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Inspection on 07/07/05 for The Sands Nursing & Retirement Home

Also see our care home review for The Sands Nursing & Retirement Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 7th 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.

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

The staff spoken to said that the residents are well cared for and that they within reason they can do what they want. All the residents the inspector spoke said that they were looked after well. One of them said " I am very happy here and everyone is so kind." The staff were observed to be courteous and sensitive when speaking or providing personal care to the residents. Many of the residents spend most of their time in their rooms. They said that they like the added privacy of their rooms and they can watch television or read in peace. They all said that they can do what they want but go along with the routines of the home such as mealtimes and cleaning etc. They added that they can get and go to bed when they want. The person in charge said that the home provides a range of activities to stimulate the residents. An activity organiser is employed to help the residents do different things everyday. On the first day of the inspection an art class was organised and a bingo session on the second day. The residents said that they do not have to join in activities if they do not want. The activity organiser said that she does a variety of activities which include bingo, art, exercises, shopping, knitting and anything residents want.

What has improved since the last inspection?

A new laundry system has been installed. It comprises of two large washers and two dryers. The washers are the latest in technology and are fully automated. The residents said that their clothes are much cleaner now and that the laundry service has improved. The laundry staff said that the new system has made her work easier and that she can provide a better service to the residents. A new security system has been installed on the top floor following a recent robbery. Thieves broke into the home and stole a large amount of money. This matter is still under investigations by the police.

What the care home could do better:

A break in took place in May 2005 and a large amount of money belonging to some residents was stolen. Since then the owner has tighten security on the 4th floor where the robbery took place. The owner said that a close circuit TV system is being installed to monitor all entrances and exits at the home.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Sands 390 Marine Road East Morecambe Lancashire LA4 5AU Lead Inspector Ajam Auckburally Unannounced 7 & 8 July 2005 10:00am th th 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 Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Sands Nursing & Retirement Home Address 390 Marine Road East, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 5AU 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) 01524 400300 01524 410284 Victoria & Thornton Court Limited Mrs Lisann Christine Smith CRH Care Home 80 Category(ies) of OP Old Age 80 registration, with number of places The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: The home shall at all times employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection Date of last inspection 3rd March 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Sands is a purpose built care home which provides nursing care and is known as a Care Home with Nursing. The home is situated on Marine Road in Morecambe and faces the sea front. The building has five floors and residents are accommodated on the ground, first, second and third floors. A passenger lift is available for access to all the floors. The central kitchen and the administrative section of the home are situated on the fourth floor. A total of 80 residents can be accommodated at any one time. The ground and first floors are for people who do not require nursing care and the second and third floors are for people requiring nursing care. Each floor has its own lounge, dining room and kitchenette. All the bedrooms are single rooms and all except four have an ensuite facility.The home is staffed around the clock to meet the needs of all the residents. Nursing staff are employed to meet the needs of residents who need nursing care. There were 78 residents staying at the home at the time of the inspection. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This statutory inspection was the first of two to be carried out this year. The inspection, which was unannounced, was carried out on 7th and 8th June 2005 and lasted for a total of 8 hours. The inspection was carried out against the National Minimum Standards for Older People. The inspection although unannounced had the full cooperation of the staff and the residents. It was carried out in a very relaxed and friendly manner and everyone participated. There were a total of 78 residents in the home and they all appeared to be well cared for. There was an adequate number of care staff on each floor. A qualified nurse was also on duty on each of the nursing floors. The deputy manager was on duty and assisted in the inspection. All the residents spoken said that they were happy and content living at the home. One resident said “I am very happy here and everyone is so kind.” What the service does well: The staff spoken to said that the residents are well cared for and that they within reason they can do what they want. All the residents the inspector spoke said that they were looked after well. One of them said “ I am very happy here and everyone is so kind.” The staff were observed to be courteous and sensitive when speaking or providing personal care to the residents. Many of the residents spend most of their time in their rooms. They said that they like the added privacy of their rooms and they can watch television or read in peace. They all said that they can do what they want but go along with the routines of the home such as mealtimes and cleaning etc. They added that they can get and go to bed when they want. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 The person in charge said that the home provides a range of activities to stimulate the residents. An activity organiser is employed to help the residents do different things everyday. On the first day of the inspection an art class was organised and a bingo session on the second day. The residents said that they do not have to join in activities if they do not want. The activity organiser said that she does a variety of activities which include bingo, art, exercises, shopping, knitting and anything residents want. 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 Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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) 3 The system used by the home to admit new residents to the home is good. Residents coming to live at the home benefit by having a personal care programme. EVIDENCE: The deputy manager said that when an enquiry for an admission is received, some information is taken at this stage. This is followed up by a home visit from a member of the management team where possible. A more detailed assessment is carried out then. A pre admission visit to the home is arranged and the deputy manager said that in most instances, it is the family of the prospective resident who would visit. Written information such as the Service user Guide is provided to all prospective residents. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 The inspector examined some of the assessments made and they clearly showed that such areas as mobility, personal care and dependency were assessed and care plans done to meet them. Admission to the home is initially on a trial basis. This is usually for a period of 4 weeks. After this time a reassessment is done and if everyone is happy then a permanent place is allocated. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 The written assessments and care plans done for the residents are good. Arrangements for meeting all health care needs are good. This means that the residents are cared for according to individual assessment and that they can access all health care facilities. EVIDENCE: All the residents have a personal file containing their assessments and care plans. The case files of several residents were examined and they showed that they have been assessed properly and that care provided is according to assessed needs. The records also show that care provided is recorded and that regular reviews take place. The residents spoken to said that they receive good care and that they want for nothing. They said that the staff are good and care for them with kindness. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 The staff the inspector spoke to were fully conversant with the assessment procedures and said that they were involved in delivering care according to the care plans. Residents are able to have a doctor visit when they need one or if they want they can visit the surgery. Similar arrangements are in place for other health professionals such as dentists, opticians. The district nurse will visit residents on the residential floors when required. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 The policy for encouraging residents to remain independent and have fulfilling and active lives is good. Residents are able to retain their independence and can follow their own interests. EVIDENCE: The inspector was able to witness the freedom with which the residents went about their business. Those who could were seen to move around the home freely and doing what they wanted. The majority of the residents were in their rooms including those on the residential floors. They said that they can do what they want and that the staff will provide assistance it they need it. One resident who has been at the home for many years said “ I am very grateful to the staff. They are so kind and helpful.” She said that she preferred the privacy of her own room. She said that if she needs anything, she only has to press her buzzer. Visiting to the home is open although all visitors are asked to sign an in and out register. This is for security and safety reasons. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 The resident said that they are able to see their visitors in their rooms and they can stay as long as they want. The visitors can use the small kitchen available on each of the floors to make themselves a drink. Two visitors were spoken to and they said that the home is nice and that all the staff are kind. They said that they were very happy with the standards of care their families were receiving. The home provides a wide range of activities for the residents to participate in. They include bingo, art, knitting and other activities. The home employs an activity organiser who encourages residents to join in the classes. She said that she also run a shop which the residents can use to purchase toiletries items. She said that she will take residents out to the shops if they want. The residents who participated in the activities said that they enjoy the class as it gives them something to do. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 The policies and procedures to deal with complaints are good. Residents live in a safe environment and are able to speak their minds without fear of reprisals. EVIDENCE: The home has a detailed complaint procedure which explains what people should do if they have a complaint. It is included in the Service User Guide and states that in the first instance, people should complain to a member of staff unless the complaint is about staff. The next step is to speak to the manager or one of the owners. If this does not resolve the complaint, then the complaint can be passed to the Commission for Social care Inspection (CSCI). All complaints are recorded on an incident form and then logged on the computer. The inspector saw the computer log and it showed that appropriate actions were taken following complaints by the residents. The complaints were of minor issues, but were dealt with to the satisfaction of the people concerned. The residents said that if they have any complaints, they would not hesitate to speak to someone about it. They said all the staff and the managers are very approachable and easy to speak to. Copies of the Service User Guide, which contains the complaint’s procedures, were seen in all the bedrooms visited by the inspector The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 The environment in which the residents live is right for the purpose of a rest home. The residents have a comfortable home which is well maintained. EVIDENCE: The inspector found during the tour of the building that the home is well maintained and that there were no hazards which could make it unsafe for the residents. The residents who were in their rooms during the visit said that they like their rooms and spend a lot of time in them. They said that the staff respect their decisions to spend as much time as they want in their rooms. All the bedrooms were found to be clean and adequately furnished. Some of the residents have personalised their rooms with their own furniture and other items. The deputy manager said that there is a rolling a programme of maintenance and carpets are changed when necessary. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 Ramps to access the garden area and other parts of the home have been built. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 & 30 The training of staff plays an important part in the home’s policy. Residents are cared for by a team of well trained staff. EVIDENCE: The person in charge said that all new staff are given an induction training programme when they start work at the home. The induction training include basic practices such as Moving and Handling, Food Hygiene and First Aid. A dedicated room is available at the home for training purposes. The staff the inspector spoke to said that they have attended many training courses and found them beneficial. The person in charge said that it is a contractual requirement for new staff to attend training courses. They staff said that they have attended the following courses: Abuse Awareness Health and Safety Medications First Aid NVQ The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has recommended that 50 of care staff achieved the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 this year. The staff at the Sands have achieved 58 . The residents said that the staff are very good and caring and they seem to know what they are doing. They said that all of them are kind and helpful and treat them with respect and dignity. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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) 33 & 35 The procedure to protect the finances of the residents is not adequate. The residents’ finances are not adequately safeguarded. The home is run to serve the best interests of the residents. EVIDENCE: In May this year, thieves broke into the home and stole a large amount of money belonging to some of the residents. The money was not kept securely and large amount of money have accumulated for 3 residents who have no bank accounts or families to deal with their finances. The owner said that this was due to the difficulties he has experienced in opening bank accounts for residents who had no mean of identifications. The theft is still under investigations by the police and home’s insurance company. Actions to remedy the situation are already in place. Two safes have The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 been installed and the opening individual bank accounts for the residents are being negotiated with a local bank. The security of the home has been tightened and staff have been trained to ensure the safety and well being of all the residents. The deputy manager said that residents and their families are encouraged to deal with their own finances if possible. Fees due to the home are mostly paid by direct debit arrangements. Those residents who are able to deal with their finances said that they are free to use their money as they like and if they need help, the staff will provide assistance. The staff said that the residents have complete freedom in their daily activities. They said that residents can do what they want and that they are available to speak or advice them when they want. The residents said that they are happy living at the home and that everyone has their best interest at heart. The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 x x 3 4 x N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 x 10 x 11 x DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 x 13 3 14 x 15 x COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION 3 x x x x x x x STAFFING Standard No Score 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score Standard No 16 17 18 Score 3 x x x x 3 x 2 x x x The Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 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 35 Regulation 20 Requirement The providers must safeguard money belonging to residents. Timescale for action 31.7.05 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 Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection 2nd Floor, Unit 1 Tustin Court Port Way Preston. PR2 2YQ 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 Sands F57 F09 S6159 The Sands Nursing Retirement Home V227137 070705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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!