Random inspection report
Care homes for older people
Name:
The Cedars Christian Residential Home
Address:
22 Redlake Road
The Cedars
Pedmore
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0SA
The quality rating for this care home is:
three star excellent service
The rating was made on:
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 review of the
service. We call this review a ‘key’ inspection.
This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short,
focussed review of the service. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care
home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report.
Lead inspector:
Gerard Hammond
Date:
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Information about the care home
Name of care home:
The Cedars Christian Residential Home
Address:
22 Redlake Road
The Cedars
Pedmore
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 0SA
Telephone number:
01562882299
Fax number:
01562882299
Email address:
Provider web address:
Name of registered provider(s):
Mrs Carole Jenkins
Name of registered manager (if applicable)
Carol Onley
Type of registration:
care home
Number of places registered:
22
Conditions of registration:
Category(ies) :
old age, not falling within any other
category
Number of places (if applicable):
Under 65
Over 65
0
22
Conditions of registration:
The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is: 22
The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care Home
Only (Code PC) To service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care
needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Old age, not
falling within any other categories (OP) 22
Date of last inspection
Brief description of the care home
The Cedars is a large Victorian property built in 1902 and registered as a care home in
1984 by the owner. The property is located in a residential area of Pedmore close to
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Brief description of the care home
the town of Stourbridge. It has easy access to a main bus route, shops and other
amenities. The home is registered to provide accommodation and support for up to 22
people . There are 20 single bedrooms and one double bedroom. 15 of these rooms
have en-suite facilities and two have a shower. Accommodation is provided on three
floors, all of which can be accessed by a passenger lift. There are bathrooms with
assisted baths on the ground and first floors. The home has three lounges and a dining
room, all of which are tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard.There are
generous gardens to the front and rear, providing well maintained and attractive
outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. Car parking is available at the front of the home.
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What we found:
This service's last key inspection was on 07 August 2009, when its quality rating was 3
stars. This means that people using the service experienced excellent outcomes.
The purpose of this inspection was to monitor compliance with essential standards of
quality and safety against current National Minimum Standards. The Manager sent us an
Annual Quality Assurance Assessment. We made a visit to the home and met people who
use the service, the management team and members of staff. We also received written
responses to questionnaires we sent to people who use the service, members of their
families, and staff at the home. We looked at records including personal files, care plans,
staff records, previous inspection reports, safety records, and other documents.
We looked at people's personal records to check that the home had made sure their
needs had been properly assessed. All of the files we looked at contained an initial
assessment that included necessary details of people's abilities and support needs. This
forms a sound basis on which to plan their future care and support. The Annual Quality
Assurance Assessment (AQAA) shows that people are encouraged to come and visit the
home and we saw that written information about what the service provides is also
available. This helps to ensure that people have the information they need to see if the
service is what they are looking for.
We looked at personal records to see how people's care and support is planned and
managed. All of the files we saw contained a care plan, and these had been kept under
regular review. This ensures that important information is kept up to date. Records
showed that people's health care needs are met through staff support and the
involvement of other professionals as required. We saw records of regular appointments
with people's GP's, dentist, optician, and chiropodist, and hospital or clinic visits. One
person is currently receiving daily support from the district nurse for pressure area care.
We saw that a detailed care plan is in place for this, and that appropriate equipment to
promote recovery has been obtained. This person has also recently been diagnosed as
suffering from coeliac's disease. We talked to her and the Manager about this, and saw
that appropriate arrangements have been put in place to ensure that she has a glutenfree diet. There was information on her file about this. Other care plans were in place for
personal care, oral hygiene, continence, nutrition and weight monitoring. We saw that
plans were supported with risk assessments, so that people get the support they need to
stay safe. The Manager showed us some examples of work currently being undertaken to
develop care plans to make them more detailed and person-centred. This is a work in
progress.
We were able to observe interactions between staff and residents. We saw that support
was given with warmth and friendliness, and people's rights to privacy and dignity were
respected. We were able to meet one person with her relatives who were visiting. They
said "the staff here are very kind and friendly. They make sure that (N) gets the care and
attention she needs and get the doctor in if required. We are very happy with the care
she receives".
We saw that arrangements for storage, handling and administration of medication are
generally satisfactory. Records of audits by the local pharmacist showed no major
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problems. However, we recommended that the Manager review all PRN ("as required")
medication to ensure that written protocols are in place for all such medicines currently
prescribed. This is to ensure that staff have clear guidance about the precise
circumstances in which such medication should be give. If possible, these should be
countersigned by the prescribing doctor. We also recommended that a copy of the
protocols are filed with each person's Medication Administration Record.
The Manager told us of some recent initiatives being developed in the home to improve
people's lifestyles and activity choices. These include friendship groups where families get
to know and support each other. Also Age UK (formerly Age Concern / Help the Aged)
Good Neighbourhood Scheme was recently launched at the home by the Mayor. A
gardening group is being set up, as well as a knitting circle. There are film nights planned
and a summer garden party. The Manager said that staff seek to put on at least one
activity each day, in consultation with the residents. We saw the activity planner which
showed these have included exercise sessions (music and movement), bingo, word
games (very popular), craft, local news, chat sessions, knitting, gardening, films music
and cookery. Also "Remember When" (reminiscence), quizzes, "singing and supping",
music and poetry. and using the home's minibus to take people out. The home provides a
relaxed environment for visitors, and we saw people come and go through the day. The
Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) shows that people are encouraged and
supported to maintain the community links they had before coming to live at the Cedars,
including local churches, WI and day centres. We saw people being asked about what
they wanted to do, to take part in activities, and also saw that people made positive
choices to go to their rooms and relax, watch TV or read. We recommend that
opportunities for residents to do things on an individual basis are explored and developed
further.
We saw residents taking lunch, the main meal of the day. This was a three course cooked
meal. The food was well presented: the dining room area is very nicely laid out and
people can enjoy their meals in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. The home
operates a four week rolling menu, drawn up in consultation with the residents. Feedback
about the quality of food and mealtimes was very positive. One person wrote that "The
food is excellent". A relative commented "the dining tables are always laid nicely" .
Another resident told us "the food here is very good, I have things I like and the staff
always serve it up nicely". As reported above, one resident now requires a gluten free
diet. Staff are now exploring the best range of options available for meeting this need
and providing enjoyable alternatives.
We looked at the home's complaints records which provided evidence of an open
complaints culture and an eagerness to encourage people to voice their opinions. People's
concerns were appropriately recorded, with notes of the action subsequently taken. All of
the people we spoke to said they knew how to raise concerns and who they would talk to.
The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) shows that the home has not made
any safeguarding referrals in the past 12 months. We have not received or made any
referrals about this service during that time either. Training information shows all staff
have done safeguarding training. Staff we spoke to were able to identify different forms
that abuse can take, recognise potential indicators and say what they would do in the
event of witnessing or suspecting abuse. Staff files provided evidence of robust
recruitment procedures including checks with the Criminal Records Bureau. These things
show the home takes positive action to ensure residents are protected and that their
concerns are taken seriously and acted upon.
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We looked around the home in company of the Manager. We saw that people's rooms are
generally well furnished and decorated and individual in style representling the
personality of the occupant. Personal possessions including pictures, ornaments and
family photographs were in evidence. It is clear that there is a rolling programme of
redecoration, maintenance and refurbishment. We saw that there are sufficient bathing
and toilet facilities on all floors. The home includes a range of comfortably furnished
shared spaces providing people with a number of options other than their rooms, and
places to receive visitors. Staff work hard to keep the home clean fresh and tidy. There
are attractive outside spaces available for people to enjoy when the weather permits. We
saw that the laundry area was clean, tidy and well organised, with good infection control
practices in place.
We looked at staff records to see how recruitment and selection is managed. Files we
looked at contained completed applications with full employment histories, written
references and (as reported above) checks with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). This
shows that the home takes positive action to ensure that people employed to work at the
home are fit for their jobs. We looked at the staff training and development plan and saw
that statutory training is generally up to date. Over half of the staff team hold
qualifications at NVQ level 2 or above: it is recommended that action be taken to improve
this further. We also noted that the plan shows that most people have done training in
dementia care but only one person has received training in diabetes. We recommend
that, as this is a condition common among elderly people, that all of the staff team
should receive this training.
The home has had a new registered manager since the last inspection. She is
appropriately qualified to NVQ level 4 and has many years experience in the field. She is
supported by the home's proprietor as well as the General Manager, both of whom live
next to the Cedars. The General Manager is also qualified to NVQ level 4. Roles are
clearly defined and understood, which contributes to a stong management team. Staff
said that the style of management in the home is open and inclusive, and they feel
comfortable raising any matters of concern.
We saw that systems are in place for quality assurance and monitoring of the service,
including seeking residents' opinions directly. We recommend that information gathered
in this process be collated and analysed, with a report produced of the findings. This
should be shared with all interested parties, so that it can be clearly seen how people's
views have guided the review and development of the service.
In replying to surveys we sent them, staff told us that they meet with their Manager
"regularly" or "often". The Manager told us that she is seeking to delegate some
responsibility for supervision to senior staff, to ensure this takes place on a more
frequent basis and provide a development opportunity for staff involved.
We sample checked records relating to health and safety in the home and saw that
essential maintenance and checks on equipment take place regularly, to ensure that
people living and working at the home get the support they need to stay safe.
What the care home does well:
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Information is available to help people decide if the service provides what they want.
They have opportunities to try things out for themselves before making their minds up.
People's needs are thoroughly assessed so that their care and support can be planned
properly.
People have care plans that are sufficiently detailed to ensure they get the support they
need. Plans are reviewed regularly, so that important information is kept up to date. Risk
assessments are in place to ensure they get the support they need to stay safe.
People's personal and healthcare needs are generally well met. They get the support they
need from staff and a range of other professionals to help them stay healthy and well.
People are supported to do things they value and enjoy, and keep in touch with the
people who are important to them. Mealtimes are relaxed and unhurried so that people
can enjoy the good quality food that the home provides.
Staff work hard to ensure that people enjoy the benefits of living in an environment that
is comfortable, homely, safe and clean.
The service provides sufficient staff to ensure that people get the support they need.
Recruitment and selection procedures are robust, to ensure that people are fit for their
jobs. Staff are generally well trained and supervised to ensure that they have the
knowledge and skills and get the support they need to do their jobs well.
The home has a strong management team. It is generally very well run, for the benefit of
people using the service. People's opinions are actively sought, so they can be confident
their views are listened to and taken seriously. Regular maintenance and checking of
important equipment helps to ensure that people living and working at the home stay
safe.
People living in the home continue to enjoy excellent outcomes.
What they could do better:
No requirements were made following this inspection. Some good practice
recommendations were made, and these can be found at the end of this report.
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 2.
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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, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards.
No.
Standard
Care Homes for Older People
Regulation
Requirement
Timescale for
action
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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, 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
7
Continue with care plan development, so that these
become more "person-centred. This will help to ensure
people get the support they need in ways that suit them
best.
2
9
Review protocols for all PRN ("as required") medication to
ensure these are current and provide staff with clear
guidance about the circumstances in which medicines
should be given
3
12
Develop opportunities for people to do activities on an
individual basis, so they get the support they need to do
things they value.
4
28
Improve the numbers of staff holding qualifications at NVQ
level 2 or above. This is to ensure that staff have all the
knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs well.
5
30
Provide training for all staff in diabetes care, to develop
their knowledge of common conditions affecting elderly
people.
6
33
Collate and analyse information from quality assurance and
monitoring activity. Produce a report of the findings and
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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
make this available to all interested parties. This is to show
how people's views underpin the review and development
of the service.
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Reader Information
Document Purpose:
Inspection Report
Author:
Care Quality Commission
Audience:
General Public
Further copies from:
0870 240 7535 (telephone order line)
Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000.
Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Older People can be
found at www.dh.gov.uk or got 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
Helpline:
Telephone: 03000 616161
Email: [email protected]
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.
© Care Quality Commission 2010
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for noncommercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a
derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by
showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010.
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