Care Home: Gardner House

What the care home does well The people I spoke to said they are happy with the care and support they receive. One person said `I am very happy living here, it`s nice.` Another said that the staff are `very very good`. Relatives of the people who live at Gardener House commented that the `Staff are wonderful`. A visiting healthcare professional told me that this was one of the best care homes she visited. She also said staff were very knowledgeable about the people who lived at the home and gave accurate information when referring someone to the service. The pre-admission assessments are thorough and the majority of people spoken to told me that they had sufficient information about the home before choosing to live there. One person said `when I came for a visit, I was made very welcome.` The people who live at the home and their relatives confirmed that they know how to raise a concern or make a complaint, if they needed to. One person said `I would tell the staff if I have a problem`. The staff are aware of their responsibilities if they believe that neglect or poor care practice is taking place and were confidant that if they raised any issues the manager would investigate. There are thorough recruitment and selection procedures in place, to make sure that staff are suitable and safe to work with the people who live at the home. People looked well cared for, and there was a nice open friendly relationship between staff and people living at Gardener House.People said they enjoyed the food they were given and said that there was a good choice. One person said `the scampi for lunch was lovely, the pudding was nice to, we get well fed here.` What has improved since the last inspection? The home has done everything we asked them to do at the last inspection. The medication system around ordering and recording of stock has been improved, making it much safer for the people who live at the home. A varied activities programme has been developed. A new cinema room has been developed, which involved a make over for one of the lounge areas into what looks like a cinema. The residents I spoke to thought this was a brilliant idea, and really enjoyed using this room. One person said `we can watch a film and get a choc ice it`s just like the pictures.` People also told me that recently some children from the local primary school had visited and sung carols. The residents had really enjoyed this and were looking forward to another school visiting later in the week. Staff told me that there was now enough towels and bedding available especially on a weekend, which had been identified at the last inspection as a problem when sheets and towels were in short supply. Some redecoration of bedrooms has also taken place, which made the home look nice and fresh. New carpets have also been fitted to some bedrooms and communal lounges. The refurbishment of the home is ongoing. What the care home could do better: No requirements or recommendations have been made from this inspection. However it is important that the manager continues to improve and maintain this standard. CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Gardner House Brierton Lane Hartlepool TS25 4AG Lead Inspector Bridgit Stockton Unannounced Inspection 10:00 19 December 2007 th 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 Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.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. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Gardner House Address Brierton Lane Hartlepool TS25 4AG 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) 01429 261023 01429 865950 gardnerhouse@c-I-c.co.uk www.c-i-c.co.uk Community Integrated Care Miss Lisa Newbury Care Home 29 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (29) of places Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18th June 2007 Brief Description of the Service: Gardner House is a care home for older people and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 29 older people. The home is well served by bus routes to the town centre of Hartlepool. The home also has a number of lounge areas, dining room, and a quieter room. Menus cater for the specific needs of individual residents. Residents are able to personalise their own rooms and relatives and friends are welcome to visit at any reasonable times. The home has 29 individual bedrooms but does not offer en-suite facilities although they do all have wash hand basins. There are an adequate number of bathing and toilet facilities within the home to meet the needs of the residents. The home has a pleasant enclosed garden to the rear with a number of raised flowerbeds; there are also substantial lawned areas to the side and rear of the building. The weekly fee charged for living at the home is £359.00. Hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers and toiletries are not included in this fee. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the quality of the care and support received by the people who live at Gardener House care home, and to monitor the progress the home has made in meeting with requirements that we asked the home to do at the previous inspection on the home in July 2007. The methods I used to gather information included a visit to the home, conversations with the people who live there, their relatives, healthcare professionals and the staff. I looked in detail at the care and records of four people, examined other records and looked around the home. I spent four hours at the home. What the service does well: The people I spoke to said they are happy with the care and support they receive. One person said ‘I am very happy living here, it’s nice.’ Another said that the staff are ‘very very good’. Relatives of the people who live at Gardener House commented that the ‘Staff are wonderful’. A visiting healthcare professional told me that this was one of the best care homes she visited. She also said staff were very knowledgeable about the people who lived at the home and gave accurate information when referring someone to the service. The pre-admission assessments are thorough and the majority of people spoken to told me that they had sufficient information about the home before choosing to live there. One person said ‘when I came for a visit, I was made very welcome.’ The people who live at the home and their relatives confirmed that they know how to raise a concern or make a complaint, if they needed to. One person said ‘I would tell the staff if I have a problem’. The staff are aware of their responsibilities if they believe that neglect or poor care practice is taking place and were confidant that if they raised any issues the manager would investigate. There are thorough recruitment and selection procedures in place, to make sure that staff are suitable and safe to work with the people who live at the home. People looked well cared for, and there was a nice open friendly relationship between staff and people living at Gardener House. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 People said they enjoyed the food they were given and said that there was a good choice. One person said ‘the scampi for lunch was lovely, the pudding was nice to, we get well fed here.’ What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2,3&6 Quality in this outcome area is good People’s needs are properly assessed prior to admission. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The care plans I looked at showed that comprehensive pre-admission assessments had been carried out before offering someone a place. This is to make sure that the home can meet the person’s needs. A senior member of staff visits the person at home or in hospital to discuss their care needs. Social Services assessments are also used to determine this as well; these were also available to look at. People are welcome to visit the home before reaching a decision. I also looked at contracts people have with the home. These were detailed and included a breakdown of the fees and who was responsible for paying for the care provided. The home does not provide intermediate care. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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): 7,8,9 &10 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Good systems are in place to ensure that health care needs of the people are met. People can be confident that their privacy and dignity is protected and that they are treated with respect. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: I looked at three care plans. The recording in people’s plans gave instructions to staff on how to meet people’s diverse needs. They also contained up to date risk assessments on people. The plans need to be kept under constant review by all staff; this should be monitored by the manager. People living at the home confirmed that they agreed with the plan of care and some had signed the plan. This is good practice. During the inspection several district nurses visited the home, and care plans indicated that people had access to other health care professionals such as the community psychiatric nurse, opticians and chiropodists. One district nurse told me that Gardener House was one of the nicest homes she visited. Another considered the staff to be very efficient and friendly. Both commented that Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 people always look very well cared for and that referrals were always made promptly. I inspected some people’s medication that is administered by the home. This has improved; staff are now following policy and procedure for this. Stock that was checked was correct and the medication administration records were completed properly. Staff were seen to be treating people with respect and dignity and this was also reflected within the care plans. One person said that the ‘girls are nice and kind to us all’, another said ‘ nothing is a bother for the staff they are just great.’ Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 12,13,14,&15 Quality in this outcome area is good. The recreational and social needs of people are well catered for which enables them to make daily choices and promotes independence. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to EVIDENCE: During my visit the atmosphere in the home was friendly and welcoming, with visitors coming and going throughout the day. Some people were enjoying chatting with each other; some were listing to music or else reading. An activities program was on display in the entrance hallway. The program was varied and included church services, bingo and sing-a-longs. Since the last inspection a cinema room has been created. Residents said they really liked this. Residents also told me how they had enjoyed a local school that had visited the home to sing carols earlier in the week. A Christmas party had been planned and residents were looking forward to this. Everyone said the food was good, and a choice of meals was offered. One person said ‘ we get top notch food here, we are very lucky to have nice cooks.’ Another resident said ‘ I had scampi for lunch followed by home made rice pudding it was delicious.’ Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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): 16&18 Quality in this outcome area is good. People can be confidant that their concerns and complaints are dealt with appropriately and that safeguards are in place to protect them from abuse This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There are adequate written policies and procedures in place to deal with complaints and the care staff spoken to confirm they were aware of these. Staff knowledge of these help ensure that they were able to address any issues or anxieties of the residents, relatives and visitors to the home. People who live at the home told me they would speak to the manager or any of the staff if they had any concerns or complaints. Staff told me that training has taken place in the protection of vulnerable adults in abuse. I looked at four personnel files and found that staff recruitment procedures were adequate and staff were employed and deployed following appropriate checks. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): 19&26 Quality in this outcome area is good. People live in a safe, comfortable, well maintained and homely environment. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: All the bedrooms that I saw reflect the person’s individual preferences and taste. There is a programme of re-decoration for the bedrooms, as well as for the rest of the home. Several bedrooms and some communal areas have recently been re-decorated and look fresh and attractive. The bedroom doors all have locks, and there is a lockable storage space in the rooms. This means that people can keep their belongings private and secure. The home is fresh, clean, comfortable and well looked after. Everyone who commented agreed that the home is always, or usually, well kept. One visitor to the home said ‘very fresh and clean. No bad smells when you come through the door’ Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 An extra supply of towels and bedding was available for staff, especially on a weekend. Cleaning staff confirmed that they had enough equipment to do their job and they were supplied with gloves and plastic aprons. The home was nice and clean and smelt fresh. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): 27,28,29 &30 Quality in this outcome area is good. People can be confident that staff are trained and on duty in sufficient numbers to meet their assessed needs. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The rotas and staff numbers suggest that there are enough staff on duty at all times to meet the needs of the people who live at the home. I looked at a selection of staff files. They all included completed application forms and two written references. The files showed that satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) register checks have been obtained. I was assured that no new member of staff starts work until a POVA register check had been completed. Then, if the CRB check had not been received, they would work only under the supervision of an experienced staff member. The manager makes sure that staff have the necessary training to help them do their work as well as possible. There is a wide range of courses available and the records confirmed that the staff are allowed the time to attend. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 The home is safe and well managed and people who live and work at the home can contribute to the decision-making processes. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager has the qualifications and the skills to manage the home effectively. Residents and relatives meetings are held, although they are not very well attended. I looked at the records held at the home regarding people’s personal allowance. All transactions are recorded correctly and receipts are kept. One person’s money was counted and matched the total on the record. Policies and procedures are kept up to date; to make sure they provide relevant information to guide staff on how to act in every situation. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 All the regular health and safety checks for the home are carried out in a timely manner. Staff have basic health and safety training. All these measures make sure that the health, safety and welfare of the people who live at the home is promoted and safeguarded. Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X 3 3 X X N/A 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 Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 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 Gardner House DS0000021739.V351057.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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. 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