Care Home: York House Care Home

Similar services:

• The Shelley
• Springfield House
• Sutton Lodge Nursing Home
• St Helier`s Residential Hotel
• St Joseph`s
• Ridgemount
• Wingham Court
• Old Hastings House

What the care home does well There is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the home is very clean, safe and well maintained. therefore the people who live here are cared for in a pleasant and homely environment. The accommodation is self contained and enables the residents to maintain as much choice and independence as possible in their daily lives. Food services and nutritional monitoring are very good. The residents are offered appetising and nourishing meals with plenty of choice. The personal care at the home is of a very high standard that respects the privacy and dignity of the residents and reflects their choices and cultural and family backgrounds. The home positively promotes the health and well being of the residents so that they can enjoy as healthy a life as possible. There is an experienced, stable and well trained staff team who put the needs of the residents first. Residents are very positive about the staff, describing them as friendly, experienced, kind and professional. What has improved since the last inspection? More staff have been taken on and there are now two wake night staff on duty every night for St Valery`s and York House. Staff training continues to improve and a recognised distance learning programme is now in place for all staff. It is expected that over ninety percent of staff will soon have achieved the National Vocational Award (NVQ) at level two or above. The management arrangements for the home have been strengthened by the appointment of a deputy manager. She holds the NVQ in Care at level four and is currently undertaking the Registered Manager Award (RMA). What the care home could do better: No requirements nor recommendations were made as a result of this inspection. Key inspection report Care homes for older people Name: Address: York House Care Home York House Care Home York Road Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9QQ     The quality rating for this care home is:   three star excellent service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this full review a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Wendy Mills     Date: 0 3 0 6 2 0 0 9 This is a review of quality of outcomes that people experience in this care home. We believe high quality care should • • • • • Be safe Have the right outcomes, including clinical outcomes Be a good experience for the people that use it Help prevent illness, and promote healthy, independent living Be available to those who need it when they need it. The first part of the review gives the overall quality rating for the care home: • • • • 3 2 1 0 stars - excellent stars - good star - adequate star - poor There is also a bar chart that gives a quick way of seeing the quality of care that the home provides under key areas that matter to people. 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. Care Homes for Older People Page 2 of 25 We review the quality of the service against outcomes from the National Minimum Standards (NMS). Those standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. 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 mission of the Care Quality Commission is to make care better for people by: • Regulating health and adult social care services to ensure quality and safety standards, drive improvement and stamp out bad practice • Protecting the rights of people who use services, particularly the most vulnerable and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 • Providing accessible, trustworthy information on the quality of care and services so people can make better decisions about their care and so that commissioners and providers of services can improve services. • Providing independent public accountability on how commissioners and providers of services are improving the quality of care and providing value for money. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report Care Quality Commission General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Care Quality Commission (CQC). 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 CQC 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 25 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: York House Care Home York House Care Home York Road Kennington Ashford Kent TN24 9QQ 01233613931 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: patstvalery@btconnect.com Mrs Patricia Mary Ireland care home 3 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 old age, not falling within any other category Additional conditions: Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home York House is a residential care home providng care and support for up to three older people, some with failing mental capacity. The registered owner and manager Mrs Patricia Ireland lives in a separate flat above the home. York House stands within the grounds of St Valery Care Home, which is also owned by Mrs Patricia Ireland. Both homes have the same policies and procedures, staffing and management arrangements. The accommodation in York House consists of two self contained units, one for double and one for sinlge occupancy. Each unit is on the ground floor and has a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchenette. The double unit also has its own small garden with grass and flower borders. There are no communual areas but the residents of York House are able to use those at St Valerys if they wish. Care Homes for Older People Page 4 of 25 Over 65 3 0 Brief description of the care home To the side of the home there is a safe and enclosed courtyard garden with seating in both sun and shade. There is off street parking to the front of the home. York House is located in the Kennington district of Ashford. The town centre, where there is a railway staion and plenty of shops, restaurants, churches and banks, is approximately three miles away. The home is about half a mile from the main road where there is a bus service and good links to the M20 motorway. The fees for this home were given, at the time of inspection, as £500 per person per week. Further information about the home can be obtained from the registered manager. Care Homes for Older People Page 5 of 25 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: This visit formed part of the annual inspection process of the newly formed Care Quality Commission (CQC) under the Care Standards Act. This process uses information gathered during this visit and information that we have received throughout the year. This includes information that the home is required to give us under the Act, such as notifications and their Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) document; and information that other people have told us, such as the views of the people who use this service, their relatives and supporters; and those of visiting health and social care professionals. We use this evidence to make a judgement about the quality rating of the home During this visit we spoke to two residents in private, two members of staff, a visiting health care professional and the registered manager. We considered the results of surveys and examined a sample of important documentation, such as care plans, staff files and some written policies and procedures. We made a tour of the home and used Care Homes for Older People Page 6 of 25 direct and indirect observation throughout the time spent in the home. We received very positive feedback from everyone we spoke to. Comments such as; Couldnt be better; The staff are wonderful, very efficient and friendly; and The home is excellent in the way it communicates with us (health services) and very well managed; were received. The people who live here said that they would like to be referred to as, Residents. Therefore we have used this term to refer to them throughout this report. The residents, staff, visiting health care professionals and staff are all thanked for the welcome they gave and their help during this inspection. The quality rating for this home is 3 Stars. This means that the residents experience excellent outcomes in all aspects of their care. Care Homes for Older People Page 7 of 25 What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? 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 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 8 of 25 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 9 of 25 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home gives prospective residents and their supporters plenty of information about the home so that they can make an informed decision about moving in. Thorough pre-admission assessments are made to ensure that only those people whose needs can be met and who are suited to the home are offered a place there. Evidence: The home has a Statement of Purpose and a Service User Guide. Both documents give good information about the home. Residents are clear about their rights whilst living in the home and say they are well informed about what is going on in the home and local community. Two care plans and the pre-admission documentation for a prospective resident were examined. There was good evidence that all appropriate pre-admission checks had been made before a place was offered at the home. Conversation with the registered Care Homes for Older People Page 10 of 25 Evidence: manager showed her to be knowledgeable about the needs of a soon to be admitted resident and that preliminary risk assessments and an interim care plan were in place. The home currently has a waiting list. Prospective residents and their supporters are always invited to visit the home prior to making a decision about moving in. They can visit for meals and shorts stays if they wish. The home does not offer intermediate care. Care Homes for Older People Page 11 of 25 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. The home positively promotes the health and well being of the residents and staff give care and support in an effective, gentle and discrete manner that respects the privacy and dignity of the individual. Evidence: Each resident has a care plan. Care plans are important documents because they are one of the means by which the people who use this service and their supporters can be assured that their care needs have been identified and met. In addition, they are an important source of reference for staff who provide the care and support for the residents. Two care plans were examined. These care plans were up-to-date and in good order. They contained detailed information about all aspects of care, including the way personal care should be given, preferences, cultural religious and dietary needs and details of specialist appointments. Observation showed that the staff threated each resident as an individual and gave Care Homes for Older People Page 12 of 25 Evidence: assistance and care in a kindly, respectful and caring manner. The home takes care that the residents have the correct equipment to help them maintain their independence. This includes equipment such as walking frames, loop systems for the television, spectacles, hearing aids and pressure mats. Residents were observed to have all necessary equipment to hand and spectacles were kept clean and hearing aids in place. All residents are registered with a local General Medical Practice and doctors and nurses from this practice when needed. Records show that specialist appointments are made and that residents are supported to attend these appointments. Other health and social care professionals, such as chiropodists, dietitians and care managers visit the home as needed. During the course of this visit it was possible to speak with a vising health care professional to ask for his opinions about the home. He was very positive about the way the home cares for the residents, always communicates well with the practice and follows advice given. He described the staff as Brilliant, and said, The care in this home is of the highest standard. On the day of this visit the residents were in good health and spirits. One resident was able to give clear opinions about the care at the home. The comments made were extremely positive and the staff were praised for their professionalism, high standards and prompt attention. This resident said, Its taken away all my worries and made things so much better now I know everything will be done for us and quickly so there is no anxious wait for attention. I dont think the care could be better. The home monitors nutrition well and caters for special diets. Residents are weighed regularly and a record made of any action taken should significant weight loss be noted. Residents can choose where to take their meals and frequent drinks are offered between meals. Medicines in the home are stored safely and securely. The storage temperature is checked daily and records kept. No gaps or errors in the Medicines Administration Records (MARs) were noted. All staff who administer medicines have received training in the management and administration of medicines. Staff were observed to manage medicines in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Those spoken to were knowledgeable about the procedures for all aspects of medication and clearly understood the importance of adhering to these. the registered manager said that they work closely with the doctors and pharmacist to ensure that medication levels are no higher than necessary. The home has recently changed the pharmacy it uses so that it can receive a more personalised service and work more closely with the local pharmacist. Care Homes for Older People Page 13 of 25 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. Daily life in the home respects the cultural backgrounds and preferences of the residents and provides a range of activities from them to choose from. Evidence: Visiting entertainers visit St Valerys, the sister home of York House, and special occasions such as birthdays and religious festivals are celebrated. Residents of York House know that they can join in activities that go on in the communal areas of St Valerys. However, they said that they prefer the privacy of their flats where they can read, listen to the wireless and watch television. They also said that they enjoy good conversation and that staff give time to talk with them. Records of activities are kept. The daily records show that staff spend time on one-to-one activities with residents. The civil rights of the residents are respected and supported. On the day of this visit one resident was looking forward to going to vote in the local and European elections. Residents were enjoying the political debate in the run up to the elections and told us that the deputy manager had arranged to take them to vote. Discussion with the deputy manager showed that she has a good understanding of the recent legislation in respect of mental capacity and how this applies to the residents. Care Homes for Older People Page 14 of 25 Evidence: The home employs a cook and the main meal is taken at midday. Special diets are catered for and food is purchased locally. There was plenty of fresh produce in the home on the day of this visit. The kitchen has recently been awarded 5 stars in the Scores on the Doors scheme operated by the Environmental Health Department. The appearance and aroma of the food being served was appetising and staff served it in an unhurried way. The flatlets in York House have their own dining areas. Residents said that they prefer to take their meals in private but are aware that they can join the residents of St Valerys if they wish. Food and fluid intake is monitored when indicated. Staff were observed to offer drinks frequently and residents confirmed that the staff look after their nutritional needs very well. Care Homes for Older People Page 15 of 25 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. The has sound policies and procedures for handling concerns, complaints and safeguarding that staff understand. Residents and their supporters can be confident that their views will be listened to and acted upon, and that the home does all it can to protect the residents from abuse. Evidence: The home has sound policies and procedures for the handling of concerns, complaints and safeguarding. A copy of the complaints procedures is contained in the homes Statement of Purpose. There have been no formal complaints since the last inspection. Residents said that they have no complaints. They said that the registered manager lives in the flat above them and so they see her very regularly. They confirmed that they would be able to speak easily to her if there were any concerns but added that all the staff are very good and patient and that they had no complaints. One said, I know I can rely on the staff, theyre always here very quickly if needed. Its very reassuring. The staff who were spoken to were very clear about their roles and responsibilities in the home in respect of safeguarding. They confirmed that they had received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and said that they would have no hesitation in reporting any concerns to the manager and were sure she would act appropriately. Care Homes for Older People Page 16 of 25 Evidence: Staff files show that staff receive sound safeguarding training and that there are sound recruitment procedures to ensure that only staff suitable to work with vulnerable people are employed. Care Homes for Older People Page 17 of 25 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The environment is relaxed, safe, well maintained and very clean. This gives the residents a pleasant and homely place in which to live and maintain as much independence as possible. Evidence: The home is situated in the grounds of St Valerys, its sister home. It consists of two self contained units, one for single and one for double, occupancy. Each unit has a bedroom, bathroom and lounge/dining room with a kitchenette. Residents can also use the communal facilities at St Valerys if they wish to. A tour of the home confirmed all areas were very clean and well maintained. Risk assessments are in place so that the residents can enjoy living as independent a life as possible whilst receiving the support they require. Outside, one unit opens on to a small grassed garden area with flower borders and the other open onto the courtyard that is shared with St Valerys. Residents spoke very positively about the accommodation. They said that it offers a good level of privacy and independence at the same time as making them feel safe and well cared for. Care Homes for Older People Page 18 of 25 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Staffing levels, staff training, staff morale and recruitment practices are all excellent. This means that the residents are cared for by a carefully vetted and cheerful staff team who are well qualified to meet their needs. Evidence: Staffing levels meet the needs of the residents. During the daytime, between 7 am and 9 pm there are three care staff on each shift. These staff members carry out duties across both York House and St Valerys. At nights there are two wake staff. There is a call bell system and pressure mats that send a signal when a resident needs assistance are used where necessary. In addition to the care staff there are catering and cleaning staff who work across both homes. The staff have a good age and skill range and their gender reflects those of the residents. There is a stable staff team and a low staff turnover. More staff have been recruited since the last inspection and there is an additional member of day staff and an additional wake night staff member. Seven members of staff hold the National Vocational Award at level three (NVQ3) in care and six members of staff are currently working toward this. This means that the Care Homes for Older People Page 19 of 25 Evidence: home will soon have over ninety-five percent of staff with NVQ 3. The residents spoke very highly of the staff. One said, I cant fault them, they are all very kind and professional. They are very patient and caring. There are sound recruitment policies and procedures in place. Three staff files were examined, including one belonging to the most recently recruited staff member. There is good evidence to show that all necessary checks had been made before a post was offered at the home. Records show that a full work history had been obtained, Criminal records Bureau (CRB) and safeguarding (POVA First) checks had been made and two written references obtained with additional telephone checks. Staff spoken to said that there is good team working and that they get plenty of training. One said, I absolutely love working here. Ive never worked in care before but now I wouldnt want to do anything else. The registered manager told us that she had just signed an agreement with a recognised training provider for distance learning for staff in a number of areas including statutory training such as moving and handling and food safety and more specialised areas such as dementia and diabetes. Care Homes for Older People Page 20 of 25 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home is well managed. The views of the residents, their relatives and supporters are sought and acted upon appropriately. this means that the home is run in the best interests of the residents. Evidence: The registered provider and registered manager for the home is Mrs Patricia Ireland. She runs one other home, St Valerys, which is on the same site as York House. She also lives on site. The management arrangements for the home have altered since the last inspection with the appointment of a deputy. This post has been created with the intention of developing the role so that the deputy can step up to run the home when the registered manager eventually retires. The deputy has many years experience of working in care settings and has recently achieved the National Vocational Qualification in Care at level four (NVQ4) and is Care Homes for Older People Page 21 of 25 Evidence: currently working toward the Registered Manager Award (RMA). There are sound quality assurance systems in places and the views of the residents, their relatives and supporters are sought on a regular basis both formally and informally. The home does not manage any finances on behalf of the residents nor does it act as appointee for anyone. Staff receive regular one-to-one supervision and written records are kept of these sessions. The time spent in supervision gives staff an opportunity to discuss their progress in private, develop ideas and to identify training needs The home has sound policies and procedures to ensure the Health and Safety of residents and staff. Health and Safety records are up-to-date and regular Health and Safety checks are made and recorded. Staff say that maintenance needs are addressed promptly when reported. Care Homes for Older People Page 22 of 25 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 23 of 25 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 Care Homes for Older People Page 24 of 25 Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 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) Care Quality Commission (CQC). 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 CQC copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Older People Page 25 of 25 - 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!