We have followed up to make sure that the necessary changes have been made and found the provider is now meeting the standard included within this report. This report should be read in conjunction with the full inspection report.
We have not revisited Elm Lea Residential Home as part of this review because Elm Lea Residential Home were able to demonstrate that they were meeting the standards without the need for a visit.
When we looked around the service we saw that people were offered choices and their dignity and independence was respected. People generally spoke highly of the staff, some people said occasionally staff needed reminding about particular requirements or preferences, however, they felt that their views and opinions were taken into account when planning care and support. People said they had opportunities to take part in activities and enjoyed the events that the service arranged.
People we spoke with said 'Have you met the new manager, she is good, she gets things done'.
Other comments received were 'The new manager has made so many improvements, she has had work done on the outside and the gardens', and 'The manager has employed a new cook, we have so much choice now and we get chocolate biscuits and chocolate eclairs, we are spoilt'.
People told us that they had not had heating in the home for a few weeks. On person said 'It's awful, you get out of a nice warm bed and the heating is not on'. Another person said 'There is no heating. It's one thing that really does need sorting out'. Other comments received were 'The heating was not on last night, it was freezing. It is controlled by the owner she is a bit mean with it. It needs to be on more often than is, and 'We just need the heat, those old people are up at 6am in the morning'.
People told us that they had been seen by the doctor or district nurse. One person said 'I have this awful chest infection, I have had it for weeks. I used to be really well until I came to live in this home but all I have ever had is Bronchitis. I think it is the cold and the damp in my room'.
People told us that they thought there was a lack of staff saying, 'There are only two care staff on every day and the cook'.
People told us that they did not have anything to do. One person said 'We don't get entertainment we get nothing, not even a game of bingo'. Another person said 'There is still nothing to do'.
One person said 'We had a row over the newspaper. The manager said that I should not rely on staff to get my daily paper it was my daughter in laws job. She said that staff were not here to run around after me to get my paper. I can't get out to the shops on my walking frame so what can I do. Any way the manager gave in and she brings the paper in for me now'.
People told us that the food had improved since our last inspection in July 2011. One person said 'We now get a choice and it has altered in here in that respect'. Other comments received were 'The food is better, I would not grumble, it's not bad', and 'The food is very good now'.
People told us they thought there was a lack of choice in food, saying. 'All we ever get is mince, mince, mince'. Other comments included, 'My daughter in law brings in crackers so that I can have crackers and cheese but I don't always get the cheese when I ask for it, I sometimes get ham instead. She also brings me in my cereals I like Kelloggs and they don't have it here, so I keep it here in my room'. And, 'The cook only cooks what is put out for them of a morning, nothing is ever cooked from scratch. The meat pies are bought ones and there is not much meat in them'.
People told us that they liked living at Elm Lea even though they knew that things were not right in the home. One person said 'we are like a little family, I know things are not good here but I don't want to go into a big home'. Another commented 'I have all my own bits around me, I have my room just as I want it, I like to do my own dusting and potter around'.
People told us that they thought there was a lack of staff saying, 'There are only two staff on every day and one of them is the cook'.
People told us they thought there was a lack of choice in food, saying. 'All we ever get is mince, mince, mince'. Other comments included, 'My daughter in law brings in crackers so that I can have crackers and cheese but I don't always get the cheese when I ask for it, I sometimes get ham instead. She also brings me in my cereals I like Kelloggs and they don't have it here, so I keep it here in my room'. And, 'The cook only cooks what is put out for them of a morning, nothing is ever cooked from scratch. The meat pies are bought ones and there is not much meat in them'.
People told us 'It is really dark in here we can't see out of the windows to look at the birds in the garden for these awful net curtains, but the manager won't take them down'. Other comments received were 'I have lived here for five years and I have never seen a window cleaner in all that time', and, I have been here over four years and I have never seen a window cleaner'.
There is a garden area to the rear of the home people told us 'I love to out go out in the garden but have you seen the roof it is not safe, there is a big lump of concrete as you go out of the fire door above your head'. And, 'I would like to sit in the little garden at the front of the house to watch people walk by, but there is no bench out there'.