Inspection on 22/11/07 for The Corners Residential Home

This inspection was carried out on 22nd November 2007.

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 Corners Residential Home 24/08/06

The Corners Residential Home 01/12/05

The Corners Residential Home 25/08/05

The Corners Residential Home 22/12/04

The Corners Residential Home 04/08/04

Similar services:

Fairfields Country Rest Home

Queensmount

Poldhu

Trevaylor Manor

Didsbury Court Rest Home

Belma

Hunters Care Centre

Manor Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Corners Residential Home 34 The Avenue Tiverton Devon EX16 4HW Lead Inspector Vivien Stephens Unannounced Inspection 22nd November 2007 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 The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.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 Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Corners Residential Home Address 34 The Avenue Tiverton Devon EX16 4HW 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) 01884 253682 NO FAX Mrs Kathleen Lilian Newton Mrs Kathleen Lilian Newton Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (8) of places The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 24th August 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The Corners Residential Home is situated in Tiverton, Devon. The semidetached property is set in its own landscaped gardens in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of the town. The home is registered to provide personal care to 8 older persons in the category of Old Age and no other. The home does not provide nursing care. The home is owned and managed by Mrs Kath Newton. Accommodation is provided in six single rooms and one double room. At the time of this inspection one person occupied the double room. Bedrooms are set out on the ground and first floors with stair lifts to enable easy access to the upper floor. The living rooms are on the ground floor and consist of a spacious, well furnished lounge, a dining room and a conservatory. At the time of this inspection the fees ranged between £360 and £420 per week. The inspection report is made available to residents and their visitors via a copy being left in the lounge. People can also request a copy from the home. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Several weeks before this inspection took place the home submitted a completed an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment to the Commission. On receipt of this document we sent survey forms to all of the people living in the home, their relatives, the care staff and to the health and social care professionals who regularly visit the home. We received responses from 6 people living at the home, 8 relatives or visitors, 4 care staff, 1 care manager and 1 doctor. The comments and responses we received have helped us to form the judgements we have reached in this report. The inspection began at 10am and finished at 5pm. There were 6 people living at the home. During the day we talked to the owner, Mrs Newton, 3 care staff, and all of the people living at the home. We looked at the way the home admits new people and the way they assess their care needs and agree with them how they want to be assisted by the care staff. We looked at the records the home is required to maintain, including care plans, daily reports, administration of medicines, staff recruitment and training records, menus, fire log book, and records of money and valuables held by the home on behalf of the people living there. During the day we also carried out a tour of the premises, and checked the storage and administration methods for medicines held in the home. What the service does well: People told us that this is a very happy home. We received lots of positive comments from people living, working and visiting the home. One relative told us what they thought was good about the home – “The relief in finding a place for Mum in this home. The family atmosphere in the care, the details, birthday teas etc, always own clothes worn and beautifully laundered. Always known by name and know of likes etc, amounts of food liked etc. The cleanliness everywhere, welcome to visitors, lovely garden, hospitality to visitors. The attitude and skills and dedication of staff and Mrs Newton in particular.” We looked at the way the home gathers information about people who are considering moving in. We found that the home takes great care to get to know the person and understand how they want to be helped and cared for before any decision to move in is made. People are given written and verbal information and are encouraged to visit the home or stay for a while to help them decide if The Corners is the right place for them. One person who had just moved in told us “I think I have come to heaven. This place is wonderful! I am very happy to come here.” The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 We looked at the way the home plans and delivers the daily care for each person. We found good systems in place to ensure that the staff know exactly how each person wants to lead their lives, and how their health and personal care needs are to be met. We heard how the staff are sensitive to people’s need for privacy and dignity. We looked at the way medicines are stored and administered. We found they are held securely in line with current good practice recommendations. Records have been well maintained and provide a good system of auditing for medicines received in to the home, administered, and unwanted medicines returned to the pharmacy. Staff have received training to ensure they are competent to handle medicines. There is a happy family atmosphere where visitors are welcomed, and everyone’s views and opinions are valued. We heard about the range of things that people enjoy doing every day. There are a wide range of board games, arts and crafts and other group activities. People choose from day-to-day what they want to do, and if they want to join in or if they prefer to sit and watch or remain in their rooms. In the summer people especially enjoy sitting in the garden. People’ told us how much they enjoy the meals. The staff know and cater for individual dietary needs and people are always offered an alternative if they don’t like the meals offered. The home places a very high priority on ensuring that people are safeguarded and free from the risk of abuse or harm, and that any concerns or complaints are listened to and addressed promptly and satisfactorily. Staff told us that the owner, Mrs Newton, regularly gives them training and instruction on this subject, and they regularly discuss good practice during staff meetings. The home has been decorated and maintained to a high standard. All areas are clean, safe, comfortable and homely. On the day of this inspection Mrs Newton and two staff were on duty. Six people were living in the home. This provided a very good ratio of staff to residents. The people we talked to told us there are always plenty of staff on duty and that the staffing levels allow the staff plenty of time to meet all care needs as well as allowing them time to socialise and provide activities. We saw evidence to show that the staff are well trained, competent and committed. Good recruitment and induction procedures have been followed. We found that the home is well managed. People told us that there is an open and friendly atmosphere where people are encouraged to speak up and feel confident that their views will be listened to and acted upon. The safety of people living in the home and working in the home has been considered, and policies, procedures, equipment and training have been put in The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 place to minimise any possible risks. We also found there was a sensible balance where people can continue their chosen lifestyles where it is recognised that benefits may outweigh any possible 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. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.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 Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 3, 5, 6 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Good admission procedures are followed before people decide to move in, including a thorough assessment of their needs, and good information and opportunities to visit and get to know to the home. EVIDENCE: The day before this inspection took place a new person moved into the home. We looked at the way the home had assessed the person’s needs and helped them get to know the home and decide if it was the right place for them. Mrs Newton told us that she will normally visit the person to carry out an assessment before any decision to move in is reached. We looked at the forms she had completed and found comprehensive information had been obtained about the person and Mrs Newton had been able to clearly determine if the home was able to meet the person’s needs. The assessment covered all possible risks (including mobility and the risk of falls, isolation, hygiene and The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 help with dressing) and explained how the home will help the person to minimise any possible risks. We heard that people who are interested in moving into the home are given a range of written information about the home to support the verbal information given to them during the assessment visit. They are given a brochure, a copy of the statement of purpose and philosophy of care, the complaints procedure, the terms and conditions of residence and the current fee range. They are also offered a copy of the last inspection report. People are encouraged to visit the home before they move in. They can have a short stay or holiday at the home before making a decision. The first month of their stay is considered to be a trial period. We talked to the new person to confirm that what we had been told about their admission process was correct. The person was clearly very happy with the home and all aspects of their admission. They told us “I think I have come to heaven. This place is wonderful! I am very happy to come here.” The home does not provide intermediate care. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are good systems in place to ensure that people receive the personal and health care that they need. The care is tailored to meet their individual lifestyle and choices, and the staff are sensitive to their need for privacy and dignity. Medicines are stored and administered safely. EVIDENCE: We saw all of the care plans for the people living at the home. Mrs Newton told us that she starts to draw up a care plan as soon as a person moves in, and this is reviewed soon afterwards as they get to know the person. We could see evidence that the plans had been reviewed regularly and updated when a person’s needs have changed. The plans covered the whole range of social and care needs including nutritional needs, skin care and all health needs. During the inspection Mrs Newton talked to a GP about the health of one of the people living in the home, and we also saw good evidence in the care plans, and by talking to Mrs Newton and her staff team about how the The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 home communicates with all health and social care professionals appropriately. We talked to the people living in the home about the way they are assisted with personal and health care tasks and they gave us many examples of how the staff help them with their personal care needs in exactly the way they want to be helped, and at the times they want. We saw records to show that everyone living in the home have been weighed periodically, and those who may be at risk of health problems due to weight loss or gain have been weighed frequently and the home have liaised with health professionals where necessary to ensure advice or treatment are obtained. We talked to Mrs Newton and the Assistant manager about how the care plans could be expanded to explain exactly how people want to be assisted with their personal and health care needs in order to ensure their privacy, dignity and choice are maintained. The care plans currently explain what tasks the person needs help with, but do not give much detail about exactly how the person wants to be helped. However, by talking to Mrs Newton and the staff they were able to tell us about people’s individual preferences and how privacy and dignity are treated as a high priority. We looked at the way the home stores and administers medicines. The home uses a monitored dosage system supplied by a local pharmacy. The records of medicines received into the home, administered and unwanted medicines that have been returned to the pharmacy provided a clear method of auditing. Any medicines that are classified as a controlled drug have been held under additional security, and have been recorded correctly. All of the staff have received comprehensive training on the safe administration of medicines and checks have been carried out to ensure the staff understood the training and are competent in this task. The pharmacist from the company supplying medicines to the home visited earlier this year and their report was seen. It showed that they were satisfied with the systems of storage and administration of medicines. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, 15 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People have stimulating and interesting daily lives to suit their interests, preferences and abilities. There is a happy family atmosphere where visitors are welcomed, and everyone’s views and opinions are valued. People’s individual dietary needs are catered for at all times. EVIDENCE: We talked to the owner, care staff and people living in the home about daily life at The Corners. The care staff were very enthusiastic about the range of activities they provide and we were given good evidence of a happy and stimulating atmosphere where people live in a family type setting. There are no set routines for activities, and instead staff sit down and talk to people about what they would like to do that day. We heard about how people like to watch certain television programmes, either as a group in the main lounge or in their own room, and how they then talk about the programmes and discuss what they have seen. In the summer people enjoy sitting in the garden, and they also have outings from time to time. One person was busy knitting during our visit, while another person was doing word games/crosswords. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 The home has kept a record of some of the regular activities that people participate in. They have a wide range of games, outings and entertainments, including various large floor and board games, card, dominos and jigsaws. People enjoy doing various arts and crafts including painting, paper flower making, and knitting. We also heard about how everyone joins in and helps with gardening tasks such as potting up plants in early summer. We also heard how people are encouraged to help out with household tasks if they want to. All of the people living in the home completed a survey form prior to this inspection, and they all told us they were happy with the level of activities provided. During the day we saw visitors being welcomed into the home. The people who responded to the surveys we sent out confirmed they are kept in touch. Comments included “Corners has always made me very welcome indeed. They have always been happy and polite young women. They always seem to be interacting with the people in their care. There always seems to be a lot of fun here. They are very caring young women. They have always made Mrs X feel relaxed and welcome.” “Mrs Newton has always kept me fully informed about any issues concerning Mrs B. I am confident that I can contact the home at any time, and that I always receive open and honest information.” We talked to Mrs Newton and the care staff about the way they allow people to make choices about their daily lives. We were given many examples of how the home places a very high priority on giving choices. We were told that people are able to choose what time they get up and go to bed, what they eat and drink, when they have a bath or shower, and the things they want to do every day. We talked to the people living in the home and they confirmed this. In the dining room there is a blackboard that shows what the main meal is that day. The care staff know everyone’s likes and dislikes and dietary needs and said they will always provide a suitable alternative if people want something different. We heard about how the home mash or puree foods each food item individually to ensure that people still get all of the tastes and nutrients from a balanced diet. There is a very good stock of food and they can offer a wide range of alternatives. We talked to the people living in the home and they told us they always enjoy the meals. They confirmed that they can always ask for something different if they don’t like the meal offered. The home has kept a record of the meals actually provided to people. One person told us “I appreciate the tasty and especially digestible diet which I have as necessary.” The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 At lunchtime we sat down with the owner and the staff in the conservatory for a meal, while the people living in the home ate in the dining room. The meal was tasty, well cooked and nutritious. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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, 18 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home places a very high priority on ensuring that people are safeguarded and free from the risk of abuse or harm, and that any concerns or complaints are listened to and addressed promptly and satisfactorily. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection no complaints have been received by the Commission about the home. The home has also recorded no complaints. Mrs Newton said they place a high emphasis on dealing with any potential problems straight away before they become a complaint or a grumble. We were told that people are given a copy of the complaints procedure before they move in. A copy is on display on the notice board on the ground floor. The people we talked to confirmed that they felt confident they can always talk to a member of staff or Mrs Newton if they have any problems or concerns, and felt confident these would be sorted out promptly. Mrs Newton said she recently attended a course on the protection of vulnerable adults provided by Devon Social Services. She said that this subject has been given a very high priority with all the staff. We saw the home’s policies and procedures on the recognition of potential abuse and the actions that should be taken if abuse is suspected. These have been regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date. Mrs Newton said that she is continually talking to the The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 staff about the policies and stressing the importance of speaking out if any staff have any concerns. We talked to three care staff during the day and they confirmed that they have received regular training on this subject, and that they have read the policies and procedures and have been quizzed by the owner to ensure they understand them. They demonstrated good principles for reporting any concerns, and said they felt there was an open atmosphere where any possible poor practice is discussed and addressed promptly, sensitively and appropriately. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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, 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has been decorated and maintained to a high standard. All areas are clean, safe, comfortable and homely. EVIDENCE: We carried out a tour of the home. We found every room has been attractively decorated and furnished, and appeared clean, tidy and homely. People have been encouraged to bring items of furniture, pictures and personal belongings to make their rooms feel like home. All areas were fresh and hygienic. The home keeps a record of all cleaning routines, when they have been carried out, and by whom. There is a stair lift between the ground and first floors. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Where it is safer for people with mobility problems to have doors held open the home has fitted devices that hold the doors open, and that will close if the fire alarm is activated. Windows on the first floor have been fitted with window restrictors to prevent people falling out accidentally. There are three bathrooms on the ground and first floors providing a range of bathing facilities. On the ground floor there is a walk-in bath that can also be used as a shower. On the first floor there are two bathrooms, each bath has a mobility aid to help people get in and out of the bath. Since the last inspection the home has contacted the relevant Infection Control specialists for advice on sluicing and they have reviewed and amended their policy and procedures and to meet the advice they received. We saw evidence of good hand washing facilities. Staff told us they have good supplies of disposable gloves and aprons and hand gel and have received instructions on good hygiene practice. The home has a handyman who lives on the premises and carries out any repairs or maintenance tasks promptly. We found all areas of the home and equipment have been well maintained and were in good working order. All radiators have either been covered to reduce the risk of burns or scalds, or large items of furniture are in front of them and therefore they pose no risk. All hot taps that are used by the people living in the home have been fitted with thermostatic valves to prevent the risk of scalding. The kitchen was clean, tidy, modern and well equipped. Fridge temperatures have been recorded regularly. The home has not been inspected by an Environmental Health Officer since 2004. People told us that they were very happy with the way the home looks after their laundry. They told us that all laundry is washed and returned to them promptly. They said they have never lost any items of clothing. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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, 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are sufficient well trained, competent and committed staff employed to ensure that people receive the care and attention that they want. Good recruitment and induction procedures are followed ensuring that people are in safe hands. EVIDENCE: On the day of this inspection Mrs Newton and two care workers were on duty. We were told that during the day there are always at least two staff on duty, and often three (including Mrs Newton). At night there are two people who live on the premises and provide sleeping cover. At the time of this inspection there were 6 people living at the home and we were satisfied that these people did not need regular assistance during the night. People told us that they felt confident that if they ring for assistance during the night someone would attend to them. Mrs Newton said that if a person’s health and care needs increased and they needed help regularly at night, or needed hoisting equipment to help them move, they would not be able to continue living at The Corners and the home would work with families, health and social care professionals to help them find more suitable accommodation. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 We talked to three care staff during the day and all of the people living at the home and they all told us that the staffing levels are good and staff are able to meet people’s care needs in a timely manner. We heard how the staff have time to sit and talk to the people living at the home and to provide a range of activities, and this has resulted in a relaxed and happy family atmosphere. We looked at the records of two staff who have been recruited since the last inspection. We found that all required checks and references had been obtained before the staff were confirmed in post. The staff had undertaken induction training to meet nationally recognised standards. The records showed the topics that had been covered during induction and each section was signed by the staff member and Mrs Newton. The staff we talked to were able to demonstrate an understanding of good care practice, and confirmed that they receive regular training both formal and informal. They said that whenever they have a quiet moment Mrs Newton sits down with them and gets out the policies and procedures manual, or they will focus on a particular training topic. The staff were enthusiastic about training and talked about the positive benefits the training has brought. Of the four care staff employed two have gained a nationally recognised qualification known as NVQ at level 3 and one has gained NVQ level 2. The fourth member of staff has just started this training. One member of staff is currently undertaking the Registered Manager’s Award. The records we looked at showed that staff have received training and regular updates on all health and safety related topics. Mrs Newton has recently checked the training records and has drawn up a list of the dates when staff have completed training, and where certain topics are due or overdue to be updated. She told us that she has plans for this training to be given in the near future. The training is given in a variety of ways some through external training specialists. The staff were asked about equality and diversity. One staff member told us “Ethnic groups are not really encountered as part of my day-to-day work but due to my training I would be confident. Disability, age, gender is dealt with on a day-to-day basis. I feel we have good support to enable us to do this.” We saw evidence to show that staff receive monthly supervision and annual appraisals. Regular staff meetings are held. The people we talked to on the day of this inspection, and the people who completed our survey forms before this inspection took place praised the staff team. The staff told us how happy they are in their work, and their comments included “I have worked her for 2 years and can honestly say it’s the best home I have worked in. Both service users and employees are treated with greatest respect, management is warm, friendly and approachable. I’m not The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 afraid to voice any concerns and feel highly valued as a member of staff. Not everyone is lucky to say they enjoy going to work.” The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well managed. There is an open atmosphere where people are encouraged to speak up and their views are listened to and acted upon. A balanced and sensible approach is taken to health and safety ensuring any risks of harm are minimised wherever possible. EVIDENCE: Mrs Newton holds the Registered Manager’s Award. NVQ Assessor’s Award D32/33 and is a Level 1 Registered Nurse. She has owned and managed the home for approximately 10 years and has had management experience prior to that. People told us about their confidence in her management of the home. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 We heard about a variety of ways the home has of consulting and checking people’s views about the home, including formal and informal meetings. surveys, letters of thanks, and by talking to people. We heard about ways in which Mrs Newton and the staff include the residents in day-to-day life of the home and how they sit and talk to each other, discuss things and make decisions. An example of this was the way the staff and people living in the home all contribute in some way towards the garden each spring, either by helping with planting, garden maintenance, or by making suggestions. Mrs Newton talked about how she is constantly checking the environment, redecorating and improving the home. We looked at the way the home handles cash and valuables on behalf of people living in the home. They hold some cash on behalf of three people and we looked at the recording methods and checked the balances (these were found to be accurate). At the last inspection it was recommended that Mrs Newton gives relatives a receipt each time they give Mrs Newton money to hold on behalf a person living in the home. We saw evidence to show that this has been carried out. We suggested that, as an added security measure she might consider asking either the resident, their relative, or a member of staff to sign the records to show they have witnessed and agreed the transaction and that the balances are correct. We talked to people to find out if they were happy with the way the home handles money on their behalf. Each room has lockable storage and therefore people can hold money securely in their rooms if they choose. However, three people told us that they prefer Mrs Newton to hold cash to pay for regular expenses such as hairdressing or chiropody. They all said they hold very small amounts of cash just in case they need it, but otherwise preferred Mrs Newton to hold larger amounts of cash safely on their behalf. We looked at the way that the home ensures that people are safeguarded from possible injury. We found that the staff have received regular training on all health and safety topics. Policies and procedures are in place on health and safety topics and these have been regularly reviewed. The home has equipment in place to help people move around safely including a stairlift and bathing aids. The home does not have hoisting equipment – Mrs Newton said the home is not suitable for people who are immobile and need hoisting equipment to help them move around the home. One visitor commented that they sometimes worry that the dogs living at the home may pose a risk to people with mobility problems. However, many of the people in the home told us how much they enjoy the company of the dogs and love to have them around. During this inspection the dogs spent much of the day in the conservatory, but went into the lounge during the quieter period during the afternoon. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 We looked at the records of regular servicing and maintenance of equipment in the home and found these to be entirely satisfactory. The fire log book has been completed to show that all fire safety equipment has been checked and maintained in accordance with the guidance laid down by the fire service. Staff have received regular fire drills and fire training. Risk assessments have been carried out on the environment and action has been taken where necessary to minimise the risks. The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 3 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 4 13 4 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 4 3 X X X X X x 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 The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Corners Residential Home DS0000021915.V350452.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Devon Area Unit D1 Linhay Business Park Ashburton TQ13 7UP 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. 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