Inspection on 21/12/06 for The Conifers

This inspection was carried out on 21st December 2006.

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

The Conifers 11/03/10

The Conifers 10/12/08

The Conifers 30/12/05

The Conifers 25/08/05

The Conifers 03/03/05

The Conifers 01/06/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

Thornton Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Conifers 66 Victoria Road East Thornton Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5HQ Lead Inspector Mrs Christine Marshall Unannounced Inspection 10:00a 21 December 2006 st 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 The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Conifers Address 66 Victoria Road East Thornton Cleveleys Lancashire FY5 5HQ 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) 01253 860531 01253 310073 coniferscare@aol.com Suzanne Marie Clague Mrs Patricia Annette Thompson Care Home 15 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (15) of places The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. The service should at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection The registered manager must achieve the Registered Manager Award by 31 December 2005 The home is registered for a maximum of 15 service users in the category OP (older persons over 65) 30th December 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Conifers provides personal care for fifteen residents over sixty-five years old. The home is situated in a residential area of Thornton near Cleveleys and is close to shops and local amenities. It is a single storey, detached property with a private front garden. A ramp is in place for access by wheelchair. Accommodation is provided in eleven single rooms, one of which has en-suite facilities and two double rooms also with en-suite facilities. There is a lounge and dining room and a sun lounge, which is a designated smoking area. The owner of the home is Suzanne Clague, Registered General Nurse (RGN) and the registered manager is Patricia Thompson. At the time of this visit, (21/12/06) the information given to the commission showed that the fees for care at the home were from £352:50 to £475 per week, with added expenses for hairdressing, chiropody and newspapers The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection process of The Conifers included a site visit to the home which was completed in one day, and unannounced, which means that the manager, staff and residents did not know it was taking place until the inspector arrived. Time was spent sitting and talking with people who use the service, and observing the day-to-day routines of the home and care staff, as they provided support. A tour of the home included looking at bedrooms, lounges and dining areas, toilets and bathrooms. This was to assess whether the home provided a comfortable, homely environment for the enjoyment of everyone, and to ensure the residents’ safety. Comment cards were sent to the home for residents and relatives to fill in and some were returned. A pre-inspection questionnaire was completed by the registered manager, and forwarded to the commission before the inspection visit; this offered good information about the home and its policies, and enabled the commission to assess and plan the inspection visit. Eleven residents were spoken with and their comments included – “We are very well looked after.” “I couldn’t say a thing wrong about anything.” “The food is good, I eat everything on my plate.” There were a number of visiting relatives available during the visit and the general consensus was that of satisfaction with the care. Discussions took place with the registered manager, and members of the care staff. Administration records were also looked at. Everyone at the home was friendly, welcoming and co-operative throughout the visit. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? 80 of the care staff have now completed their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) which means that staff who are appropriately trained to give the care that the residents’ need. There has been an ongoing programme of refurbishment of the home over the past few months, and many rooms and communal areas have been redecorated and furnished to a very good standard. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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 Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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 The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 2 & 3 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home gathered good information about prospective residents, so that their needs could be met. EVIDENCE: Contracts of care are provided for all residents and these were seen. Each was signed by the resident or their relatives. Three residents confirmed that they had contracts with the home and that they were satisfied with these. Pre-admission assessments were looked at for three residents and these were completed extremely well; they were quite comprehensive and included all aspects of physical, social and psychological care, making sure that the The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 prospective resident’s needs were identified, and that the home could provide the care that was needed. These assessments were done by the acting manager, and agreed by the resident and/or their family. The residents were asked if they had been visited before going into The Conifers and all were able to confirm that they had been assessed before entering the home. Generally all residents were assessed by the same tool, thus promoting equality of assessment and care provision. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 7,8,9 & 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents health and social care needs were met and people were treated with dignity and respect at this home. EVIDENCE: Care plans are written records that describe the care that is given to each resident. Three of these were looked at and found to be informative, and regularly reviewed. It was recommended that the time of actual writing be recorded on the daily records. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Many of the residents were unable to say that they knew about their care plans; others were able to confirm that they knew about them, but that they were not really interested. Health care opportunities were offered equally to all residents and there were records of GP, chiropody and physiotherapy visits. The medication system was looked at and found to be satisfactory. The residents were seen to be treated with respect, privacy and dignity, and there were good personal interactions between residents and carers. Each bedroom door had a lock, and the resident’s were given the option of retaining the key. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12,13,14 & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents benefit by being supported, so as to promote the quality of their daily lives. EVIDENCE: The home offers activities such as board games, reminiscence and manicures for the residents. There are regular outings arranged and there was a good Christmas programme being put together for the residents. Religious ministers also visit the home. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Residents who were able said that they sometimes preferred to just have quiet time rather than organised entertainment or activities: They also said that they had full choice of what they wanted to do in their daily routines. A number of residents said that they enjoyed having their relatives visit and that they were always welcomed by the staff at the home. The midday meal served at the home during the visit looked appetising. There was a set main course, but with a choice if preferred. There is equality of choice for every resident and there was also the same sweet choice for diabetic diets, as sweeteners are used instead of sugar. The home caters for any other preferred diets that are requested or required, for example vegetarian or diabetic food. The evening meal also offers full choices, with afternoon tea and suppers available. The residents said that the food was good and that they had plenty of choice. The mealtime was relaxed and unhurried, with the carers helping discretely when needed. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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 inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 16 & 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents benefit by being supported and protected. EVIDENCE: There are policies and procedures in place for complaints, whistle-blowing and adult abuse issues, and staff said that they were aware of these. There has been one complaint at the home, and this is currently being investigated by the owner Mrs Clague. The outcome of this will be forwarded to the commission. The residents were asked if they knew about the complaints procedure and whom they would speak to if they were unhappy; each of those spoken to said that they knew about the procedure and who to speak to; however they insisted that they had no complaint to make at all. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Information given to the commission prior to this visit showed that all staff were given abuse awareness training. The three members of staff on duty confirmed that they had been given this training. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): Standards 19,20,21,22,24 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents were provided with a comfortable environment and bedrooms were personalised. This means that residents felt at home with their belongings around them. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home showed that the general environment was homely and furnishings were comfortable. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 A wheelchair ramp provided equal access to the home for residents and visitors with mobility problems. There were aids and adaptations in place to give equal access and to help with the residents’ toilet and bathing needs. Most of the residents were able to say that they were happy with their rooms, and all the bedrooms that were visited were clean, very personalised and very comfortable. Most of the rooms had recently been refurbished, but two bedrooms needed some attention to wardrobes and the manager siad that these were due for new furniture and fittings. One room needed the carpet repairing or replacing as it had a split in it; the corridor carpets were due to be replaced as they were quite faded. Again the manager said that this was part of the ongoing refurbishment programme. Although the environment was generally very comfortable, a recommendation in respect of the ongoing programme has been made at the end of this report. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): Standards 27,28,29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents care needs were met through adequate staff provisions and carers who were appropriately trained. EVIDENCE: The home’s equal opportunities policy was reflected in that there were male and female staff, between the age of 18 and 65 working at the home. The list of staff on duty showed that there were adequate levels of carers and domestic staff on duty. Residents who were able said that they never had to wait very long for the carers to help them and that they were happy with the levels of staff on duty. The carers and the domestic staff were very helpful and showed that there was a good mix of people in place. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and staff training programs were in place and over 80 of carers had currently achieved the NVQ award. The staff who had completed their NVQ training had also done a unit covering Equality and Diversity issues and this means that they would be aware of how they could make sure that the residents were treated equally, and given care according to individual choice and preference. Recruitment files were satisfactory and showed that pre-employment checks were done so that the residents were protected. The home’s pre-inspection questionnaire gave good information about staff training. Staff also confirmed that they had undergone induction and training programmes. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): Standards 31,33, 35 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents were supported and there were quality systems in place to make sure that they were protected. EVIDENCE: The registered manager is undertaking the Registered Managers Award qualification, and is due to complete within the next three months. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 There was a quality monitoring system in place, which is the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Monthly questionnaires are given to residents and relatives, with the results posted on the notice board for everyone to see. Residents and relatives said that they were regularly asked to complete quality forms. The pre-inspection questionnaire provided information about residents’ financial arrangements and records that were kept at the home; also information was given that the safety certificates at the home were up-to-date, making sure that the residents were safe and secure. The manager confirmed that this information was correct. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 3 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 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 2 X 3 X 3 X X 3 The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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. 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. 1. 2. Refer to Standard OP24 OP31 Good Practice Recommendations The home’s refurbishment programme should continue and as planned, the corridor carpets should be replaced, and room 12 should have the carpet repaired or replaced. The Registered Manager should complete the Registered Managers Award as soon as possible. The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection North Lancashire Area Office 2nd Floor, Unit 1, Tustin Court Port Way Preston PR2 2YQ 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 The Conifers DS0000009857.V302113.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. 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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