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Inspection on 05/10/05 for The Sycamores

Also see our care home review for The Sycamores for more information

This inspection was carried out on 5th October 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 Sycamores provides a good service for vulnerable residents in a pleasant and secure environment. The residents feel safe and secure. The home cares for the residents` families and encourages them to remain involved in the care. There is a stable workforce that works well as a team and who are respectful towards the residents, their families and also towards each other. The staff have access to training opportunities. The residents have an opportunity to influence their daily routine through regular meetings.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Changes have been carried out to the menus as a result of negotiations with the residents The ratio of carers with a National Vocational Qualification at level 2 was 67%.

What the care home could do better:

Decoration and furnishings are beginning to look shabby and dated. exterior of the building requires attention and maintenance. The

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Sycamores Victoria Street Newton Hyde Tameside SK14 4DH Lead Inspector Janet Ranson Unannounced Inspection 5th October 2005 09:30 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 Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Sycamores Address Victoria Street Newton Hyde Tameside SK14 4DH 0161 368 4297 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) Tameside Care Limited Mrs Helen Audrey Hubbert Care Home 60 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (60), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (60), of places Physical disability over 65 years of age (45) The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service Users to include up to 60 (OP); up to 60 (DE) (E) and up to 45 (PD) (E). 15th March 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Sycamores is a large, two storey, purpose built home registered to provide care for 60 older people, some of whom may have dementia or a physical disability. Accommodation is provided on each of the two floors. Originally commissioned by the local authority, the home is now managed by Tameside Care Limited. There are 58 single rooms, 12 of which have en-suite facilities. The one shared room also has an en-suite facility. The home is divided into self-contained units, each one having its own small kitchen and laundry. There are aids and adaptations to meet the assessed needs of the service users. Paved sitting areas have been created to the front of the home and also to the rear, the latter being secured by fencing. The grounds are fully accessible to the service users, with garden furniture to be used in the better weather. The home is located in a residential area of Newton with associated community resources and transport links to Ashton and Hyde. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection carried out over 8.5 hours. The Sycamores provides personal care for up to 60 people over 65 years of age. It is owned by Tameside Care Limited, a not for profit organisation. The manager was present throughout the inspection. In addition to teams of carers, the organisation also employs domestic, catering, laundry and maintenance personnel. Individual case files and care plans of five residents were examined as part of the inspection process. They concerned people who had lived at the home for a long time, were newly admitted and whose needs were changing. Wherever possible, the residents were invited to talk to the inspector of their experiences and expectations. Two care workers and one senior carer were interviewed. Two residents’ relations and one regular visitor assisted the inspector with their comments. The inspector also spoke with the cook and sat in on a residents’ meeting. Observations of staff practice were also made during the day. What the service does well: The Sycamores provides a good service for vulnerable residents in a pleasant and secure environment. The residents feel safe and secure. The home cares for the residents’ families and encourages them to remain involved in the care. There is a stable workforce that works well as a team and who are respectful towards the residents, their families and also towards each other. The staff have access to training opportunities. The residents have an opportunity to influence their daily routine through regular meetings. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 3 Systems are in place to ensure the residents’ needs can be fully identified and met by the home. EVIDENCE: Care needs assessments were contained within the five care files examined as part of the inspection. The home also has a process of assessing potential residents’ needs carried out by a senior member of staff. By completing such an assessment, the home can ascertain individual needs and ensure they can be met. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8 & 10 The residents’ personal care health and welfare needs are fully documented and reviewed. The residents’ identified health needs are fully met by the various healthcare professionals. The residents are treated with respect and their privacy is maintained at all times. EVIDENCE: Five care plans were examined as part of the inspection process. They clearly set out the residents’ individual care needs. The care plans document the action to be taken by the carers to ensure all aspects of health, personal and social care are met and reviewed. Two relatives who spoke with the inspector were aware of the care planning process. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Where identified the residents’ health is monitored and addressed by the appropriate health care professionals. The district nurses are involved on a regular basis, as are the chiropodist, audiologist and optician. The home also works closely with the mental health team who provide specialist advice, guidance and training for the staff. Specialist equipment to prevent pressure sores was in evidence. An external trainer provides a session of armchair aerobics as part of the activities programme. This is a regular occurrence and serves to maintain or improve the residents’ mobility. The inspector observed the staff respecting the residents’ privacy by knocking and waiting before entering the room. All the bedrooms are lockable with many residents able to use this facility. At interview, the staff clearly demonstrated their understanding of privacy and dignity. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14 & 15 The choices offered to the residents meet with their requirements and needs and enable them to exercise day-to-day control over their lives. The residents can participate in a programme of daily activities. Visitors are made to feel welcome and remain in contact with their relatives’ care. The contents of the menu appeared nutritious and well balanced with a choice provided at each mealtime. EVIDENCE: Based on direct observation, the residents benefit from relaxed informal contact with the staff. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 A residents’ meeting took place during the morning of the inspection. It was well attended and conducted with the support of two carers. Various issues concerning forthcoming activities and trips were discussed. The residents were encouraged to participate and their views sought throughout the meeting. Changes to the menu and the content of the supper had been brought about as a direct result of the residents’ meetings, which are held each month. Activities take place each weekday afternoon and two relatives run a Wednesday Club where cards and dominoes are played. Two members of staff arrange trips to places of interest and the local theatre. A regular visitor to the home said he was always made to feel welcome and was able to have lunch with his friend before leaving. The main meal of the day at The Sycamores is served at midday; breakfast is flexible, as and when the residents choose to get up. All the residents who spoke with the inspector commented favourably on the content and quality of the meals. The weekly menu was available with the options to the main choice documented. Assistance is available to enable the residents to make a choice from the menu at each mealtime. The inspector spoke with the cook during the inspection and was impressed by her enthusiasm and understanding of the role. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18 Staff training and organisational policies provides the residents with protection from abuse. EVIDENCE: The staff have undergone training in the protection of vulnerable adults. This has now been incorporated into the induction training. Systems and policies are also in place concerning this issue. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 24 & 26 The Sycamores provides a warm, clean, and secure environment. Furnishings and fittings are beginning to look shabby and outdated. The residents’ accommodation meets fully with their identified needs and many have been nicely personalised. EVIDENCE: The Sycamores is well maintained internally, however the exterior of the building is beginning to look shabby, as are the furnishings and fittings. It is understood the home is to undergo a total refurbishment in the near future. There are also plans to improve the building in general. No date to commence the work has been arranged. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 The residents and the relatives who spoke with the inspector voiced their satisfaction with their accommodation. Two residents invited the inspector into their rooms where they identified their own bedding, photos and furniture. A team of housekeepers maintain the building in a clean and hygienic state. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28 & 30 The competences and numbers of staff meet with the identified needs of the residents. The staff have access to good training opportunities. EVIDENCE: From observation the staff were attentive and responded to the residents and their visitors in a respectful manner. A carer stated there was a good atmosphere and all the staff work well together. The staffing has stabilised with no agency workers being employed. The organisation continues to be committed to the National Vocational Qualifications and it was reported that 67 of the carers had achieved level 2. Specialist training is also provided in addition to mandatory health and safety requirements. The training is well organised and recorded by the manager. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33 & 36 The Sycamores is managed by a person who has the required skills, experience and knowledge. The staff are well supported and work as a team to provide a good level of care to the residents. The continuous reviewing of care plans enables the residents and their relatives to be involved in the delivery of care. EVIDENCE: The manager has the appropriate experience and qualifications to manage the home. The staff and visitors confirmed that she was approachable and they could trust her with any personal issues. She has adopted a calm and open management style. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 All care plans are reviewed at regular intervals and a resident confirmed their understanding of the reviewing process, signatures were noted on the care plans to show the resident’s involvement. A representative of the organisation also carries out regular spot checks on records and health and safety issues, in addition to seeking the residents’ views of the service wherever possible. The residents’ meetings are carried out at regular intervals. When questioned, two staff informed the inspector that they felt fulfilled, deriving job satisfaction, and support in their work. They were proud to work at The Sycamores stating that they had a good team. The manager confirmed this to be the case. An established system of formal supervision and team meetings is in place. This provides the staff with support and guidance and with the addition of good training opportunities can only serve to benefit the residents. The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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 3 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 X 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 X 17 X 18 3 2 X X X X 3 X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 X 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X X 3 X X The Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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. 1 Standard OP19 Regulation 23 (2)(b)(d) Requirement The registered person must ensure the home is maintained, decorated and furnished to an acceptable standard. Timescale for action 01/11/06 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 Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ashton-under-Lyne Area Office 2nd Floor, Heritage Wharf Portland Place Ashton-u-Lyne Lancs OL7 0QD 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 Sycamores DS0000005584.V255443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 - 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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