the near future. The bedrooms in the south wing are extremely small and narrow. This means it is not possible for carers to assist people who may require help getting in and out of bed. A condition of registration has been made to ensure that only people who are mobile occupy the rooms in the interests of health and safety of both residents and staff. Infection control training for the staff has been booked for 5th November 2007. The acting manager is identified as the link person with the infection control nurse so up to date information can be passed to the staff team. This role is soon to be delegated to another member of staff. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are enough staff, who have been properly recruited, trained and supported, to meet the needs of the people living in the home. EVIDENCE: At the time of the inspection the acting manager, three care assistants, cook, kitchen/laundry assistant and domestic assistant were on duty. The staff felt there were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of the people living in the home. However the manager stated there had been problems with sickness and covering shifts at short notice. This situation has now been resolved. A policy and procedure supporting the recruitment and selection of staff is in place. A random sample of staff files was examined and these confirmed that Criminal Records Bureau checks are received prior to staff being employed by the home. Photographs of each staff member have been placed on their personal files. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Job descriptions and contracts of employment have been issued to all staff members. Mandatory health and safety training for some staff members has been updated since the last inspection. Training has been provided for half the staff team on restraint, dietary and nutritional needs. The acting manager confirmed that the rest of the staff have been booked to attend this training. Training for staff on person centred care has been booked. The home employs 18 care staff both male and female. Seventeen members of staff have completed NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 and one is working towards gaining this qualification. Some care staff are currently undergoing training to achieve NVQ Level 3 and the deputy manager is soon to commence training to achieve NVQ Level 4. Two care staff are to be promoted to supervisors on 1/11/07 and a handyman has been employed. The people living in the home confirmed that they enjoyed good relationships with the staff and they were well cared for. Comments made by the relatives include:‘I have always maintained that the staff at Solway House give 100 per cent in the care of residents’ ‘Staff are most helpful and always have time to listen’ ‘The staff are very kind but sometimes they are short staffed’ ‘All staff have NVQ in different levels, also their moving and handling has just been updated’ Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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, 36 and 38. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is run in the best interests of the people living in the home and there are systems are in place to ensure their safety. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has a number of years experience in working with older people and has achieved NVQ Level 4 in care and management. She has recently obtained the Registered Manager’s Award. Residents are involved in the running of the home. Regular meetings are held and a residents’ committee have been appointed. Choice of food, activities Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 and décor are discussed. The meetings are advertised to let people know what is to be discussed and to show the action taken on discussions from the previous meeting. Minutes of the meetings were available for inspection. There is no formal quality assurance system in place to ensure standards are improved and maintained. Policies and procedures are in place for dealing with the residents’ finances. The staff in the home do not act as appointee or agent for any residents. Money is deposited by residents for safekeeping. A random sample of records and money held was examined. They confirmed that appropriate receipts and signatures are retained. The staff on duty stated that they received formal supervision on a regular basis. The supervision notes are held on the case files. A standard, which could ensure that the sessions are structured and all aspects of work are discussed, has not been produced. Appropriate tests had been carried out on the fire detecting and fire fighting equipment. A fire and health and safety assessment has been carried out on the premises. This task has been delegated to the deputy manager. A risk assessment has not been carried out for one resident who sometimes smokes in their bedroom during the night. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.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 3 X 3 X X X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 2 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 2 17 X 18 3 3 2 2 X X 2 X 2 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 2 X 2 Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 YES Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Standard OP7 OP20 OP21 OP24 OP24 OP26 Regulation 15 23(2)(b) 23(2)(b) 16(2)(j) 23(2)(d) 16(2)(j) Requirement Care plans must be expanded to give clear guidelines to the staff on all aspects of care. The broken windowpane in the garage must be replaced. The seal at the base of the downstairs toilet must be renewed. Shabby commodes in residents’ bedrooms must be replaced. Unpleasant odours in some bedrooms must be addressed. Sluicing facilities must be provided to ensure infection control risks are reduced. (Previous timescale of 30/11/06 not met). This work is now in hand. Risk assessment must be carried out for smoking in bedroom in the interests of fire safety. Timescale for action 30/12/07 30/11/07 30/11/07 30/11/07 30/11/07 31/12/07 7. OP38 23(4)(a) 30/11/07 Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Refer to Standard OP12 OP16 OP24 OP26 OP33 OP36 Good Practice Recommendations The manager should look for ways to provide more stimulation to people living in the home who have dementia. The manager should ensure relatives and staff are all aware of the complaints procedure. Residents should be consulted with regard to providing telephone points in bedrooms. Cleaning routines should be reviewed to ensure all areas of the home are clean. A formal quality assurance system should be introduced to ensure standards are improved and maintained. A structured form should be produced to use during staff supervision sessions. Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Solway House Residential Care Home DS0000000295.V352095.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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. 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