Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 22nd July 2009. it is an annual review prepared by CQC after examining previous reports and information from the provider. At the time of this report, CQC judged the service to be Good.
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.
For extracts, read the latest CQC inspection for Amber House.
Annual service review
Name of Service: Amber House The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: two star good service 1 7 1 0 2 0 0 8 A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this review a ‘key’ inspection We do an annual service review when there has been no key inspection of the service in the last 12 months. It does not involve a visit to the service but is a summary of new information given to us, or collected by us, since the last key inspection or annual service review.
Has this annual service review changed our opinion of the service?
No You should read the last key inspection report for this service to get a full picture of how well outcomes for the people using the service are being met. The date by which we will do a key inspection: Name of inspector: Elaine Malloy Date of this annual service review: 2 2 0 7 2 0 0 9 Annual Service Review Page 1 of 8 Information about the service
Address of service: Martin Way Brunswick Village Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE13 7EZ 01912368205 01912362162 amberhouse@btconnect.com Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address:
Name of registered provider(s): Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : dementia old age, not falling within any other category Conditions of registration: Helpcare Ltd Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 1 0 13 16 One bed can be used to accommodate a named service user with dementia under pensionable age. Have there been any changes in the ownership, management or the Yes service’s registration details in the last 12 months? If yes, what have they been: The home went into administration in November 2008 and is currently in the hands of receivers who have appointed a management company to oversee the home. 1 7 1 0 2 0 0 8 Date of last key inspection: Date of last annual service review (if applicable): Brief description of the service Amber House is a registered care home for older people, including people with dementia. The home is located within a residential area of Brunswick Village. Accommodation is over two floors and a passenger lift is available. The home has single and double bedrooms, six of which have en-suite facilities. All rooms are currently used for single occupancy. There is access to local facilities and public
Annual Service Review Page 2 of 8 transport. A guide to the homes services, inspection reports and details of fees are available from the home. Annual Service Review Page 3 of 8 Service update since the last key inspection or annual service review:
What did we do for this annual service review? We looked at all the information that we have received, or asked for, since the last key inspection or annual service review. This included: The annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) that was sent to us by the service. The AQAA is a self-assessment that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. It also gave us some numerical information about the service. Surveys returned to us by people using the service and from other people with an interest in the service. Information we have about how the service has managed any complaints. What the service has told us about things that have happened in the service, these are called notifications and are a legal requirement. The previous key inspection and the results of any other visits that we have made to the service in the last 12 months. Relevant information from other organisations. What other people have told us about the service. What has this told us about the service? The home sent us their annual quality assurance assessment (AQAA) when we asked for it. It was clear and gave us all the information we asked for. We looked at the information in the AQAA and our judgement is that the home is still providing a good service and that they know what further improvements they need to make. Since the home went into administration the staff have continued to work together as a strong team to maintain the homes reputation and standards. People living at the home and their families have been kept informed and reassured about the situation. The AQAA told us about the improvements the service has made in the past year. These include: Getting more information from health and social care professionals about peoples needs before they are admitted to the home, so their care can be properly planned. Providing more training for staff that is specific to meeting individuals health and personal care needs. Some staff have also completed courses that enable them to deliver in-house training to the staff team. Making sure prompt referrals are made so people are provided with appropriate aids and equipment, and training staff in their use so people are kept safe. Annual Service Review Page 4 of 8 Having discussions and meetings with people living at the home to encourage them to have more choices and influence the service they receive. This has included people being asked their preferences about the menus, social activities and outings, and decoration. Changing food supply arrangements so fresh provisions are delivered at regular intervals throughout the week. Keeping the environment up to standard through redecoration, renewing carpets and furnishings and buying new equipment and household items. Obtaining more comprehensive staff recruitment details and holding information securely. Updating the homes policies and procedures to make sure they are in line with current good practice and legislation. The Commission received seven surveys from people living at the home and nine surveys from staff. The majority of people said they always or usually receive the care and support they need; that staff are available when they need them; staff listen and act on what on they say; and the home makes sure they get the medical care they need. One person gave negative responses to these questions. People told us there are activities arranged by the home they can take part in. Most said they like the meals at the home. They said there is someone they can speak to informally if they are not happy and know how to make a formal complaint. People told us the home is always or usually fresh and clean. Comments on what the home does well were, The food is very good. I feel safe and well looked after. My room is lovely and has everything I need including the en-suite. There is plenty of clothes hanging space, It couldnt be any better, I feel safe in the home, Most things. Staff are nice, Staff are very helpful at all times, and, The manager and staff make sure all residents are happy and content, they always make time to listen to residents even though they are busy. The staff are always available to go to the local shop for residents in their lunch and coffee breaks. Amber House is a happy home where everyone is encouraged to join in activities. The food is good and a choice is always offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner and a buffet tea is served on a Sunday. Day trips are arranged and entertainment is provided. Some people made suggestions about what the home could do better. They said, I wish I had a better view from my window. I like to watch people outside, and, Somewhere private where no-one else could go. One person said, Nothing, everything I want is here, and another said, I have visited other residential homes and Amber House is a very good example of how a care home should be managed. I can think of nothing that would improve the atmosphere here. Annual Service Review Page 5 of 8 Additional comments included, I cant see how I could anything better than this, the staff are lovely, Pleased I came here, would be in a worse position if I lived on my own, Ive got no complaints, Anna, the manager and her staff make it a pleasure to live here, and, Very happy with the care. Staff told us their employer carried out checks such as taking up references and a Criminal Records Bureau check before they started work. The majority said their induction covered everything they needed to know to do the job. Most staff said they receive training relevant to their role, that helps them understand and meet individuals needs, keeps them up to date with new ways of working, and gives them enough knowledge about health care and medication. All staff told us they always have the right support, experience and knowledge to meet the different needs of the people living at the home, and there are always or usually enough staff to meet individual needs. Staff said they are given up to date information about the needs of the people they support, and the ways they share information about people work well. Most told us their manager meets with them regularly to give them support and discuss how they are working. Each staff member said they know what to do if someone has concerns about the home. Staff commented on what they feel the service does well. They said, Staff work well together which reflects in the care that all residents receive. Residents enjoy a varied diet, Always has regular entertainment for the residents. Has regular staff meetings. Ensures all residents are looked after, it is a caring home, I have worked at Amber House for a number of years and have found the standard of care and well being of the residents second to none , The staff work well together, all residents receive a good standard of care, The home works as part of a team and cares for the residents to the highest of standards. I care for every individual the same, even if their needs are different, we all participate with all our residents, and, Good working relationships between staff in the home. Good personal and emotional care given to residents. Good menu choice, and, The home has a very homely, welcoming atmosphere for the residents who are treated as individuals and therefore their personalities come to shine. The carers are very respectful of their needs and have bonds with residents. Some staff gave suggestions on what the service could do better. They said, Supply a better equipped laundry service, Could do with an industrial carpet cleaner, More time off the floor for seniors to do paperwork, and, The home could do with a cash boost to renovate and keep on top of things, but this does not detract from the residents care. One staff member added, I have worked in a few care homes but I can honestly say when I came to Amber House it runs very well. All the residents and staff are very happy. Amber House is a home within a home, and Im really grateful to be part of the team and hope to be in the near future. The homes visiting hairdresser also completed a survey. She said, As a hairdresser I
Annual Service Review Page 6 of 8 do go to a few care homes and I find the staff at Amber House very helpful, the residents well cared for with personal hygiene and food, and the home is kept very clean. The home continues to let us know about things that have happened since our last key inspection and they have shown that they have managed issues well. They work well with us and have shown us that their service continues to provide good outcomes for the people who use it. What are we going to do as a result of this annual service review? We are not going to change our inspection plan, and will do a key inspection by 16th October 2010. However we can inspect the home at any time if we have concerns about the quality of the service or the safety of the people using the service. Annual Service Review Page 7 of 8 Reader Information
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