Inspection on 06/08/07 for Whitebirch Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 6th August 2007.

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 29/11/06

Whitebirch Lodge 05/02/06

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 Wendy Gabriel Key Unannounced Inspection 6th August 2007 09:30 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.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Older People. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 19 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (0) of places Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following category/ies of service only: Care home only - (PC) to service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: 2. Old age, not falling within any other category (OP). The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is 19. Date of last inspection 29th November 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Whitebirch Lodge is a detached, three-storey building that has been extended to include accommodation in the building next door; Mr and Mrs Squire own both properties. The Home is about half a mile from the seaside town of Herne Bay, within easy reach of shops, public amenities and transport. There is off-road parking at the front for up to eight cars. Fees are in the range of £324 - £460 per week. Additional charges are payable for hairdressing, chiropody and extra supplies of newspapers. Please contact provider for current fees. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. During the unannounced visit the Inspector briefly spoke to Mr Squire the Registered Provider who had called into the home during the course of the morning. The acting manager and the senior care assistant both spent time with the Inspector. Some documents relating to care plans, medication administration, risk assessments and staff were seen and an accompanied tour of the premises was undertaken. Residents were introduced and some spoke with the inspector. Care staff, the cook and domestic assistant were introduced. The home has recently registered for two extra residents and the old office suite has been converted into two pleasantly furnished bedrooms with wellarranged en-suite facilities. Extra staff hours have been provided to meet the needs of two extra registration numbers. A spacious and secure office is within the grounds of the premises. The environment is clean, tidy and attractively decorated. The outside of the home is due to be painted in August. The Inspector would like to thank the staff for lunch and for taking the time to show her around the home and spend time talking to her. What the service does well: The home provides a clean and homely environment for residents. Several residents said that they enjoyed spending their time in their bedrooms “I have everything I want near me in my room and the staff help me when I need them”. All bedrooms are en-suite. Residents commented favourably on the meals provided. The home employs a trainer to undertake a wide variety of courses for the staff relating to care of the elderly. There are training facilities on the premises. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are assessed prior to admission and during their trial period when first admitted to the home. No intermediate care is given. EVIDENCE: The acting manager left during the morning to assess a prospective resident in his or her own home. On his return he explained in detail the process for admitting a new resident. The acting manager was able to clearly discuss assessments and how best to help new residents settle into the home. Admissions are arranged privately or through a care manager. After the initial assessment in the individuals’ home, the person is invited to visit the home to meet staff and other residents. Sometimes respite of a week or so is undertaken to allow for a better assessment by both parties and is followed by a months’ trial. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The home provides a statement of purpose and service users guide for information about the home. A number of residents who spoke to the Inspector said they had lived at the home for many years and they were very happy with the way they were looked after and that staff were very kind. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ health and personal needs are assessed and medication administration is sound. Residents sign a form to indicate if they wish for locks on their bedrooms doors, EVIDENCE: Three care plans were viewed and these each recorded a range of health and social needs. There was written evidence of Health care professionals being accessed. Where possible, the home tries to write a ‘life history’ for individuals but it was pointed out that some residents are very private and did not wish for certain information about their past to be recorded. Risk assessments are recorded and are on-going. Care plans are reviewed monthly and bi-annually. This is good practice; however, a recommendation is made that the names of all people who attend Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 the review e.g. care manager; families, staff and the individual resident are recorded on the review document and of any other document where other people are involved. The acting manager said that changes to care plans and risk assessments are brought to the attention of staff through the senior carers who undertake weekly handover meetings with each other and the acting manager. Bedroom doors do not have locks and care plans seen had documents that residents sign to indicate if they want or do not want a lock on their door. Medication administration is sound and storage secure. Two staff administer medication. The lunchtime administration was observed. The carer showed empathy with residents by discretely speaking to them individually at the dining room tables and waiting while the medication was taken. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents said that they enjoyed their lifestyle and several said they preferred their own company and that staff respected their choice. Residents said that there were activities available and that participating or not was their choice. Menus are varied and include fresh produce. EVIDENCE: Several residents were occupied with their preferred activities in their bedrooms including embroidery and reading. Rooms are comfortable and homely and contain, according to choice, television, radio, and comfortable armchairs. One person said that she had always preferred being in her room because then she could watch TV, or read quietly and that was how she had always been. An activities organiser visits the home weekly and occasional trips out are undertaken in the homes mini bus. Entertainers also regularly visit the home including singers and musician. There were two hairdressers in the home at the time and the carer said that a hairdresser visits weekly. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Religious representation can be maintained should individuals choose. Residents commented favourably on the meals. The Inspector was invited to lunch and was pleased to note that it was well presented and cooked and was very enjoyable. The menu is varied and fresh produce is used. The dining room is light and has attractive domestic style furnishings and most residents choose to eat their meals there although some prefer meals in their rooms. The kitchen was clean and well aired and some specialist equipment such as large handled cutlery is available for use as required. A recommendation at the previous inspection for the kitchen not to be used as a thoroughfare to other areas has been considered and advice sought from the fire officer. A different exit away from the kitchen has been identified and will be in place in the coming months. This will leave the exit from the kitchen exclusively for that area. A further recommendation was made at the previous inspection for specialist training in catering for the older person to enhance the current provision. A suitable course was started, but due to personal circumstances, has been delayed. But the acting manager said that a different course is currently being sourced. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents know their rights will be respected through staff training and the homes procedures. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints procedure on display in the entrance hall and in the service users guide. There was evidence of actions taken by the home regarding a complaint it had dealt with since the previous inspection. Processes are taken seriously and concerns and complaints investigated. The acting manager said they had access to a complaint procedure-recording format but had not yet employed it. A recommendation is made for this to be used as clear guidance to the process of any concern. Staff undertake adult abuse awareness training and challenging behaviour training. A training matrix indicated that this is updated every two years. The senior carer was very clear in her response regarding any action by staff or others that could be construed as abuse and said that it would not be tolerated either by herself or the Registered Provider and acting manager. A Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 resident said she felt she could tell the staff anything and that the acting manager “is lovely”. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents know that the home provides them with a clean, safe, well maintained and comfortable environment. EVIDENCE: The home is well maintained and there is an ongoing programme for redecoration. A bedroom had recently been redecorated and was homely and attractively furnished. All bedrooms are en-suite. Several residents seen in their rooms commented that that was their preferred life style as they had everything they needed to make them “comfortable and feel at home”. Some said that their favoured activities were reading or watching television and video or DVDs and in one instance undertaking embroidery. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Bedrooms do not have locks to the doors but care plans seen had documents signed by residents indicating their choice to have or not have a lock on their door. There is a choice of communal areas including two lounges and a separate dining room. These rooms had comfortable and homely furnishings. A previous recommendation for the kitchen to not be used as a general thoroughfare has been addressed following consultation with the fire officer. A different exit has been identified and will be adapted in the coming month. The home employs two dedicated domestic assistants and the home was seen to be clean, tidy and hygienic. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are adequate numbers of staff to meet residents needs and staff receive a variety of training towards that end. Further training in NVQ will enhance this. Recruitment process will benefit by careful monitoring. EVIDENCE: The home has increased staffing hours to meet the needs of the increase in registration numbers. The staff have mostly worked at the home for a number of years and this stability of staff benefits the residents who know the people who care for them. Two senior care staff lead the staff team. The home also employs a cook, two domestic assistants and a maintenance man. ‘Juniors’ work in the late afternoons helping serve teas and washing up. Two staff files did not contain two references. The two staff in question had worked at the home for a lengthy number of years. The acting manager agreed to carefully monitor the employment process to ensure all suitable documents are received and checked. A requirement was made for this. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Staff training is mostly undertaken in-house by a trainer employed by the home. There are training facilities on the premises including a suitable training room. NVQs have been undertaken by less than 50 of staff. A recommendation is made for this to be undertaken. The acting manager said some staff were reluctant to start NVQ as they were near to retirement but that he was expecting more staff to start this year. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping, policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The management approach safeguards the best interests of the residents including sound financial procedures. Policies, house maintenance and staff training promote health and safety. EVIDENCE: The Acting Manager intends to apply for formal registration by the Commission. He has over two years experience in managing a care home and has completed the necessary qualification for a Manager. The organisation has clear lines of accountability including two senior care staff who liaise weekly with the acting manager. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The home is affiliated to Kent Care Homes Association, the National Care Homes Association and Kent Community Care Association. Only a small amount of money is kept for some residents and the sample seen was accurate, securely kept and recorded. Property maintenance is maintained and the acting manager agreed to forward to the inspector, a copy of the latest document for the electrical testing due soon after the inspection. Plans for the coming year include repainting the exterior of the home and putting in loft insulation. Redecoration of the interior is ongoing and was evidenced by a recently redecorated bedroom with a new carpet. Quality assurance is in the form of questionnaires to families and residents. The home is kept spotlessly clean and staff take pride in the cleanliness and décor of the environment. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 3 3 X HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 2 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 4 3 4 X 3 3 4 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 2 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X X 3 Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. 1. Standard OP29 Regulation 19 (4) Requirement Recruitment procedures are to be monitored. Timescale for action 06/08/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. 3. Refer to Standard OP16 OP7 OP30 Good Practice Recommendations The use of a complaints format detailing progress will enhance the homes current practice. Documents relating to reviews and changes are to include the names of all who attended such meetings. More of the staff compliment are to undertake NVQ. Whitebirch Lodge DS0000023624.V346841.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © 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 - 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!