Inspection on 06/10/06 for The Croft

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

It was noted that only one care staff does not have a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 or above. The level of training within the home is good. Staff also receive Dementia training provided by Age Concern. It was also noted that all staff receive six line management supervision sessions per year. Following recent decoration and provision of new furniture the environment is clean, homely and comfortable. All residents, including those receiving respite care have their personal and healthcare needs assessed and care is planned accordingly. All care plans are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The complements book shows that residents, their relatives and visiting District Nurses are happy with the care provided. Four residents` quality assurance questionnaires and discussion with residents indicate that staff are polite, and caring and that the meals provided are good. A sample of the lunchtime meal found it to be well presented and tasty. Throughout the visit positive relationships were observed between residents and care staff. Residents are treated with dignity and their wishes are respected. Care staff said that they are supported and appeared to be confident and relaxed in the work that they do. During this visit there appeared to be enough staff available to meet the care needs of residents. The home provides a quarterly newsletter for residents and their relatives`, which shows that there are activities arranged for those who wish to join in.

What has improved since the last inspection?

There have been a number of improvements to the physical environment including re-decoration of the entrance hall, lounges and dining room. New dining room tables and chairs have been provided along with new carpets and curtains. Replacement windows have been installed in four bedrooms, two lounges and the office, and five bedrooms have been re-decorated and new carpets provided. Bedrooms are personalised, homely and comfortable. One resident said that he likes his room and that he has everything he needs. Another said that her bedroom is `lovely`. It was noted that now there is only one care staff without a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 or above. This standard is to be commended. One carer has just started and another has completed NVQ Level 3. The manager has also nearly completed the Registered Managers Award NVQ Level four.

What the care home could do better:

It was noted for the benefit and comfort of residents that some of the newly decorated bedroom walls were bare and needed pictures to make them more attractive and homely. A broken drawer in one chest of drawers in the bedroom identified is broken and needs to be mended. The manager said that this was already in the repair book awaiting the attention of the handyman. The daily records would benefit from an increase in the use of descriptive words to reflect and show residents choices and preferences and in particular with regard to activities. It was noted that carers are encouraged to sit and socialise with residents. This good and important work should be captured in the daily records. Although relatives are provided with a copy of the Service User Guide and there is a copy available in the entrance, to meet minimum standards fully all residents should be provided with their own copy. A number of residents have completed quality assurance questionnaires, however, the views of relatives, visiting healthcare professionals and social workers should also be sought regarding the quality of care provided by the home. The information should then be collated and a report provided by the manager.