Inspection on 19/12/06 for Spring Cottage

This inspection was carried out on 19th December 2006.

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

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

Other inspections for this house

Spring Cottage 27/11/08

Spring Cottage 14/02/06

Spring Cottage 28/06/05

Spring Cottage 15/12/04

Spring Cottage 08/07/04

Spring Cottage 21/10/03

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Spring Cottage Bazley`s Lane Langton Road Norton, Malton North Yorkshire YO17 9PY Lead Inspector Karen Ritson Key Unannounced Inspection 19th December 2006 09:40 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 Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.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. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Spring Cottage Address Bazley`s Lane Langton Road Norton, Malton North Yorkshire YO17 9PY 01653 695354 F/P01653 695354 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) Mrs Wendy Ann Marucci Mr Paul Marucci Mrs Wendy Ann Marucci Mrs Margaret Teresa Wilford Care Home 15 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (15) of places Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 14th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Spring Cottage is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for a maximum of fifteen older people of either sex. The home does not provide nursing care. The ground rises to the rear of the building and consequently the first floor bedrooms can, if necessary, be accessed without the need of the stair lift. Spring Cottage consists of the main building and a detached bungalow. It is located on the fringes of the market town of Norton and is conveniently situated for the public transport network. It is set in large landscaped gardens with appropriate seating for service users. The home has its own vegetable and fruit garden and is adjacent to a racing stable that tends to be of considerable interest to the service users. The home has its own car parking area. The accommodation in the main building is on two floors. The communal space consists of a dining lounge and two further lounges. The home is working towards a no smoking policy. The home has a statement of purpose and service user guide, which provide information about the scope and nature of the care and facilities on offer. These, with CSCI reports, are available on request at the home. The charges range between £317 and £335 per week. There are no additional charges. This information was provided to CSCI on 26/10/06. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection for this service took 12 hours. This includes time spent gathering information and examining documentation before and after a site visit and in writing the report. The site visit took place on 19th December 2006 between 9:40am and 3:10pm. Information for this inspection was gathered from the following: • A tour of the premises • Observations of care throughout the day of the site visit. • Speaking with service users. • Speaking with staff. • Case tracking three service users on the day of the site visit. • Looking at information provided by the manager in a pre inspection questionnaire. • Notifications sent to the commission from the home since the last inspection. • Examining policies, procedures and records kept at the home, including staff files. • Examining information regarding the home on the file kept by CSCI. All key standards were looked at during this inspection. The manager was present throughout the day of the site visit. What the service does well: This home offers a very good, family run service. Good care is offered in a well kept and attractive setting. The home is decorated in a comfortable and homely style and the gardens are extensive, with a vegetable plot, orchard and greenhouses with a racehorse stables adjacent. Visitors are made welcome at anytime. One visitor had written: ‘I can’t speak highly enough of the care my mum has received. All the staff are really kind and caring.’ And further: ‘If anyone has to go into a home they couldn’t choose a better place.’ Another visitor had written: ‘There is always homely conversation going on and things that are of interest to the residents. During my visits I have noticed the same degree of care being given, without exception to everyone.’ Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Health care professionals commented that the home worked closely with them and took any advice offered. Service users are helped to pursue their interests both inside and outside the home. The manager and staff are friendly and thoughtful and all have time to spend chatting or to help service users on a one to one basis. The meals are of a particularly high standard and the home prides itself on good home cooked meals using fresh vegetables often picked from the garden. The home keeps good records, and residents are kept safe due to careful recruitment of staff, good training and a thorough approach assessing risks. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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 Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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): 1,3 and 6 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Prospective residents and their representatives have the information needed to choose a home. Service users needs are assessed and a care plan is drawn up from this. This ensures their needs will be met. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users receive a thorough assessment of care needs before admission. This includes risk assessments where relevant. The home completes a personal history for each service user, and a description of each person’s likes, dislikes and interests is included. This ensures the home has a detailed knowledge of the needs of each individual before deciding if these can be met. New service users are welcomed and because their needs are well understood all said they had settled very quickly. One visitor commented: ‘New residents who are sometimes uncertain and withdrawn come to life in this homely atmosphere.’ Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Spring Cottage strives to be a home from home and this is clearly stated in the statement of purpose. Service users said they had chosen this particular home because it emphasised homely comfort, rather than a hotel type of service and this was what they expected and wanted. Many were also delighted to find that many of the residents had previously lived locally. Several service users have renewed past friendships and often also knew members of staff. The emphasis upon encouraging new admissions from the surrounding area has created a close knit and supportive atmosphere. Observations of care confirmed that service users needs were well known to staff. The manager and staff said service users and their relatives are encouraged to look around the home before admission and to have a short trial stay. Intermediate care is not usually offered. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 excellent. The health and personal care a resident receives is based on individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: This home has a strong philosophy of involving residents in all aspect of care. Care plan documentation has been improved. The plans now include great detail, and cover all relevant areas. All specialist aspects of care are carefully considered and any professional advice is incorporated. The plan covers likes and dislikes in detail, the way in which service users may wish to spend their time and their preferences in food, drinks and any other aspect of daily living. This ensures service users needs are understood and met. Care plans are regularly reviewed with input from the service user, family, GP or any other health care professional involved. All GP and health care appointments are recorded separately in order to check treatment and care more easily. Service users are kept safe by the home’s method of handling medication according to Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 policy, and staff have received suitable medication training. Staff prompt regular review of medication by calling a GP if there is any change in an individual’s condition. A health care professional commented that the home called on them appropriately and staff judgement was good. Comments from service users, observations of care and the testimony of visitors and staff all confirmed that service users are treated with the utmost care and respect. One visitor commented: The staff have always treated him patiently and with courtesy and genuine interest.’ Staff are sensitive to the needs of each individual and make sure that each person is approached in the way which is comfortable for them. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 excellent. Service users are enabled to choose their life style, social activity and keep in contact with family and friends. Social, cultural and recreational activities exceed resident’s expectations. Service users receive a healthy, varied diet, which they enjoy. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Residents enjoy a full and stimulating life according to their capacity and particular interests. They have control over their lives. The staff know each individual well and plan opportunities with their preferences in mind. Each service user said they enjoyed their life at Spring Cottage. One spends a great deal of time outdoors caring for animals, another helps with washing up, and another enjoys light domestic chores in the home. Many of the service users are reasonably independent and are able to follow such pursuits. In the summer months the residents were happy to report that they a lent a hand with preparing vegetables for the freezer. These had been grown in the extensive gardens belonging to the home. One service user said: ’We all sit round chatting to one another and we get to taking about the old times while we peel the apples. It’s really lovely.’ Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Some of the service users work in the garden and greenhouse when they wish to and feel able. Several service users commented that they often went out in the car with Mr or Mrs Marucci or staff. Many outings are spontaneous and service users are asked if they would like to go along if a member of staff happens to be going somewhere. Organised trips out had included going to Bridlington and Whitby and also shorter trips out to go shopping or to the garden centre. Service users are also interested in the fortunes of the racehorses belonging to the stables adjacent to the home. Those who are less physically able are also offered the opportunity to become involved in activities. A carol service was held in the afternoon of the site visit and those service users who were unable to take part in the lounge, were helped to sing along by member of staff who sat with them in their rooms. Those who had more severe physical impairments and are in their rooms for much of the time are helped to feel a part of what is going on with frequent visits from staff and service users and there is often lively conversation. Residents are actively encouraged to keep in contact with family and friends. Visitors are welcomed at any time and offered refreshments or a meal when they call. Service users said that when visitors called they were often known to more than one person and so they could all chat together. There is also a choice of lounges so that service users can have visitors in greater privacy if they wish. Service users rooms are also available to them at any time. Food is very important at Spring Cottage and meal times are considered a social occasion. Each member of staff who cooks is well aware of the dietary needs and preferences of each resident. The menu is varied, with healthy options and an emphasis upon good home cooking. Those who require assistance during mealtimes are helped with sensitivity and kindness. A midday meal was sampled and was of a very high standard. Service users commented that the desert was made with apples they had prepared from the home’s own orchard and all agreed the food was delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed and there was much natural conversation and laughter. Service users are able to go into the kitchen when they wish subject to a risk assessment and snacks are available when requested. A Visitor commented: ‘The food is all home made and very well balanced.’ A service user said: ‘The food is beautiful. You couldn’t get better at home.’ Another said: ‘We are so well fed. The food is the best.’ Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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. Residents have access to an effective complaints procedure; their complaints are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home has an up to date, clearly written complaints policy. All service users and visitors said they knew they could complain should the need arise. All said that they were sure this would never need to happen. The manager said she welcomed any comments from service users whether complementary or otherwise, as her aim was to provide the best for those in her care. Staff have received training in abuse awareness and were clear on what would be done should they have a suspicion of abuse. The home values and promotes the rights of service users and policies reflect this. This open and progressive approach supports the residents right to safety and to complain. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 22, 23, 25 and 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home is well pleasantly decorated in a homely style. The lounges have open fires, which are protected at all times by chained fireguards. Residents do not attend to fires and this is left to staff. The manager and staff encourage residents to feel they are at home. Each resident has an individual assessment for any equipment needed and where necessary this has been provided. Care has been taken to assist with individual needs, for example, those service users with sight impairment have been provided with large number telephones, talking clocks and talking books where relevant. Care has also been taken with the lay out of rooms to accommodate those whose sight is failing. An arrangement of mirrors has been set up to allow one service user to sit by the Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 window and watch the world go by. The home has sourced a night-light, which a service user with memory problems can accept without damaging. The home also has a hoist and stair lift. There is a good choice of communal lounges with quiet areas and other areas where service users chat more freely. Resident said the temperature in their rooms could be changed to meet their individual choice. The home complies with the environmental health and with the fire authority. One service user said: ‘It’s like being at home, but better because there are all these lovely people to talk to.’ Another said: ‘The open fires just make it. It’s so warm and we can sit round and chat.’ Another said: ‘I don’t want fancy. This is right for me.’ This approach keeps service users safe whilst allowing for individual preferences regarding the environment. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. Staff in the home are trained and in sufficient numbers to fulfil the aims of the home and meet the changing needs of residents. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home employs ample staff to attend to the needs of residents. When asked all residents said they felt staff had time to talk and to do things with them, I addition to offering personal care. They agreed the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and informal, but that everything got done. One resident said: ‘The staff are all so kind and take time to make sure everything is done as it should be.’ More than 50 of staff have NVQ at level 2. They have been well recruited according to policy and all received a Criminal Records Bureau check prior to commencing employment. The administrative assistant has devised training folders for each of the staff. This includes induction to TOPSS standards, foundation and other training relevant to their role. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staff said they felt well prepared to carry out their role and has confidence they would receive the training they required. This ensures that service users are protected and that their needs are appropriately met. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 good. Service users benefit from an open style of management based on respect and from the considerable experience of the manager. Service users views inform practice. Service users welfare is protected by good health and safety systems. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager has many years experience of running the home. One of the registered providers is nearing completion of NVQ 4 in management and care. There is a philosophy of openness where the running of the home is concerned and service users reported being consulted over many areas of their care and the management of the service. The manager is focused on the needs of residents as of central importance and leads a capable staff team. Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 One member of staff said: ‘You know she’s the boss, but she treats everyone equal.’ Another said: ‘I love it here. We all fit in.’ All members of staff spoke of the manager with respect and valued her contribution to the running of the home and care of the residents. They felt she supported them in their role too. Service users also spoke very highly of her. One said: ‘She ‘s so kind to everyone.’ Another said: ‘This one’s from heaven.’ The administrator has devised quality assurance questionnaires but has not yet distributed them. However, service users and other interested parties expressed their views either directly on the day of the site visit, or had written to the home with their comments. The home had taken a selection of comments and included these in the service users guide which is sent out to prospective service users and available to visitors and existing residents. In this way, feedback had been received and shared with others. Service users said they made suggestions whenever they wanted to and any necessary changes would be made straight away. The home does not become involved in service users finances, those who keep their own moneys are provided with secure storage. Service users welfare is safeguarded through thorough staff training, the maintenance of electrical and other systems and risk assessments. ‘ Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 4 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X 3 3 X 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 4 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection York Area Office Unit 4 Triune Court Monks Cross York YO32 9GZ 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 Spring Cottage DS0000007734.V324636.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!