CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Thistlegate House Axminster Road Charmouth Dorset DT6 6BY Lead Inspector
Marion Hurley Key Unannounced Inspection 10:00 13th February 2007 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 Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.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. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Thistlegate House Address Axminster Road Charmouth Dorset DT6 6BY 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) 01297 560569 F/P01297 560569 Mr John A Corney Mrs June P Webb Care Home 18 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (18) of places Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. 2. One of the following rooms may be used as a double at any one time: 4, 15, 17, 27, 28, or 31 One named person (as known to CSCI) in the category DE(E) may be accommodated to receive care. 1st June 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Mr J Corney and Mrs J Webb have owned and managed Thistlegate House since 1994. Thistlegate House is an elegant Grade 11 listed property standing within four acres of grounds. The landscaped gardens comprise many fine trees, lawns, terraces and walkways and there are commanding views across Lyme Bay. Attractive garden furniture and potted plants compliment the paved patio area directly outside the lounge, which provides a relaxing place for residents and visitors to enjoy. Thistlegate House is situated near to the seaside village of Charmouth and is approximately two miles from the coastal resort of Lyme Regis. The accommodation comprises a total of 17 bedrooms, mainly singles, spread over the ground and first floor. There is a large lounge and a dining room and five bathrooms plus additional WCs; one single and one double-sized bedroom have an en-suite WC facility. There is no passenger lift in the home. For service users with limited mobility access to first and lower floor bedrooms is achieved by the use of a stairmatic chair with staff assistance. The home is registered to provide personal care only, for older persons with a variety of care needs. Access to health services is via GP’s and Community Nurses. Dental and optical and chiropody services can be arranged as required. Fees range from £475.00 per week. Current Inspection reports are available and the home has an attractive colour brochure providing information on the services and facilities available. Thistlegate House advertisers in local publications and hopes to develop a web site in the future. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This second key inspection took place on February 13th, 2007 and commenced at 10:00 and took over 6 hours. The visit included discussions with the Registered providers, Mrs Webb and Mr Corney, staff and residents. Some discussions were conducted privately and others were in communal areas and formed part of a group discussion and these provided an opportunity to talk to residents about the quality of care provided in the home. A tour of the premises was undertaken and a number of documents were looked at including care plans, daily records, staff training and health and safety records. Staff were seen to be busy throughout the day yet conveyed an impression of calm and were smiling and chatting with the residents as they went about their duties. Please note even though Thistlegate House is registered to accommodate up to 18 residents at any one time not all 17 rooms are available for occupation as the Registered providers are currently residing in rooms available for residents. At the time of this inspection 13 residents were living at Thistlegate House. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection?
The previous inspection identified areas for improvement: reviews of care plans, and specific staff training. The former has been addressed however staff training remains an issue and the Registered Providers must ensure all mandatory staff training is up to date. The providers are aware of this and intend to address this matter without delay. The decoration of all the communal areas has been completed, a handcrafted new back door, metre cupboard and new chandelier in the downstairs hallway have all installed. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.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 Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home
The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home gathers information about prospective service users before offering them a place at the home. This means that there is information for the home to make a decision about whether it can meet the care needs of service users before offering them a place. EVIDENCE: The file of the most recently admitted resident was examined. This contained a pre admission assessment and some information from others previously involved with the person’s care. However, there was no evidence of any discussions between them and the home to make sure all the person’s needs were recognised and included in the care plan. From discussions it was apparent that Mrs Webb had gathered a considerable amount of information concerning the prospective service user however this should be formally recorded.
Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The home does not provide intermediate care. (NMS6) Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care
The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, & 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of care planning ensure staff have the basic information to meet the care needs of the residents. Residents health care needs are met through the provision of community based services. Residents are treated with respect and rights to privacy upheld by the staff who are committed and competent in the support they provide. EVIDENCE: Five care plans were selected and looked at and these contained sufficient information about the residents’ individual needs and abilities with regard to dressing /undressing, personal hygiene, mobility. The information in the care plans provide staff with a basic framework to work consistently with the residents. Greater detail in the plans would provide staff with an explanation
Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 about why certain help was needed and specifically when it was needed. Information about oral care should be included and for any residents with complex needs staff need specific guidance and precise instructions and guidance about how to manage the issues arising from an individual’s dementia illness. From discussions with Mrs Webb much of this information was known and had been verbally passed to staff. However, this valuable information should be recorded in the care plans to provide greater depth and details. The wishes and views of the residents should be included with their care plans and if residents do not wish to be involved in their care planning then a record of this should be noted. Since the last inspection care plans are now being reviewed and updated where necessary. Risk assessments are included in the plans and remain generic unless specifically required, for example one resident had a specific planning concerning locking her bedroom door at night. The plan should include clear guidelines for staff about what action to take in an emergency situation Daily and night records are kept and it is recommended night staff include the time they check on individual residents. The home is well supported by local community health care professionals, which support and meet the health care needs of the residents when required. Contact with health professionals is highlighted in the daily notes and this is good practice. The administration of medicines in the home is satisfactorily managed. When asked a number of residents said that they felt their privacy was respected, the staff always knock on bedroom doors and wait to be invited. The inspector observed this during the course of the visit. All conversations between staff and residents, observed during the inspection were courteous and respectful. Several residents have chosen to have private telephone lines installed in their bedrooms. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities
The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, & 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are able to maintain contact with their family/friends. The dietary needs of the residents are met with a balanced and varied menu. EVIDENCE: The home does not manage or control any resident’s financial affairs this being undertaken either by the individual or their representative. The home does keep a small amount of money on behalf of some residents and this is kept individually and securely in the office safe. Residents are supported to maintain links with their family and friends and there are no restrictions on visiting. However, apart from official visitors, family and friends, the Registered providers do not accept any “cold callers” and any callers are requested to make an appointment. Communion is arranged in the home every three weeks for those residents wishing to participate. Two musicians visit the home one every three months
Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 and another on a six weekly basis. Members of staff when other duties permit will involve a small group of residents in a social afternoon watching and chatting about a video and a few residents join in an exercise group. Residents’ views regarding activities varied between those who enjoyed socialising and others who were not so interested with several stating they preferred their own company and chose to spend the mornings in their own rooms reading. Most residents chose to go to the dining room for their meals and enjoy this social occasion. Details of residents previous interests should be included in the care plans and whilst it appears the current group of residents seem quite happy in their own company the Registered Providers should ensure records clearly indicate that the resident has been asked if they have any special interests which could be pursued in the home or locally. In talking to residents about the meals and food provided in the home there were positive comments “meals are good,” “a choice is offered”. The chef has recently been recruited so residents are still “trying out his cooking” but “the early signs are good”. Despite there not being a menu on display all those residents asked knew what the meal was and were able to confirm they had made their own choice for the main course. Residents are free to take their meals in their private rooms. A record of all meals eaten by the individual residents was seen and was clearly up to date. The routine checks on appliances. temperatures, cleaning schedule were also up to date. Since the last chef left and until the recent appointment of the current chef Mrs Webb has had to prepare and cook some of the meals and this has obviously detracted from some of her other responsibilities and increased her work load. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection
The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16 & 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Recruitment procedures are followed, and the required checks and references completed thereby minimising potential risks to residents’ safety and well being. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure of which residents when asked were aware of and said they would and do make their views or any dissatisfaction known, “I would always speak to staff and they would do something” when asked if they could air opinions to the Registered Providers a typical comment was “yes if I was unhappy about something”. The home has policies in place relating to the protection of vulnerable adults and adult abuse. A recent turnover of staff means that only a proportion of the staff have received training on the protection of vulnerable adults and the correct procedure to follow if abuse or neglect was suspected. When asked residents said they felt safe in the home because the staff always treated them appropriately. One complaint has been received directly to the CSCI since the last inspection and this primarily involved staffing and managerial issues. Aspects of this complaint, which refers to employment law, are being dealt with by other
Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 agencies. Areas specific to the management of the home and care of residents continue to be reviewed and have been specifically looked at within the relevant National Minimum Standard. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment
The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home provides a pleasant environment that is accessible. On the day of this visit the home was clean and hygienic and free from any odours. EVIDENCE: The home employs a person who has responsibility for ensuring general maintenance of the home and the gardens. The gardens are well maintained and provide a safe and private space for residents’ enjoyment. Considerable work to the décor of the home has been completed since the last inspection and the new carpet has been extended to all communal areas.
Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 There is a high standard of decoration in these areas. New light fittings chandeliers have been installed at the end of the ground floor corridor and at the top of the stairs. The communal dining room and lounge are comfortably furnished. Of the private rooms inspected each appeared to be satisfactorily decorated and furnished. New, slim line panel heaters are gradually replacing the older style storage heaters, which have been in use in some the bedrooms. The hot water system is controlled by a central valve system. However; it is recommended that the temperatures in the hand basins be routinely tested. All baths are run by staff for the residents and tested before the resident gets into the bath. The overall standard of cleanliness and hygiene in the communal areas and residents’ private rooms appeared to be satisfactory. Currently the home does not employ a cleaner or laundry person; these tasks are carried out by staff as part of the care duties. The registered providers said these arrangements were under review and they are currently trying recruit staff for these tasks. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staffing
The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28, 29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Whilst residents were complimentary about staff often referred to as “the girls”, there are times when the number of staff is not sufficient to meet the care needs of the residents. The arrangements for the training and deployment of staff does not ensure that there is always sufficient staff on duty to meet the resident needs and despite the staff working extremely hard to compensate this potentially places residents at risk. The Registered Providers stated they are in are in the process of recruiting more staff and were able to evidence this by producing the completed recruitment file of a new member of staff due to shortly commence work at the home. Staff are committed to their work for and on behalf of the residents and it was evident that staff have a very positive relationship with the residents and really care about them. Staff training is not up to date regarding some mandatory training. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 EVIDENCE: There is a staff rota but by choice staff have elected to work a two-week rolling rota, which ensures they always work the same shifts. This is by mutual agreement. On the day of the inspection there were sufficient staff on duty. However, there have been shifts recently when the lack of staff has not been acceptable. The registered providers are aware of this and this situation resulted from staff leaving at the end of December. However, if new staff are not recruited then accessing agency staff must be considered. Discussions with residents indicated they had been aware that staff had left. However, when asked about the effects on the current staff and specifically on their own care three residents independently stated “somehow they always have time for me even when they are very busy”, another said “they are always patient and they answer my bell” and the third described staff “as lovely girls, very thoughtful, I don’t know how they do it all”. Several staff were spoken with and indicated they enjoyed the work with the residents immensely but it had been tough recently due to staff shortages but they hoped the situation would improve again. It is hoped if the Registered Providers are successful in recruiting domestic staff that this will relieve some of the pressure from the care staff who at the present time are also responsible for the laundry and all cleaning duties through out the home and are clearly working under pressure to complete all the tasks required of them. Mandatory training records showed that not all staff were up to date in fire training, moving and handling, basic food hygiene and first aid. Staff files were examined. The information in these showed that the recruitment and selection process had been sufficiently completed. Terms and conditions/ contracts were signed and available on file. Staff files indicated a level of induction training. However, this needs to be expanded and to be in line with the standards set down by Skills for Care the leading body for training in social care. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Management and Administration
The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35, 36 & 38 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The staff make every effort to make sure the home is run in the best interests of the residents. The Registered Providers despite owning and managing Thistlegate House for many years must complete the final part of the NVQ in management to ensure they receive the award. No structured staff supervision has been established. Healthy and safety training and routine checks were not sufficiently up to date and since the last inspection only limited fire training has been completed and appliances have not been checked. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 EVIDENCE: Whilst residents when asked said they felt confident to express their views and feelings there is currently no formal monitoring of their satisfaction or system for obtaining their views or those of other significant visitors to the home. At previous inspections Mr Corney has stated he had circulated questionnaires. However these need to be collated and available to demonstrate the home is monitoring the standards of care and services to the residents. Health and safety records were checked and showed some routine servicing of appliances were being conducted. However fire safety equipment has not been checked regularly. Accident records were checked and these cross-referenced with daily notes and with Regulation 37 notifications, which have been received by the CSCI. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 2 X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 2 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 2 28 2 29 3 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 2 X 2 X 3 2 X 2 Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 OP31 Regulation 9(2)(a) Requirement The registered providers must have a qualification relevant to the care provided. Effective quality assurance and quality monitoring systems, based on seeking the views of service users, and other stakeholders must be in place to measure success in meeting the aims, objectives and the statement of purpose of the home. The registered providers must ensure that the employment policies and procedures adopted by the home and its induction, training and supervision arrangements are put into practice. Timescale for action 30/06/07 2. OP33 24(1)(a)( b)(2)(3) 30/06/07 3. OP36 18(2) 30/04/07 4. OP38 13(5) The Registered Providers must 31/03/07 ensure all mandatory training is up to date. e.g. Manual handling, infection control, and fire training. Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 5 OP38 13(4) Risk assessments must be completed in respect of all windows above ground floor. Please note the Environmental health office West Dorset District Council is advising on this matter. It is recommended the registered providers seek written confirmation from EHO with regard to this matter. 30/04/07 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. 2. Refer to Standard OP3 OP7 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that a record of all discussions which provide additional information and form part of the pre admission assessment process be recorded It is recommended that greater details and an explanation of the care to be provided is available for staff in the care plans, especially oral health, social interests, relationships and personal safety. It is recommended that the wishes, expectations & preferences of residents are recorded regarding opportunities for social stimulation. Sufficient numbers of staff must be on duty at all times to ensure the needs of residents can be met. Please note the Registered Providers are in the process of recruiting two full time staff. It is recommended that specialist training is available to staff who care for people with specific needs i.e. dementia. It is recommended that the water temperatures in all the wash hand basins be routinely checked even though the water is controlled by a central valve system. 3 4 OP12 OP27 5 6 OP30 OP38 Thistlegate House DS0000026880.V321606.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Poole Office Unit 4 New Fields Business Park Stinsford Road Poole BH17 0NF 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
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