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Inspection on 22/05/06 for Vale Lodge Residential Home

Also see our care home review for Vale Lodge Residential Home for more information

This inspection was carried out on 22nd May 2006.

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

Ms Haswell (Registered Manager and Provider) and Mr Atwill (Registered Provider) are dedicated and enthusiastic about their home and the levels of care they are able to offer and provide for the residents. All the residents spoken to and who completed questionnaires remarked on the good quality of care they receive. They all also spoke very highly of the regular outings organised by the providers. One resident commented that she had seen more of the locality since living at Vale Lodge than in all the years she lived in her own home in Plymouth. It was apparent from observation of various conversations between residents, and staff and residents, that the home has an atmosphere that encourages light hearted chatter about every day matters, and that residents are not intimidated by either the staff or one another. All the residents` bedrooms were individual in character with personal items including furniture as well as pictures, soft furnishings and ornaments. Residents are encouraged to be independent. Risk Assessments are undertaken for those who are more mobile and wish to go out alone, e.g. to the shops or other local amenities.The home has good working relationships and practices with local health professionals.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection most of the requirements had been met within the timescale, the remainder would be completed in a timely manner as part of an ongoing maintenance programme. All the radiators in the home have been fitted with attractive covers. One resident commented on this and how it improved the bedroom as well as providing an extra shelf for personal items. Staff receive regular task-focused supervision. The ground floor bathroom was being completely refurbished at the time of this inspection and expected to be finished by the end of the same week. The upstairs bathroom was also having a new bath fitted. A cold-water sluice has been installed at the rear of the building. The home`s smoking policy has been revised and now staff and residents who wish to smoke go outside at the rear of the home. All residents` bedrooms were suitable temperatures for their needs and for the changing climate at this time of year.

What the care home could do better:

On the day of this inspection two Immediate Requirements were made: 1) An appropriate person such as the Registered Manager or a Senior Carer trained to do so must undertake Pre-Admission Assessments. 2) CRB Checks are not transferable from another work environment. They must be renewed regularly even if staff have been working in the home for a number of years. Current Good Practice is every three years. The home must review its policy on residents` monies and this was discussed with the Registered Providers at the time of this inspection. Staff recruitment was good however there were some discrepancies with references, particularly those not provided by the last employer. Staff training has lapsed however the Registered Manager was aware of this and agreed at the time of this inspection to update the staff-training plan. It was recommended that Manual Handling should be considered a priority and renewed/updated annually to meet Health and Safety legislation, and Employers` Liability. The Registered Providers must clearly define staff roles and functions within the home to ensure accountability, and to avoid any confusion for residents, other staff and anyone visiting or contacting the home. A choice of food is still not being offered although an alternative to the menu is provided on request. Not all residents are aware that they can ask for a different meal.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Vale Lodge Residential Home 38/40 Sutherland Road Mutley Plymouth Devon PL4 6BN Lead Inspector Megan Walker Unannounced Inspection 22nd May 2006 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 Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Vale Lodge Residential Home Address 38/40 Sutherland Road Mutley Plymouth Devon PL4 6BN 01752 220456 01752 220456 valelodgepl4btopenworld.com 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) Miss Sheree Anne Haswell Mr Martin Frederick Atwill Miss Sheree Anne Haswell Care Home 19 Category(ies) of Dementia - over 65 years of age (19), Old age, registration, with number not falling within any other category (19) of places Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. No more than 4 residents in category DE(E) may be accommodated at any one time Date of last inspection 23rd November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Vale Lodge is located within walking distance of the Mutley Plain shopping area in Plymouth. The facilities of the home are spread over two floors with one large lounge and a dining room on the ground floor. The home has 17 single rooms, 11 of which have en-suite facilities and 1 en-suite double room. A stair lift enables access to the upper floor. There is an enclosed walled garden at the rear. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for older people, up to four of whom may have dementia in old age i.e. over 65 years of age. In addition to the designated categories the service describes its aim as the provision of low to medium dependency care for older people. The home does not provide intermediate care and it is not registered to provide nursing care. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced “Key” inspection that took place on a Monday between 10h00 and 18h40. Susan Samways was also present as the second inspector. The inspection process involved conversations with residents and staff, looking at residents’ files, staff files, contracts, and other documentation. The Registered Providers continued working in the home throughout the inspection and were available to provide information when required. Over 50 of residents were found to be “out of category”, however the home’s Certificate of Registration was also found to be incorrect. It was therefore agreed with the Registered Providers that the Commission would issue a new amended certificate with clear Conditions of Registration, and the home’s staff would continue to receive appropriate training to ensure they are able to carry on meeting the assessed needs of their residents. Comments’ Questionnaires were sent out in advance of this inspection and 5 were returned to the Commission. A Pre-Inspection Questionnaire was completed by the Registered Manager and returned to the Commission in advance of this inspection. Staff Questionnaires were sent out to a random selection of staff after this inspection and 4 were returned to the Commission. Two Immediate Requirements about Pre-Assessments and CRB checks were made at the end of this inspection. There were 3 requirements and 4 Good Practice Recommendations as a consequence of this inspection. What the service does well: Ms Haswell (Registered Manager and Provider) and Mr Atwill (Registered Provider) are dedicated and enthusiastic about their home and the levels of care they are able to offer and provide for the residents. All the residents spoken to and who completed questionnaires remarked on the good quality of care they receive. They all also spoke very highly of the regular outings organised by the providers. One resident commented that she had seen more of the locality since living at Vale Lodge than in all the years she lived in her own home in Plymouth. It was apparent from observation of various conversations between residents, and staff and residents, that the home has an atmosphere that encourages light hearted chatter about every day matters, and that residents are not intimidated by either the staff or one another. All the residents’ bedrooms were individual in character with personal items including furniture as well as pictures, soft furnishings and ornaments. Residents are encouraged to be independent. Risk Assessments are undertaken for those who are more mobile and wish to go out alone, e.g. to the shops or other local amenities. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home has good working relationships and practices with local health professionals. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: On the day of this inspection two Immediate Requirements were made: 1) An appropriate person such as the Registered Manager or a Senior Carer trained to do so must undertake Pre-Admission Assessments. 2) CRB Checks are not transferable from another work environment. They must be renewed regularly even if staff have been working in the home for a number of years. Current Good Practice is every three years. The home must review its policy on residents’ monies and this was discussed with the Registered Providers at the time of this inspection. Staff recruitment was good however there were some discrepancies with references, particularly those not provided by the last employer. Staff training has lapsed however the Registered Manager was aware of this and agreed at the time of this inspection to update the staff-training plan. It was recommended that Manual Handling should be considered a priority and renewed/updated annually to meet Health and Safety legislation, and Employers’ Liability. The Registered Providers must clearly define staff roles and functions within the home to ensure accountability, and to avoid any confusion for residents, other staff and anyone visiting or contacting the home. A choice of food is still not being offered although an alternative to the menu is provided on request. Not all residents are aware that they can ask for a different meal. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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, 5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents can be confident that the home will only accept them if their assessed needs can be met. EVIDENCE: All residents’ files inspected had a pre-admission assessment of care needs. In two cases someone other than the Registered Manager had done the assessment, and on one of these occasions it was by an inappropriate staff member. The Registered Manager agreed during the inspection that should future occasions arise when/if she is unable to undertake the pre-admission assessment personally, then she must delegate to a Senior Carer who has received appropriate training. Two residents explained that they had not expected to be able to live in the same home following hospitalisation of one and admission to the home of the other. The assessment of need for each of these residents, in their opinion, had been holistic because their possible separation had also been considered as part of the assessment. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 A questionnaire returned to the Commission stated that although the admission to the home had been an emergency, nonetheless the home was able to meet the needs of the individual concerned. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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, 9, 10, 11 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health, personal and social needs are fully met by the home. EVIDENCE: Each resident has a care plan that identifies his or her health and personal care needs. All the care plans are formally recorded on an IT system as well as a paper original. These were all inspected as it became apparent that several residents did not come under the categories of “Old Age” or “Dementia in Old Age”. Pre-admission assessments showed that some residents had been admitted under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983, although in some cases they had later been discharged and become “informal patients”. All the care plans identified how staff should meet each individual’s needs regardless of their medical diagnosis. Evidence on Daily Records of individual residents also showed that the home has good input and support from the Older Persons Mental Heath Team as well as other health professionals. Residents’ Questionnaires gave comments such as “Excellent attention”; “Excellent response given recently when hospitalisation needed”. The majority Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 of questionnaires returned were ticked “Always”, with only one ticked “Usually”, in response to “Do you receive the medical support you need?”. Due to a recent local legal matter the home is currently without a dentist. The Registered Manager explained that she has taken advice and is seeking another local NHS dentist with whom she could register residents. She was also aware that this is problematic due to the number of care homes in a similar position at present. One resident recently required complex dentistry treatment and the Registered Manager undertook the necessary actions to ensure this was done. The medication is kept securely in lockable cupboards in a small lockable room. Alliance Pharmacy supplies it monthly in cassettes, divided into breakfast, lunch, tea and nighttime medications. All prescribed medication including e.g., paracetamol and lactulose, and the medication sheets have a photograph of its recipient stuck on it. Four staff members including the Registered Manager have access to the medication cupboards and are responsible for the handling and administration of medication. The nighttime medication is put in a separate lockable cupboard elsewhere in the home each evening, as night staff do not have access to the medication room. The MAR sheets were inspected and found to be up to date and signed. Alliance Pharmacy undertook an independent pharmacist inspection on 09/05/2006 and was satisfied with the home’s medication policy and procedures. Staff were observed being courteous and respectful to residents. They only used preferred names in addressing residents and one resident who has a nickname confirmed this. During a tour of the premises the Registered Manager was observed knocking on residents’ bedroom doors even those she had seen earlier in other areas of the home. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents find the home offers a lifestyle that satisfies their expectations. EVIDENCE: “Lovely activities and outings – thoughtful consideration of the managers” and “This is an excellent aspect of the home. Activities and excursions are varied and well planned and safe”. These were two comments written in questionnaires returned by residents and family of residents with regards to the question about activities arranged by the home. Also residents spoken to talked enthusiastically about their trips out in the minibus and on the train, arranged by the Registered Providers. Recently residents had been out for lunch in a waterfront restaurant, and during this inspection there was discussion amongst residents and staff planning for an evening out locally to celebrate four birthdays of residents and staff. Other regular trips included day trips to the sea and afternoon tea at a local garden centre. Residents who are able to go out independently make good use of local shops and other amenities within walking distance of the home. All the residents had a risk assessment about their ability to go out alone on his/her individual residents’ files. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 At the time of this inspection all the residents were British, white, and either a Christian denomination (mostly non-practising), or non-believers. The home encourages residents to participate as they choose with regards to religious activity and involvement. Those residents asked stated that the standard of the meals was good. The home has an eight-week rotation of menus that mainly consist of traditional fare such as roasts but also includes meals such as curry. No choice is included in the menus however the manager stated that an alternative is always provided on request and a record is kept of what each resident has had. Comments made by some residents showed that a choice would be welcomed and that not everyone is aware that an alternative meal can be requested. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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, 18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents and their relatives and friends can feel confident that any complaints or concerns will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the Commission has received one complaint. The Registered Providers responded correctly to unannounced inspections from the investigating sectors. They were able to provide written records relating to the alleged incident and verbally report details of the occasion. The Commission in relation to this alleged incident made an Immediate Requirement as a consequence of an Additional Visit, however this was a precautionary measure. The complaint was unsubstantiated. Since this inspection the Registered Manager has confirmed that staff would be attending an Adult Protection training session organised by Plymouth City Council later this year. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in a clean and pleasant environment. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection all the requirements relating to the environment have been met or are part of an ongoing maintenance plan so will be completed in the near future. There are also new plans to refurbish the dining room when the two bathrooms are finished. The home is comfortable and homely in style. There is ramped access to the front door from the street and level access at the rear into the garden. A stair lift provides access to the first floor inside the home. There are also five ground floor rooms and a downstairs bathroom should a resident be unable to use a stair lift. The dining room is arranged with small tables, attractively presented, that allows for more intimate dining. This arrangement would also allow for a wheelchair user to be accommodated should this need arise. Throughout the Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 day of this inspection this room seemed to be the main “hub” of the home for both residents and staff to sit and chat together. There is a large sitting room looking out onto the back garden. It has ramped access from the dining room. It has large windows which allows a lot of natural light into the room. Residents said that the room was used for a variety of activities including parties and that it was particularly well used at Christmas. There is access to the back garden and two of the residents in particular said how much they enjoyed sitting in the garden when the weather permitted. Both the sitting room and the dining room are thoroughfares to each side of the house. All the bedrooms seen were individual in style and reflected the character of their occupant. Most rooms had personal belongings including items of furniture and pictures that residents had brought with them when they moved into the home. Most of the residents or their representative, have signed an agreement that they do not wish to have lock fitted to their bedroom door. There were also risk assessments on individual residents care files regarding locks. As part of an ongoing refurbishment plan, Mr Atwill has bought thumbnail style locks to fit to the bedrooms in accordance with the risk assessment, or if a room becomes vacant. There is a ground floor bathroom next to the sitting room. This was in the final stages of refurbishment at the time of this inspection, and expected to be finished by the end of the same week. The upstairs bathroom was due to be redecorated after this, and a new bath fitted. Both baths will have mechanical hoists to assist with bathing. Twelve of the seventeen bedrooms have en-suite toilet and wash hand basin facilities, and there are sufficient separate toilets for use by residents in rooms without an en-suite. Hot water valves have yet to be fitted on en-suite wash hand basins, however this is included as part of the ongoing maintenance programme. Risk assessments were seen on individual care files regarding use of a hot water tap. Since the last inspection a coldwater sluice has been fitted outside. Also since the last inspection all the radiators have been fitted with attractive covers that are in keeping with the environment of this home. The home was clean and free from unpleasant odours. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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 at least once during a 12 month period. 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. Residents’ assessed needs are met by sufficient staff numbers, however the training programme needs revision and updating. EVIDENCE: The home has a robust recruitment policy however evidence was seen on at least two staff files of inappropriate references. There was also a discrepancy with one CRB check that had been carried over from a previous job that was a different post to that held by the employee now in this home. All staff had CRB and POVA checks. The staff training programme showed that training had not been recent or regular, for example, Manual Handling was dated May 2004 for all staff, and the last recorded training for all staff was “Management of Drugs” in April 2005. Ms Haswell acknowledged that training had lapsed and since this inspection she has arranged Adult Protection training with Plymouth City Council, and KCSL Ltd Training is providing In-House session on Manual Handling and Dementia on 14th June 2006. KCSL Ltd. Training is sending Ms Haswell details of courses it offers in mental health and she is looking at other distance learning courses. Since this inspection Ms Haswell has confirmed that she proposed at the recent team meeting the City and Guilds Course in Mental Health and some staff have expressed an interest in taking up this course. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Mr Atwill is hoping to attend a training seminar on “Safer Food, Better Business” before the end of July, however this is dependent on a cancellation as this course is oversubscribed at present. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35, 36, 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in a home with a competent manager and owners where their health, safety and welfare are protected. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager, Ms Haswell, is due to complete the Registered Manager’ Award by the end of June this year. She is competent, qualified and experienced to run the home effectively. An informative newsletter was made available at the beginning of this year, 2006, reflecting the views and opinions of residents, families and/or representatives of residents, and other visitors to the home. This information was gained from anonymous user satisfaction questionnaires. The newsletter also included an update on the maintenance and renewal programme over the past twelve months as well as details of events that had taken place for the Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 benefit of residents, and comments of appreciation received from residents and their families about the standards of care. Ms Haswell and Mr Atwill strive to ensure that the home is run in the best interests of the residents and this was reflected in comments received by the Commission both verbally and in writing, e.g. “Vale Lodge is an extremely warm and caring community.” “I could not fault the care and dedication given by all the staff at Vale Lodge.” The home holds monies for most of the residents. On checking that all accounts balanced (which they did), it was found that higher than average amounts were being held because regular payments were being made into individual accounts but not being spent so money was accumulating. All the accounts were signed for, however there was no counter-signatory although there was a second column for witness signatures. This issue was discussed with the Registered Providers and it was agreed that all accounts would be capped and any transactions would be witnessed. Since the last inspection staff supervision has been recorded. It has been mostly observation of practice including topics such as fire safety and medication. The Registered Manager also provides staff with informal supervision as it is required within the home. Fire safety systems have been tested regularly in line with the fire authority’s guidelines. All accidents, injuries and incidents of illness or communicable disease have been reported to the Commission, as have any other notifiable incidents. The home has a working policy for infection control with an understanding and practices to prevent its spread. This was observed at the time of this inspection as a resident was unwell and this procedure had been put into practice. All electrical equipment has been PAT tested and in accordance with the requirement given at the last inspection. Water temperature is regulated or where valves have not yet been fitted, risk assessments have been carried out and copies were seen on individual residents’ care files. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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 3 x 3 N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 4 13 4 14 3 15 2 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 x 18 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 2 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 x 3 x 2 3 x 3 Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.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 OP15 Regulation 16(2i) Requirement The Registered Person must ensure that a written menu clearly reflecting the choice of meals being offered is recorded in such a way that the choice is obvious. CRB checks must be valid for the post held within the home. Staff must receive appropriate training for their post and this must be kept up to date with regular revision to ensure safe working practices. Timescale for action 31/07/06 2 3 OP29 OP30 Sch 2 (7) 18 © 31/07/06 30/09/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard OP24 Good Practice Recommendations The ongoing maintenance plan to fit appropriate door locks when rooms become vacant or if individual service user requests this facility or if circumstances in the home change e.g. Individual residents persistently entering other residents’ bedrooms without permission and generally DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Vale Lodge Residential Home 2. OP29 3. OP35 4 OP35 causing upset and/or irritation to those occupants, should continue until all bedrooms have locks. The Registered Providers should consider renewing the home’s staff CRB checks when they are three or more years old, in line with the Criminal Records Bureau “Good Practice” guidance. The Registered Providers should ensure that residents’ monies do not accumulate by making alternative arrangements with residents’ representatives who handle their affairs. The Registered Providers should ensure that all monies in and out of residents’ accounts are witnessed and signed. Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ashburton Office Unit D1 Linhay Business Park Ashburton TQ13 7UP 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 Vale Lodge Residential Home DS0000003499.V292068.R03.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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!