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Inspection on 10/08/06 for 7 Wychwood Close

Also see our care home review for 7 Wychwood Close for more information

This inspection was carried out on 10th August 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home is very well managed by the registered manager and her staff. The ethos of the home is very much about the residents being the focus of, and involved in, the day-to-day running of the home. There is a feeling of "family and home". The house is comfortable, homely and well maintained. Residents are involved in the life of the local community. There are opportunities to socialise with other adults being supported in a nearby home. Records and record keeping are up to date and complete. The backup and support from the provider is good and always provides a quick response to any issues or concerns. The staff team offer continuity and support to the residents in terms of who they live with, where they live and who looks after them.

What has improved since the last inspection?

A record of meals provided is kept and shows that a wholesome nutritious diet is offered on each occasion. The bath hoist has had its annual service carried out. The training and development plan has been reviewed. Progress is being made with regard to achieving the target of 50% of care staff with National Vocational Qualification Level 2 (or above) in Care.

What the care home could do better:

Whenever the views of the residents, and/or relatives/visitors to the home are sought about the quality of the service, a report should be compiled and fed back to those taking part in the survey, and to the Commission.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 7 Wychwood Close Sonning Common Reading RG4 9SN Lead Inspector Philippa MacMahon Unannounced Inspection 10th August 2006 11:30 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.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 Adults 18-65. 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. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service 7 Wychwood Close Address Sonning Common Reading RG4 9SN 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) 01189 723888 jenny.pearce@newdimensions.org.uk www.new-support.org.uk New Support Options Limited Mrs Jennifer Pearce Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (3) of places 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The total number of persons that may be accommodated at any one time must not excced 3 14th December 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: 7 Wychwood Close is a three bedroomed house situated in a quiet residential area in Sonning Common. It is close to shops and other amenities. It provides residential care for up to three adults with learning disabilities, both under and over the age of 65. All those being supported are admitted on a permanent basis. Their physical independence is decreasing as they become older and the home cannot be fully adapted to meet these needs. Therefore, the home cannot currently guarantee to be a home for life. This is being addressed and those being supported are to be given more suitable accommodation. Community and Social Care purchase all the places at the home. The home is run and managed by New Support Options Ltd, a not for profit organisation established in 1989 and part of the New Dimensions Group. New Support Options Ltd has a wealth of experience in providing services for those with learning disabilities and operates in West Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Norfolk, in addition to Oxfordshire. The fees for this service are £628.60 per week. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The Commission has, since the 1st April 2006, developed the way it undertakes its inspection of care services. This inspection of the service was an unannounced key inspection. The inspector arrived at the service at 11.30 hours and was in the service for three and a half.hours. The inspection was a thorough look at how well the service is doing. It took into account detailed information provided by the service’s owner or manager, and any information that the CSCI has received about the service since the last inspection. The inspector asked the views of the people who use the service and other people seen during the inspection or who responded to questionnaires that the Commission had sent out. The inspector looked at how well the service was meeting the standards set by the government and has, in this report, made judgements about the standard of the service. The inspector was offered a warm welcome to the home by the registered manager and staff. At the time of this inspection all of the downstairs windows were in the process of being replaced. Only one of the residents was at home and she chose not to speak with the inspector on this occasion. Care plans and essential life plans were examined and discussed with the registered manager. The medication systems were examined, and a tour of the building took place. Staff rosters, policies and procedures, staff files and training and development plans were all examined. Records required by regulation were examined, including the fire log and accident books. Discussion with members of staff took place. The inspector would like to thank all who assisted in this inspection. What the service does well: The home is very well managed by the registered manager and her staff. The ethos of the home is very much about the residents being the focus of, and involved in, the day-to-day running of the home. There is a feeling of “family and home”. The house is comfortable, homely and well maintained. Residents are involved in the life of the local community. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 There are opportunities to socialise with other adults being supported in a nearby home. Records and record keeping are up to date and complete. The backup and support from the provider is good and always provides a quick response to any issues or concerns. The staff team offer continuity and support to the residents in terms of who they live with, where they live and who looks after them. 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. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. Every prospective resident has a pre-admission assessment of his or her physical and social/recreational care needs. EVIDENCE: The inspector examined the care plans and looked at the assessments, which were very comprehensive and clear. The service users’ guide was also found in each resident’s folder. The registered manager told the inspector that she always carries out the pre-admission assessments and she is always very mindful of how the individual will fit into this small family group. One of the residents had commented, “I did visit the house before agreeing to live here” in the Commission’s document ‘Have Your Say’. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. The residents’ assessed and changing needs are reflected in their individual care plans. Residents are able to make decisions about their lives, assisted by the staff when required. Residents are supported to take risks as part of their independent lifestyles. EVIDENCE: The inspector examined the care plans and found that they were comprehensive, clear and regularly reviewed. Personal Care Plans (PCPs) were also examined and these gave a very clear indication of the individual’s life style, choices and preferences. Both of the residents have keyworkers who support them and it is good that there is continuity in terms of who the residents live with and the staff. At the time of this inspection one of the residents was attending a day centre as indicated in the PCP, and the other had decided to remain in her own private room. Risk assessments and vulnerability analyses are undertaken to support the residents’ needs for independence whilst undertaking certain activities. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. The residents have the opportunity to live an active and social life within the local community. Contact with family and friends is encouraged, and every effort is made to ensure that the individual’s rights and responsibilities are recognised. Meals and mealtimes are an important part of daily life and residents are offered a balanced diet. EVIDENCE: As the inspector was unable to talk with the residents, a discussion with the registered manager and other staff on duty gave a good picture of how the residents are able to follow individual lifestyles and this is supported by the Essential Lifestyle Plans examined. Activities such as listening to music, watching TV and videos, cooking, domestic chores and visits from family are all part of daily life. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The residents also participate in activities in the local community such as visiting shops, going for walks, attending local fetes and events such as jumble sales and markets, and attending a social club. Visits to family and friends also take place. Trips to town and outings in the car are very popular. Recently the whole ‘house’ went out for a fun day together and this included all of the staff, and, “A good time was had by all.” One of the residents attends Donkin Hill day centre that primarily supports younger adults, but really provides for the needs of this individual in a very positive way. The registered manager is aware of the age limits that this service has and is looking out for an alternative group that may fulfil the residents’ needs. Family and friends are always made welcome in the home, and the residents are encouraged to keep in touch with them by telephone. The residents have been offered keys to their private rooms and have front door keys. One of the residents did not wish to speak to the inspector and just wanted to be on her own in her room. This is often the case with this resident and the staff respect her wishes. The residents are encouraged to take responsibility for keeping their rooms tidy, changing the bed linen and doing the dusting. The inspector observed one of the residents attending to her own lunch. The menus and record of food provided showed that a wholesome and nutritious diet is offered. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19, 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. The residents receive personal, physical and emotional support and care in a very individual way. The medication systems in place are in good order. EVIDENCE: There was good evidence in the care plans that the individual residents receive personal care in a manner they prefer and require. The care plans examined show that there is good access to community health services. One of the residents is able to make an appointment and visit the local doctor without assistance from the staff. Within the Essential Lifestyle Plan is ‘My Health’, a booklet for residents who may need to attend hospital for any reason. This is very comprehensive and gives a clear picture of how to assist the individual. There is also evidence of good, regular multi-disciplinary working. Although the residents do not have care managers, the staff are able to access the on-call care officer from the South Oxfordshire Learning Disabilities Team when required. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The medication systems were examined and found to be in good order. The registered manager is undertaking training to be able to train staff in the administration, recording and storage of medication. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22, 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. There is a clear complaints procedure in place that the residents understand. Every effort is made to protect the residents from any form of abuse. EVIDENCE: The inspector observed a copy of the complaints procedure in each of the resident’s documentation and an indication that the resident understood how to make a complaint should they need to. The inspector examined the complaints file and noted that two issues had been appropriately dealt with according to the procedure. No complainant has contacted the Commission with information concerning a complaint made to the service since the last inspection. The registered manager told the inspector that all staff receive training in the protection of vulnerable adults as part of induction training and ongoing training. This is underpinned by clear policies and procedures for the continued protection of the residents. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. The home provides a comfortable homely environment that is well maintained. EVIDENCE: At the time of this inspection replacement windows were being installed in the ground floor rooms. Although there was unavoidable noise, every effort had been made to minimise the disruption to the residents. The inspector toured the building and, overall, found all areas to be cleaned to a high standard and well maintained. There are plans for further decoration of individual rooms and upgrading of the kitchen in the future. The garden looked particularly attractive and is enjoyed by all. The sitting room provides an attractive, comfortable area and reflects the interests of the residents, with personal photographs and possessions on display. The individual private rooms also clearly reflect the resident’s personality and interest. The bathroom was found to be clean and in good order. Hot water outlet temperatures are regularly checked and recorded twice a day and before a resident has a bath. The inspector examined these records and found them to be in good order. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34, 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. The home is staffed by well trained committed staff who understand the care needs and ethos of the home. The recruitment processes in place are in good order. EVIDENCE: The inspector examined staff rosters and observed that sufficient number and skill mix are on duty at all times. There are still a number of staff vacancies and the registered manager is actively recruiting at this time. Discussion with a member of staff who has only been at the home for a few months gave a clear picture of a good induction programme, opportunities for further training and development and a supportive, knowledgeable manager. Although this person has had experience of care work before, it has not been in caring for adults. However, a lot of the skills are transferable to this setting. It is hoped that she may commence the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 programme shortly. The company provides good, well-balanced and appropriate training for all staff that includes mandatory training in moving and handling, fire safety and food hygiene, as well as training in specialist subjects such as autism and mental health awareness, and the use and development of Essential Lifestyle Plans, PATH and MAP techniques. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The inspector examined a sample of staff records and found them to be kept in accordance with the regulations. Recruitment and contractual documents are kept at the company’s head office. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. 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 are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39, 42. Quality for this outcome area is good. The home is well managed by an experienced, qualified and knowledgeable registered manager. The residents are involved in the running of the home and their views are sought on a regular basis. All necessary records required by regulation are kept up to date and complete. EVIDENCE: The inspector discussed with the registered manager the general management of the home, and further discussion with other members of staff confirmed that there are clear lines of responsibility and accountability in the team, and all staff work very well together. The manager was about to go on annual leave and it was clear that she felt comfortable and confident that the home will continue to run well in her absence. The manager is clearly knowledgeable and skilled and is still conscious of areas that she needs to be updated on or to learn new skills. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 There are various quality initiatives undertaken by the company, including questionnaires to residents, relatives and staff. These are carried out annually and the results are given in an appropriate picture format for the residents. It is recommended that a copy of the outcome of any quality initiatives should be forwarded to the Commission. The proprietor carries out monthly visits to the service and leaves a copy of the report in the home. The inspector examined the file in which these are stored. The inspector examined all the records required by regulation and found them to be in good order. The home’s policies and procedures manual is very comprehensive and covers all the necessary areas to safeguard the health and safety of the residents and staff. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 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 3 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 x 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 no Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? 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 YA39 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that a copy of the outcome of any quality initiatives should be forwarded to the Commission. 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Oxford Area Office Burgner House 4630 Kingsgate, Cascade Way Oxford Business Park South Cowley Oxford OX4 2SU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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 7 Wychwood Close DS0000013220.V307738.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 - 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!