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Inspection on 06/09/05 for Thornton Lodge

Also see our care home review for Thornton Lodge for more information

This inspection was carried out on 6th September 2005.

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

Thornton Lodge provides a high standard of individualised care for its residents. There is stable a team of care staff who are well trained and able to provide a continuity of care, observations and discussions with residents, visitors and staff confirmed this to be the case. The home places importance in providing training for staff, 60% of staff have received training to NVQ level two standard in care. There are good induction and on going training processes for staff to avail themselves of. Training and staff development records seen during the inspection showed this to be the case. Staff also confirmed that they are able to access training. The owners of the home are qualified and one has the Registered Managers Award in care. The homes manager also has the Registered Managers Award. Residents and visiting relatives spoke highly of the care provided by the home. One relative told the inspector that nothing was too much trouble for staff and management.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Environmental standards have improved with on going refurbishment. Residents are consulted about colour schemes and are able to choose decorations in their own rooms. All residents` rooms were comfortable, well decorated and contained items of furniture, pictures and ornaments they were able to bring when they move into the home. The furniture in the home is comfortable and homely.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Thornton Lodge 43/45 Thornton Road Morecambe Lancashire LA4 5PD Lead Inspector Mr Patrick Rooney Announced Inspection 6th September 2005 10:00 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 Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Thornton Lodge Address 43/45 Thornton Road Morecambe Lancashire LA4 5PD 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) 01524 410430 01524 415438 rod@thorntonlodge.co.uk Mr Rodney Harold Taylor Mrs Karen Mary Taylor Care Home 28 Category(ies) of Mental disorder, excluding learning disability or registration, with number dementia (28), Old age, not falling within any of places other category (10) Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is registered for a maximum of 28 service users to include; up to 10 service users in the category of OP (Old Age not falling within any other category) up to 27 service users in the category of MD (Mental Disorder excluding learning disability or dementia) aged 60 years and above 1 named service user in the category of MD (Mental Disorder excluding learning disability or dementia) under the age of 60 8th March 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Thornton Lodge is registered to accommodate 28 Service users, providing personal care for persons of either sex. The home is located near the sea front in Morecambe, and a short distance from the town centre. There is a patio and garden area with flowerbeds at the rear, with seating and tables accessible for service users. There are four floors, with a passenger lift providing access to all floors, and a chair lift serving part of the first floor. The home has twenty single rooms and four double rooms, which are furnished in a homely style. One of the single rooms is ensuite. There are accessible toilets and bathrooms located on all floors near to bedrooms and living rooms. Service users have access to three lounges, which are situated on the ground floor; one of these is a smoker’s lounge. There is a large dining area on the ground floor. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an announced inspection and took place over a five-hour period from 10 am to 3pm. Information contained in the report was gathered by discussion with the registered person, informal discussion with staff, discussion with residents and two visiting relatives. The owner completed a pre inspection questionnaire, and questionnaires were handed out to relatives and residents during the visit. General practitioners with patients in the home were written to and completed questionnaires received from them. A tour of the premises took place. Care records were examined and the care of five residents was tracked from assessment to the care plans. The homes policies and procedures were also examined. What the service does well: Thornton Lodge provides a high standard of individualised care for its residents. There is stable a team of care staff who are well trained and able to provide a continuity of care, observations and discussions with residents, visitors and staff confirmed this to be the case. The home places importance in providing training for staff, 60 of staff have received training to NVQ level two standard in care. There are good induction and on going training processes for staff to avail themselves of. Training and staff development records seen during the inspection showed this to be the case. Staff also confirmed that they are able to access training. The owners of the home are qualified and one has the Registered Managers Award in care. The homes manager also has the Registered Managers Award. Residents and visiting relatives spoke highly of the care provided by the home. One relative told the inspector that nothing was too much trouble for staff and management. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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 Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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): 1 and 3 The admission and assessment procedure is clear and ensures the care needs of residents are met. Residents are provided with a service users guide and information to enable them to make an informed decision regarding accepting a place in the home. EVIDENCE: The home has excellent admission procedures to ensure resident’s needs are assessed and planned for. There are individual records kept for each resident. The inspector looked at the admission and care records for four residents who had recently been admitted. These records were very comprehensive and detailed accurately the care needs of the resident. The residents care assessment is discussed with them and they sign the record. They or their representatives had been given the opportunity to look around the home and were given a service users guide; they are able to make several visits to the Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 home prior to admission in order to help them make a decision about accepting a place. Each had received a contract and were given a settling in period prior to making a final decision about accepting a permanent place. All had been given a pre admission assessment. This was also confirmed from discussion with two visiting relatives. The inspector interviewed the four residents in question and was able confirm with them that they had received information about the home and been offered a temporary period at the home and visits prior to making a final decision to accept a place. One resident told the inspector she was very happy at the home and that the staff are very caring and helpful. Another said that they were lucky to find a place like this and that everyone was very kind. All residents spoken to say their care needs are met and that they are happy with the care they receive. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 7,8 and 10 Residents have a care plan in which their health and personal needs are closely monitored. Staff provide the right levels of care, which takes into consideration respect, privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: The records seen for four residents clearly describe their health and personal needs. There are risk assessments, which are clearly recorded. The systems in place to review care plans are very thorough and individual progress is easily monitored. Residents and their families are consulted about care plans; this was confirmed in discussion with residents and visiting relatives. Staff spoken to demonstrated an awareness of the care plans and the policies and procedures related to them. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 The inspector was able to observe good interaction between residents and staff when carrying out their tasks. Questionnaires completed by residents and relatives said that residents are treated with dignity and respect and privacy is respected. One relative was interviewed and stated; “ I am particularly pleased with the attentiveness of the staff, they provide the right level of comfort and support father is very happy with services provided.” Four residents whose care was tracked were interviewed individually. All expressed satisfaction with the care they receive; they felt very happy and content with how staff help them and were able to settle very quickly. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 12 and 13 Social activities are provided which are varied according to the needs of individual service users. The homes routines are flexible and welcoming to all individuals. Friends and relatives are made welcome when they visit the home. EVIDENCE: Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 During the course of the inspection the inspector spoke to residents, staff and management. He also observed daily routines. From these contacts he was able to see that the home operates flexible routines, which are led by the needs and wishes of residents. Staff actively enable service users to take part in both outside and inside events. At the time of the inspection residents were taking part in a craft session, this is a regular feature and has produced very attractive cards etc which the inspector saw. Other activities include board games, indoor skittles, tai chi, remedial massage, sing along, and library books from a visiting van. Trips out are arranged every Wednesday; decisions as to where to go are made in regular residents meetings. Key workers support individual interests, which are identified from the initial assessment. Clergy from local churches visit regularly, for those who wish transport can be arranged for them to attend church if they wish. Meal times may be flexible to fit in with individual needs, some service users go out regularly and have their meals when they return. Residents told the inspector they felt supported in pursuing their interests and found there are plenty things to occupy their time. Thornton Lodge has a policy for visitors; this is outlined in the Service Users guide. Residents told the inspector they are able to receive visitors at any reasonable times either in the privacy of their own rooms or in the communal areas of the home. The home is well positioned in Morecambe and is close to community and shop facilities. Good relations are fostered with local shops also with local community facilities. This fact was confirmed by residents, who told the inspector of their involvement in local clubs and colleges. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 16 and 18 There is a complaints procedure, relatives and residents are confident that their concerns are listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. There is a vulnerable adults procedure that ensures people living at the home are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure available to residents and there families, this is available in the service users guide and is on the homes notice board. Residents told the inspector that they are aware of the complaints procedure they have are dealt with promptly. The homes owner is always available in the home; residents said he is very approachable and helpful. They also said the homes manager and staff ensure their concerns and wishes are dealt with. All complaints are recorded including outcomes. The inspector looked at the complaints book and saw that there had been one complaint dealt with recently, this had been dealt with satisfactorily and within the procedures of the home. The inspector saw the homes vulnerable adults procedures including the whistle blowing policy. These are in line with the Department Of Health, ‘No Secrets’ paper. Staff spoken to were aware of the whistle blowing policy and said they would approach the manager if they had any concerns. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 19,24 and 25 The home offers a good standard of décor and furnishings, which provide residents with a homely comfortable environment. EVIDENCE: The inspector toured the home and viewed the rooms of residents, he observed them to be comfortably furnished and contained items residents were able to bring with them when they were admitted to the home. Public areas of the home were seen to be comfortably furnished and decorated. All residents spoken to say they were happy with accommodation provided by the home. There is an on going programme in place for refurbishment and decoration. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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 and 29 The number of staff on duty is sufficient to meet the needs of residents. Staff are given the opportunity to do the NVQ 2 qualification in care. The procedures for the recruitment of staff are robust and offer protection to people living in the home. EVIDENCE: The inspector spoke to management and interviewed five staff. Rotas and staff records were examined. It was noted that there is a stable staff group who have the experience and skills to provide care needed for residents living in the home. Records show that 60 the staff employed in the home are qualified to NVQ 2 in care. In addition there is a very comprehensive induction and training programme for all staff. Staff spoken to showed a good understanding of the needs of residents they care for. Questionnaires received from residents and relatives confirmed that staff provide the right level of support to residents. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Rotas showed that there are sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet the needs of residents. Residents said that staff are very friendly and approachable, and said all staff are very good and helpful. The files of staff were viewed and showed that all necessary recruitment checks are made including Criminal Records Bureau checks. References are taken up and interviews held. Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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): 31,32 and 35 There is leadership, guidance and continuity for residents and the home is managed and run efficiently. The home operates in a way, which puts residents need first. EVIDENCE: Both the registered owners have many years experience in management of the home and one has completed the Registered Managers award. One of the owners is in day-to-day control of the home and has appointed a manager to assist in this. This person is also an experienced manager.and has the registered managers award. Both the owner and the manager are in the home every day and are well known to residents. Residents told the inspector they are able to approach the manager and the owner with any concerns they may have and that these are quickly acted on. One resident said, “The owner has a heart of gold and makes sure I’m alright.” Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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 4 X 4 X X N/a HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 4 8 3 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 3 X X X X 3 3 X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 4 29 3 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 4 4 X X 3 X X X Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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. 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 Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection North Lancashire Area Office 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 Thornton Lodge DS0000009658.V255040.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. 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!