Inspection on 11/07/05 for The Links

This inspection was carried out on 11th July 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 Links 03/11/06

The Links 16/11/05

The Links 01/09/04

The Links 10/05/04

Similar services:

Fairfields Country Rest Home

Poldhu

Queensmount

Trevaylor Manor

Didsbury Court Rest Home

Belma

Hunters Care Centre

Manor Lodge

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

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Links 7 Uphill Road North Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 4NE Lead Inspector Margaret Dean |Unannounced 11 JULY 2005 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 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 Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Links Address 7 Uphill Road North Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 4NE 01934 625869 01934 419244 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) WSM Free Church Housing Association Mrs Mair Wynne James Care Home - Personal Care Only 13 Category(ies) of Old Age - (13) registration, with number of places The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 1 September 2004 Brief Description of the Service: The Links is owned by Abbeycare, the Weston-super-Mare Free Church Housing Association and is situated on the seafront road. The home is in a converted older property and offers accommodation on two floors. A chair lift and staircase provides access to the upper floor. The large lounge overlooks the well maintained gardens and the dining room has a view of the local golf course. A well-stocked library is available in the reception area. Daily prayers and a church service every two weeks are held in the lounge. Although optional, the majority of residents choose to attend these services. The town centre with shops and recreational activites is close by and transport would be required to access this. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection undertaken as part of the statutory regulatory programme and took place over five and a half hours. A tour of the premises was undertaken and a selection of records were reviewed. The views of six of the current residents were sort and they were all very complimentary of the care they received. Two staff and two visitors, representing Abbeycare, were also consulted in addition to the manager and general manager. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Action needs to be taken to ensure that there is always a minimum of two and competent staff on duty to care for the residents. Procedures for dealing with residents medicines must be reviewed to ensure the safety of residents is protected at all times. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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 Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 1, 2, 3 4 and 5 Residents have access to information about services provided in the home before and at any time following admission. They are assessed before admission, whether at home or in hospital, to ensure that their specific needs can be met. Staff are also trained to ensure that they have the skills to provide the appropriate care for each resident. EVIDENCE: Each resident had a copy of the Service User’s guide available to them in their rooms so were easily accessible if they required any information about services provided in the home. The manager and a house visitor arrange to see each prospective service user, whether they are at home or in hospital, to establish their particular needs and see if they can be met in the home. One resident had recently entered the home and was appreciating an initial trail period before making a decision about permanent occupancy. Each resident was then provided with the terms and conditions of occupancy, which included details of fees charged and the room to be occupied. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 7, 8, 9 and 10 Each resident’s specific care needs had been identified and staff had clear directions as to how these were to be met. The home’s procedures for dealing with medicines must ensure the safety of the resident is protected at all times. EVIDENCE: Care records confirmed that each resident had been assessed before they were admitted to the home. They had been involved in planning how their care was to be provided and this was reviewed every month. Staff were given clear directions, in the care plan, to assist them in providing that care. Staff and residents had a developed an easy rapport and they were treated with respect and dignity at all times. Each resident had her own supply of medication and a record was kept of all medicines administered. It was noted that some medications were transferred to an alternative container during the evening for administration by the night staff the following morning. This is unsafe practice and contrary to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidelines and must cease immediately. A range of household medicines was also available if a resident suffered a temporary minor ailment. Some liquid medicines had been retained as a ‘stock’ The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 supply for this purpose, when a resident left the home but should have been returned to the pharmacy. A list of these medicines and directions for their administration must be agreed with the residents’ GPs and dedicated stocks purchased for this purpose. However the staff did keep a record of when these medicines had been administered for each resident. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 12, 13, 14 and 15 Residents were able to participate in a range of social and recreational activities and the outing along the seafront was always very popular. Most residents joined in daily prayers said in the lounge. Meals were always ‘very good’ and catering staff were aware of each individual’s preferences. EVIDENCE: Residents had the opportunity to participate in a range of social and recreational activities and the programme was on display in the reception area. Daily prayers were said in the lounge and a visiting minister held a service every fortnight. Attendance was optional but residents said that they looked forward to these times. Four residents thoroughly enjoyed a rickshaw ride along the seafront that day. They said that the breeze from the sea was particularly welcome as it was such a hot day. This was obviously a highlight of the week and appreciated by all. They were also looking forward to a strawberry tea at another home owned by Abbeycare later in the month. A house visitor and members of the committee also visit residents on a regular basis and this interest was appreciated. Relatives and friends were also welcomed at any time. Residents said that they enjoyed the meals served. The food was home cooked and they were offered a choice every day. A list of each individual’s likes and dislikes was held in the kitchen so that it was readily available to the cook. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 16 and 17 Residents were confident that any concerns they may have would be listened to and acted upon. Staff were trained to ensure that residents were protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: Residents were aware of the home’s complaints policy, as it was available in their rooms and on display in the reception area. However they said that they were able to raise any concerns with the manager or staff if necessary. Staff were able to describe what they would do if residents said that they had been abused or they had reason to suspect this had happened. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 19, 20, 22, 24 and 26 The home is well maintained to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. Each had their own room, which they had personalised for their pleasure and enjoyment. Specialist equipment had been provided to assist them in maintaining their independence. EVIDENCE: The home provides a comfortable and homely environment for the residents. The lounge overlooks a well-maintained garden and the seafront. Meals are taken in a separate dining room overlooking the local golf course. A small patio area is available for residents, who choose to smoke. Risk assessments have been undertaken and hazard strips installed to ensure that residents do not trip on two small steps in the corridors. The kitchen has been completely refurbished since the last inspection and staff felt that it would be easier to manager meals and to clean. The bathroom, toilets and corridors had equipment and aids installed to assist the residents in maintaining their independence. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Each resident had their own room, most of which now have ensuite facilities. They had brought in small items of furniture, pictures and ornaments so that reminders of family and friends surrounded them. There was a good stock of freshly laundered sheets and towels, which is processed on the premises. Personal laundry is also dealt with ‘in-house’ so that it can be quickly returned to residents. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 considers Standards 27, 29, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 27, 28, 29 and 30 The home’s recruitment procedures aimed to protect residents from risk of harm. This was further supported by a comprehensive training programme to ensure staff were competent to do their jobs. However a recent fall in staffing levels compromised the safety of residents. EVIDENCE: Normally there is a minimum of two staff on duty with additional help at busy times. However over the previous weekend staff, who were unable to work because of sickness had not been replaced although attempts had been made to address this situation. This compromised the safety of the residents in the home at that time. The organisation has recently reviewed its recruitment procedures to ensure that new staff are only employed once satisfactory references have been obtained. Action is also taken to ensure that new staff do not have any convictions, which would affect the safety of residents. A comprehensive training programme is also provided. This ensures that staff have the skills and competence to care for residents and they keep themselves up to date with care practices. Discussions with staff confirmed that they were committed to the NVQ programme for providing care and several have achieved level 2 or higher. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32, 37 and 38 The manager has demonstrated her fitness to be in charge of the home and to ensure that it is run in the residents’ best interest. Records were held securely and residents could have access to information relating to them if requested. Regular checks were carried out and practices held to ensure that staff knew what to do in the event of a fire in the home. EVIDENCE: The manager has now completed the Registered Manager’s award. She also has an NVQ in care at level 4. These will assist her in providing a high standard of care and clear sense of direction and leadership for staff. She is well respected by both her colleagues and the residents. Records reviewed in the home were stored securely and were up to date. The Commission had been advised of recent incidents, which affected the wellbeing The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 of the residents. Records demonstrated that robust procedures were in place to ensure that staff knew what to do to protect the residents in the event of a fire occurring in the home. The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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 ENVIRONMENT Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 6 Score Standard No 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Score 3 3 3 3 3 x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 1 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 1 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? 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 9 Regulation 13(2) Requirement All medicines must be administered at the time prescribed by staff trained to do so. All medicines no longer required by a resident must be returned to the pharmacy. A list of household remedies and directions for their administration must be agreed with the GPs. A minimum of 2 competent care staff must be on duty at all times. Timescale for action 11/07/05 2. 3. 9 9 13(2) 13(2) 11/07/05 18/07/05 4. 27 18(1)(a) 11/07/05 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 Good Practice Recommendations The Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Riverside Chambers Castle Street Tangier Taunton TA1 4AL 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 Links D53_D02 S8064 The Links V232767 20.06.05 stage4.doc Version 1.30 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. 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