Care Home: Ash Court Care Home

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What the care home does well Available at the home were a selection of care plans for each resident, which clearly set out how staff need to meet their assessed health, personal, and social care needs. Care plans were signed to show that they were put together with the full involvement of the resident and/or their representative. There was also evidence to show that care plans are being regularly reviewed and they are being updated when persons needs have changed. Staff showed good knowledge and understanding of the needs of the residents, during the inspection visit they were observed talking to residents in a polite manner and treating them with respect. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6Residents spoken with said that staff are always polite and treat them well they made the following comments to support this: "I make sure doors and windows are closed when helping with personal care" "Make sure the room temperature is warm" "Always knock before entering a residents bedroom" "Never shout at a resident and be patient" Residents spoken with said: "Staff always knock on my door before coming in" "They help me with personal care they do it in a dignified way" "The staff are very good the treat me very well" "The staff let me do things for myself which I like, I like to be independent" "The staff knock on my door and are always very polite to me and others" Residents relatives spoken with said: "All the staff are very good, they look after mum very well" "The staff are always polite and kind" Residents are offered a varied and healthy diet which is prepared and cooked by a qualified cook The home had in place appropriate procedures for responding to concerns complaints and for ensuring that residents are safe from abuse, harm or neglect. Everybody spoken with during the inspection said that they had been given information about how to make a complaint if they needed to. People were confident that their complaints would be listened to and dealt with in the correct way. The home was comfortable, well maintained and free from hazards making it a pleasant and safe place for people to live in. More than half of the staff team have achieved or are working towards a National Vocational Qualification in Care level 2 or above and they have all completed or are planning to complete training linked to the aims and objectives of the home and the needs of the residents. The home is well managed to the benefit of the residents and staff. The registered manager is well qualified and experienced to manage the home. Comments made about the managers included: "Helen is a very good manager ". "She is positive and approachable" "The home is well managed" "She is understanding, listens and is easy to talk to" What has improved since the last inspection? People who are thinking about moving in are given up to date information about the home and their needs are properly assessed so that they can be sure that it is the right place for them to live. All People who live in the home now have an up to date contract that details what services the fees pay for. All pre-assessments and assessments undertaken are now completed by individuals trained to do this. All relevant needs of the individual wishing to move into the home are identified to make sure that the resident and the management of the home can make an informed choice. Residents care plans now include information about their personal preferences so that staff have all the information they need to support them with every day choices, equality and diversity needs and daily routines. Each resident has a care plan that is put together with their involvement. The care plans now detail how their needs will be met by the staff. An activities co-ordinator offers residents a wider range of opportunities for stimulation through leisure and recreational activities in and outside the home. Improvements made to the environment have enhanced the comfort and dignity of the residents All complaints are now recognised and full records kept as to how these are to be dealt with and actioned which ensures the full protection of residents. Staff have undertaken training so that they know how to recognise, monitor and report instances of adult abuse. Staff have undertaken training so that they are able to meet the needs of the residents and the aims and objectives of the home. Residents individual risk assessments are now detailed and provide staff with clear instructions as to how to reduce or prevent the identified risk and they are regularly reviewed and updated. Recruitment and selection procedures carried out at the home are much more robust ensuring the full protection of the residents. The service now has a manager who is registered with the Commission. What the care home could do better: All the National Minimum Standards which were looked at during this inspection were met. CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Ashcourt Care Home Brookside Avenue Liverpool Merseyside L14 7NB Lead Inspector Janet Marshall Key Unannounced Inspection 21st August 2008 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 Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.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. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashcourt Care Home Address Brookside Avenue Liverpool Merseyside L14 7NB 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) 0151 259 7522 ashcourt@meridiancare.co.uk Meridian Care Limited Post vacant Care Home 40 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (40) of places Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.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 - Code PC to service users of the following gender: Either whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not falling within any other category - Code OP The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 40 Date of last inspection 4th March 2008 Brief Description of the Service: Ashcourt is a purpose built home, which was built 7 years ago. It was purchased by Meridian Care Limited in January 2005 There are 40 bedrooms that have en suite facilities. The home has three lounges, a dining room and a conservatory where smoking is allowed. There is also a main foyer that doubles as a seating area for people who live in the home and visitors. Car parking is available at the side of the building. All areas of the building are accessible by the residents and aids to mobility such as ramps and handrails are in place to assist access to the building. The home is located in a residential area of Liverpool and is within easy access to bus routes, churches and local amenities. There is a garden area at the front of the home and a small area to the rear. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 2 star. This means the people who use this service experience good outcomes. This was a key inspection. The Commission considers 22 standards for Care Homes for Older People as Key Standards, which have to be inspected during a Key Inspection. All key standards for this type of service are highlighted in bold in the relevant sections of this report. The report has been put together using information gathered from a number of sources including information that the commission have received about the service since the last key inspection which took place in March 2008 and details provided in the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA). The AQAA is in two parts, a self-assessment and dataset, the document, which was sent out to the service was completed in good detail and returned to the commission before the site visit took place. The inspection also involved an unannounced visit to the home (site visit). This was carried out with the help of the registered manager Mrs Helen Parry, care staff other staff that were on duty at the time. Records that were examined, staff comments and observations made during the visit have also been used as evidence for the report. A number of residents and relatives were spoken with during the site visit and their views and opinions about the service are reflected within the report. A number of residents were case tracked. This process involved talking to residents, staff and relatives, looking at the environment and a selection of residents records such as assessments, care plans and daily notes to get an idea about peoples experiences and to find out if they are receiving the care and support that they need and which they have agreed. What the service does well: Available at the home were a selection of care plans for each resident, which clearly set out how staff need to meet their assessed health, personal, and social care needs. Care plans were signed to show that they were put together with the full involvement of the resident and/or their representative. There was also evidence to show that care plans are being regularly reviewed and they are being updated when persons needs have changed. Staff showed good knowledge and understanding of the needs of the residents, during the inspection visit they were observed talking to residents in a polite manner and treating them with respect. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Residents spoken with said that staff are always polite and treat them well they made the following comments to support this: “I make sure doors and windows are closed when helping with personal care” “Make sure the room temperature is warm” “Always knock before entering a residents bedroom” “Never shout at a resident and be patient” Residents spoken with said: “Staff always knock on my door before coming in” “They help me with personal care they do it in a dignified way” “The staff are very good the treat me very well” “The staff let me do things for myself which I like, I like to be independent” “The staff knock on my door and are always very polite to me and others” Residents relatives spoken with said: “All the staff are very good, they look after mum very well” “The staff are always polite and kind” Residents are offered a varied and healthy diet which is prepared and cooked by a qualified cook The home had in place appropriate procedures for responding to concerns complaints and for ensuring that residents are safe from abuse, harm or neglect. Everybody spoken with during the inspection said that they had been given information about how to make a complaint if they needed to. People were confident that their complaints would be listened to and dealt with in the correct way. The home was comfortable, well maintained and free from hazards making it a pleasant and safe place for people to live in. More than half of the staff team have achieved or are working towards a National Vocational Qualification in Care level 2 or above and they have all completed or are planning to complete training linked to the aims and objectives of the home and the needs of the residents. The home is well managed to the benefit of the residents and staff. The registered manager is well qualified and experienced to manage the home. Comments made about the managers included: “Helen is a very good manager ”. “She is positive and approachable” “The home is well managed” “She is understanding, listens and is easy to talk to” Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: All the National Minimum Standards which were looked at during this inspection were met. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. Before moving in prospective residents are given good information about the home and their needs are assessed to be sure that it is the right place for them to live. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the homes Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide have been reviewed and updated. The information which was available in a glossy style brochure with large clear print provides a good amount of information for people who might wish to move into the home. Including information such as the needs of individuals that the home can meet. Copies of the information have been given out to the people already living in the home. A number of residents spoken with said they have been given an information pack. At the time of the inspection relatives of a prospective resident were viewing the home they confirmed that they had Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 been given an information pack which they thought had a lot of good information about the home and the services and facilities available there. The manager explained that a new pre-admission assessment document has been developed since last key inspection. Pre-assessments have been carried out using the new documentation for the people that have recently been admitted to the home. The records for 3 of those residents were looked at during the site visit as part of the case tracking process. The assessments covered all aspects of the persons personal health and social care needs. Information recorded in the assessments was detailed. Residents care files also included assessments carried out by other health and social care professionals such as social workers and nurses. Each of the residents had a contract of terms and conditions of the home. Contracts for the residents that were casetraked were looked at in detail during the inspection. They were complete and included such information as how much they pay and how their fees are paid, who has responsibility and what services they can expect to receive. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 care is well supported and monitored and they are treated with dignity and respect. EVIDENCE: All residents had a care file which was kept securely in the office. The manager explained that residents care plans and risk assessments have been reviewed and updated since the last inspection and that they are now more detailed. Care files for eight residents were looked at in detail as part of the case tracking process. Care files contained a selection of care plans. All care plans looked at were detailed and covered each persons care need requirements which were highlighted in their pre- admission assessments. Care plans provided staff with clear information and instructions about how best to care and support the person in a way that promotes their privacy, dignity and independence. The plans looked at covered such things as health and personal care, eating and drinking, sleeping, mobility, sexuality, elimination, communication and mobility. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The plans also highlighted where a risk assessment is needed. Risk assessments have been carried out for tasks and activities which have been assessed as posing a risk to the resident and/or the member of staff helping them. Like the care plans, risk assessments also provided staff with information and clear instructions about the action they need to take to minimise any risk to the resident or themselves. Risk assessments are important because they help people to live independently in a safe way. Staff spoken with showed a good understanding of care plans and the importance of them. The following comments made by staff supported this: “Care plans describe the care and support that that people need” “They are important because they tell us about any changes” Records which were looked at showed that peoples health is well supported and monitored. There was evidence to show that people see their doctor when they need to or if they ask and they are supported to attend other health care appointments such as dentists, chiropodists and opticians. Other specialists such as dieticians, speech therapists and mental health professionals. Details of all appointments, treatments and specialist care provided were recorded in good detail. Were appropriate peoples weight, elimination and water low is closely monitored and recorded as a way of making sure they stay well. Throughout the inspection staff were seen treating resident politely and in a respectful way. They sat closely to them when talking and were gentle and patient in their approach. Staff gave the following examples of the things they do to ensure peoples privacy and dignity: “I make sure doors and windows are closed when helping with personal care” “Make sure the room temperature is warm” “Always knock before entering a residents bedroom” “Never shout at a resident and be patient” Residents spoken with said: “Staff always knock on my door before coming in” “They help me with personal care they do it in a dignified way” “The staff are very good the treat me very well” “The staff let me do things for myself which I like, I like to be independent” “The staff knock on my door and are always very polite to me and others” Residents relatives spoken with said: “All the staff are very good, they look after mum very well” “The staff are always polite and kind” Information provided in the AQAA, discussion with staff and examination of records showed that staff have received or are planning to attend training which helps them to understand and manage certain healthcare conditions that Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 residents have. Training in topics such as first aid, diabetes, epilepsy, dementia care and mental health awareness have been attended by staff. Information received by the Commission since the last inspection shows that The home has all the required policies and procedures and codes of conduct for the safe handling, administration and recording of medication. Copies of the polices, procedures and codes of conduct were on display in the room where medication is stored. Records showed that medication is administered only by staff that have received the required training. Medication which was looked at was stored correctly and medication administration records (MARs) which were checked were well kept. Supplements were properly used and stored. The drug room was clean and tidy. Procedures followed at the home ensure that controlled drugs which are used Are appropriately recorded and locked away. Home remedies were recorded and procedures in place for giving them. Regular checks of medication and records are carried out by the home manager and outside agencies such as the Pharmacist and a member of the Primary Health Care Team. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 are encouraged and supported to live active and healthy lives. EVIDENCE: There is an activity co coordinator working at the home. At the time of the inspection visit she and a number of staff were seen supporting the residents in a variety of activities including bingo, pampering sessions and board games. One resident said, “We do something near enough every day” and gave the following examples: bingo, card games, sing a longs, movies and trips out”. Discussion took place with the activities co coordinator and staff who said residents enjoy the activities they said all residents are offered to take part in activities. The activities coordinator said day trips are also arranged for residents, when they have a meal out. All activities that residents take part in or are offered were recorded. The records for those residents case tracked were checked and showed that the people experience a variety of activities. An activity programme was on display at the home it detailed planned activities for the forthcoming month including the time and date it was taking place. card games, pampering sessions, painting, music, dancing, movies and card games were some of the activities on offer. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 A visitor’s book, which was seen at the home, showed that residents receive regular visits from friends and family members. Visitors were seen coming and going at intervals throughout the inspection visit. They were welcomed by the manager and staff and offered refreshments. Residents spent time with their visitors in the privacy of their own rooms, the lounge areas and outside in the garden. Discussion took place with a number of visitors, all of them said that they are always made to feel welcome at the home by both the manager and staff. One relative said, “we vist reguarly and can come at any time during the day or night although we do try and avoid meal times”. During the inspection visit residents were seen making choices for themselves, others were seen being encouraged by staff to make choices. Residents spoken with confirmed that they choose what clothes they were each day and decide what time they get up and go to bed. Discussion with the cook and examination of menus showed that residents are offered a good variety of food which is nutritious and healthy. The cook who is qualified was very knowledgeable about the dietary needs of the residents. Comments made by residents during the inspection visit included the following: ‘Meals are nice very well cooked and presented’. ‘The food is very good, there is a great variety which is always nicely cooked’. “Love the food, it is very nice we always are given a choice” Serving of the lunchtime meal was observed. The dining room which is easily accessible from all parts of the home was clean bright and attractively decorated. It was furnished with a number of good quality dining sets seating up to six people. In the centre of each table was a small display of fresh flowers, Tables were attractively laid with tablecloths, mats, napkins and cutlery. Meals were served from a hot plate to the residents individually by staff. Staff talked to residents to explain what they were eating and to ask if they need any assistance. Staff were seen encouraging residents to eat. Staff did not rush anybody and took their time assisting those residents who needed help. There were a number of residents who were offered alternatives because they chose not to eat the lunch of the day. Residents appeared to be satisfied with the options they were given. Residents were served with hot and cold drinks both during and after their meal. Drinks and snacks were also offered at intervals throughout the day. Residents care plans included detailed information about their dietary needs and the assistance they needed. The homes menu was displayed at the home. The menu was presented in large clear print making it easy for people to see and read. Residents and staff spoken with spoken with all said that the quality, quantity and choice of food are very good. Residents confirmed each morning staff asks them what they want for lunch. The food stores were looked at. There was plenty of food including tinned, dried, fresh and frozen. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 There was plenty of milk, eggs, yogurts, butter and cheese. The cook said that food is delivered by local suppliers Freezers were well stocked with such things as meat, bread and fish. The kitchen was equipped with a microwave, a food mixer and there were a variety of pots and pans. There was plenty of crockery for resident’s use, which was matching, and of good quality. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. Procedures which are in place ensure that residents are protected from harm, abuse and neglect and people are confident about using them. EVIDENCE: Information held by the Commission, records kept at the home and discussion with the manager and staff showed that there have been a number of complaints made to the home in the last 12 months. A complaints log at the howed that all complaints have been appropriately recorded and investigated within 28 days. Outcomes of all complaint investigations were also available. There was a complaints procedure on display at the home. It is also available in the homes Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Residents and staff spoken with during the inspection all said that have the information that they need to make a complaint if they wish to and they would feel confident about making a complaint. The following comments made by residents, their relatives/friends and staff showed that people are confident about complaining or raising concerns and that they have the information they need to do this. “I know who to speak to if I am unhappy about something” “Yes Me now how to make a complaint” “I would definitely report a colleague” “I would complain if I needed to” “Oh yes I am very confident about making a complaint” Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The manager confirmed that all staff are provided with copies of the homes policies and procedures for complaints, whistle blowing and protection of vulnerable adults. They also have a copy of the No Secrets document which includes up to date information about protecting vulnerable adults. Since the last inspection all staff that work at the home have completed protection of vulnerable adults training. The training helps staff to recognise the signs of potential abuse and how to report them appropriately. staff spoken with described appropriately what they would do if they saw or thought a resident was being abused. A copy of the Local Authority Protection of Vulnerable Adults policy was available at the home along with other documents which provide staff with information and guidance about what they need to do if they witnessed abuse taking place. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in a comfortable and safe environment. EVIDENCE: The home is situated in a popular residential area of Knotty Ash, Liverpool. There is a large car park at the front of the house and well kept gardens surrounding the home. The home had a warm and friendly atmosphere and staff and residents were very welcoming. The home was well decorated and very tidy. People who were living at the home were able to make their bedrooms their own and this was appreciated by them. The areas identified at the last inspection as needing attention have all been improved making the home a comfortable and safe place for the people who live there. All equipment is maintained and service records kept. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 COSHH date sheets are obtained and kept in relation to all chemicals used/stored in the Home. Staff receive training in infection control, food hygiene. Protective clothing, aprons and gloves are provided. Contract is in place for the disposal of clinical waste. Adequate domestic and laundry staff are employed to ensure the Home is clean and odour free. Separate hand washing facilities are provided throughout the Home. Fire safety training is provided for all staff. Fire drills are carried out weekly. Evacuation procedure is displayed on each floor, fire exits are clearly signed, and emergency lighting and alarm are subject to periodic testing by external contractors. Electrical/gas/lift service and safety records are held on fire. The home has a variety of communal space including a tiled conservatory, two lounges, one activities room, and one dining room. The conservatory is the communal space that can use for smoking. People who live in the home use the quiet upstairs lounge to see their relatives. It is good practice that the home offers a variety of space that can be used to meet the needs of individuals. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Recruitment and training of staff ensure that residents are supported by the right people. EVIDENCE: There was a personal file available for all staff. A selection of staff files were examined including a number of staff that have started work at the home since the last inspection. These showed that all staff are receiving mandatory training and new staff are involved in a detailed and comprehensive induction programme based on TOPPS. Induction records, which were seen, evidenced this. There was evidence that staff undertake other specialist training including mental health awareness, Epilepsy awareness and diabetes. Staff files displayed a photo of the person and contained job descriptions and contracts of employment. NVQ training is ongoing. Training recently undertaken by staff included fire training, protection of vulnerable adults, first aid and medication awareness. The staffing rota, which was examined as part of the inspection showed that there are a sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents. There is always a senior staff member n duty throughout the day and night. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Discussion with the manager and information provided in the AQAA showed that the turn over of staff and the use of agency staff has been low since the last inspection. Four members of staff were interviewed during the inspection. General discussion also took place with a number of other staff at intervals throughout the visit. They said that there is always enough staff on duty to meet the needs of the residents. Staff interviewed showed a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities, were very knowledgeable about the needs of the residents and showed a real commitment to ensuring that they are well cared for and have a good quality of life. Residents and their relatives spoken with during the inspection visit made many positive comments about the staff, comments included: “The staff are all very nice”. “The staff are great, they treat us well”. “The staff are good at their jobs”. “The staff are smashing”. “The staff treat us like friends”. “They never take anything for granted”. Residents spoken with during the visit said staff always listen and act on what they say and are always available when needed. An equal opportunities policy and procedure was available at the home. The AQAA showed that the home employs people of various ages, gender and of different backgrounds. The manager explained that there has been a complete review of the homes recruitment and selection procedures to ensure the full protection of residents. This was also evidenced upon examination of records for three new staff that have been recruited since the last inspection. A checklist for each member of staff was available to show the checks which have been carried out. The records showed the required checks were carried out before the people were allowed to start work at the home. Staff files were well organised and presented making them easy to access. The AQAA showed that all new staff receive induction training based on The National Training Organisation for Social Care. Records which were viewed for new staff showed that they received induction training during the first part of their employment at the home. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 home is managed to the benefit of the residents and staff. EVIDENCE: There has been a change of manager since the last key inspection. Helen Parry is the new appointed manager of the home. Helen has put forward an application to the Commission to become the registered manager. Helen has a number of management qualifications relevant to her work and many years experience of working in the field of health and social care. Previous inspections identified a number of shortfalls in relation to the management and administration of the home. Since the last inspection the manager has reviewed and updated existing management systems as well as implementing new ones all which have contributed to the overall improvement of the service. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 There was evidence from this inspection that processes and records for care planning and reviewing, staff development and supervision, recruitment and selection of staff and systems for monitoring the quality of the service are all in place and being managed efficiently in the interests of the residents. The manager said there is an open door policy operated at the home which means people are encouraged to talk to the manager/s in private about any issues which they may have. This was confirmed by staff and residents who said the manager is approachable, easy to talk to and they feel confident about talking to her about both work and personal related issues. Residents and staff spoken with during the inspection were very complimentary of the manager and the way she runs the home, the following comments made during the inspection supported this: “Helen is a very good manager”. “She is positive and approachable” “The home is well managed” “She is understanding, listens and is easy to talk to” Discussion with the manager and records, which were examined, showed that the home has in place a number of quality monitoring systems, which aim to ensure that the home is run in the best interests of the residents. Satisfaction questionnaires are given out to residents and their representatives as a way of seeking people’s views about the home and the results of them are used to plan make the necessary improvement and to plan for the future. The service manages small amounts of personal money for some residents. Money and financial records which were examined were in good order and well kept. The health safety and welfare of residents are well protected this was supported by a set of policies and procedures, which were detailed in the AQAA and available at the home. All the homes policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated since the last inspection. Information provided in the AQAA and examination of a selection of health and safety records showed that the required health and safety checks have been carried out on the environment at the required intervals, for example fire system checks, gas and electricity checks and environmental risk assessments. Staff and residents spoken with confirmed that they hear the fire alarm system regularly being tested. Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 3 X 3 X X 3 HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 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 3 X X X X X X 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Merseyside Area Office North West Regional Contact Team Unit 1, 3rd Floor Tustin Court, Preston Preston PR2 2YQ 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 Ashcourt Care Home DS0000063424.V363032.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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. 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