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Inspection on 25/10/05 for Sycamore Cottage

Also see our care home review for Sycamore Cottage for more information

This inspection was carried out on 25th October 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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The inspector received comment cards from six relative/visitors and ten service users, all stated that they were satisfied with the overall care the home provides. One relative/visitor card stated, "The staff are caring and friendly". All ten service user comment cards stated that they felt well cared for. The home benefits from the manager, and the provider, working closely with service users, staff and relatives to maintain and improve standards of care.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Service users spend a lot of their time in the communal lounge which has been decorated and new carpet laid, one service user said "I enjoy sitting in the lounge, especially as it has been painted, it is fresher in here." The home has increased its complement of staff, providing high moral between a workforce that work well together. The home has developed a questionnaire, which will be used to review aspects of its performance through seeking the views of service users, relatives/visitors and staff on an annual basis. Activities that service users and staff participate in are risk assessed to ensure the safety and welfare of the individual, the manager has completed a risk assessment on the building. Staff are attending infection control training.

What the care home could do better:

The home is requires investigating and eliminating the offensive odour in two bedrooms.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Sycamore Cottage Skippets Lane West Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 3HP Lead Inspector Tracey Box Unannounced Inspection 25th October 2005 09:30 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 Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.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. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Sycamore Cottage Address Skippets Lane West Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 3HP 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) 01256 478952 Mr A Vanderslott Mrs K Vanderslott Care Home 20 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (20), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (6) of places Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 5th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Sycamore cottage is registered to provide accommodation and personal support to twenty residents over the age of sixty five years with dementia type care needs. The home is situated within a private residential lane close to an industrial estate on the outskirts of Basingstoke. The home is privately owned by Mr and Mrs Vanderslott, Mrs Vanderslott is the homes registered manager. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The unannounced inspection took place over four and a half hours. The people living at Sycamore Cottage prefer to be referred to as service users, therefore will be referred as this throughout the report. Eighteen of the twenty service users were at the home, two service users were in hospital. The inspector witnessed good interacting between the majority of service users and staff as they sat in the lounge listening to the radio and participating in timetabled activities for the day, which included drawing and colouring and sing along songs, all the service users appeared to enjoy the activities and staff company. Staff were observed knocking bedroom doors and waiting for a reply before entering, all ten service user comment card stated that they felt staff respected their privacy. The inspector looked at records and asked staff and service users for their views and experiences of living and working in the home. Three service users, when asked, commented on how polite, helpful and friendly the staff are at the home. The manager showed the inspector the layout within and surrounding the home, which appeared clean and comfortable, however an offensive odour in two bedrooms was detected, the manager is required to investigate and eliminate this odour as it does not provide a pleasant environment for the service users. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Service users spend a lot of their time in the communal lounge which has been decorated and new carpet laid, one service user said “I enjoy sitting in the lounge, especially as it has been painted, it is fresher in here.” The home has increased its complement of staff, providing high moral between a workforce that work well together. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 The home has developed a questionnaire, which will be used to review aspects of its performance through seeking the views of service users, relatives/visitors and staff on an annual basis. Activities that service users and staff participate in are risk assessed to ensure the safety and welfare of the individual, the manager has completed a risk assessment on the building. Staff are attending infection control training. 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. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.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 Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.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): 3,6 A comprehensive procedure for assessing the needs of potential new service user is in place to ensure the service user’s and the homes needs are met prior to admission. The home does not provide intermediate care. EVIDENCE: The inspector saw three service users’ files that included a client assessment form completed by the homes manager prior to the service user’s admission to Sycamore. The information included likes and dislikes, medical and family history and other relevant information to ensure the home is able to provide the care the individual requires. Family/representatives are invited to participate in the completion of the assessment to obtain as much information as possible The manager visits the prospective resident to assess their needs, with a social worker (if appropriate) with family / representative present, one resident recalled the manager visiting them prior to their admission, and that she visited the home to see if she liked it. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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): 8. The home provides a good level of care for service users in respect of their health care needs. EVIDENCE: The inspector looked at three care plans, all included pre assessment paperwork, the information in these assessments was used to compile to individuals care plans and risk assessments, the manager reviews each care plan monthly, signed documentation showed this practice occurred. One service user said “staff care for me as I wish, all I have to do is ask”. Staff confirmed the care plans provide them with the information they need to satisfactorily meet the resident’s needs. Records also showed details of visits to service users by their doctor and the chiropodist. A hairdresser visits service users once a week at the home to style individuals hair as they prefer. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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): 12,13,14,15. Service users feel the home matches their expectations and preferences, their social, cultural, religious and recreational needs are met. Contact with family/friends/representatives and local community is encouraged as the individual wishes. Practices in the home demonstrate that the home promotes individual choices and encourages residents to have control over their lives. Dietary needs of service users are well catered for with a balance and varied selection of food available that meets individual’s taste, dietary requirements and choices. EVIDENCE: One service user explained how they felt apprehensive about moving from their home where they required very little support, to moving into a care home providing everything. They said “I am here because I cannot manage on my own anymore, although I am more dependant on staff to cook meals and do my laundry, I didn’t expect to feel so at home.” I get support to help me do what I want, staff encourage us to take part in activities, sometimes I do, staff are understanding if I don’t want to. My family take me out. The doctor visits me here if it’s urgent, otherwise my family take me.” Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 The inspector received comment cards from six relative/visitors and ten service users, nine stated the home provide suitable activities, one stated that “When my relative moved to Sycamore I was told that occasionally entertainers would visit, but this has not happened to my knowledge. I am not sure that the planned programmes of activities are followed as I have visited at various times during the week and weekend and have never observed the residents doing anything other than sit in the lounge with music/the radio playing.” The inspector asked three service users what sort of activities they enjoy participating in, all explained how much they enjoy spending time perusing their own interests/hobbies, which included reading, watching television, and spending time with their visitors. The inspector saw a timetable of activities displayed in the dining room, these ranged from colouring , jigsaws to a ‘sing along’ person visiting. A record of activities participated seen by the inspector which are held in individual’s care plans. A record of visitors to the home was seen, which showed visits by relatives, district nurse, chiropodist and a hairdresser, the inspector received a comment card from one relative who expressed their happiness with the care and support their relative receives. Transport to enable service users to attend appointments is supplied by family members. The inspector saw menus displaying two choices, and witnessed lunch being served and eaten. Staff asked each service user which main meal they would prefer, which was served with vegetables, more servings were offered to service users if they wished, service users confirmed this practice occurs daily. An alternative main meal was offered to a service user due to their dietary needs, as stated in their care plan. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 16,18. Service users, their relatives and friends feel that their views are listened to and acted upon. The home has satisfactory procedures for protecting service users’ form abuse. EVIDENCE: The inspector saw the complaints procedure, which was displayed in the entrance hall for all to read, one visitor said they were aware of the procedure, but have not had to use it, if they had any concerns they are confident the manager would address them. The inspector looked at the complaints log which had not had any entries for over a year, the inspector asked staff if complaints are being logged, staff confirmed to their knowledge non had been made. The pages of the log are numbered consecutively to show a true record of complaints received. The inspector asked one service user if they had made a complaint in the past, they replied “No, I haven’t ever needed to.” The inspector asked if they felt able to should the need arise, “I am know I would speak to the staff or the manager.” The inspector saw the homes adult protection procedure, which includes the Department of Health “No Secrets” guidelines. The inspector saw staff training records, which indicated training had been provided, abuse issues are covered in the induction process of new staff, and is discussed in staff supervisions. The inspector asked staff if they were aware of the procedure, all said yes, and they would refer to the guidelines held in the policy and procedure file. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 26 The majority of the home was clean, pleasant and hygienic, however an offensive odour was present. EVIDENCE: The inspector witnessed an offensive odour in two of the service users bedrooms, the inspector required the cause be investigated and eliminated. The rest of the home appeared clean, providing a pleasant and homely environment for service users. The inspector witnessed good practices regarding hygiene in the kitchen and whilst staff were cleaning. Three service users were asked if the home was always clean, they all replied “yes”. The manager confirmed that the home is in the process of recruiting a cleaner. A random selection of bedrooms were seen, all were found to be clean, warm and furnished with personal items. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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): 27,28,29,30. The number and skill mix meet the needs of the service users. The arrangements for the induction and training of staff are good, staff clearly demonstrate their understanding of their role and responsibility. Staff are trained and competent to do their job. EVIDENCE: At the time of the inspection, appropriate numbers of skilled staff were on duty, ensuring the residents safety. Three staff files were sampled, two of which belonged to the two staff who were employed recently. The files contained photographs of the individual, along with other evidence of the individual’s identification. The inspector saw evidence of the CRB disclosure being completed. The files contained certificates of all mandatory training and records of induction and foundation training. Staff explained the variety of training they had received enables them to carry out their role effectively. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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): 31,33,35,38. The home has a registered manager who runs the home in the best interests of the service users. The home follows policies regarding service users finances and health and safety. EVIDENCE: The manager was registered with The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) in 1994 and is married to the provider. The manager will soon be commencing her registered managers award at a local college. The manager has developed a questionnaire, which was completed by service users, and their relatives/representatives, the responses was positive, stating that overall service users and their families are pleased with the conduct and management of the home. The manager confirmed she gets feedback on the running of the home on a daily basis by talking to service users and families. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Staff training files were looked at, and staff said they receive adequate, relevant training on a regular basis which enables them to carry out their job effectively. The home has adequate risk assessments for working practices, staff, visitors and office space, thus ensuring a safe environment. The inspector witnessed good food hygiene techniques in the serving of the lunch. The inspector viewed certificates for the servicing of systems and radiators were covered and had thermostatic controls. Staff confirmed their awareness of health and safety procedures, and were aware if the homes policy and procedures, and where to find them. Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 3 9 X 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X 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 3 X 3 X X 3 Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 NO 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 Standard OP26 Regulation 16.2 (k) Requirement The care home is kept free from offensive odours. Timescale for action 25/11/05 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 Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hampshire Office 4th Floor Overline House Blechynden Terrace Southampton SO15 1GW 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Sycamore Cottage DS0000011821.V260802.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 - 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. 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