Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 23/04/07 for The Old Rectory, Dymchurch

Also see our care home review for The Old Rectory, Dymchurch for more information

This inspection was carried out on 23rd April 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

What has improved since the last inspection?

The Manager and staff team continue to examine the care and support that is provided, looking to innovate and further develop the service. Comments from family members indicated that the lifestyle and quality of experience for individuals in the home is subject to ongoing improvement Mrs Blundred reports improvement in communication systems for staff, on going garden development and the employment of a maintenance man.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Old Rectory, Dymchurch The Old Rectory New Hall Close Dymchurch Kent TN29 0LE Lead Inspector Geoff Senior Key Unannounced Inspection 23rd April 2007 10:00a 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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Old Rectory, Dymchurch Address The Old Rectory New Hall Close Dymchurch Kent TN29 0LE 01303 874470 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) Mr Trevor Charles Blundred Mrs Janet Blundred Mrs Janet Blundred Care Home 26 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (26) of places The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service Users under the age of 65 are restricted to one (1) . Date of last inspection 28th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The Old Rectory is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 26 older people. Mr. And Mrs. Blundred are the registered providers and Mrs Blundred is the registered manager in day-to-day control of the home. Many of the twenty strong staff team have worked at The Old Rectory for a number of years. According to its aims and objectives the Home provides an environment in which dignity is maintained, independence encouraged and privacy respected. The Old Rectory is a detached three storey Victorian house situated in a residential area in the village of Dymchurch. There is bedroom accommodation on three floors. There is a passenger shaft lift and stair lift for those who cannot manage the stairs. The Home is located in a village but with easy access to public transport. The nearest amenities (church, shops, post office and public house) are within walking distance for ambulant residents. The Home has facilities for car parking to the side of the property. The enclosed garden is well maintained and accessible for residents. Reported fees are £303 -£440 per week. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection of The Old Rectory included an unannounced visit to the home that was undertaken on 23/04/07. Time was spent talking with the Manager and with staff on duty. The opportunity was also taken to discuss with the service users, their experiences and opinions of the home. Comments and observations indicated that they were settled in the home, were comfortable in the company of staff and had plenty to do. Throughout the visit, the staff’s attention to the service users’ needs, their patient, friendly and respectful manner and their treatment of each service user as an individual were observed and noted. The premises were viewed and a range of records was inspected. The comments of family members and the local Community Nursing Team were sought in phone conversations subsequent to the site visit and were generally supportive of the service offered. The comments include: “Staff do a magnificent job throughout, bless them”. “ I don’t know any where the staff could be bettered.” “ The cook is very good about seeing you get what you like for meals or offering alternatives.” “ We have an excellent rapport with the staff who will always phone for advice and respond well.” “ Mum has settled well and has been stimulated into doing things again” “ More like a homely hotel, even accommodated mum’s budgie from home” Not all NMS were inspected at this visit. Those examined are identified in the text. What the service does well: The management aim to make sure that placements are mutually beneficial and suitable by conducting thorough pre placement assessments and visits. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home has good standards of décor and furnishings and maintenance. Mr and Mrs Blundred and staff have worked hard to provide a friendly welcoming atmosphere in a stimulating and well managed home. Service users are encouraged to maintain their independence and express their preference in all matters of daily life and routine. 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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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): 3,4 &5. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Service users may move into the home in the knowledge that their physical, health and social care needs will be adequately supported. Prospective residents may visit and stay at the home before deciding to move in. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The management endeavours to ensure that service users moving into the Old Rectory will be supported appropriately and have their personal, health and social needs met. The Proprietor and the Head of Care undertake preThe Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 admission assessments. The information gathered, along with input from other agencies, families and the service users themselves is then used to inform the care planning process. Prospective service users may visit the Home prior to admission to meet and spend time with the existing residents and staff. They may also view the accommodation and find out about the routine and lifestyle they may expect to experience at the Old Rectory. If it is found, by either party, that the placement is not mutually beneficial then the service user is helped to move to a more appropriate setting. One service user said that she had been invited to spend whole days at the home and could come in at any time while she was waiting for a vacancy. Another is so pleased that she recommends the home to her friends. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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. The Service user care plans provide information and guidance for staff to better understand and effectively support the needs of service users. The management and administration of medication appears to be appropriate to the service users needs. Service users are addressed by their preferred names and staff respect their right to privacy and dignity. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The content and detail provided within the service user files informs and enables new and existing staff to better understand and effectively support the needs of service users. Care plans indicate that the home has a good working relationship with community health professionals and any concern is immediately referred. Communication and a positive rapport has been developed with the community nursing team who report that the home responds positively to advice and guidance. The team also provides training to the house staff in matters relating the health care issues. Staff confirmed that they have received appropriate training in the administering or medication and the records were clear and current. The storage of medication is secure and appropriate. Staff interviewed referred to the importance of offering personal support in such a way as to preserve residents’ rights and maintain their dignity. All service users spoken to during the visit stated how well the staff respect their privacy and do all they can to maintain their dignity. It was confirmed that staff shut the bedroom door when helping with washing and dressing and always knock before entering. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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): 12-15 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Maintenance of individual choice and independence is a key feature of the home. Service users are helped to keep in contact with family and receive visitors. Service users are offered a varied and balanced diet. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users are encouraged to retain as much independence in their daily lives as they can. Several comments were made about how the staff assisted them and were always ready to help but don’t interfere. Similarly with activities. One service users said’ There is always something to do and activities are offered but I like to do my own, such as reading; walking and chatting’. Clients are free to pursue their own religious beliefs. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Family members and service users confirmed that the door is always open to visitors There are very few restrictions and they may be received in the communal rooms or in private. The Service User group is generally well established and the staff are aware of food likes, dislikes and preferences. Meals are provided mainly based on these wishes, but also taking into account the need for a reasonably balanced diet. Records are kept of meals provided. The home employs dedicated catering staff. The cook has undertaken courses on nutrition and diabetes awareness. She consults the residents daily to determine preferred option The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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. Staff, service users, visitors and families are encouraged to express any concerns through the appropriate channel and forum. Systems are in place to protect the vulnerable. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There is a written complaints procedure available to service users and families contained within both the Statement of Purpose and the policies and procedures file. It explains how concerns may be raised re the standard of services and facilities provided and the homes response to any concern raised. Staff have an awareness of issues of abuse of vulnerable adults obtained on NVQ training and have been given the opportunity to undertake specific Adult Protection training. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 excellent. The home provides a comfortable and varied environment in which to work and live This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home appears to be generally well maintained and in good decorative order. The communal areas contain a range of varied and comfortable furnishings arranged in a non-institutional manner The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The accommodation is on three floors with stair lift in the main house and shaft-lift access in the extension. Private areas are decorated and furnished according to service user choice and preference. Privacy locks and secure storage facilities are provided in bedrooms, as is screening in ‘double rooms’ if they are used as shared accommodation. Service users may call for attention/assistance from staff via the electronic call bell system. The home is subject to regular and frequent maintenance and safety checks. Any faults or repairs are addressed with minimum delay. Service user comments about the house were generally very positive. They commended the cleanliness and comfort of their surroundings. Some of the newer bedrooms were felt to be a little dark and need the light on to read and the main lounge, when fully occupied, can become rather warm. Neither were voiced as major issues and service users and visitors were complimentary about the homeliness of their surroundings. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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): 27-30 Quality in this outcome area is good. The home provides sufficient numbers of trained staff to meet the physical and social needs of the service users. Recruitment procedures provide protection for the service users. Staff are supported to access training courses to enable them to work more effectively with the service users. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The staff team is generally well established and 11 are trained to NVQ level 2. There is a general rota pattern that provides for 3 Care Staff plus Head of Care and the proprietor on shift during the day, 3 on afternoon /evening. Wake night staff are on duty at night. A member of the management team is always ‘on call. Care Staff members do not generally have to undertake catering, laundry or domestic duties as well as their care support duties. Service users stated that there are always plenty of staff on duty to attend to their needs. “ The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 They respond to the call bells and I never have to wait long “. Another said that staff always find time, especially in the afternoons, to sit and have a chat. The management have a good awareness of the need to ensure adequate checks are made on all potential staff to determine suitability and protect the Service Users. Recruitment, induction and probation procedures are in place. Staff files contain appropriate reference checks and all staff have current CRB checks. A new induction programme has been introduced to the home for the staff on a pathway to NVQs. Mandatory training is provided and staff receive updates, refresher and service specific courses as required. An in-depth medication training course has been booked for the near future and is to be followed by dementure awareness training. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 ,38. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. There are robust health and safety and quality assurance processes, ensuring that the home is run according to the best interests of the service users. The health, safety and welfare of all is promoted and protected. The home benefits from a well-trained and experienced management team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Mrs Blundred expressed a clear vision for the direction of the home, which had been effectively communicated to staff. She is well supported by senior staff in providing clear leadership. Staff demonstrated an awareness of the expectations, duties and responsibilities of their role. Mrs Blundred has completed NVQ Level 4 and the Registered Managers Award,. The staff and service users benefit from an open and inclusive management approach and have opportunity to express opinions at regular meetings. The Inspector was informed that residents are encouraged where possible to retain control of their own financial affairs. Alternatively the task lies with service users’ family or representative as the Management do not act as appointees. There are systems in place for regular health and safety checks and staff are offered relevant training. A range of policies and guidelines promote safe and appropriate working practices. There are formal and informal systems in place for quality assurance. The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 x 4 4 4 x HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 4 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 4 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 4 17 x 18 3 4 x x x x x x 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 x 4 x x x x 4 The Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Old Rectory, Dymchurch DS0000023609.V327282.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!