Care Home: Southernwood House

Similar services:

• Byars Care Home
• St Marys Nursing Home
• Bramble Lodge
• Parkmanor Residential Home
• Thornham Grove
• Hunter`s Lodge
• London Road Neurological and Specialist Care Unit
• Carlton Care Home

What the care home does well Southernwood provides a very comfortable, welcoming and homely environment, where attention is paid to small details such as the presence of fresh flowers and silver napkin rings on the dining tables, to ensure that a high standard of living is enjoyed by the residents. The staff group is stable, many having worked at the home for years and there is a great degree of trust between them and the residents. The staff team are knowledgeable about the needs of the residents and they are appropriately trained. The menu offers choices of freshly cooked food, which is well presented at mealtimes. Residents spoken with were all positive about the home. One said `It`s very, very individual care` and another said `the staff are very kind and the food`s wonderful!` What has improved since the last inspection? A welcome pack has been developed for new residents; this contains a statement of purpose, service user guide and brochure. The manager has initiated a key worker system to ensure that residents have a named person to contact. The owners have installed an extensive IT training package for staff, which also records appraisals and supervision. What the care home could do better: The high standard of care at this home is continuing and there were no requirements made from this inspection. CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Southernwood House Southernwood House 20 Matmore Gate Spalding Lincs. PE11 2PN Lead Inspector Julie Western Unannounced Inspection 09:30 1 November 2007 st 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 Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.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. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Southernwood House Address Southernwood House 20 Matmore Gate Spalding Lincs. PE11 2PN 01775 760563 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) mail@wellbeingresidential.co.uk Wellbeing Residential Ltd Lesley Ann Cawthorne Care Home 24 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (24) of places Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 8th November 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Southernwood is a private home, providing personal care for a maximum of twenty-four older people. On the day of the inspection 22 residents were in residence. The home consists of a large detached property with the addition of a single storey extension and is situated in a residential area on the outskirts of Spalding. It is set in well-maintained gardens with a large patio area and a summerhouse. It is situated close to all amenities. Car parking is provided at the front of the home. The main aim of the home is to provide a quality care service in a homely environment. At the time of the inspection the home confirmed that the weekly fees ranged from £341 - £491, depending on the assessed needs of the resident. Additional charges are made for services such as chiropody and hairdressing. Information about these costs as well as the day-to-day operation of the home, including a copy of the last inspection report is available in the manager’s office. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This key inspection took into account any previous information held by CSCI including the home’s previous inspection reports, its service history, any preinspection questionnaires completed by the Manager and any residents’ questionnaires sent to the home by the Commission prior to the inspection. The site inspection was unannounced, took place over three hours and consisted of tracking a sample of residents’ care records and assessing the care given. Some policies and procedures were examined and some records concerning the safety of the home were also seen. Three residents, three care and ancillary staff and two visitors were spoken with. The Manager was present throughout the inspection. The commission are trying to improve the way that we engage with people who use the services so that we gain a real understanding of their views and experiences of social care services. We are currently testing a method of working where ‘experts by experience’ are an important part of the inspection team and help inspectors to get a picture of what it is like to live in or use a social care service. The term ‘experts by experience’ used in this report describes people whose knowledge about social care services comes directly from using them. The expert met with service users and staff on their own. The expert said ‘The ladies at Southernwood are satisfied in every respect with the facilities and care they receive, are friendly and welcoming, as are the staff, and all agree they are fortunate to be in such a homely home’. What the service does well: Southernwood provides a very comfortable, welcoming and homely environment, where attention is paid to small details such as the presence of fresh flowers and silver napkin rings on the dining tables, to ensure that a high standard of living is enjoyed by the residents. The staff group is stable, many having worked at the home for years and there is a great degree of trust between them and the residents. The staff team are knowledgeable about the needs of the residents and they are appropriately trained. The menu offers choices of freshly cooked food, which is well presented at mealtimes. Residents spoken with were all positive about the home. One said ‘It’s very, very individual care’ and another said ‘the staff are very kind and the food’s wonderful!’ Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.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 Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.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): 3,6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use this service have sufficient information about whether the home is right for them. EVIDENCE: The manager confirmed that she always visited prospective residents at home or in a care setting such as a hospital to undertake a thorough assessment of all their care needs. Records confirmed this. Residents and visitors spoken with had received a welcome pack containing the statement of purpose and service user guide in the form of a brochure, before admission. These were clearly printed and easy to understand. Residents confirmed that there was a copy in each service user’s room. The brochure states that visits are welcome and one resident described how she had visited the home for the day before she was sure he wanted to move Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 in permanently. Visitors confirmed that the manager ensured that everyone involved was happy with the arrangements for a long-term stay. Written admission documentation was comprehensive and very clear and gave staff the information they needed to meet the residents’ needs. A staff member described the admission process and the importance of making new residents and their families welcomed. The expert said ‘there is a real sense of family here’. Residents told her they had moved into the home on the basis of its reputation. They were very happy with the decision. Hospitality is generously shown to visitors, who may stay for lunch or, more often, afternoon tea with their relatives. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,8,9,10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The service’s records give a clear picture of the needs of residents and enable staff to meet their needs with sensitivity and regard for their privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: The care plans for the three residents selected were clear and easy to understand. There was evidence of residents’ participation, with residents signing care plans where possible. Reviews took place on a monthly basis and the manager said they were completely re-written every 6 months. Records confirmed this. One resident who was from outside of the county, had a social worker from that area to visit annually and review her needs. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The manager stated that a key worker system had just been arranged and that when this was completed, the key worker would have time to develop a social history with residents. There was a clear medication policy and the pharmacist, who visited 6monthly, had no issues of concern from the last visit in September 2007. Senior staff members spoken with had received training in safe handling of medication and the manager said there was to be update training this month. Training records confirmed this. Staff members were observed communicating with residents sensitively and with regard for their dignity, allowing them freedom of choice wherever possible; a resident said ‘they’re brilliant, I’ve no complaints at all’. The expert said that care and respect was shown to residents by all staff, who were discreet and getting on with their work. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,14,15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There is a range of activities and events for residents to take part in, but these are not co-ordinated. Residents have a choice of meals from a varied and balanced menu. EVIDENCE: The home does not currently have a designated activities co-ordinator but regular activities were displayed on the residents’ notice board. These included entertainers, armchair exercises, manicures and massages and outings to local garden centres and coffee shops in the recently-purchased minibus with a taillift, which residents said was a big improvement, as everybody was now able to go out. Residents spoken with said they enjoyed the events and activities; one resident said she did not wish to take part in any of these, but preferred to stay in her room and read books and receive visits from her relatives. Several residents discussed the recent Hallowe’en party and the forthcoming fireworks event. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Regular activities included weekly bingo, exercise class and visits from outside entertainers. Television and books were available and a trolley visited the home weekly for residents to make various purchases. The home has a cat, that residents all said they loved having around, and a ‘pat-dog’ visited regularly. Representatives of all church denominations in the area visited the home regularly. Residents said they had monthly meetings and were always consulted about matters concerning the running of the home; records confirmed this. The manager described open nights where family and friends were invited and added that families could always have meals at the home, free of charge. Menus were balanced and varied, with a daily choice, including a vegetarian choice, and a use of fresh fruit and vegetables. All residents praised the food; one resident said ‘it’s good and there’s always plenty.’ The cook was knowledgeable about the dietary needs of older people and kitchen staff had achieved national qualifications in catering. The expert said ‘Staff take time to engage individually with residents as time allows. The recent acquisition of the 14-seater minibus has generated a new freedom of activity for many residents as they have been on outings. Residents’ spiritual needs are well catered for by three different visiting ministers or groups. Tables were laid out for lunch with cloth table napkins in silver rings; another genuinely homely touch. One lady has a condition that prevents her from eating several types of food, so the catering staff take great care to offer her only food known to be acceptable to her. On birthdays every resident has a homemade cake presented at afternoon teatime and everyone shares it along with a glass of wine. Sherry is offered with Sunday roast lunch’. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16,18 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Information on complaints is clear and gives residents and their supporters the confidence that comments and complaints will be listened to. Residents are kept safe from harm by clear policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: Residents spoken with said they had no wish to complain but would go to the manager if they did. The complaints records showed that there had been no complaints since the last inspection. Procedures for safeguarding adults were comprehensive and had been updated and revised. Staff members spoken with said they had received training in safeguarding adults, which training records confirmed. The manager said that following and adult protection investigation that was still ongoing, all staff members had received in house training on POVA [protection of vulnerable adults] and further training on safeguarding adults was being arranged by an external trainer. The expert said ‘Most ladies engaged with said they would feel comfortable approaching the manager or any member of staff about any problems they had’. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents live in a very comfortable, homely and safe environment of a high standard, with both private and communal space being suitable for their needs. EVIDENCE: The standard of decoration both inside and outside the building was very high, with well-tended grounds and attractive, accessible garden and patio areas. The environmental health officer visited on 2/8/07 and awarded the home three tulips [a local award in hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen, of which 3 is the highest award]. Two minor issues were addressed. The ongoing maintenance programme has included redecoration of bedrooms as they are vacated. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Rooms seen were clean, comfortable and well personalised; residents had signed a document to say whether or not they wished to have locks to bedroom doors. Residents spoken with said they were very satisfied with the decoration and cleanliness of the home and how much they liked their bedrooms. The manager has instigated weekly room checks by the two new cleaning staff and this has proved to be very effective in maintaining the high standards of cleanliness. Gloves and aprons were provided and the home has clear infection control policies. The home was clean and pleasant-smelling throughout, with a use of fresh flowers in all communal rooms. The expert said ‘Southernwood is a home in the true sense of the word. The sunny, south facing garden is a haven for relaxation and there are several benches and a swinging hammock for residents to sit on. Two lounges and various other comfortable and well-arranged seating areas give residents a choice of where and with whom to sit. One resident said ‘It’s home from home’’. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff numbers are in sufficient quantity for them to be able to care for the residents. Staff members are suitably trained, qualified and competent. EVIDENCE: The staff rotas showed that there were enough staff members to meet the needs of the residents. Staff members said they thought they had enough time to complete their tasks and residents confirmed this. In addition to care staff, the home employed 2 cleaners, a cook and a kitchen assistant. A gardener was employed and the owners usually carried out maintenance tasks. Residents spoken with were full of praise for the staff team; one said ‘they’re such good people and very helpful’ and a visitor said ‘they’re always pleasant and cheerful’. Two staff files were examined; they contained photographs, recruitment procedures, including criminal records and vulnerable adults checks. The manager described how new members of staff were interviewed, gave references, had CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] checks and underwent an induction procedures before starting and a staff member confirmed this. This is a stable staff group of many years’ experience. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The owners have installed an extensive IT training package for staff, which also records appraisals and supervision. Staff members confirmed that they received regular supervision and appraisals. Staff members said the training had enabled them to improve the care and support for the residents. Records showed that 7 staff members had achieved the National Vocational Qualification, a nationally recognised qualification, at level 2 and 3 had achieved NVQ level 3. The expert said ‘Only about two alarm buzzers sounded during the visit and each was promptly responded to. One lady’s opinion that ‘staff are very kind’ was shared by others in the group. Turnover of staff is low’. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): 31,33,35,38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. An open style of management helps the home run smoothly; the health, safety and welfare of the residents are promoted. The views of residents are listened and they are involved in decisions affecting them. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has been in post for over a year. She has the registered manager’s award, a professional qualification and has been working at Kingly House for 16 years in a caring capacity. Residents and staff members said that the manager was approachable and accessible. A visitor said ‘Everybody’s made to feel special’. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 A positive approach to seeking the views of residents was seen and residents spoken with said they were constantly asked for their views on matters concerning the running of the home. Service user questionnaires had been sent to residents to encourage them to give their views on improving the home. The families and friends of residents were also asked to attend open nights where they could give their views on the running of the home. Questionnaires were also sent to staff members and the owners always attended staff meetings. The home has detailed policies and procedures; these were comprehensive and up to date. The management of residents’ finances was recorded both in a notebook by the manager and on the computer. It was recommended that some advice was sought regarding methods of keeping details of residents’ monies. Fire records were up to date and the manager said that she did the fire checks herself. The home has a maintenance book where issues needing attention are logged. The home received the Investor’s in People award [a recognised award given for good practice in industry] in 2005. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 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 4 X X X X X X 4 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 Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. 1 Refer to Standard OP35 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should seek advice regarding the recording of residents’ monies held by the home for safekeeping. Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Derbyshire Area Office Cardinal Square Nottingham Road Derby DE1 3QT 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 Southernwood House DS0000066569.V348919.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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!