Inspection on 20/02/07 for The Laurels - Congleton

This inspection was carried out on 20th February 2007.

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

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

Other inspections for this house

The Laurels - Congleton 18/02/09

The Laurels - Congleton 19/01/06

The Laurels - Congleton 04/08/05

The Laurels - Congleton 07/02/05

The Laurels - Congleton 13/07/04

Similar services:

Chirnside House

Keer Sands Residential Home

Ruskin Lodge

Bushell House

Clover House

Langrigg House

Parkside

Dystlegh Grange

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Laurels - Congleton Canal Road Congleton Cheshire CW12 3AP Lead Inspector Joan Adam Unannounced Inspection 09:30 20 February 2007 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 Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.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 Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Laurels - Congleton Address Canal Road Congleton Cheshire CW12 3AP 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) 01260 278710 01260 299383 Aegis Residential Care Homes Limited Mrs Heather Eunice Hillier Care Home 36 Category(ies) of Learning disability (1), Old age, not falling registration, with number within any other category (36) of places The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. This home is registered for a maximum of 35 service users in the category of OP (Old age not falling within any other category) for personal care only 19th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Laurels is a care home providing personal care. It is close to the town centre of Congleton, which has a wide range of shops, churches and other facilities. The Laurels was formerly a private dwelling and has been extensively renovated and extended to provide care to older service users. It is a twostorey building and service users are accommodated on both floors. Access between floors is via two passenger lifts or the stairs. The current fees for the home are £343 to £554. This information was provided by the home manager. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This visit took place on 20th February 2007 and took six hours. It was carried out by an inspector of the Commission. The visit was just one part of the inspection. The home was not informed of the date the visit was to take place, but a few weeks prior to the visit the manager was asked to complete a questionnaire to provide the inspector with some information about the service. The manager was also asked to distribute questionnaires to residents, relatives and health and social care professionals to help the inspector find out what they think of the home. Eight responses were received from residents and nine were received from relatives. One was received from a G P who visits the home. All were positive about the standard of care in the home. A nurse assessor was at the home on the day of the visit and she said “ the staff are always helpful and always have the required information ready for me.” Comments from residents such as “very happy with no concerns.” “Staff very helpful and good to get on with.” One relative commented, “ I am very pleased with the home and the care afforded to my relative. Staff are caring, friendly and helpful and I know my relative is safe and happy.” Another said “ I visit the home on a daily basis. There is always a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from all the staff.” During the visit the inspector spoke with the acting manager, deputy manager staff residents and visitors. The premises and various records held by the home were looked at. Feedback was given to the manager at the end of the inspection. What the service does well: The home had an established management and staff team who have undertaken training to enable them to meet the resident’s needs. Residents’ plans of care were well documented and reflected each resident’s needs. Supervision of staff was recorded and completed on a regular basis. Meals were varied and reflected each person’s preference. They offered choice and variety. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home is well maintained, clean and fresh so that residents live in warm, comfortable and homely environment that suits their needs. The staff were seen to be respectful, polite and patient with the residents. Activities are provided to keep residents occupied and mentally and physically stimulated. Residents commented “it’s a very nice place” and “the meals are good here”. Relatives commented “I am satisfied with the overall care provided”, and “the home has a very friendly and warm feel”. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2,3,6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Assessments of people’s care needs are carried out before they move into the home so that residents know their needs can be met. EVIDENCE: The files of two newly admitted residents who had moved into the home in recent months were looked at. A copy of a contract was present in the residents file and this had been signed by the resident. A pre-admission assessment had been completed by the manager prior to them moving in to the home. It contained assessments of dependency levels and likes and dislikes. When a resident moves into the home, this assessment information is used to develop a plan of care. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The manager and residents spoken with confirmed that each resident is visited before a decision is made for them to move into the home. The home has a welcoming “tea party” for new residents after they have been in the home for a few weeks. The home is not registered to take residents with intermediate care needs. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health, personal and social care needs are met by staff who enable them to maintain their privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: The care plans of four residents were looked at. Care plans identified areas of need such as pressure area care, mobility, continence, and nutrition and general dependency. The care plans contained sufficient information to provide care staff with the necessary information for them to look after a person’s needs. There was written evidence to confirm that care plans were being reviewed and evaluated regularly. Care plans show that health professionals visit The Laurels on request and that referrals to health professionals are made when necessary and a separate section of each resident’s care plan is used for recording these visits. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Induction training for new members of staff includes privacy and dignity. Staff were observed to interact well with the residents in a sensitive, kind and appropriate way. Residents spoken with said that the staff maintained their dignity and treated them with respect. The home has a robust medication policy. The administration of medicines to residents was observed and seen to be good. The storage, returns and recording of medication was all in good order. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,14,15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The routines of daily living and activities available are flexible and varied to suit residents’ expectations, preferences and capacities. EVIDENCE: Residents could make choices of where they wanted to spend their day. Some were sitting in one of the lounges and some were in their bedrooms. Other residents were seen to go out in to Congleton on the bus to enable them to live an independent life. Visitors were made welcome at any time. The home employs an activities co-ordinator. Activities on offer are cards, bingo, art groups, games by music and craft sessions. A coffee morning is attended by some residents in a local church every Wednesday. Outings to the local garden centre are also popular. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The pet dog “ Sherry” has been poorly recently and residents were pleased that she was now on her way to recovery. Menus in place at the home are varied and residents said that the food was good and wholesome. Comments made by residents are “good food” “no problems at all with the food.” “If you don’t want what is on offer they can always find you something else”. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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. There is a complaints procedure in place and the residents are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is available in the service user’s guide and a copy is displayed in the entrance hall. Information regarding how to contact the CSCI is also displayed. The staff spoken with displayed a good understanding of adult protection procedures. Staff have completed a training course on adult abuse and these training sessions will continue for new staff. CSCI has not received any complaints about the home since the last inspection. One POVA issue has been recorded and the manager dealt with this appropriately. None of the residents spoken with has made any complaints, but all said they were comfortable in talking with the manager if they had any concerns. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19,26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Laurels provides a comfortable environment for those living there and visiting. EVIDENCE: A partial tour of the home was undertaken. All the shared areas and a selection of bedrooms were seen. A good standard of décor was evident and the home was furnished to a good standard. Bedrooms were well personalised with residents’ own furniture, picture and ornaments. Since the last inspection some bedrooms have been redecorated, new carpets have been laid and bedroom furniture has been replaced. One bathroom has been completely refurbished and retiled with an up to date bath to enable staff to bath more disabled residents more easily. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 One of the main lounges has also undergone a complete refurb with new carpets, curtains and furniture. The main corridor on the first floor is due to be redecorated and re-carpeted in the next few weeks. The home was cleaned to a high standard and residents spoken with said that the home was “always clean and fresh.” The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29,30. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing levels and skill mix are sufficient to meet the needs of the residents, Residents are protected by the home’s recruitment practices and staff training EVIDENCE: There are sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents. The permanent staff in the home tend to cover for each other for holidays or sickness, and this provides better continuity of care for the residents. Residents spoken said, “The staff are lovely” “they are all very nice” can’t do enough for you” “they The staff at The Laurels has been continuing with their NVQ training, and now seventy per cent of the staff group hold NVQ level 2. Three of the senior carers hold NVQ level 3 and three more are at present registered to undertake the course. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 In-house training for staff continues on a regular basis and courses such as first aid, basic food hygiene, fire safety, infection control, health and safety, moving and handling, protection of vulnerable adults, medication management and promotion of continence training. Good policies and procedures are in place for the recruitment of staff. Two staff files were seen and each contained evidence of an interview, two references and the necessary Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks having been obtained before the staff member commenced duties. Staff files also contained evidence that new staff members undertake an induction course. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35,38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The health, safety and welfare of the service users are protected. The views of service users are obtained to influence the running of the home. Staff are fully supervised EVIDENCE: The manager has been at the home for some time and is experienced and registered with CSCI. She has completed the registered managers award. The deputy manager is at present undertaking the NVQ level four in management. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Residents and staff spoken with said that the home was well managed by all senior staff. Staff at the home are supervised on a daily basis and formal supervision was given on a regular basis. Records of these supervised sessions were seen by the inspector. Residents’ finances are recorded appropriately and receipts of any purchases are kept. A quality monitoring system is in place and questionnaires are given to residents and relatives to gain their views on the home. Comments are collated in to a report and action taken to address any adverse comments. Residents meetings take place regularly and these are minuted. The pre inspection questionnaire provided information to confirm that equipment and installations at the home are serviced on a regular basis. The home employs a handyman who attends to maintenance issues such as checking fire equipment, water temperatures and other health and safety matters, providing a safe environment for staff and residents. The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 X 3 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 4 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northwich Local Office Unit D Off Rudheath Way Gadbrook Park Northwich CW9 7LT National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Laurels - Congleton DS0000006686.V326117.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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!