Inspection on 06/12/05 for St Albans House

This inspection was carried out on 6th December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. 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

St Albans House 24/09/08

St Albans House 18/09/06

St Albans House 03/08/05

St Albans House 06/12/04

St Albans House 18/06/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE St Albans House 12-13 The Grove Deal Kent CT14 9TL Lead Inspector Joseph Harris Announced Inspection 6th December 2005 10:00 X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service St Albans House Address 12-13 The Grove Deal Kent CT14 9TL 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) 01304 374243 Deal Old People`s Housing Society Limited Deborah Kim Harris Care Home 19 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (19) of places St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 3rd August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: St Albans House is a 19 bedded residential home for older people. The service is set in a quiet residential area of Deal. Deal is a seaside town, which benefits from good amenities and public transport links. The town centre is approximately 1/2 mile from St Albans House. The home is set over three floors and comprises of spacious communal areas including lounges, a large dining room and a galley conservatory. All bedrooms are single occupancy and are well equipped and thoughtfully decorated. There a large gardens and car parking to the rear and side of the home. The home is owned by a charitable Housing Trust. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced inspection took place on the 6th December 2005 and lasted for around 7 hours. During the course of the visit discussions were held with the registered manager, the responsible individual, staff and service users. A tour of the building was undertaken and documents relating to service users, health and safety, staffing and the running of the home were viewed. No requirements or recommendations were made as a result of this visit. Preinspection questionnaires were received from service users, relatives and visiting professionals, all of which provided positive feedback about the service without exception. One comment from a relative was “We are always pleased with the care and attention all the staff show towards visitors and relatives alike.” A visiting professional added, “I have always been warmly welcomed into a friendly and professionally run residential home.” What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 The one recommendation from the previous inspection regarding risk assessments was addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Otherwise the home has continued to provide a good quality of care and support. Some changes to the environment are planned including improved medication storage facilities, which are dependent on available funds through the managing charitable housing trust. 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. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2, 5 and 6. The home has developed adequate information about the service and residents are given a written contract covering terms and conditions of residency. Prospective service users and their representatives have the opportunity to visit the home prior to moving in. Clients receiving intermediate care are helped to retain their independence. EVIDENCE: There is a clear and accessible statement of purpose and service user’s guide in place covering all aspects of the home, management and service available in good detail. A copy of the service user’s guide is provided to all new and prospective service users and/or their representatives. Copies are also available on request. A large print format is also available if required. A contract covering key terms and conditions is also provided prior to admission to the home so that service users can make an informed choice about the fees, services and expectations expected. A signed copy of this contract is retained on file. Prospective service users are able to visit the home prior to choosing whether to move in. Trial visits are arranged in accordance with the needs and wishes St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 of potential residents, ranging from short visits to view the home and meet staff and residents to overnight stays should this be desired. The home does offer respite and intermediate care based on the availability of rooms and the needs of the service user. There are no specialist facilities, but adequate space is available throughout the home to ensure that a respite client can spend their time as they wish with adequate support. The home follows their assessment and referral procedure when assessing service users requiring short-term care, ensuring adequate information to meet individual needs. A care plan is also developed in these circumstances. Currently one person visits the home on a weekly basis for assistance with personal hygiene needs and for social purposes. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 9 and 11. Care plans are developed addressing service user’s needs. Medication processes and facilities are adequate. Residents are assured that at the time of death they and their families will be treated respectfully. EVIDENCE: The home develops an individual plan of care for each service user. A number of plans were viewed at random and set out assessed needs and interventions in good detail. The plans are based on assessment information provided by care managers and the home’s own assessments. Care needs are set out clearly and provide adequate information to enable staff to meet the needs of residents in a consistent manner. The plans are regularly reviewed and updated as required. The home has a good risk management process ensuring that perceived risks are identified and addressed adequately promoting independence wherever possible. Risk assessments are also reviewed on a monthly basis. The medication records and storage facilities were assessed and are largely satisfactory. The registered manager identified the need for some additional work on storage facilities, such as a medicine fridge and plans are in place to address these issues. The home has adequate policies and procedures relating St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 to medication and records were well maintained and up to date. Medicines were kept in an organised and systematic fashion and staff administering are provided with appropriate training. The home ensures staff are provided with training and information to ensure that residents suffering ill and failing health are treated with sensitivity and respect. In the event of death these standards are also upheld and residents and families wishes are considered paramount. One member of staff stated, “I believe people need help coming into this world and they should also be supported and respected when they leave.” The home has clear policies and procedures regarding the care of the dying and staff are given instruction through the induction programme and additional training. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12 and 15. Service users are ale to follow a lifestyle that suits their individual needs and preferences. A wholesome and balanced diet is provided. EVIDENCE: The home enables residents to engage in activities and spend their time as they wish to do so. A range of activities are available throughout the week and for special occasions and seasonal events. 7 residents recently attended the theatre, with one service user stating that, “it the first time I have been to theatre, it was very enjoyable”. The home also has visiting musicians/entertainers on a regular basis and was due to have a local Beaver Scout group to sing Christmas carols. Activities are available in the home ranging from games, to trips out and other relaxing pastimes. Residents are enabled to maintain hobbies and interests and staff were observed to spend time with service users interacting on a social level. One resident stated that, “the staff here are lovely they are always helpful and have time for you.” Menu records and food stores were viewed demonstrating that a wholesome and balanced diet is provided. Residents are offered three meals a day with choices available at each mealtime. A good supply of fresh fruit is available and service users are able to have drinks and snacks throughout the day as required. The home monitors nutritional needs and refers or addresses any issues appropriately. Positive feedback was given by all service users spoken to St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 about the quality of food. One resident, who was a chef, said that, “the food is very good and I have particularly high standards.” The home has a dedicated cook who prepares all main meals and is suitably trained in aspects of food hygiene. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16, 17 and 18. The home has a clear and accessible complaints process and ensures that service users are protected from abuse. Resident’s legal rights are protected. EVIDENCE: The home has a clear, comprehensive and accessible complaints procedure addressing all necessary issues. The registered manager aims to address any concerns or complaints in an informal manner in the first instance, but should this be unsatisfactory then there are formal processes to follow with an appeals process should this be required. A copy of the complaints procedure is displayed in the home and accessible. A record of complaints is maintained. The home has clear policies and procedures in place aimed at protecting service users from potential abuse and mistreatment. Systems are in place to record and document any incidence of abuse should it occur and procedures for reporting such incidents are also in place. The registered manager is aware of legislation and responsibilities regarding the Protection Of Vulnerable Adults. Staff are provided with guidance and training relating to adult protection and demonstrated good levels of awareness. Policies and procedures regarding service users finances are clear and adhered to. Residents legal rights are protected and there is information about advocacy service should these be required. Service users are enabled to remain politically active as desired and to take part in local and national elections. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 22, 23 and 26. The home is comfortable, well maintained and clean. Residents have bedrooms and furniture to suit their needs. Adequate aids and equipment is available to ensure individual needs can be met. EVIDENCE: At the time of inspection the home achieved a high standard of cleanliness throughout. The environment is comfortable, homely and well maintained indoors and out. The registered manager stated that there are plans for improvements to the home, which have been agreed with the Trustees, but due to the charitable nature of the organisation are dependent on funding. The home benefits from a good range of communal space including a large lounge and a galley-style conservatory. There is a large and accessible garden to the rear of the home, which is well maintained and attractive. There is the necessary equipment to ensure that service user needs can be met and if additional aids or equipment are required then they are requested through appropriate sources. All bedrooms viewed were comfortable, well equipped and homely. Residents are able to bring personal possessions into the home with St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 them and the service provides all additional furniture specific to the needs of the individual. The home is maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Laundry and kitchen facilities are adequate for the needs of the home. The building meets the requirements of the fire and environmental health departments. Policies and procedures are in place for the control of infection and staff are provided with guidance on this topic through the induction process and additional training. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29 and 30. There are adequate numbers of staff on duty at all times. All staff are helped to complete their NVQ training. The home’s recruitment practices are sound and staff are provided with all required training. EVIDENCE: The home operates with sufficient numbers of staff on duty at all times. A senior member of staff is on duty at all times. During the daytime there is at least 2 staff on duty in addition to the manager. At nighttime there is 1 waking and 1 sleep-in member of staff on duty. In addition to this there is a team of support staff including housekeepers, a cook, maintenance workers and administrative support. The home has a positive outlook towards staff training and development. All care staff have completed or are working towards NVQ level 2 or above. This training is underpinned by clear policies and procedures and induction training. All staff are up to date with all required mandatory training. Additional training is also provided including adult protection, bereavement and loss and infection control amongst others. The registered manager ensures that staff training is updated as required. It was suggested that senior staff undertake training in mental health awareness issues, which was acknowledged by the registered manager. A number of staff personnel files were viewed at random and all required information was in place and up to date including at least two written references, CRB and POVA checks and training records. There was also St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 evidence to show that any breaks in previous employment are satisfactorily explored. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 34, 36, 37 and 38. The home’s financial and accounting procedures are robust. Service users financial interests are safeguarded. Policies and procedures are complete and up to date and health, safety and welfare issues are addressed. EVIDENCE: The home is owned and managed by a charitable trust. A board of trustees ensures that accounts and management issues are monitored and audited. The responsible individual ensures that financial issues are kept up to date. Adequate insurance cover is in place. There are clear policies and procedures relating to service user’s finances and the home does not take on an appointee role for any individuals. A facility for the safekeeping of valuables is provided and clear records are kept of all incoming and outgoing transactions including receipts. A number of financial records were viewed at random and were accurate and up to date. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The home has developed policies and procedures covering all issues relating to the management of the home, safe working practices and service user issues. These documents are reviewed and updated annually and as required. The home has good health and safety practices including policies and procedures. All staff have received induction and mandatory training covering salient issues. All health and safety checks and certificates were up to date and provided satisfactory evidence of the upkeep of the home. Environmental risk assessments are completed and the fire and accident logs are kept up to date. St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 3 X X 3 3 HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 X 9 3 10 X 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 X X 3 3 X X 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 X X X 3 X 3 3 3 St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 St Albans House DS0000023276.V258591.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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