Inspection on 29/09/06 for Vermont House

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What the care home does well

The home provides a setting for Christian Scientists to receive care in a setting that understands their beliefs and has the support of Christian Science practitioners. The systems for meeting residents spiritual needs is very good with support from the local church including personal and telephone support. Residents` rooms were individually decorated and showed residents tastes and wishes were respected in how much furniture and belongings were brought in. Nearly all members of care staff have a recognised NVQ qualification in care. The home has recently appointed a new cook and the menus have been reviewed. The food provided was homely and well presented.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Risk management in relation to the environment and residents potential to fall has improved promoting the safety and well being of residents. There have been a number of environmental improvements enhancing the features and living areas for residents. Thermostatic valves have been fitted to hot water outlets, thus reducing potential risk of scalding from hot water. The home now has one member of staff that is awake during the night and one member sleeping thus promoting the safety and well-being of residents during the night. Care staff vetting now includes CRB disclosures ensuring that residents are not exposed to any known risk.

What the care home could do better:

Staff training in a number of key areas has elapsed such as food hygiene, fire safety and adult protection. Staff supervision is taking place but needs to be more detailed. Both training and supervision are key to developing and maintaining a workforce that is skilled and competent to deliver care to residents that are competent and safe. Complaint issues need to be resolved quickly and to the satisfaction of both parties. Complaints are a tool that homes can use to monitor whether the service they are providing is to the satisfaction of their residents and their representatives. From this they can put strategies in place to improve the service. Care plans whilst detailed and individual must evidence that residents have been involved in the drawing up of such plans. Contracts need to be reviewed to ensure that all parties are aware of their rights and obligations so no miss understanding occur. Volunteers of the home need to have a CRB disclosure check, this is vital to ensure that residents and the home are fully protected. There are a number of outstanding maintenance issues, the most concerning are the hardwiring, legionella and the lift safety certificates. Regulation 26 visits by the Registered Provider and or their representative must be an accurate reflection of what is taking place within in the home and as set out in the Regulations. This ensure that the Board of Trustees have an accurate picture of what is happening in the home. The kitchen needs a dishwasher that can reach temperatures of 85c, so that crockery is cleaned to the required temperature and reduces the risk of infection. Hot food probing must commence to ensure that food has been cooked to the required temperature before servicing to reduce the risk of infection. Changes in the reason fire legislation and provision of service means the home must review its fire risk assessment to promote the safety of residents. The quality assurance system is evolving and other stakeholders views of the service need to be sort to give a wider perception of the home.