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Inspection on 13/09/06 for The Court

Also see our care home review for The Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 13th September 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.

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

Prospective residents are encouraged to visit and meet the people living at the home, and provided with helpful information. Thorough assessments are completed of their care needs so that the home can ensure that they are able to offer the correct level of support. This information is then re-written into a plan of care. This gives clear guidance to care staff, who are a skilled, friendly and committed team, and popular with the residents. The home responds well to the changing needs of residents. Residents are supported to access all health care provision and where necessary appropriate equipment is provided. Medication is well managed, and the home demonstrates a respectful and caring attitude regarding loss and bereavement. One person living at the home said `I love it here` and another praised the home for being like `a glorified family`. Residents appeared relaxed with staff and generally felt that they were well cared for. Work is being carried out, including the appointment of an activities coordinator, to provide a greater variety of internal entertainment to compliment external entertainment by musical groups. The home has its own minibus and there are trips to the shops and local areas for those that wish to go. People living at the home are encouraged to maintain links to or make contact with groups outside of the home. Residents felt they could exercise choice and generally the food was described as meeting their tastes. The environment is homely and attractive. Staff training is promoted and people working at the home felt well supported by the manager, and valued the approach of the owners. Staff are clear about their role to safeguard the residents in their care. Records are well kept and are up to date, and there is an emphasis on encouraging residents to influence decision connected to the home through residents` meetings, surveys and newsletters. The manager is skilled and experienced with a commitment to the staff and residents.

What has improved since the last inspection?

No requirements were made on the last inspection. In response to a previous recommendation, the manager now reviews care plans in a comprehensive and holistic manner each month. This means that a clear picture is provided of the resident`s life in the home so that the level of support can be adjusted accordingly to reflect their changing needs. Since the last inspection, the manager has kept CSCI up to date with changes to the staff team as previously recommended. The manager has also addressed a recommendation that residents are provided with clear feedback about the results of the home`s internal quality assurance. The manager is now registered with CSCI, which helps ensure a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Court The Court Rockbeare Exeter Devon EX5 2EF Lead Inspector Louise Delacroix Key Unannounced Inspection 10:00 13 September 2006 th 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 Court DS0000034178.V305706.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 Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Court Address The Court Rockbeare Exeter Devon EX5 2EF 01404 822632 Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Mrs Elaine Alison Slater Mrs Vivienne Elizabeth Slater Mrs Joy Rhodes Care Home 21 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (21), Physical disability over 65 years of age of places (21) The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None. Date of last inspection 4th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The Court is a three storey detached Georgian House situated in the village of Rockbeare, East Devon. It is next to the parish church, with the post office close by. Residential care can be provided for up to twenty-one older people, which includes people who may have a physical disability. However, the manager and provider generally choose to run with an occupancy of seventeen. There are nine single rooms with en-suites and eight double rooms with ensuites. The accommodation is on the ground and first floors. There is a shaft lift between the floors. On the ground floor there is a large lounge and a separate homely dining room. The lounge has large windows overlooking the countryside, as do many of the bedrooms. The garden is well kept and enjoyed by the residents. The last inspection report is offered to all prospective residents, and people currently living at the home have been told about the last inspection report in a residents’ meeting. The fees range from £365 to £425 per week. This does not include the costs of the hairdresser, chiropodist, optician or any newspaper ordered by the resident. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Prior to the inspection, the home completed a pre-inspection questionnaire, which provides the commission (CSCI) with current information about the service, staff and people living at the home. As part of the inspection, three people were case tracked, this means that three residents were asked about their experience of living at the home, their rooms were visited and the records linked to their care and stay inspected. During the inspection, a tour of the building took place and records including fire, care plans, staff recruitment, training and medication were looked at. The inspection was unannounced and took place over five and a half hours. There were fifteen people living at the home. Time was spent talking individually to seven people living at the home and their views on the care they receive have been incorporated into this report. Prior to the inspection, CSCI also sent surveys to residents and twelve people responded. Their anonymous responses have also been included in the report. As part of the inspection, discussion took place with the registered manager and owner. Three staff members also spoke about their roles and responsibilities, and these responses are contained in this report, as is a summary of six anonymous returned surveys completed by staff. Visitors to the home, including visiting health and social care professionals, were also encouraged to complete surveys and their views have also been included. Since the last inspection, the acting manager has taken part in a Fit Person’s Interview with CSCI, and has now been registered as the manager of the home. She works closely with the owners, who live on site, and have a ‘hands on’ approach, which is appreciated by staff and residents. What the service does well: Prospective residents are encouraged to visit and meet the people living at the home, and provided with helpful information. Thorough assessments are completed of their care needs so that the home can ensure that they are able to offer the correct level of support. This information is then re-written into a plan of care. This gives clear guidance to care staff, who are a skilled, friendly and committed team, and popular with the residents. The home responds well to the changing needs of residents. Residents are supported to access all health care provision and where necessary appropriate equipment is provided. Medication is well managed, and the home demonstrates a respectful and caring attitude regarding loss and bereavement. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 One person living at the home said ‘I love it here’ and another praised the home for being like ‘a glorified family’. Residents appeared relaxed with staff and generally felt that they were well cared for. Work is being carried out, including the appointment of an activities coordinator, to provide a greater variety of internal entertainment to compliment external entertainment by musical groups. The home has its own minibus and there are trips to the shops and local areas for those that wish to go. People living at the home are encouraged to maintain links to or make contact with groups outside of the home. Residents felt they could exercise choice and generally the food was described as meeting their tastes. The environment is homely and attractive. Staff training is promoted and people working at the home felt well supported by the manager, and valued the approach of the owners. Staff are clear about their role to safeguard the residents in their care. Records are well kept and are up to date, and there is an emphasis on encouraging residents to influence decision connected to the home through residents’ meetings, surveys and newsletters. The manager is skilled and experienced with a commitment to the staff and residents. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Generally, staff records are detailed and provide evidence of all the required information and police checks, and include a clear audit trail. However, one file out of three looked at did not show that a satisfactory check from the Protection of Vulnerable Adult register had been received prior to the employee starting work at the home. There was also an unexplained gap in their employment history, which had not been recorded. Therefore a requirement has been made to address these deficits. A requirement has also been made that risk assessments must be in place where radiators are uncovered, particularly in residents’ bedrooms, and if a The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 high risk, i.e. the resident is at risk of being burnt, is identified these radiators must be covered. Requirements are based on the law and must be met, while the following recommendations are made to help the home improve practice. Currently, there are eight rooms without locks. It is recommended that this be rectified to promote choice and dignity. 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 Court DS0000034178.V305706.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 Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): 3,5,6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ benefit from good admission and assessment practice, which ensures the home can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Residents’ care notes were looked at, and these included detailed assessments of people’s care needs, including their physical and mental health needs, and social histories. There was evidence of pre-admission assessments that take place when prospective residents visit the home for lunch to ensure the home can meet their needs. Someone who had recently moved to the home confirmed this had taken place and felt they had been well informed and provided with helpful information. Another person was also asked but they had difficulty remembering what had taken place, although their files showed that the previous good practice had happened. The manager, owner and staff confirmed that they actively encouraged people to visit before moving but would also visit people in other settings. The home does not provide intermediate care. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10,11 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The health and emotional needs of residents are well met by caring and informed staff, who recognise the importance of respect and dignity. There is a good care planning system at the home, meaning the staff follow clear guidance in order to support residents. Medication is well managed to help promote the independence and safety of residents. EVIDENCE: The manager has been re-designing the home’s care plans with the aim to provide clearer guidance to staff by ensuring information is recorded in one place for easy access. Staff explained how they used the care plans to up date their knowledge of the needs of residents, as well as through handovers. Three care plans were looked at, and all three had up to date risk assessments with appropriate guidance and aims. Daily records hold appropriate detail, and the monthly reviews capture the experience of residents, which was confirmed through discussion. The manager explained that now the new system is in place work would take place to involve residents more in their care plans. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 On the last inspection, residents said that their health needs were well supported and gave examples of visits from district nurses, GPs, chiropodist, dentist and optician, which were also detailed in care plans, as well as benefiting from optional exercise classes to maintain their health. During this inspection, residents again confirmed that they had access to health care services. These visits are detailed in care records. Records clearly monitor the weight, dental and nutritional needs of residents. Feedback from health and social care professionals indicates that the home manages medication appropriately, incorporate specialist advice in residents’ plans of care and take appropriate decisions when they can no longer manage the care needs of people living at the home. The manager has been in contact with the CSCI to discuss how to ensure that a resident has access to appropriate health care services, and has a clear view on residents’ entitlement to a range of services. The manager said that no residents currently had pressure sores. Specialist equipment was seen in the home to promote good skin care for vulnerable residents. The manager and staff have worked with a resident in this area of care to gain their trust and understanding, which is demonstrated in their care plan, and enabled the resident to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The owner confirmed that a resident who manages all their own medication has lockable storage space to keep it in, which the resident confirmed. Three residents manage their own medication and have signed forms evidencing their understanding of this responsibility, which were seen. Medication administration records were generally appropriately completed. Medication is stored correctly, including controlled drugs, which were audited and found to match the written balance. Five members of staff hold medication-training certificates according to the pre-inspection questionnaire, which includes the owner who lives on site. Staff confirmed that only those qualified administered medication. The manager updates her medication knowledge, which was demonstrated by a discussion about recent changes to the storage of medication. Evidence was seen of trained staff medication knowledge being reviewed, both through discussion in supervision and through workbooks from a pharmacy. Residents said they felt staff treated them courteously and with respect. For example, when they had a bath. They also felt their privacy was respected. During this inspection, one resident said they were happy and residents appeared relaxed with staff and several said they had no concerns regarding staff attitude. Care plans emphasised the right for residents to have choice and to be involved in decision-making, which also came across in discussions with staff. People living at the home spoke about the recent death of a resident, who many regarded as a good friend, and whose presence was much missed. One person in particular valued the sensitive way they had been informed of their The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 friend’s death by the owner. Other people appreciated the opportunity of attending the service at the local church with the support of the home. The former resident’s wake was held at the home on the day of the inspection, which a large number of people attended, including residents who wished to. A table had been tastefully set out with flowers and a photograph, and a book for people to record their thoughts. Residents were seen being supported to change into clothes they had chosen for the funeral, and staff had taken care to dress appropriately. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home recognises the importance of residents’ social lives and how this needs to be met on an individual basis. Meals are traditional in style and can be influenced by residents. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence, exercising choice and taking control over their lives. EVIDENCE: A resident spoke positively about the appointment of an activities co-ordinator, who is due to take on this role shortly, which was confirmed by staff and the manager. The owner has taken the positive step in funding a specific training course to support the activities co-ordinator. This decision is timely as a visitor and a staff member felt that residents needed more stimulation, while residents explained in their feedback that six of them usually attended activities, one sometimes, and one person never. Some commented that ‘I’ve gone past that’, ‘haven’t been to many events recently’ and ‘ I would like more talks’. The manager recognises that some residents would prefer more one to one support rather than group events. Two residents confirmed this when they said The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 that they had really valued the time they spent talking with staff on a one to one basis, which normally took place in the evening. Staff also recognised the value of this time, and described using support with bathing and care in the evening as a way of getting to know the residents. The plan is for the activities co-ordinator to carry out an audit of what residents would like to happen. The home does also provide regular outside entertainment including music groups and twice weekly exercise classes, and has helped to encourage more able residents to maintain links with former social clubs in the community by providing transport and support. The home has invested in its own minibus, and residents have the option of going shopping to maintain their independence. One resident expressed her happiness about being taken out by one of the owners for the day, which she said she had really enjoyed. The visitors’ book showed that visitors regularly visit the home, which residents confirmed. Many of the rooms provide ample space for receiving visitors. Residents were observed creating their own routines in the home and said that their decisions were respected. For example, joining in with activities and where they ate their meals. One person said ‘I am given freedom’, and explained how much they valued this. Another person also spoke about choice and gave examples about of how they exercised this within the home setting. Visitors and health and social care professionals confirmed in their feedback that they could see people in private. The dining room is attractive and spacious. Comments in discussions with residents were generally favourable about the quality of the food and the choice offered. In response to the CSCI survey, five people said they always liked the food, four said usually and three sometimes. Sample menu sheets showed that main meals are mainly traditional meat based dishes. A resident explained that food was discussed during the residents’ meetings, and as a result of the CSCI survey the meals at the home might need to be discussed again. Residents confirmed that supper is also available. The manager said that smaller portions and liquidised meals were provided for those that wanted them, which a resident confirmed. Residents can also choose to keep food in the kitchen if they wish to have particular favourite items. Meals are arranged on a four weekly rota. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): 16,18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are confident about who to approach if they have a problem and the home has a clear complaints policy. Staff are clear in their understanding of their duty to report poor practice if seen, which helps create a safe environment for residents. EVIDENCE: Several residents said they were confident about who they would go to if they had a problem, and one explained that the complaints policy was on the back of their bedroom door. This was also seen during a tour of the building. In a response to the CSCI survey, half the people who responded to a similar question said that they always knew who to speak with and the other half said they usually knew. People who attended the residents’ meetings said this was a place that they could voice concerns or suggestions. Three visitors said in their surveys that they all knew of the home’s complaint’s policy but none had made a complaint. None of the five health and social care professionals had received any complaints about the home. The manager confirmed in the pre-inspection questionnaire that there had been no complaints in the last twelve months, and CSCI have reci9ved no complaints. The complaints policy is clearly written and well displayed. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Records show that staff have received recent training in the safeguarding of vulnerable people, and this was demonstrated in discussions with staff about their understanding of their role and responsibilities in this area. They were also clear about who they could contact to ‘whistle-blow’ on abusive practice. The manager has shown a good understanding of safeguarding of vulnerable adults in her contact with CSCI, acting both appropriately and responsibly. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of the home’s environment is good providing residents with a homely and spacious place to live, although small improvements would further promote safety and privacy for residents. EVIDENCE: Communal rooms are spacious, homely and well furnished. Residents said that gardens are accessible and well used in the summer. The home is well maintained, and on the last inspection monthly audits were seen for redecoration/maintenance. This includes a thorough clean of each resident’s room, including washing curtains and windows, which was taking place in one room on the day of the inspection. There are plans to re-floor the communal toilet by the dining room as the flooring is worn. Four residents spoken to say they liked their rooms and many portrayed a real sense of it being their private space, complete with their own personal The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 possessions and in some cases their own furniture. Most rooms have large windows that overlook the surrounding countryside. Locks that are accessible in emergencies have been fitted to some residents’ bedroom doors. A tour of the building showed that most radiators in the bedrooms have been fitted with covers to prevent the risk of residents being burnt, but some still remain uncovered. Since the inspection, the manager has assessed the risk to residents and provided details of action to be taken. The home has a sluice and a washing machine with a sluicing facility in recognition of residents’ changing needs. A tour took place, which included visiting communal areas, bathrooms and five residents’ rooms. The home was odour free. The manager explained that the cleaning regime at the home was still being looked at to ensure that it was as effective as possible. The majority of residents in their surveys said the home was always clean, one person said usually. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): 27,28,29,30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff have a caring approach with recognition of individual needs. Generally, staff recruitment is well managed and training is promoted to provide skilled workers, which benefits the residents. EVIDENCE: Staff rotas show that there are generally three care staff in the morning, two/three in the afternoon, and two/three in the evenings. The rota does not include the manager but staff and residents confirmed that she provided hands on care when necessary. A cook and domestic worker/kitchen assistant also support the care team, and a new appointment has been made for an activities co-ordinator. The manager said that the staff team was now more stable since the last inspection, which has lessened the hours that staff have to work. A member of staff confirmed this. Six visiting health and social care professionals said that there was always a senior member of staff to confer with. Two visitors said there were always sufficient numbers of staff on duty, and a third person said there usually was. On the day of the inspection extra staff were on duty as a wake for a former resident was being held at the home. In response to a CSCI survey, six out of twelve anonymous respondents said they always received the care and support they needed, three out of twelve said they usually did, two said they The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 sometimes received the care and support they needed, and one person chose not to comment. During discussion with residents, nobody raised staffing levels as a concern. The majority of respondents to the survey felt that staff always listened them to, which indicates that staff are not rushed. Staff spoken to say that staffing levels were not problematic. The home currently has a third of its staff team with a NVQ 2 (or above) in care qualification. Staff confirmed that NVQs were being promoted within the home, which was echoed in the pre-inspection questionnaire that stated three carers are to commence training in an NVQ 2 in care in September 2006. Since the inspection, the manager has informed CSCI that six carers are commencing an NVQ 2 in care. Three staff files were inspected. There was strong evidence of a good recruitment protocol and clear records kept, which could be easily audited. Two of the staff files contained all of the required information, including references, ID, full employment history and police checks. However, one file out of the three looked at did not show that a satisfactory check from the Protection of Vulnerable Adult (POVA) register had been received prior to the employee starting work at the home. At this point no Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check had been received so the POVA First check was vital. There was also an unexplained gap in their employment history, which had not been recorded. Staff are encouraged to participate in training, which has included recent updates on moving and handling, and first aid. Staff spoken to on the day of inspection had completed mandatory training, and special interest training e.g. understanding Parkinson’s and healthy eating. Staff training records confirmed this. Discussion with staff also confirmed that they were clear about their roles and responsibilities, and hold a good knowledge of the individual needs of residents. An observation of a staff member with a resident showed a skilled and humorous approach, which was much appreciated by the resident. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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): 31,32,33,35,37,38 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 run by a competent and experienced manager who is committed to improving and maintaining the standard of care provided. EVIDENCE: The manager has recently been registered as a manager by CSCI. She has a range of experience of working with older people in a variety of settings, and has shown a strong commitment to learning as evidenced by her training certificates. In telephone calls to CSCI, she has demonstrated an understanding of the promotion of equality and diversity, and has provided concrete examples of how this has been achieved within the home. This has included fighting ageist attitudes and acting as an advocate for residents, which one resident also commented on. She is currently working towards her The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 registered manager’s award. A resident felt that the manager managed the issue of confidentiality well. During the inspection, residents spoke favourably about the manager and the owners who work closely together, this was recognised as benefit to the home by both staff and the people living there. One resident said that the manager ‘really knew her stuff’. The manager was described as approachable, and plays an active role in providing care, which she described as giving her an overview of residents’ needs. Staff said in interview and through their survey responses that they felt supported and described a happy working atmosphere. Records show that the manager holds regular meetings and people described feeling listened to. Minutes from residents’ meetings are clearly formatted, and the manager explained that she also visits residents individually to ensure that those who chose not to take part in the meetings still felt involved. Copies of the home’s newsletter complete with photos were also seen. This was demonstrated by talking to people who live in the home, who were well informed about the plans for the home and its life. Records also show that staff meetings take place, which include minutes. Both residents and staff confirmed the value of these meetings. Staff and several residents showed an understanding of the inspection process, which suggests an open approach to regulation by the manager. During the inspection, she confirmed this by crossreferencing changes within in the home to the Care Standards Act and National Minimum Standards. The home assists some residents to manage their personal allowances. Records are well kept, including staff signatures and receipts, and a spot check of money held showed that written balances were accurate. A number of records were inspected, as described in the report summary, and all were up to date well written and securely kept. There is clear auditing of accidents/incidents, and CSCI are kept informed of changes within the home, including the well being of residents. Fire records were up to date, including staff training, and a tour of the building showed that exits were kept clear and well signed. Staff confirmed that they had received fire training, including during their induction. The manager is also arranging for new fire instructions to be made for residents’ rooms in colours that make them easy to read. There are clear instructions regarding the safe bathing of residents, including the recommended water temperature and an appropriate thermometer, which showed water was distributed at a suitable temperature. The pre-inspection questionnaire shows that maintenance checks are well maintained. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.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 x 3 x 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 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 2 2 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 1 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 x 3 x 3 3 The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard OP25 Regulation 13 (4) (a) Requirement The registered person shall ensure that all parts of the home to which service users have access are so far as reasonably practicable free from hazards to their safety. (Risk assessments must be carried out on all uncovered radiators, and where the outcome is a high risk for residents then a cover must be fitted.) The registered person shall not employ a person to work at the care unless he/she has obtained in respect of that person the information and documents specified in paragraphs 1 to 9 of Schedule 2. (Staff must not start working at the home until the required information, including full employment history and safety checks are in place). Timescale for action 31/10/06 2. OP27 19 Schedule 2 31/10/06 The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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. Refer to Standard OP24 Good Practice Recommendations Locks that are accessible in emergencies should be fitted to residents bedroom doors. There are eight rooms without these locks. The Court DS0000034178.V305706.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Exeter Suites 1 & 7 Renslade House Bonhay Road Exeter EX4 3AY National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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