Inspection on 05/02/06 for Whitebirch Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 5th February 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.

Other inspections for this house

Whitebirch Lodge 06/08/07

Whitebirch Lodge 29/11/06

Whitebirch Lodge 06/07/05

Whitebirch Lodge 07/10/04

Whitebirch Lodge 07/05/04

Similar services:

The Shelley

Springfield House

Sutton Lodge Nursing Home

St Helier`s Residential Hotel

St Joseph`s

Ridgemount

Wingham Court

Old Hastings House

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Whitebirch Lodge 104 Canterbury Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 5SE Lead Inspector Kim Rogers Unannounced Inspection 5th February 2006 11:30 X10015.doc Version 1.40 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Whitebirch Lodge Address 104 Canterbury Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 5SE 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) 01227 374633/374633 01227 360620 Krystlegate Limited Mrs Marilyn Ann Squire Care Home 17 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (17) of places Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: White birch Lodge is a detached three-storey building that has been extended to include the ground floor accommodation in the adjoining property; also owned by Mr and Mrs Squire. The Home provides personal care and support to 17 older people who are over 65.Service Users are accommodated on the ground and first floors and a stair lift provides access to the first level. There are 17 single bedrooms, all of which have en suite WC facilities. All rooms are fitted with a television aerial point, a telephone point and an emergency alarm call point. The Home is situated in a seaside town within easy reach of shops, public amenities and transport. The rear garden is secluded and attractive. The front area of the Home provides off street parking. Staff are on duty 24 hours a day and senior staff on-call can be contacted for advice. Mr. Paul Knight is currently the Acting Manager. Mr. Knight has over two years experience in managing a care home and has completed the necessary qualification for a Manager. Mr. Knight will be applying to the Commission to register as the manager. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and carried out by one Inspector on a Sunday. The senior staff on duty assisted the Inspector. There are currently 17 service users at the home. The Inspector spoke to several service users about life at Whitebirch Lodge. All said they are very happy at the home. Service users said ‘The girls (staff) are very good’ ‘This is the nicest place I have lived, excellent’ ‘It is just like being at home’ The Inspector spoke to some relatives in private. Relatives were very positive and complimentary about the home. Relatives said ’we’re delighted with the home’ ‘The staff are all very nice and kind’ ‘The rooms are always clean and the food is lovely, well presented’ ‘We are very satisfied’ ‘We are always kept informed about our relative’ ‘The staff make us feel welcome’ The Inspector spoke with the senior and other staff. Staff said ‘The manager is very approachable’ Staff said they enjoy working at Whitebirch Lodge. The Inspector observed staff on numerous occasions supporting service users with skill and competency. The Inspector had a look around and viewed some records. The home was very clean and orderly on the day of the inspection. Records were to hand and up to date. The atmosphere was relaxed which service users said suits them. The home has shown commitment to meeting the National Minimum Standards and has met previous requirements made at inspections. Please see the last report for standards not assessed here. After talking to service users, relatives and staff the Inspector concluded that this home provides a good quality level of care and support to service users in a very pleasant environment. What the service does well: Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 The staff team is long standing and experienced. Staff were observed supporting service users in a discreet respectful manner. Staff spoke with knowledge and understanding of service users needs and were observed supporting service users in a caring empathetic way. All service users and relatives spoken were very complimentary about the quality and skills of the staff. The home has access to a training Manager who facilitates regular courses. The décor and furnishing and fittings are of a very high standard. The home has a very homely feel. Carpets and furnishings are of good quality. The home is very clean. Service users and relatives said their rooms and the home are always clean. All bedrooms are for single occupancy and all have en suite facilites. The home exceeds some of the minimum standards relating to the environment. The home employs a team of cleaners who keep the home very clean. There is a cleaner at the home every day of the week. An experienced cook provides wholesome and nutritious meals to service users. Communication between the staff team is good which leads to continuity in care. Service users feel this is their home. The management and staff promote this ethos. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Currently staff use a large book to record details of doctors appointments and visits for all service users. The senior staff agreed to discuss this with the other senior staff and acting manager to ensure that in future service users records are held individually in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. The radiator in one of the ground floor bathrooms has spots of rust. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 4 Service users know this home will meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The home carries out detailed assessments to ensure that it can meet a persons needs. All of the service users spoken to said that their needs are being met. Relatives spoken to agreed. One service user has moved in recently. The service user said they had the opportunity to visit the home before they made a decision about moving in. There is detailed information about the services provided in the Statement of purpose and Service User guide. The staff team are long standing and experienced and spoke with knowledge and understanding of service users needs. Staff were observed supporting service users respectfully and discreetly. The home works with health care professionals to ensure the home can meet any changing needs. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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): 8,10 Service users know their health needs will be met. Service users said they are treated with dignity and respect at all times. EVIDENCE: Service users needs relating to their health are recorded in their individual service user plans or care plans. Staff work closely with health professionals to ensure that service users have the support they need. Service users told the Inspector about staff supporting them to see their G.P etc. The senior staff made some honey and lemon for one service user who was feeling unwell during the visit. The service user has had support to see her doctor. Relatives said that they are kept informed about their relative’s health and said the staff have acted promptly when necessary in the past. Records are kept of health appointments and interventions. As mentioned in the summary of this report, at present one large book records this information for all service users. The senior agreed to introduce an individual system so that confidentiality is maintained and records are in line with the Data protection Act 1998. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Service users told the Inspector that staff are courteous and kind. Service users said that their dignity is respected and maintained during support with personal care. Service users said that right to privacy is respected and that staff always knock before entering. The Inspector observed this on several occasions during the visit. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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): 13,15 Service users know their relationships with their families and friends will be supported. Service users know the food will be of a good standard. EVIDENCE: The Inspector observed that the pace of life at the home was relaxed and unhurried. Service users confirmed this saying they could ‘ do things in their own time’. The Inspector observed lunch being served. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxed. Service users were given the time and support they need. Staff were supporting in a discreet respectful manner. The dining room is attractive with flowers, menus, tablecloths and condiments. Service users can chose to eat in the dining room, lounge or in their room. Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and fresh vegetables was served. The food was served hot and second helpings were offered. The meal was well presented. Relatives and service users said this is always the case. Service users said they could have something different if they do not like what is on the menu. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 The home employs a full time cook. There is also a weekend cook. The kitchen was very clean and orderly. Service users likes and dislikes are recorded. Snacks and drinks are served throughout the day. This home caters for special diets. After talking to service users and staff the Inspector concluded that this home provides a wholesome, appealing balanced diet in pleasant surroundings. Service users told the Inspector that they have visitors at reasonable times. Service users said that they could see visitors in their rooms or in one of the lounges. The home’s arrangements for supporting and maintaining links with families and friends are detailed in the home’s Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Staff confirmed that visitors are welcome at reasonable times. The visitor’s book showed that there are regular visitors to the home. The Inspector spoke to some relatives who said they rarely inform the home they are coming they just turn up. They said they are always made to feel welcome by staff and have the opportunity to meet in private if they wish. Relatives said they are ‘very satisfied’ with the service provided. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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): 17 Service users know their rights will be protected. EVIDENCE: Service users rights including their human rights are respected and supported. One service user was preparing to leave the home to attend a spiritual worship meeting. This spiritual need was supported by staff. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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): 19,20,23,26 Service users lives are enhanced by the pleasant high quality decor. Indoor and outdoor facilities are comfortable and suitable. Service users rooms suit their needs. This home is very clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home and the garden are well maintained and decorated to a high standard. All communal parts of the home are accessible to service users; there is step free access throughout the home and a stair lift to the first floor. Furnishings are of very good quality and domestic in nature. All bedrooms and communal areas are attractive with lamps; pictures and ornaments making the home feel very homelike. The Inspector understands that the home complies with the requirements of the environmental health officer. The home has two large lounges on the ground floor and a large dining room. Lighting and heating was adequate on the day of the inspection. Service users told the Inspector that the communal space provided was sufficient to meet their Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 needs. Service users said that they like having a choice of lounges. There is also seating in part of the dining room. Some service users prefer to sit here and relax. All bedrooms are for single occupancy and have en suite facilities. There are also assisted bathrooms and toilets. Liquid soap is now provided as recommended at the last inspection. The Inspector noted that the radiator in one of the ground floor bathrooms had spots of rust and recommended it be painted. The home has grab rails and handrails fitted where necessary. Some specialist equipment has been obtained by the home to maximise service user independence and health. The Inspector spoke to some service users in their rooms, which are personalised and decorated to a high standard. Some rooms have French door to the garden. All service users spoken to said they are happy with their rooms. The home employs a team of domestic staff. The home was very clean and orderly on the day of the inspection. There were domestic staff on duty even though it was Sunday. Service users and relatives commented that the home is always clean. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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): 28 Service users know competent caring staff will support them. EVIDENCE: Throughout the inspection the Inspector observed staff competency and skill in supporting service users. Staff demonstrated a very caring empathetic attitude and are a strength of this home. Relatives and service users were very complimentary of the staff team. Service users said staff are at hand when they need them. Relatives said they have noticed that staff feel that Whitebirch Lodge is the service users own home and that staff respect this fully. There is a senior staff on duty every day of the week. A team of domestic and kitchen staff ensure the home is clean and orderly. Communication between staff is good with systems in place to promote effective communication. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.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): 31,35,37 Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users know their financial interests will be safe guarded. Most records are held appropriately. EVIDENCE: Mr. Paul Knight is the acting manager and is supported by the owners Mr and Mrs Squire and by the Manager of their agency who has an adjacent office. Two experienced competent senior staff support Mr. Knight also. There are clear lines of accountability with staff knowing whom they would report to and when. Staff said the manager is approachable and supportive. Relatives were complimentary about the manager and owners. Staff said there was always someone they could call on out of hours of they needed guidance or support. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Service users are supported with their finances. The home holds some monies on behalf of service users. Money is held securely in small amounts with clear records and receipts kept. The home does not act as appointee for service users. Appointees are family members, friends or solicitors. Most records are held appropriately however, as mentioned in the summary records should be individual to meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. The senior staff agreed to address this. This home is a member of the Kent Care Homes Association and the National Care Homes Association. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 X 3 X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 X 8 3 9 X 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 3 14 X 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 X 17 3 18 X 4 4 X X 4 X X 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 X 28 3 29 X 30 X MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X X X 3 X 2 X Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 OP37 Regulation 17 Requirement All records must be held in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. Timescale for action 28/02/06 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 OP19 Good Practice Recommendations The radiator in the ground floor bathroom should be painted. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU 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 Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V273905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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