Inspection on 24/11/05 for The Grove

This inspection was carried out on 24th November 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 Grove 10/04/07

The Grove 18/08/05

The Grove 04/03/05

The Grove 04/08/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Grove Bower Mount Road Maidstone Kent ME16 8AU Lead Inspector Debbie Sullivan Announced Inspection 24th November 2005 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 Grove DS0000024082.V255972.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 Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Grove Address Bower Mount Road Maidstone Kent ME16 8AU 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) 01622 755292 01622 755292 Smartblade Limited Mrs Sally Tester Care Home 32 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (32) of places The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18th August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Grove is a residential care home for 32 older people and is situated in a quiet residential area near the centre of Maidstone. There are 28 single bedrooms and two double rooms. The property is a large house set in attractive grounds, a level path runs round the house and garden. Most of the bedrooms are equipped with en suite facilities, they are located on the ground and first floor, and a shaft lift provides access to the upper level. There are three lounges, a dining room and a hairdressing room. The main road into Maidstone is nearby and there is easy access to the M 20. There is a railway station in the centre of Maidstone and bus stops are located nearby. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an announced inspection that took place over five and a half hours. During the inspection time was spent with the home’s manager and the head of care, care and ancillary staff and with residents. It was not possible to talk with visitors on this occasion, as although a small number of visitors called during the day, one was with a resident who had become unwell and another was only present for a short while. Lunchtime was spent in the dining room with residents and a tour of the premises took place. Comment cards were received from residents, relatives and visitors and information was also gained from the pre inspection questionnaire completed by the home, from reading documentation and direct observation. Comments from residents made during the day included, “ I am still quite happy” (This resident had been seen on the previous inspection) “The meals are home cooked” “I am very happy and like my room” “Very good attention” “I have made friends” Comment cards from relatives and visitors included, “I visit the home to deliver training and have always observed excellent standards in cleanliness, comfort and support given to residents by all members of staff” “I am very impressed with the general care of my (relative) any problem has been dealt with instantly” “We have been very satisfied with the care given to my (relative)” “Excellent caring staff” The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The recommendations identified during the inspection were either addressed before the end of the day or within twenty-four hours, with the home’s action plan being compiled the day after the inspection and received. Therefore the shortfalls identified below can be read as present at the actual time of the inspection only. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 MAR sheet folders need to be stored more confidentially when not in use. Risk assessment documentation needs to be more clearly headed to identify where it relates to possible risk to residents. The section of wall with flaking paint in the upstairs sluice room must be repainted. The door to the maintenance worker’s room must be kept shut as it is a fire door and the room contains hazardous substances. 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 Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 1,2,3,4 and 5. Prospective residents have access to written information and are able to visit the home so that they can make an informed choice. Needs are fully assessed prior to admission. EVIDENCE: The home provides written information for prospective residents and their relatives and visits to view the service are welcomed. If possible prospective residents spend time at the home so that they can become familiar with the service, a resident had recently moved in having been at the home for respite. One resident said that they had had several periods of respite before deciding to take up a permanent place and another had sampled several homes prior to making their decision. The manager and head of care always both assess prospective residents and complete an assessment form so that they can share views on whether or not the home is the right place for someone. This process ensures that no resident is admitted unless the home can fully meet needs. On admission residents are provided with a written agreement regarding the terms and conditions of the home. The home does not offer intermediate care. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 and 11. Residents can feel confidant that their health and personal care needs will be well met and that they will be treated with dignity and respect. EVIDENCE: Care plans read included up to date information on personal care needs, health and social interests, risk assessments and evidence of a monthly review of needs. The care plan format used is purchased ready made up, the headings on the risk assessment section relating to possible risks to residents was not specific, whereas the section on risks to staff was, the manager and head of care arranged to make headings clearer as soon as possible. There was clear information regarding liaison with health professionals and recording of any particular concerns. The home operates a key worker system, key workers are responsible for ensuring that the individual needs of the two or three residents they are allocated are met. Monthly reviews take place. Health needs are well met and any concerns regarding health are swiftly acted upon, one resident became unwell during the day, their condition was closely monitored and the GP and family contacted. Liaison takes place with health professionals; a District Nurse was at the home in the morning attending to a The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 resident. Should the home become concerned that needs can no longer be met a reassessment of needs takes place, if the resident is in hospital the reassessment is again undertaken by both the manager and head of care so that a joint decision is made, a current example of this was given. Residents keep their own GP’s on moving in if possible, a comment card from a GP was very complimentary about the home. Medication at the home is kept locked in two trolleys which are tethered when not in use and in a secure large cupboard. Staff administering medication have all received medication training. MAR sheets were inspected and had been correctly completed, they were in folders stored with the trolleys near the dining room, as the confidentiality of the folders was not secure the manager agreed to rectify this straight away. Residents spoken with said that they were satisfied with the care provided by the home, the attitude of staff towards residents and practice observed was respectful and resident’s privacy and dignity was maintained. Residents near the end of their lives remain at the home if their needs can continue to be met and any personal wishes as to their terminal care are documented and respected. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 12,13,14 and 15. Residents are able to exercise choice over their daily lives. Contact with friends and relatives is supported. Meals are well cooked and presented. EVIDENCE: Residents are supported to maintain contact with friends and relatives and spoke of relatives visiting regularly. Visitors were at the home during the inspection and one resident spoke of going out for tea. A variety of activities are provided in the afternoons by staff including bingo, art and craft, music and movement and board games, one resident was pleased to have won a prize at the bingo session that took place during the inspection. The home engages entertainers on a regular basis and outings take place throughout the year, the resident’s notice board had information available regarding a Christmas shopping trip. Communion services take place monthly. A room is available for visitors to see residents in private and three areas are available for residents to spend time in during the day, these are a television lounge, quiet lounge and library area. Residents were accessing the rooms of their choice and one resident said they much preferred the quiet lounge, as they liked to read. A hairdresser visits twice a week. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Residents spoken with said that they were able to exercise choice over their lives, for example in relation to getting up and going to bed times, meals, activities and where to spend time in terms of accessing communal areas or being in their own rooms. Residents were joined for lunch, the meal was well cooked and presented with portions appropriate to the appetite of individuals, those not wishing to have the main daily choice had chosen an alternative. One resident who was not able to eat meat said a daily option is available that they were always happy with. The cook was aware of individual preferences and recorded meal options provided. Meals include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 16,17 and 18. Residents can feel confident that any concerns or complaints will be listened to and taken seriously, and that they are protected from abuse by the home’s policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure that is on display on the resident’s notice board along with the resident’s charter. There had been one complaint since the last inspection; although the complaint had subsequently been withdrawn, related correspondence showed that it had been dealt with correctly. Staff spoken with were aware of the procedure and said that they would approach the manager or head of care with any complaint and felt they would be listened to. Residents spoken with were of the same opinion, a comment card from a relative stated that they had raised a concern on behalf of a resident and it was dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Staff receive adult protection training and recruitment procedures and policies are robust in ensuring that staff are carefully vetted prior to their employment. Information is available regarding advocacy; no resident currently used this service although the manager gave an example of a resident exploring this possibility. Family or solicitors support residents who are unable to manage their own affairs. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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): 19,20,21,22,23,24,25 and 26. The home provides a well-maintained, clean and homely environment for residents. Residents personalise individual rooms and equipment to aid independence is in place. EVIDENCE: The home is well decorated, furnished and maintained and the feeling is of plenty of space being available to residents, whilst there is a homely atmosphere. The garden is spacious and attractive and well used in fine weather. All bedrooms inspected were individualised and the majority have en suite facilities, one resident had equipped their room with a computer. Many of the bedrooms have pleasant views of the garden. There are communal bathrooms on each floor; the home is considering providing facilities for showering in a shower room currently not in use. An occupational therapy assessment of the room and full risk assessment would be undertaken if this The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 went ahead. There are grab rails throughout and equipment for shared or personal use is available to aid independence. The home was cleaned to a high standard and although one cleaner was on jury service for some time, measures had been put in place to cover the work, one member of the cleaning staff spoken with explained the cleaning schedule and clearly worked to a high standard. Arrangements were made to repaint an area of peeling paint in one of the sluice rooms as soon as possible after the inspection as this could have been a health hazard, and unguarded radiators were to be fitted with tailor made guards early in December. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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 and 30. Staff are well trained and competent in their respective roles. The recruitment process is thorough and serves to protect residents. EVIDENCE: The home employs carers and ancillary staff as well as the manager and head of care. Three carers were on duty on the morning of the inspection, the shift changed at 2pm.Two waking and one sleeping members of staff are on duty at night. The home was fully staffed, it operates a thorough recruitment procedure and staffing files inspected were in good order, they included CRB and POVA checks, references, supervision recording and evidence of training planned and certificates for training undertaken. All except one of the care staff have gained an NVQ qualification and some of those who had completed NVQ 2 were progressing to level 3. During part of the day an NVQ assessor was present to assess the cook and another member of the ancillary staff. Staff spoken with said that plenty of training is available both on mandatory topics such as manual handling, first aid and Adult Protection as well as more specific training relating to the resident group such as nutrition and diabetes. New staff shadow those more experienced until confident. Staff spoken with and observed presented a positive and confident attitude towards their roles, they commented on the support offered by the manager and head of care which clearly contributed to their view of staff working very much as a team for the benefit of residents. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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): 31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38 and 39. The home is run in the best interests of residents and their health, welfare and safety is protected. Residents and staff are well supported by the management team. EVIDENCE: The atmosphere in the home was open and inclusive, staff related to residents in a friendly, approachable and professional manner. Staff spoken with spoke highly of the level of support they receive from the manager and head of care. One staff member commented that they can always go to the manager with any concern on behalf of a resident or query about their work even if this is several times a day, as there is an open door policy and the manager will always listen however busy. Staff spoke of working as a team and the friendliness of the home. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The home consults with residents over issues such as meals, activities and outings and undertakes regular quality assurance surveys. Residents manage their own finances or are supported by relatives or other advocates; any transactions relating to services provided at the home, such as hairdressing, are carefully recorded and documented. A valid insurance certificate was seen, as were some maintenance records, all were valid and reviewed at appropriate intervals. The cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen and food storage areas is to be commended and a very recent environmental health assessment had highly praised the home. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 3 3 3 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 4 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 3 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 4 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 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. 1 Refer to Standard OP7 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that the risk assessment form for residents be headed as such to differentiate it from the form relating to risk to staff. This recommendation was actioned the day following the inspection. It is recommended that the area of flaking paint in the sluice room be repainted to avoid risk of infection. This recommendation was actioned the day following the inspection. It is recommended that MAR sheet folders be stored confidentially when not in use. This recommendation was actioned during the inspection. It is recommended that vigilance be applied to ensuring that fire doors are not propped open. DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 2 OP26 3 OP37 4 OP38 The Grove This matter was addressed with the member of staff concerned during the inspection. The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Grove DS0000024082.V255972.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 25 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!