Inspection on 05/12/05 for The Good Companions

This inspection was carried out on 5th December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

The Good Companions 24/05/10

The Good Companions 26/01/10

The Good Companions 06/02/07

The Good Companions 13/06/05

The Good Companions 07/12/04

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 Good Companions Criffel Street Silloth Cumbria CA5 4BT Lead Inspector Mrs Margaret Drury Unannounced Inspection 5th December 2005 11:00 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 Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Good Companions Address Criffel Street Silloth Cumbria CA5 4BT 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) 016973 31553 016973 31553 Good Companions Cumbria Ltd Mrs Jacqueline Derrane Care Home 39 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (5), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (39), of places Physical disability (1) The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The service must at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The home is registered for a maximum of 39 service users to include: - up to 39 service users in the category of OP (Old age, not falling within any other category) - up to 5 service users in the category of DE(E) (Dementia over 65 years of age) - one service user in the category of PD (Physical disability under 65 years of age) The staffing levels for the home must meet the Residential Staffing Forum Care Staffing Formula for Older People 13th June 2005 3. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Good Companions is owned by Good Companions Cumbria Limited with Mr Mark Newby being the responsible individual. Mrs Jackie Derrane, the registered manager, operates the home on a day-to-day basis. Good Companions is situated in Silloth, a town overlooking the Solway Firth. It is an older property that has been adapted and extended for its present use as a care home for older people. Accommodation for residents is over three floors accessed by a passenger lift and stair lifts. All the bedrooms are for single occupation with all but two having en-suite toilet and washbasin facilities. There are three lounges, a large dining room and a smoking area for those wishing to use it. The communal toilets and bathrooms are equipped to assist those with a physical disability. There are well-kept gardens around the home and car-parking facilities are also provided. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection of the home, which took place over the morning and early afternoon. It was the second inspection of the year and the standards not assessed on this occasion were assessed and met on the previous visit that took place earlier in the year. During the inspection time was spent with the manager looking at care plans, staff personnel files and other records to do with the running of the home and care of the residents. The inspector was able to speak with residents and staff and some parts of the home were looked at. What the service does well: The registered manager completes individual assessments of people before admission to the home to ensure their needs can be met and the correct level of care given. Excellent care planning systems are in place with regular reviews to ensure the staff are given all the information required to provide a high standard of care. All healthcare needs are met, with a record of professional healthcare visits and external appointments noted on the care plans. Residents said they are able to see the doctor or nurse when they want and all appointments are made promptly. There is a programme of activities, and the home has it’s own transport for outings. Residents said there was usually something going on but they did not have to join in if they did not want to. Efforts are made to ensure that a nutritious and varied menu is provided with a choice at each meal. The home has recently undergone a dementia care-mapping programme with the report being made available for the inspector to read. This has given the care staff a greater awareness of the level of understanding required when caring for residents with varying forms of dementia. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2, 3 & 4 Residents benefit from a detailed contract and resident guide that outlines their rights and the facilities offered at the home. Residents and their families benefit from discussions about the level of care provided, which ensures they know the assessed needs can be met. EVIDENCE: All residents are given a contract and resident’s guide when they enter the home. There is also a contract with Social Services department. Both these documents ensure the service user is aware of their rights when they are admitted. Prospective residents and their families are invited to visit the home for refreshments and/ or a meal prior to admission, in order to meet the staff and those already living in the home. This helps them to decide whether or not the home is able to meet all the assessed needs. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7&9 The systems for the administration of medication are good with clear and comprehensive arrangements in place to ensure service users’ medication needs are met. Residents benefit from a care planning system that ensures their needs are met in a way that promotes their privacy, dignity and independence. EVIDENCE: The documentation for the care planning system is excellent and the inspector was able to examine a sample of the care plans during the visit. They were all found to be up to date and contain a wealth of information to assist the care staff in the delivery of care. The manager ensures that she reviews the care plans on a regular basis, this being evidenced by the documentation. She works closely with the senior carers and care staff, which benefits the residents and guarantees that their assessed needs are met. Discussions with a number of residents during the visit confirmed they find the care staff “very kind and helpful” and that they are always treated with respect and courtesy. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 The pharmacist provides the medication in a monitored dosage system with those staff responsible for its administration having completed the appropriate training. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12 & 13 Service users benefit from being able to express their wishes about how to spend their time and are given the choice about whether or not to join in any organised activities. EVIDENCE: The residents that spoke with the inspector during the visit said how much they appreciated being able to decide for themselves how they wished to spend their days. Activities are organised for those wishing to join in, as are outings in the home’s own transport. On the day of the inspection a group of residents and staff were going to a Christmas concert in Carlisle and another group were going to the pantomime later in the week. Visitors are welcome at any time as was evidenced by the visitors’ book in the hall. Links with the local community are good, and maintained via outings with a local group and visits to a luncheon club. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 17 & 18 Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of adult protection issues, which protects residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: Discussions with members of the care staff team evidenced that they were aware of the different types of abuse and what process to follow if ever this was necessary. Protection of vulnerable adults is discussed during the staff induction programme. An advocacy service is provided for any resident who has no family or friends to assist them in managing their affairs. Residents are made aware of this service when they move into the home. All residents are given the opportunity to take part in the election process if they wish, either in person or via the postal voting system. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): 21, 22, 23 & 24 Continuous investment maintains the upkeep of this home, creating a comfortable and safe environment for those living there and visiting. EVIDENCE: All but two of the residents’ rooms have en-suite facilities and there are also sufficient communal facilities for the residents’ use throughout the home. A new assisted bathroom was being fitted on the day of the inspection, which will enhance the facilities already on offer. The home has specialist equipment for those residents that have a physical disability. These include, handrails on corridors, assisted bathing, raised toilet seats and hoists. All of these facilities ensure the residents live in safe, comfortable and suitable surroundings. New chair lifts have recently been installed to replace those previously in use and new lounge furniture has been purchased for the lounge on the lower ground floor. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 The inspector examined a number of the bedrooms and found them to be clean and well decorated. All of them had been personalised with pictures, photographs and ornaments from the residents’ homes. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 29 & 30 Staff morale is high, resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively with the residents to improve their quality of life. EVIDENCE: The home has a full recruitment and selection policy that ensures no new staff start work until all the legal checks have been completed. The inspector examined a number of staff personnel files and found them to be in order and up to date. The Good Companions has an excellent training programme with all mandatory training up to date. The details were made available for the inspector to examine. All new staff must complete the induction programme and with the amount of training organised, staff receive the minimum of three days training per year in order to meet the National Minimum Standards. Eight members of staff are already qualified to NVQ levels 2 & 3 with four more working towards the award. The manager is hoping to enrol a further six in January next year. Staff training includes, Food Hygiene, Safety Compliance, First Aid, Moving and Handling and Fire Safety. A study of dementia care mapping took place earlier in the year, which gave the staff a greater understanding the needs of those residents who may have varying forms of dementia. Three members of staff The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 are also completing further training covering dementia, depression and psychosis. This will then be cascaded down to the remaining care staff. Discussions with a number of the care staff evidenced that they enjoyed working at the home and were pleased to completed any training provided for them. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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): 32, 36 & 37 The manager has a clear vision and development plan for the home, which she effectively communicates to the service users, staff and relatives. EVIDENCE: Discussions with the registered manager confirmed her commitment to giving the highest level of care to the residents. She works closely with the staff team to ensure all the assessed needs are met. She is a qualified nurse, and has considerable experience in the care of older people. During the inspection she demonstrated clear lines of responsibility and delegation to the senior care team but also provided a “hands on approach” when necessary. The home has a full set of policies and procedures in place but the manager is about to start a complete review of them to ensure they are completely up to date. Record keeping is of a high standard, which safeguards the residents. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Staff are supervised every two months and health and safety policies and procedures are in place and ensure the residents and staff have a safe place to live and work in. The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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 X 9 3 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 3 18 3 X X 3 3 3 3 X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 X 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score X 3 X X X 3 3 X The Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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. 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 Good Companions DS0000062105.V262709.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Eamont House Penrith 40 Business Park Gillan Way Penrith Cumbria CA11 9BP 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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