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Care Home: Eastham

  • Main Road Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford Essex CM3 8RF
  • Tel: 01245320240
  • Fax: 01245427243

  • Latitude: 51.664001464844
    Longitude: 0.59700000286102
  • Manager: Mrs Marion Linda Hatcher
  • UK
  • Total Capacity: 25
  • Type: Care home only
  • Provider: Runwood Homes Plc
  • Ownership: Private
  • Care Home ID: 5785
Residents Needs:
Dementia, Old age, not falling within any other category

Latest Inspection

This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 28th July 2009. CQC found this care home to be providing an Excellent service.

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 Eastham.

What the care home does well Easthams provides residents with a secure, clean, comfortably furnished and well maintained home. Good information on the home and local health services and facilities is provided in the entrance hall. The gardens are mainly laid to lawn and are well maintained. There is access for wheelchairs and those with a mobility problem in the garden to the side of the home and rear patio. Individual rooms are well personalised with residents` personal belongings and furniture. A range of communal rooms are available for residents to read, relax or watch television or take part in craft sessions and other activities. People who express an interest in moving into the home have a full assessment prior to being admitted and are invited into the home to view the facilities before making a decision. Care planning is good and regularly reviewed and there is good monitoring and access to healthcare services. Residents have an individual key worker who supports their personal and social needs. The home is well supported by a local GP practice and good liaison with district nurses and general practitioners. The standards for administration and recording of medicines is good. There is an activities programme provided which residents can choose to take part in and monthly `themed teas` arranged where the home is decorated for residents` amusement. Some outings to local places of interest have been arranged using a local taxi company. Residents are supported to maintain links with friends and relatives who are able to visit the home at any time and are encouraged to go on outings with them if they are able. All food is cooked on site and residents have a varied and nutritious diet with specialist diets catered for. Staff work well as a team. Recruitment processes are robust with the required checks obtained prior to appointment provided. Communication is good with monitoring of care practices and regular staff supervision provided. Staff are encouraged to develop their skills and reach their potential through an ongoing mandatory training programme and specific training to meet care needs with some individuals also being supported to take up distance learning courses. There is a comprehensive quality assurance programme in place with regular audits undertaken to ensure best practice. What has improved since the last inspection? A philosophy of care has been developed for the home by staff and residents. Care planning continues to develop with good detailed guidance recorded in the care plans and regular reviews recorded. The standard for storage of medicines has improved. The arrangements for upholding residents` privacy and dignity has been improved by ensuring assessments are undertaken in private. Various outings have been arranged to local places of interest using a taxi company for transport and the assistance of some relatives. Themed teas have been arranged with the home being decorated in keeping with the them, for example St George`s Day and a Strawberry tea. Liquidised food is served more attractively in separate portions of meat/fish and vegetables. Call bells with longer leads have been purchased to ensure residents are able to call for assistance more easily. Planting and seating has been provided in the rear garden for access by wheelchair users. The number of staff with an NVQ level 2 and three qualification has increased and exceeds the recommended standard. The standard of care planning documentation has been reviewed and a person centred approach has been introduced. Standards for infection control have improved with staff hand washing facilities (liquid soap and paper towels) provided in residents` rooms. The pigeon droppings have been removed from the roof and patio and regular cleaning is undertaken. What the care home could do better: The premises are shabby in parts and communal rooms in particular are in needs of redecoration. The Controlled Drugs Register did not detail the name and address on receipt and disposal of controlled drugs. Staffing levels during the night are not sufficient to ensure residents do not have to wait unduly and may pose a risk in the event of an emergency. Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for older people Name: Address: Eastham Main Road Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford Essex CM3 8RF     The quality rating for this care home is:   three star excellent service 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 assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Diana Green     Date: 2 8 0 7 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. that people have said are important to them: They reflect the things This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Older People can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 28 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.cqc.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Older People Page 3 of 28 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Eastham Main Road Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford Essex CM3 8RF 01245320240 01245427243 eastham@runwoodhomes.co.uk www.runwoodhomecare.com Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: Runwood Homes Plc care home 25 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 dementia old age, not falling within any other category Additional conditions: One named person, over the age of 65 years, who requires care by reason of dementia, whose name was known to the Commission in February 2006 Persons of either sex, aged 65 years and over, who require care by reason of old age only (not to exceed 25 persons) The total number of service users accommodated in the home must not exceed 25 persons Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Eastham is a detached period property situated in the rural village of Woodham Ferrers, approximately two miles from the town of South Woodham Ferrers with all its Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 28 Over 65 1 25 0 0 Brief description of the care home main amenities. This home cares for a total of 25 older people with a range of dependency levels from semi-independent to high dependency. The aim of the home is to provide a homely environment where service users are supported and encouraged to exercise their rights by suitably trained staff. The home has been adapted to meet the needs of older people that include the provision of ramps for easy access and a full passenger lift. Bedroom accommodation is on the ground, first and second floors and consists of nineteen single and three shared rooms. The house is set in well-maintained gardens with views over open countryside and has adequate parking facilities at the front. The fees range from £430.29-£475.51 weekly. Additional costs apply for chiropody, toiletries, sundries, hairdressing and newspapers. This information was provided on 26/08/09. Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 28 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: three star excellent service Choice of home Health and personal care Daily life and social activities Complaints and protection Environment Staffing Management and administration peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: The quality rating for this service is 3 star. This means that people who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes. This unannounced inspection took place on 28th July 2009. All of the Key National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Older People, and the intended outcomes, were assessed in relation to this service during the inspection. This report has been written using accumulated evidence gathered prior to and during the site visit, including the homes Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA). The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA), which is required by law to be completed by the service, is a self assessment that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. This was completed by the registered provider and returned to us prior to the visit to the home. Information received in the AQAA provided us with some detail to assist us in understanding how the registered persons understand the services strengths and weaknesses and how they will address them. Care Homes for Older People Page 6 of 28 The inspection process included reviewing documents required under the Care Home Regulations. A number of records were looked at in relation to residents, staff recruitment and training, staff rotas and policies and procedures. Time was spent talking to residents, relatives, staff and the manager. Surveys were sent to residents, health and social care professionals and staff. Their views have been included in this report. The manager and staff were welcoming and helpful throughout the inspection. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A philosophy of care has been developed for the home by staff and residents. Care planning continues to develop with good detailed guidance recorded in the care plans and regular reviews recorded. The standard for storage of medicines has improved. The arrangements for upholding residents privacy and dignity has been improved by ensuring assessments are undertaken in private. Various outings have been arranged to local places of interest using a taxi company for transport and the assistance of some relatives. Themed teas have been arranged with the home being decorated in keeping with the them, for example St Georges Day and a Strawberry tea. Liquidised food is served more attractively in separate portions of meat/fish and vegetables. Call bells with longer leads have been purchased to ensure residents are able to call for assistance more easily. Planting and seating has been provided in the rear garden for access by wheelchair users. The number of staff with an NVQ level 2 and three qualification has increased and Care Homes for Older People Page 8 of 28 exceeds the recommended standard. The standard of care planning documentation has been reviewed and a person centred approach has been introduced. Standards for infection control have improved with staff hand washing facilities (liquid soap and paper towels) provided in residents rooms. The pigeon droppings have been removed from the roof and patio and regular cleaning is undertaken. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.cqc.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@cqc.org.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Older People Page 9 of 28 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 28 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them and the support they need. People who stay at the home only for intermediate care, have a clear assessment that includes a plan on what they hope for and want to achieve when they return home. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, or people close to them, have been able to visit the home and have got full, clear, accurate and up to date information about the home. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between them and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People planning to move into Easthams can be assured that they will receive sufficient information and have their needs assessed prior to admission to ensure they can be met. Evidence: The home had a statement of purpose and service user guide that met regulatory requirements. The statement of purpose was seen on display in the entrance of the home. We were informed that staff and residents had developed a philosophy of care (also seen on display) that included the key aims and objectives that determine how care is provided, for example privacy, homeliness, independence, lifestyle, open, safe and secure, professionalism, yesteryear etc. This showed that staff aimed to include residents in all aspects of life at the home. Five residents who completed surveys told us they had received sufficient information to enable them to make a decision prior to moving into the home. Care Homes for Older People Page 11 of 28 Evidence: The admission procedures were discussed with the manager of the home. Prospective residents and /or their relatives were encouraged to visit the home and view the accommodation. We were informed that wherever possible assessments were undertaken either in the persons own home, care home or hospital. Referrals were accepted by telephone and information on care needs obtained including a copy of the community care assessment provided by the social worker. A pre-admission assessment was undertaken using a pre-assessment form as a prompt to discuss care needs. Information was used following admission to complete a full assessment and care plan. Three residents care plans were viewed during the visit to the service. All included a detailed pre-admission assessment form that provided key information on the residents care needs from which a care plan could be developed. The home does not provide intermediate care. Care Homes for Older People Page 12 of 28 Health and personal care These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s health, personal and social care needs are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. If they take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it, in a safe way. People’s right to privacy is respected and the support they get from staff is given in a way that maintains their dignity. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People living at Easthams have their personal and health care needs met through robust care planning by skilled staff who respect their privacy and dignity. Evidence: Three residents care records were viewed during the site visit. All three contained a pre-admission assessment detailing the residents care needs that had been undertaken prior to admission. Care plans were seen for personal care, mobility, continence, eating and drinking and specific needs such as diabetes, mood and behaviour. All three files viewed contained very detailed care plans that provided clear guidance to staff when providing care to meet individual residents need and had been signed by the resident confirming their agreement to their care. Care plans included the residents family tree and a social history/life story that enabled staff to gain an understanding of the residents personal life and interests and hobbies and supported them in providing care to meet their needs. Nutritional risk assessments were undertaken on admission and reviewed with weight monitoring also undertaken monthly. Risk assessments were seen for risks associated with manual handling, risk of falls, pressure sores, use of bed rails, hypoglycaemic attacks (in diabetes) etc. All Care Homes for Older People Page 13 of 28 Evidence: had been regularly reviewed. A resident spoken with during the visit to the service said they were satisfied with the care at the home and that staff came promptly when they called for assistance. Residents access to healthcare services was discussed with the manager and confirmed from the care records. Residents were registered with the local GP practice who attended regularly on request. One residents care records viewed during the visit to the home confirmed they had received visits from their GP, chiropodist, dentist, district nurse and practice nurse. A relative spoken with confirmed their loved one was seen regularly by the practice nurse who visited the home each week. The resident told us they was going out to a hearing clinic that morning. Advice on local health services was also seen on display in the home for residents and relatives information. A survey completed by a health care professional told us that Easthams is excellent at phoning us for advice or asking to visit if they have any concerns. When asked Does the care service seek advice and act on it to meet peoples social and health care needs and improve their well-being? Two health care professionals stated usually and one stated always. When asked what does the service do well? a GP told us good liaison with this GP practice. The home had a medication policy and procedures for staff guidance and information on medicines was also available for staff and seen in the medication room. The medication systems were discussed with a senior care assistant. Medication was supplied from the local supplying pharmacy in monitored dosage systems and individual containers. There were appropriate procedures for the receipt and disposal of medication available and were seen to be well adhered to. Medication was given by designated senior care staff employed at the home who had received medication training and confirmed from the records viewed. A list of staff signatures and initials was held to enable appropriate follow up in the event of an adverse incident. Medication was stored in a locked trolley that was secured to the wall and in two medicines cupboard (one for controlled drugs) in the first floor clinical room of the home. The room had an air conditioning unit fitted and room temperatures were recorded and monitored to ensure medicines were stored within safe recommended levels (maximum 25 degrees centigrade). Drug refrigerator temperatures were also monitored and recorded to ensure the safe storage of medicines requiring cold storage. The medication storage and medicines administration records for three residents were examined. Records were completed accurately and in full and all medication was available as prescribed. The Controlled Drugs (CD) storage met requirements and a CD register was in use. Records were completed accurately and confirmed by two staff signatures. However this did not include the name and address on receipt and disposal of CD drugs as is required. Care Homes for Older People Page 14 of 28 Evidence: Staff were observed to be friendly and relaxed in their conversations with residents. A relative told us that staff are very respectful to all. Residents personal care was observed to be provided in private. A health care professional told us when I have observed carers talking to residents they appear very caring and respectful. Rooms included personal items of furniture and lockable facilities for storage of valuable and medication in the event that a resident chose to self medicate. Care Homes for Older People Page 15 of 28 Daily life and social activities These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives. They are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. People have nutritious and attractive meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Residents are supported to maintain links with their families and friends, to have a lifestyle that satisfies their cultural expectations and needs and have a healthy, nutritious diet with specialist diets catered for. Evidence: The homes activities were discussed with the manager. An activities coordinator was employed for fifteen hours per week to organise activities and provide group and individual activities for residents supported by care staff. The home was a member of the National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) who provided training and workshops, newsletters and leaflets. We were informed that each month to entertain residents, a themed tea was provided and the home decorated. Recent occasions had included St Georges Day, a strawberry tea and a beach party. This showed that the home aimed to provide a stimulating and positive environment for residents through the various activities arranged. The AQAA informed us that on some days there are set programmes and on others residents are able to choose what they would like to do. During the afternoon of the visit to the service, six residents were observed in the dining room taking part in a craft session and colouring in pictures. Some residents were in another lounge engaged in conversation with each other and others were listening to music or reading newspapers. We were informed Care Homes for Older People Page 16 of 28 Evidence: that a library regularly visited the home and large printed books were also seen on display in the home. An activities programme was seen on display and detailed activities such as knit and natter, art and craft sessions, film morning and manicures. The hairdresser visited each week and church service was held monthly with representatives from various faiths attending to give communion weekly. Photographs were displayed throughout the home of the various outings that had been arranged for residents. A relative told us that their loved one had been to Tropical Wings a local butterfly sanctuary and had thoroughly enjoyed the visit. A relative who completed a survey told us the staff are constantly thinking of new ways to entertain the residents, for example trips, entertainment, activities and a resident told us they provide a good variety of activities. Another resident told us they would like more dancing with staff. A health care professional who completed a survey told us that one of the residents they visited was encouraged to go to their club. The homes visiting policy was included in the statement of purpose. A visitors book was seen and confirmed that visitors came into the home at various times during the day, evening and weekends. Several visitors were observed visiting the home. A relative told us they could visit at anytime, could see their loved one in private and always felt welcome. During the visit to the home residents were observed to be encouraged to eat in the dining room. However some had chosen to stay in the lounge for their meal. Choices were accommodated in how residents spent their day, whether they took part in activities or chose to have a rest in their rooms following lunch. One relative told us that when their loved one goes out of the home, arrangements are made to provide their meal at a time to suit them. Residents rooms were seen to be personalised with their own belongings (photos, pictures, ornaments etc.) Information on advocacy services was seen on display in the home. Residents were observed enjoying the lunchtime meal which comprised a choice of savoury mince or chicken and mushroom pie with potatoes and broccoli followed by a desert of chocolate and pear pudding with chocolate sauce or fruit fool. Drinks were served with the meal and were noted to be provided during the day. Residents records viewed confirmed that a nutritional risk assessment was undertaken on admission to the home and weights monitored with nutritional supplements provided as needed ensuring that residents did not lose weight unduly. The care records confirmed that specialist diets were catered for and advice obtained from a dietitian where needed. A resident who completed a survey told us the food is always good. Care Homes for Older People Page 17 of 28 Complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them know how to complain. Any concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse and neglect and takes action to follow up any allegations. People’s legal rights are protected, including being able to vote in elections. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People living at Easthams have their concerns and complaints listened to and acted upon and are safeguarded by the homes policies, procedures and practices. Evidence: The home had a complaints procedure that was included in the statement of purpose and service user guide and was seen on display in the home. The record of complaints was viewed and confirmed that complaints were fully investigated in line with the homes procedures. The AQAA informed us that residents are provided with a copy of the procedure and encouraged to raised any concerns they have. A suggestion box was provided in the home to enable residents and their visitors to put forward any suggestions on how the service could improve. A record of compliments was also seen that showed the satisfaction of relatives whose loved one had been cared for at the home. All residents and their relatives who completed surveys confirmed they were aware of the complaints procedure and who to speak to if they had a concern. One resident told us they listen to an problems that I have and try to resolve them. I have no complaints and a relative told us I have no complaints of any kind regarding anything the staff do here. The home had safeguarding procedures in place and the records confirmed that all staff had received updated training in safeguarding adults since the previous key inspection. The home had detailed policy and procedures for safeguarding adults and the manager confirmed that the Essex safeguarding procedures were available for Care Homes for Older People Page 18 of 28 Evidence: staff guidance in the event of needing to refer an allegation. A whistle blowing policy was also available to support staff should they witness an allegation of abuse. The AQAA informed us that all staff receive safeguarding adults training and are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made. There had been one allegation made since the previous inspection that was appropriately investigated and was not upheld. The homes recruitment procedures were inspected and were confirmed to protect residents by ensuring all relevant checks were undertaken prior to appointment. Care Homes for Older People Page 19 of 28 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People living at Easthams have a clean, comfortably furnished, well maintained and homely environment but one that would benefit from redecoration. Evidence: A tour of the premises was made during the visit to the home. The entrance to the home was secure with a door entry system in place. Several residents rooms, communal rooms, bathrooms, a shower room, medication room, sluice room and laundry were viewed. The premises were clean and well maintained with no odorous smells. The home had a programme of maintenance and repair in place but was in need of redecoration particularly in the hall and communal rooms. The home had large attractive gardens to the front with a sweeping drive. A raised area with seating was provided to the rear that was accessible from the conservatory and used by residents when weather permitted. A garden to the side of the home had been established since the last key inspection that was accessible to wheelchair users. When asked what does the service do well? a GP told us provides a friendly and homely environment where each resident is treated in a caring way and as an individual. The home is always clean and tidy. A relative also told us that the home could do with a lick of paint and new windows. Records viewed during the visit to the home confirmed that systems were in place to ensure the building complied with the requirements of the local fire and environmental health department. Care Homes for Older People Page 20 of 28 Evidence: The home had stairs and a passenger lift to enable access to the first and second floors of the premises. There were grab rails throughout corridors with aids in bathrooms and toilets to meet the mobility needs of residents. Call systems were provided throughout communal and individual rooms to enable residents and staff to call for assistance and records confirmed these were well maintained. One resident was observed to have a call bell with a long lead ensuring they were able to reach and call for assistance. We were informed that a number of these had been purchased for use by residents. A range of specialist pressure relief equipment was available to meet the needs of individual residents. This included individual slings for hoists to be used for residents with mobility needs. The home was clean with no malodorous smells evident. A relative told that the home is always clean. Systems were in place to ensure staff had personal protective clothing for use when providing personal care. Hand washing facilities (liquid soap and paper towels) were provided throughout to ensure care staff had appropriate equipment to safely provide personal care. The laundry room was viewed and was clean and well organised with shelving, individual boxes and hanging rails to enable staff to organise the sorting and return of residents laundry to the rightful owner. There were two washing machines fitted and a drier all in working order. Both washing machines had sluice facilities (able to wash at 65 degrees centigrade for a minimum of 10 minutes) to minimize the risk of infection. Residents spoken with during the visit to the home confirmed they were satisfied with the standard of laundry. Care Homes for Older People Page 21 of 28 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable to care for them. Their needs are met and they are cared for by staff who get the relevant training and support from their managers. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience adequate quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People living at Easthams are cared for by skilled and competent staff who have been robustly recruited and are well supervised but night staffing levels do not provide assurance they can always meet their needs. Evidence: There were twenty-two residents at the home. We were informed that in addition to the manager there was one care team manager and three care assistants during the morning and in the afternoon. An activities coordinator and cook were also on duty. Laundry duties were shared between care staff and a domestic assistant was also employed. The duty rota was seen and confirmed the staffing levels were as discussed. During the visit to the home, residents were observed to be well cared for indicating that staffing levels were appropriate for their needs. However night staffing levels comprised one care team manager and one care assistant which appears low for the number of dependent residents and the layout of the home. This raises concerns that residents have to wait to receive assistance, particularly where both staff are required to assist a resident and that staffing would not be adequate in the event of an emergency. This was discussed with the operational manager who attended the home during the inspection and stated that she intended to prepare a proposal to senior management to support the need for an increase staffing. We were informed that the home employed a total of twenty-one care staff of which Care Homes for Older People Page 22 of 28 Evidence: fourteen had an NVQ level 2 qualification and three had an NVQ level 3 qualification. this exceeds the 50 needed to meet the recommended standard. in addition a further seven staff were undertaking NVQ level 2 and three were undertaking NVQ level 3. The AQAA informed us that Easthams has a stable staff team, equal opportunities are promoted and staff abilities and potential are maximized and that the recruitment process is robust with all the necessary checks completed before the applicant starts work. During the visit to the home the recruitment files for three recently employed staff were viewed. All files included evidence that the relevant checks (CRB, two satisfactory references, identification etc.) were undertaken prior to appointment. We were informed that a copy of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Code of Practice was given to all new staff on appointment to ensure they were aware of their responsibilities as a care worker. The files also included staff contract/terms and conditions detailing their legal rights of employment. The AQAA informed us that all staff complete a full induction and are required to complete additional courses through Chelmsford College to benefit the home and enhance their knowledge in specialist areas. The training programme was discussed with the manager and records viewed. A copy of the training matrix was provided. This comprised a rolling programme of mandatory training (health and safety, manual handling, fire safety, food hygiene, first aid and dementia). we were informed that infection control, palliative care and equality and diversity had been provided by Chelmsford College. A care team manager was also undertaking a leadership and management course through distance learning with tutorial support having been recommended by the manager and supported by the organisation. This showed that staff were valued and opportunities for further development provided.The training records for the same three staff were viewed and confirmed that since appointment they had received training in manual handling, safeguarding adults, fire safety, health and safety, basic first, dementia care and had completed the common induction standards. Care Homes for Older People Page 23 of 28 Management and administration These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is led and managed appropriately. People control their own money and choose how they spend it. If they or someone close to them cannot manage their money, it is managed by the care home in their best interests. The environment is safe for people and staff because appropriate health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. The people staying at the home are safeguarded because it follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and ensures their staff understand the way things should be done. They get the right care because the staff are supervised and supported by their managers. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People living at Easthams can be assured that the home is safe and well managed and they and staff are protected by good health and safety standards and practices. Evidence: Discussions were held with the manager for the home who informed us that she had managed the home for four years. She stated that she had completed the registered Managers Award and continued to undertake updated training through Chelmsford College. This was also confirmed from the training matrix. During the visit to the home it was clear that the manager was well known to all the residents. Staff who completed surveys told us our manager is very supportive and has an open door policy....we can talk to the manager about any concerns and know they will be dealt with promptly. From observation and an inspection of records, the home appeared to be well managed. The homes quality assurance policy and procedures were discussed with the manager. Questionnaires with an anonymous response were forwarded annually to residents and Care Homes for Older People Page 24 of 28 Evidence: their representatives, general practitioners and other health professionals (district nurses, chiropodists, social workers etc.). A suggestion box was also provided to enable residents, visitors and staff to put forward any suggestions to improve the service. Information obtained was used to develop an action plan to address any issues raised. The AQAA informed us that regulation 26 reports were completed from visits, quality assurance audits and quarterly financial audits were undertaken. During the visit to the service quality audits were seen for management, health and safety, medication and care planning and regulation 26 reports were viewed. The home had a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place for staff guidance that had been regularly reviewed ensuring they met with up to date legislation and best practice guidance. The arrangements for handling residents monies were discussed with the manager. Neither the manager nor representative were appointee for any resident. No resident managed their own financial affairs. All residents had a relative or representative to manage their finances on their behalf. Personal allowances were held in secure facilities on their behalf. Key workers assisted residents to make purchases they may choose. The personal allowances and records were inspected for three residents. The amounts of money were present and correct for all three residents with records of transactions made and receipts held as evidence. The manager said that supervision was undertaken for all staff at two monthly intervals to discuss care practice and performance. Handover was provided between shifts to ensure staff were aware of residents changing needs and this was noted during the visit to the home. Five members of staff who completed surveys said they met regularly with the manager to discuss their work and give them support. The records for three staff members were viewed and confirmed these arrangements were in operation. The home had a health and safety policy and procedures in place for staff guidance that had recently been reviewed. The records confirmed that staff had attended health and safety training following appointment. Evidence of a sample of records viewed showed that there were systems in place to ensure the servicing of equipment (hoists, sling etc.) and utilities and there was evidence of appropriate weekly and monthly internal checks being carried out (e.g. checks on fire equipment, fire alarms and emergency lighting etc.). Care Homes for Older People Page 25 of 28 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Older People Page 26 of 28 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 9 The name and address should be recorded in the Controlled Drugs Register on receipt and disposal of all controlled drugs. A programme of redecoration of the premises should be undertaken to enhance the surroundings. 2 19 Care Homes for Older People Page 27 of 28 Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 or Textphone: or Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Older People Page 28 of 28 - 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!

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