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Care Services

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Chypons Residential Home, Clifton Hill, Penzance.

Chypons Residential Home in Clifton Hill, Penzance is a Residential home specialising in the provision of services relating to accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care, caring for adults over 65 yrs, dementia and mental health conditions. The last inspection date here was 7th March 2018

Chypons Residential Home is managed by Mr Geoffrey Walden Knights.

Contact Details:

    Address:
      Chypons Residential Home
      Chypons
      Clifton Hill
      Penzance
      TR18 5BU
      United Kingdom
    Telephone:
      01736362492
    Website:

Ratings:

For a guide to the ratings, click here.

Safe: Good
Effective: Good
Caring: Good
Responsive: Good
Well-Led: Good
Overall: Good

Further Details:

Important Dates:

    Last Inspection 2018-03-07
    Last Published 2018-03-07

Local Authority:

    Cornwall

Link to this page:

    HTML   BBCode

Inspection Reports:

Click the title bar on any of the report introductions below to read the full entry. If there is a PDF icon, click it to download the full report.

12th January 2018 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

This inspection took place on 12 January 2018 and was unannounced. Chypons is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Chypons accommodates up to 25 people older people who do not require nursing care. The service is located over three floors, passenger lifts and chair lifts were provided to support people with difficulty mobilising. At the time of our inspection 24 people were using the service.

A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. The service had two full time registered managers. This meant a registered manager was on duty each day to provide any leadership and support required. Both registered managers worked together one day per week to ensure they took a consistent approach to any issues. Staff told us this system worked well and their comments included, "They are both good, approachable. If you need them they will help” and “I prefer having two registered managers, it means there is always someone there to support you.”

People told us they were happy living at Chypons and were well looked after by staff who they described as, “Kind”, “Friendly” and “Caring”. Relatives were also complimentary of the service and told us, “I’d give it 10 out of 10”, “If I had to end up in a care home I would come here” and “The staff have been here a long time. They stay, so they know mum well and that really helps.”

Staff had received safeguarding training and understood their responsibilities in relation to protecting people from abuse and harm. Records showed managers had made appropriate safeguarding alerts and investigated reported issues to ensure people’s safety.

Risks to individual’s had been assessed. Care plans provided staff with guidance on how to manage identified risk to ensure people’s safety. When accident and incidents occurred these were documented by staff and investigated by a registered manager to identify any changes to procedures that could be made to prevent similar incidents reoccurring.

There were enough skilled staff available to meet peoples’ care needs and records showed planned staffing levels were routinely achieved. One staff member was absent due to sickness on the day of our inspection and prior to our arrival the registered manager had arranged for an off duty staff member to cover the shift. Staff told us, “Generally staffing levels are quite good” and “I think there are enough staff.”

Necessary staff pre-employment checks had been completed for new staff and there were systems in place to provide new staff with an appropriate induction. Staff training needs had been met and there were systems in place to ensure training was regularly updated. Staff comments included; “We do training every year and little assessments through the year to check that we remember what we have been taught” and “The training is in depth and very relevant.” Staff told us they were well supported by the registered managers and records showed they had received regular supervision.

People got on well with their care staff and requested support without hesitation. People told us, “Staff respond quickly if I press the call bell” and we saw that staff responded promptly to people’s requests for support.

People’s medicines were managed safely by staff that were trained and sufficiently skilled. All medicines were stored securely and provided as prescribed.

People needs were assessed before they moved into the service to help ensure those needs could be met. Based on information gathered during the assessment process indivi

6th October 2015 - During an inspection to make sure that the improvements required had been made pdf icon

This unannounced inspection of Chypons was conducted by two inspectors on 6 October 2015. Chypons provides accommodation and personal care for up to 25 people who do not require nursing care. At the time of this inspection there were 24 people living at the service.

The service was managed by a registered manager and the provider was in the process of appointing and second registered manager for the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

When previously inspected in October 2014 we found the service required improvement and identified two breaches of the regulations. During our current inspection we found the service had taken appropriate actions to address and resolve the concerns we had previously identified.

All of the people we spoke with told us they felt safe at Chypons and one person commented, “Everything here is great”. Relatives commented, “If I had to score it out of ten I would give it a ten.” While staff told us, “Everyone is safe I have no concerns about anyone’s practice” and, “The residents are perfectly safe, I would say if I was not happy about something.”

Staff had received training in how to recognise and report abuse. All were clear about how to report any concerns both within the service and to the local authority. Posters displayed throughout the home provided people and their relatives with information on how to report any concerns about people’s safety directly to the local authority.

There were sufficient numbers of suitably trained staff to meet the needs of people who used the service. The service currently had no staff vacancies and our review of the services staff roster showed the staff team had been able to provide appropriate cover during periods of staff sickness.

Staff had received training to enable them to support people with their medicines and the service had appropriate and effective procedures in place for the management of medicines within the home. Medicine audits had been regularly completed.

New members of staff received induction training in accordance with current best practice and the training needs of the staff team had been met.

During our previous inspection we identified that Chypons did not have appropriate systems in place to provide formal supervision for the staff team. During this inspection we again found that staff had not received appropriate supervision. The manager had delegated responsibility for individual’s supervision to other member of senior staff in March 2015 but this had not resulted in staff supervision meetings. The registered manager was aware that staff needed supervision but accepted that this had not been provided.

The managers and staff understood requirements of both the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and associated Deprivation of liberty safeguards. We found that a number of best interest decisions had been made with the appropriate involvement of people’s family members and health professionals. On arrival we found the service’s front door was unlocked and the people were free to move around the service as they wished. One person told us they intended to go into town later in day.

People told us they enjoyed the tasty home cooked meals at Chypons. The cook was able to cater for people with special dietary requirements and where necessary staff maintained records of the quantities of food and drinks people had consumed.

People told us their staff were; “Lovely”, “Kind” and, “Marvellous.” We found staff knew people well and understood their specific care needs. Throughout our inspection we observed that staff were not rushed and were able to spend time chatting, laughing and joking with people. One person said, “They [the staff] are a good laugh” and staff commented; “The people here are great” and, “I love it here, the residents are great.”

People told us, “There is enough to do here” and staff commented “There is quite a bit going on”. The service had an activities coordinator and found staff supported people to engage with their hobbies and interests. Activities records showed staff also provided appropriated activities for people who remained in their own rooms.

People and their relatives told us they had no concerns about the service and felt if they reported any concerns they would be resolved appropriately by the service management. The service regularly received compliments for people and their relatives and responses to a recently conducted survey had been entirely positive.

The service was well led. The provider regularly visited the home and was in the process of appointing a second registered manger to ensure staff received appropriate leadership seven days per week. Staff told us, “The manager is approachable” and “The registered manager is amazing.” The registered manager knew people well and understood and recognised people’s specific care needs.

16th October 2014 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We carried out an announced inspection on 16 October 2014 This was a comprehensive inspection which was brought forward after we received information of concern. Chypons is a care home for older people who require personal care. It provides accommodation over two floors for up to 27 people. At the time of the inspection there were 21 people living at the home.

There was a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Whilst people told us they were happy with their care we found a number of concerns.Chypons did not have robust processes for assessing and monitoring the service provided. This meant that planned improvements and necessary changes were not implemented promptly. The planning and delivery of care did not ensure people’s individual needs were met and did not ensure their welfare and safety. The registered manager did not operate an effective recruitment procedure. Staff had not had appropriate checks made about them before commencing work unsupervised at the home.

Staff and people living at the home were relaxed in each other’s company. People told us; “The best thing about living here is the friends that I have made” and “I am quite happy with it (Chypons) It’s a lovely place to be.”

The premises were accessible and comfortable. There were appropriate spaces for people to spend time with visitors, taking part in activities, just chatting together or spending time on their own. There was an outside space for people to independently enjoy the views of the sea safely .

People looked cared for and their needs were met. People and their relatives were positive about the care and support they received from staff and management who they felt were competent to meet their individual needs. People told us “Staff take time, they are interested in me as a person and they know what makes me tick” and “I feel involved in the care I get here, staff talk to me and if I don’t want something I say.”

Staff working at the home understood the needs of people they supported. Visitors reported a good relationship with the staff and management who they said were approachable. However, we noted it was not recorded when people and their families were involved in the planning of their own care and their consent to the person’s proposed plan of care was not sought.

Staff were appropriately trained and skilled to ensure that the care provided to people was safe and effective to meet their needs.

Chypons had developed positive contacts with other professionals who ensured effective care delivery for people whenever they needed or wanted it.

We found a number of breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010. You can see what action we told the provider to take at the back of the full version of the report.

15th April 2014 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We gathered evidence against the outcomes we inspected to help answer our five key questions: Is the service caring? Is the service responsive? Is the service safe? Is the service effective? Is the service well led? We gathered information from people who used the service by talking with them.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, speaking with people using the service, the staff supporting them and from looking at records.

Is the service safe?

People told us they felt safe and well cared for. Systems were in place to help the manager and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

Chypons had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and the associated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). This helped to ensure that people’s needs were met.

Chypons had maintenance contracts and maintenance certificates were seen to be up-to-date.

Is the service effective?

People’s health and care needs were assessed with them, although we did not see that people were involved in writing or reviewing their plans of care. Specialist dietary needs had been identified where required. Care plans were up-to-date.

We saw that there was good liaison and communication with other professionals and agencies to ensure people’s care needs were met.

Is the service caring?

We spoke with people being supported by the service. We asked them for their opinions about the staff that supported them. Feedback from people was positive, for example, “they show good empathy” and “Very considerate carers”.

People’s preferences and interests had usually been recorded although life histories were noted to be brief.

Chypons had regular support from the local GP practices and other visiting health professionals. This ensured people received appropriate care in a timely way.

Is the service responsive?

Many people who lived at Chypons had complex health needs and were either not able, or chose not to join in group activities. The care records did not always evidence the lifestyle of these people, or show that they were routinely offered one-to-one or group activities.

The service worked well with other agencies and services to make sure people received care in a coherent way.

Is the service well-led?

Chypons had a registered manager and two deputy managers. We were advised that there had not been regular meetings held with the staff for a couple of years. This showed the management did not consult with staff regularly to gain their views and experiences and improve support for people who lived at the service.

20th November 2013 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We spoke with ten people who lived at Chypons all of who expressed satisfaction and comments included “the staff are very good and very helpful”, “they [the staff] make me happy”, “there is a very happy atmosphere here and everybody is smiley” and “everyone is very pleasant to me”.

People were able to make choices about where and how they spent their day. Some people voiced that there was not enough to do on a daily basis. We saw there were some planned activities.

People we spoke with during the inspection told us the home was always clean and tidy. However, we found that systems had not been implemented or followed to ensure people were protected from the risk of infection. Some areas of the home, for example the flooring in the communal areas and some equipment, required maintenance to ensure the safety of people who used the service, staff and visitors to the home. We were told the provider planned to address these issues.

We saw there were enough staff on duty during our inspection to meet the assessed care needs of people who used the service. We were told that at times staff were very busy, which sometimes meant people had to wait to be attended to.

The provider did not have an effective system in place to identify, assess and manage risks to the health, safety and welfare of people who use the service and others.

1st October 2013 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We previously inspected this service in May 2013 where we identified breaches of the Regulations 9 and 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and issued warning notices regarding those breaches. A Warning Notice is a written notice that the Commission can give to a registered person, i.e. either a service provider or a service manager, where it appears to the Commission that that person has failed to comply with any relevant requirements.

People we spoke with during this inspection visit told us they felt well cared for at Chypons. Comments people made included “the carers are wonderful, I couldn’t fault them at all”, “they [the staff] are very lovely people”, “I am looked after well” and “the staff are marvellous, we have a lot of laughing here”. One person told us they would like to be supported to go out into the community. The manager was receptive to our feedback regarding this and gave us assurances they would address the issue.

We spoke with one person who was visiting their relative. They were generally satisfied with the care their relative received but commented that they or their relative had not been involved with the development of their care plan.

Staff were positive regarding working at Chypons and told us changes had been made since our last inspection which had improved the care provided to people.

Staff were aware of the procedures and the action they would be required to take should they witness any possible safeguarding incidents.

21st May 2013 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We previously inspected this service in July 2012 and December 2012 where we set compliance actions which identified breaches of the Regulations of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. At this inspection we found insufficient action had been taken to ensure full compliance.

People we spoke with generally felt well cared for at Chypons. Three people told us they liked the staff and found them kind and helpful. One person said the staff were “very jolly and always ready for a laugh”. However, two people told us they felt ‘lonely’. One person told us “most of the carers are kind, one or two are very rough and a bit hard or short. I’m not used to this and I go as fast as I can”. Another person told us “there is one [staff member] who is a bit brusque”. They added this put them off ringing the bell for assistance if this person was on duty.

We were concerned how two members of staff supported one person with their personal care needs. We heard one member of staff speak to another person who used the service in a way that did show them respect, kindness or compassion.

The environment did not ensure the control of infection was promoted and some areas of the home required improvement to ensure the safety of people who lived at Chypons.

We were concerned the staff were not fully aware of the safeguarding procedures, including the local multi agency procedures, in Cornwall and had not acted appropriately when safeguarding issues had been identified.

18th December 2012 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

In this report the name of a registered manager appears who was not in post and not managing the regulatory activities at this location at the time of the inspection. Their name appears because they were still a Registered Manager on our register at the time.

All of the people we spoke with told us that staff were kind and helpful to them. One person who used the service told us "all the staff are nice and friendly". A visitor to the home said the staff were ‘lovely’ and looked after their relative very well. They told us they felt able to approach any of the staff or the manager with any concerns and were confident these would be addressed.

One person commented to us that some staff “had superb empathy towards me and are very caring”. They added that others were not as good but generally they were satisfied with the care provided to them.

We found that people were not always treated with respect in that their toiletries were left in communal areas, and not named, so staff did not know who they belonged to. Therefore people did not always have access to their belongings.

People told us they were able to make choices about how and where they spent their day in the home.

We found that some compliance actions set at the last inspection in July 2012 had not been met. These related to the quality monitoring of the service including maintenance of the premises, care and welfare and respecting and involving people who used the service.

5th July 2012 - During a routine inspection pdf icon

We carried out this unannounced inspection as a planned inspection but brought the date forward due to concerns raised to us about the English language skills of staff working within the home.

We spoke with six people who used the service to seek their views of the service they received. All of the people we spoke with told us that staff were kind, caring and polite to them. One person who used the service told us “the staff are very good and always very respectful to me”.

We asked people if they were enabled to make choices and decisions during the day. They told us that they chose when they got up and went to bed, how they spent their day and the food they ate. Two people told us that they self administered their medication and that it was their choice to do this.

We saw that generally the privacy and dignity of people was promoted by the staff as they knocked on bedroom, toilet and bathroom doors prior to entering and spoke respectfully to people. However, we did see two examples where people’s privacy and dignity were not fully respected.

People’s views and experiences were not consistently taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care. This was because people were not consistently involved in the planning of their care or the way in which that care was delivered. The guidance provided for staff did not always provide sufficient information regarding the assessed care needs of people who used the service, or how the staff were to meet those needs.

People who used the service were protected from the risk of abuse, because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. People who used the service told us that they liked living at Chypons.

1st January 1970 - During an inspection in response to concerns pdf icon

'The staff are nice enough, they look after me well'

'The staff are nice and kind, they look after me and the manager is good if I had a complaint'

'I like living here and am happy'

We received information from an anonymous source. This told us that one person was got up from their bed at 05.30 hours each morning on the instruction of the manager of the home. We talked to the person who uses the service but they were not able to tell us what time they get up from bed or whether they are satisfied with their care. The caller told us that staff are not provided with appropriate training to be able to care for people at the home e.g. the provision of dementia care.

We asked people we spoke with if they had been involved with planning their care. People did not seem able to talk to us about their care plans and how they had been developed.

 

 

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