Inspection on 16/02/09 for Agape Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 16th February 2009.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Agape Lodge 06/03/07

Agape Lodge 30/01/06

Agape Lodge 02/09/05

Agape Lodge 07/01/05

Agape Lodge 29/04/04

Similar services:

Hillside

Applegarth

Trevayler Residential Care Home

122 Scorer Street

Jubilee Villa Care Home

Thornham Grove

Beech Lodge

8 Thorndale Road (Homefield College)

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/06/2011.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Agape Lodge 155 Kings Street Kettering Northants NN16 8QR two star good service The quality rating for this care home is: 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 assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Rajshree Mistry Date: 1 6 0 2 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. 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. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: 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 Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) 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 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). 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 CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Internet address www.csci.org.uk Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Agape Lodge 155 Kings Street Kettering Northants NN16 8QR 01536510808 01536358233 enquiries@agapehomes.org.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Mrs Julia Rosemary Hamilton, Mr Michael Hamilton Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : care home 3 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 1 3 0 0 learning disability mental disorder, excluding learning disability or dementia Additional conditions: No person falling within the category Mental Disorder (MD) can be admitted where there are already 3 persons of category MD in the Home. No person under the age of 18 years or over the age of 65 years must be admitted to the home. The total number of service users in the Home must not exceed 3. No person falling within the category Learning Disability (LD) can be admitted where there is already 1 person of category LD in the Home. Date of last inspection A bit about the care home This is a 3 bedded, privately owned home situated in Kettering, within walking distance of the town centre and 2 other small homes in the same group. People using the service are actively involved in the wider community, and are under 65 years of age. The accommodation comprises of a lounge, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom with shower and toilet. The Registered Providers are active participants in the day-to-day management of the home. The homes philosophy is that staff and families will support the people using the service, where necessary, to maintain and promote independence and well-being. The Registered Provider provided us with the average fee charged is £500.00 per week, which excludes personal expenditure such as toiletries. People considering using Agape Lodge are encouraged to contact the home directly. The full details of the home and any specific requirements can be obtained from the home in the form of the Statement of Purpose and the Service User Guide. The latest Inspection Report from the Commission for Social Care Inspection is available at the home. 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: two star good service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home How we did our inspection: This is what the inspector did when they were at the care home The quality rating for this service is 2 star. This means the people who use this service experience good quality outcomes. We as written in this inspection report means The Commission for Social Care Inspection. As part of this inspection, we looked at the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) completed by the manager and sent to us. This information is sent each year and tells us what they think of the service they provide. We also looked at the other information sent to us. We sent out Have Your Say About Agape Lodge surveys to the people who use the service, their relatives, care staff and health and social care professionals. No surveys were returned. We did this key (main) inspection by visiting Agape Lodge on Monday 16th February 2009. The visit started at 2.45pm but no-one was at home until 3.45pm. The visit lasted 5 hours and we found out about the service given to people using Agape Lodge. We talked with the three people who live at the home; we looked at how people live at home and asked staff about how they help people to make sure their needs were met. We also looked at the care plans, medication records and other records that told us how people are supported by the staff. This is called case tracking. We also saw records showing people have their health care needs met by other professionals such as the General Practitioner or the Psychiatrist. We looked at some of the policies and procedures in the home. Policies are rules about how to do things. Procedures tell people how to follow the rules. We spoke with staff and looked at their records that tells us what skills and training they have to support the people who live at the home. What we have written is based on what we saw and what we were told on the day of the visit to the home. What the care home does well People who live at the home are asked how they like to live their life. People can tell the staff about the things that they use to do and want to continue doing like going to the day centre. People are asked what help they need from the staff when they live at the home. Every year people are asked about what they think about the support that they get from the staff and what they think about the home. This helps to improve the quality of the service people experience and helps to make the service better for everyone living at the home. People make choices about their lives. They can go to the day centres and the sport centre close by. People can also meet with their family, friends or make new friends. They can socialise in the community where they live by going to the football club or the local pub. People can go to Church if they want. People have a good choice of meals. Sometimes people go out for meals to the local pub or have take-away meals at home, like fish and chips from the chip shop. Some people like to help to make drinks and meals with the help from staff. People said they know who to speak with if they are unhappy or have something that is upsetting them. Staff are friendly and support people living at the home. People said they like the staff. People living at the home have a chance to be involved in choosing the right staff to work at the home. Staff are trained to help people and care for them. Staff records show the training that they have done. What has got better from the last inspection There have been improvements made in the home. These include the new wood flooring in the hall, replacement of kitchen worktops, sinks and splash-backs tiles and installing a hand-washing sink. The bathroom on the first floor has been re-tiled and replaced fittings like taps. Two new staff have been recruited to work at the home. The manager and some staff are booked to go on training. This will help to improve the lives of people that live in a care home or use a care service. What the care home could do better The information telling people about the home and the complaints procedure should be made easier to read and understand. Pictures, symbols and easy words used in care plans would help people understand what is written. This would make people have more of a say about what they want to do and how they want staff to help. The questions asked in the surveys given to people using the service could be made easier to answer, with the use of pictures, symbols and easy words. The answers from the surveys about the home should be checked with the information people get about the home. This would show if people receive the service that they are told they will. If you want to read the full report of our inspection please ask the person in charge of the care home If you want to speak to the inspector please contact Rajshree Mistry 33 Greycoat Street London SW1P 2QF 02079792000 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 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line - 0870 240 7535 Details of our findings Contents Choice of home (standards 1 - 5) Individual needs and choices (standards 6-10) Lifestyle (standards 11 - 17) Personal and health care 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection 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, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. 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 the person 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 good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . People considering using Agape Lodge are involved in the assessment process and have opportunities to visit the home to make sure these can be met. Evidence: We read the information people receive about Agape Lodge, which includes the Statement of Purpose and the Service User Guide. The aim of Agape Lodge is clearly set out known as the aims and objectives, so people can choose if this is the right place for them. The information tells people about what services are available to them, the type of facilities, social and leisure opportunities and the skills of the staff employed by the service. It sets out the process of how people are involved in choosing to move to the home and how people can make a complaint. We discussed with the homes manager whether the information is made available in formats that are suitable for both the people already living at the home and people that may consider using the service in the future. They told us that there are plans to develop this information in alternative formats using pictures, symbols and written in an easy read style. The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed comprehensively by the manager prior to the inspection told us that individuals are encouraged to visit the home. It also told us people considering using the service and other social care and health professionals are involved in the process to assess if the home is the right place for them. This shows decisions are made by the individual and supported by visits to the home and people that are involved in their care arrangement. Evidence: The care files we read had copies of the assessments of needs completed by the Social Worker. We saw evidence of the assessment carried out by the homes manager, which detailed the individual care and support needs, as well as preferences and lifestyle. There was information as to the persons social interests, health needs, attendance of day centres and network support of family and friends. Information is gathered in relation to communication needs and the preferred support to meet any personal fears or challenges relating to their health and wellbeing. This showed staff had good information about the individual to be able to provide the right support. The care files contained signed contracts with the terms and conditions of the stay. We saw the agreement from the local authority that financially support the people living at Agape Lodge that demonstrated a formal agreement is in place to protect the people using the service. One person we spoke with said they were not sure about the home at first and now its the best place. People living at the home have been there for a number of years and felt they were settled and had their own routines. Staff on duty told us they meet with any new person thinking about using Agape Lodge and have information given to them about individual care and support needs. The staff told us that they share new information about individual’s interests to make sure they are supported. Our observations made during the visit showed people lived in a relaxed homely environment. People looked comfortable talking with the staff who are able to support them in way that suits them. This promotes their well-being and independence. Individual needs and choices 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 needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. 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 . People living at Agape Lodge make personal decisions and choices about their lifestyle and are supported by the staff. Evidence: We wanted to find out how peoples individual needs and choices are made known and supported by the staff. We read the care files for the people we case tracked. The care plans outlined the goals the person had in relation to daily living and support to meet their needs. There was evidence that people were involved in setting their care plan and it gave clear guidance to staff in how to provide the right support. We saw shortterm care plans made to support changes that had been identified. This showed people’s support needs was being reviewed regularly that ensures their well-being. The people living at the home have their own money that is held in safe-keeping. People told us that they preferred the arrangement and know they can have their money when they want and have to sign for it. We looked at the system for managing peoples money, which is recorded, reconciled and kept up to date. This demonstrated peoples money is protected by a good system. Staff told us that the content of the care plans are explained to people. Staff said, where necessary there is support and input from health care professionals such as the Psychiatrist or the General Practitioner and evidence of this was seen in the care files. Whilst people may prefer this arrangement, consideration should be made to developing care plans in alternative formats that is suitable for people needs. We saw assessments of risk had been completed with individuals to ensure their Evidence: health, safety and choices were respected. People were self-caring and the risks identified from being out or from other people were identified and safety measures were agreed with the person. For example, letting the staff know where they are going and what time they will be back or how to support the person if they feel anxious such as suggesting they might want to listen to some music. These were reflected in the care plan and showed the care and support provided was holistic that promoted peoples independence, choice and safety. We saw there are annual reviews carried out by the homes manager to assess and ensure people continue to be supported and have their needs met appropriately. The annual reviews involve the individual person, their relatives and professionals who are involved in their care arrangements. Questionnaires are given out and the responses are included in the reviews. This demonstrates the reviews are holistic, personalised and involves the relevant people and agencies, in the best interest of the person using the service. People living at the home told us about the things that they do at home and the places they go to, such as day centres, shopping, local pub for meals and visiting friends and family. We observed people making choices about what they do and how they wish to spend the day. Two people told us they prefer to have a key to their bedroom and like their privacy. People had returned home from being at the day centres and were relaxing in their bedroom, whilst one person said he went to see some friends. The staff on duty demonstrated a good awareness of peoples individual support needs and lifestyle. They gave us various examples of how they support people to make decisions and encourage them to talk through any concerns or decisions that they want to make. We saw the weekly planner used by staff that shows the range of activities people do and participate in. These ranged from doing household tasks such as cleaning their bedrooms to attending the day centres, swimming, going to the local pub for a meal or a drink at the football club. Staff told us the weekly planner helps the staff to make sure they support people to continue with their daily activities including their morning routines, meals and taking their medication. People told us the arrangement suits them, which promotes their independence and wellbeing. Some of the comments we received from the people that live at Agape Lodge included: I go to Team work and got certificates for doing things The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager demonstrated how the home promotes individual needs and choices through care planning and being supported to participate in activities that they enjoy. It also told us how people are supported by other professionals such as health professionals and the day centre staff. The records we read during the site visit supported the details we received in the selfassessment tool, which demonstrated the practices benefit the people using the Evidence: service. The self-assessment tool also identified areas for improvements that include to continue to ensure care plan reviews are carried out promptly every six months and improve the regularity of key worker sessions. This shows the service continues to look at improving the quality of life people experience whilst living at the home. Lifestyle 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 can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and 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 and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. 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 . People living at Agape Lodge are supported to enjoy and experience a lifestyle of their choice and opportunities that promote their well-being. Evidence: We wanted to find out how people are supported to continue with their choice of lifestyle and have new experiences that promotes their well-being. The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager stated people are support to continue or re-establish old activities such as day care placements; encouraged to maintain relationships with friends and family; introduced to new social, educational and health activities such as swimming, gym, places of worship and holidays both home and abroad. This supported the care files we read, discussions with the people living at the home and the staff. It also showed us that people were involved in meaningful activities of their own choice. When we arrived at the home, people were returning from their daily activities such as day centres. People told us they go to one or more day centres such as MIND; Teamwork or Meadhurst day centre. People described to us their lifestyle at the home, what they enjoy doing and how they are helped by the staff. One person said he wasnt sure at first and now I like it here. Another person preferred to be at home in the evenings, whilst it was cold and dark, saying I like the spring and summer more. This was good initial evidence indicating people felt this was their home and made their own choices. Evidence: People spoke about their family and friends including new friends that they have made since moving to the home. One person told us the staff take them to see their family and goes to Church once a month. People told us they like spending time in their bedrooms after coming home from the day centre, listening to music or relaxing. One person showed us the large frame of photographs celebrating their birthday party. Other comments that we received throughout the visit included: Were going swimming tonight I help ... to clean my room Im much happier here, they help me when I need help Staff said they do speak with people about relationships and sexuality, when questions are asked. Staff said they recognised the need to make sure people had an understanding of friendship and relationship making them aware of the need to respect people, safety and understanding consent. Staff showed awareness of peoples vulnerability and demonstrated how they, through discussion, help people to be more aware of their own safety. Agape Lodge is a small home for up to three people and blends in with the other residential housing. People said they feel part of the local community and said they will go to the shops to buy things such as cigarettes. People told us they are responsible for keeping their bedrooms clean and tidy, including being supported to do their laundry. People that chose to smoke cigarettes, do so, in the rear garden of the house. Whilst people preferred not to do any cooking, they were involved in choosing the menu for the month. Staff told us they would look to encourage people to help with meals, having recruited another member of staff to the home. One person said they had wanted to eat chips from the chip shop. So it was agreed by everyone that they would have their meal from the fish & chip shop. One person said he didnt mind fetching the meal and went with the staff to get everyone’s meals. The care records for people that we read, showed peoples likes and dislikes of meals, which supported what the staff told us. For example, not everyone likes pasta or curries or prefer English meals. Other comments received from people included: the food is much better here. This showed preferences were known and staff ensured people are offered meals of their choice. It was evident from observing people, that Agape Lodge was very much their home, they appeared happy and comfortable with their lifestyle indicating benefits to their health and wellbeing. Personal and health care support 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 receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people 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. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to 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 good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . People living at Agape Lodge have their personal and health care needs met by trained staff that promote independence and well-being. Evidence: We wanted to find out how people are supported to manage their personal and health care needs. The people we spoke with said they managed their own personal care and were supported to attend appointments to see the General Practitioner or attend hospital appointments. This was consistent with the records we read in the care files, indicating the home maintains and promotes peoples health and personal hygiene. People living at the home do not require support with their mobility although there are grab rails in the bathroom so that people are supported to be independent. One person gave us the example of their routine with regards to showering and their privacy, which was consistent with what the staff told us, written in the care plan and the weekly planner. This showed care plans are reflective of peoples routines and privacy is respected. The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager before the site visit stated assistance is provided to support people to meet personal hygiene and routines, including other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, General Practitioner and to attend hospital appointments. From the evidence gathered during the site visit, from discussion with the people using the service and viewing the records, it showed the service provides what it says it will provide. This demonstrates peoples health and well-being is promoted. The staff we spoke with showed good awareness of peoples health needs and by supporting people to attend regular health check appointments. The member of staff Evidence: on duty is responsible for making health care appointments and taking people to attend appointments. This showed continuity of staff supporting people to meet their individual health needs. The care files had records of the health care visits, which supported our findings on the day. The comments received from people confirmed they are supported to make choices about their health and well-being and included: Im much happier here, they help me when I need help The staff give me my tables everyday and I have to go for monthly blood tests to make sure the tablets are still working I have blurred vision, Ive got glasses but dont like to wear them because I break them The member of staff on duty described the system of managing and administering medication. The staff training records showed staff were trained to give medication. People have medical profiles detailing the medication they take and the purpose of the medication. This shows that staff awareness and understanding of how medication helps some people. The medication is prepared into blistered packs by the Pharmacy. The management of medication and the practice to give out medication and recording was good. People who take medication said the staff always give them their medication on time. Concerns, 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. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. 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 . People living at Agape Lodge have their rights protected, confident concerns are addressed and are protected from harm and abuse by trained staff. Evidence: The complaints procedure is displayed in the home and included in the information people receive about the home before they move in. The complaints procedure sets out the process of how the concern or complaint will be investigated. We discussed with the member of staff and the homes manager that some consideration should be made to provide the complaints procedure in an alternative format to suit the needs of the people using the service. The people we spoke with told us they felt comfortable to speak with the staff or the manager about any concerns that they might have. From our observations and comments received such as not had a complaint, I think I would tell the staff, indicated that people were confident to express any concerns to the staff. Staff told us that having supported the people living at the home for a number of years, they know each individual from their daily routines to how they may be feeling from their reaction or behaviour. This showed people had stability and support that ensures they were happy at the home. The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager before the site visit stated people and their family are encouraged to participate in the annual reviews. This is done through completing questionnaires and being involved in the review meetings. The record of the monthly check carried out by the homes manager showed the quality of the service and the home environment is monitored to ensure it is safe and supports the people living at the home. The information we received from the homes manager in the self-assessment tool, stated the home received no complaints. The Commission for Social Care Inspection received no complaints or expressions of concerns about Agape Lodge or the care and support people receive. Evidence: Staff we spoke with demonstrated a good understanding of safeguarding issues, which means promoting the well-being of people using the service from harm, risk and abuse. The member of staff recognised peoples vulnerability and described how they help them understand how they can make sure they remain safe. We observed staff responding to peoples questions, giving them time to express themselves. Staff were confident to report concerns of poor conduct of practice using the homes whistleblowing procedure. The staff training records viewed showed staff had received training in safeguarding procedures. Copies of the homes policies and procedures are available at the home for staff to refer to. This showed there is an ‘open culture’, to ensure staff have the skills and can refer to procedures to promote peoples health, safety and well-being. The people living at the home have their own money that is held in safe-keeping. People told us that they preferred the arrangement and know they can have their money when they want and have to sign for it. We looked at the system for managing peoples money, which is recorded, reconciled and kept up to date. This demonstrated peoples money is protected by a good system. The staff recruitment records viewed for two staff all contained evidence that recruitment checks were carried out, such as criminal records bureau (CRB) checks and references. Staff told us as part of the recruitment and selection process, people living at the home are involved in the staff recruitment process, to make sure the right staff are employed. 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, comfortable, 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. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. 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 . People live in a home that is clean, tidy, well-maintained and comfortable. Evidence: Agape Lodge is situated in a residential area and blends in with other private residential houses. There are 3 single bedrooms, to which people have their own key. This shows people are supported to be independent and responsible for the home environment with the support from the staff. There is good access to the local community, shops, social and leisure facilities. On the day of the site visit to the home, people were returning from various day centre placements and were relaxing in their bedrooms or were still out seeing friends. Since the last inspection of the service and the information gathered from the selfassessment tool completed by the manager, there have been some environmental improvements made. These include the new wood flooring in the hall, replacement of kitchen worktops, sinks and splash-backs tiles and installation of a hand washing sink. The bathroom on the first floor has been re-tiled and the replacement of fixtures and fittings. The home is clean, has a feel of a family home, with pictures on the walls and ornaments. The decor in the home is furnished with domestic furniture and fittings to create a homely atmosphere. We were invited to look at one bedroom, which was decorated with bedroom furniture and fittings to suit the persons choice. The bedroom was personalised to reflect the interests of the person, which was music and showed us their certificates that the manager had framed for them. We saw people were involved in house hold tasks. People told us about the household Evidence: tasks they do, which was reflected in the weekly planner. This shows people take responsibility for cleaning their bedrooms, washing up dishes, laundry and changing the bedding with the support from staff if required. The staff training records showed staff had completed infection control, health and safety and food hygiene training. The home does not have any moving and handling equipment and at present have no-one that needs any physical help or support that would require the use of any specialist equipment. Care files had assessments of risks completed, relating to peoples health and safety. This showed people are supported to be responsible and active in the home. We saw records that showed the cleaning programme and a system for reporting repairs required and evidence of servicing and testing of electrical equipment in the home. Agape Lodge has an internal system of monitoring and checking the home environment. These are done through the managers monthly checks, which we looked at and showed the home is checked and concerns are raised with the staff. This demonstrated the home recognises and is responsible for maintaining a safe and clean home for people living there. 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, qualified 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. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. 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 . People living at Agape Lodge are supported by staff that have undergone good recruitment process and training to support and promote peoples well-being. Evidence: People living at Agape Lodge appear to enjoy a positive relationship with the staff and the manager. People were seen returning from various day centres and greeted by staff that were aware of their individual routines. People told us they felt comfortable and trusted the staff and I like the staff here, like friends. Staffing levels support the people living at the home and their daily routines. This further illustrated the good relationship and rapport between the people living at the home and the staff. The information gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager stated staff recruitment and selection procedures are good and people are involved in staff selection process to ensure the right staff are recruitment. The manager explained to us that an applicant would have an opportunity to meet the people living at the home and are observed in how they respond and interact. People then share their views about the applicant, which contributes to selecting the right applicant to work at the home. Since the last inspection of the service, the home has recruited a further two staff. We looked at two staff files, both contained the receipt of satisfactory references and criminal records bureau (CRB) checks, to make sure the person is suitable to work with vulnerable people. This demonstrated staff recruitment process is robust and people living at the home influence the recruitment process to ensure the right person is appointed. We looked at the staff induction and training records. Agape Lodge has registered with Skills for Care and has provided new staff with the induction programme recommended. We saw staff received training in learning disability and mental Evidence: disorder, to positively support and understand the needs and challenges of people that live at the home. Other training completed by staff seen in the staff training records included infection control, health and safety, safeguarding adults, medication training and first aid. The manager confirmed the home has a policy on staff development, which we read. This shows the home does develop and promote staff knowledge and skills to support the people living at the home. This demonstrated that the service maintains staff skill mix and current best practice. Staff told us they have been asked to identify training to maintain their skills and knowledge base. The manager and staff on duty told us that are booked to attend the Deprivation of Liberty training held at the local authority. This further demonstrated the home promotes staff development in line with changes in the law that influences and promotes peoples rights. The information gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager stated all staff have attained the National Vocational Qualification level 2 or above in care. It also told us that a number of staff are undertaking NVQ level 3 and 4, the Registered Managers Award. We saw there was a relaxed and an open culture, where morale appeared to be good. Staff said they benefit from working closely as a small home and have good communication between the staff and manager. Staff confirmed they received regular supervision and supported by the manager in emergencies. Whilst we were able to see records of the house meeting involving the people living at the home and the staff, we were unable to view the staff meeting minutes at the time. However, the manager did agree to provide us copies of the staff meeting after the site visit to the service. Conduct and management of the 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 have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because 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. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. 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 . People living at Agape Lodge benefit from a well-managed home, contribute their views through the quality assurance and review systems that promotes health and safety. Evidence: The manager and the deputy manager have been managing the home for many years, having experience of working with people with a learning disability and mental health. The manager and deputy confirmed they are due to attend training in Deprivation of Liberty course and recognise that there may be changes that promotes peoples rights, choices and support to make decisions. The manager told us they have already registered with Skills for Care and are identifying staff training to ensure the skill-mix supports the people living at the home that improves the quality of life people experience. Staff told us they have good communication and clear roles and responsibilities. The homes manager and deputy manager are contactable in case of an emergency. The management systems, policies and procedures are accessible to staff and good care planning supports the people living at the home, which promotes their well-being. The information we gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager, stated the home carries out annual care reviews with each person living at the home. This involves sending out questionnaires to the people living at the home, their relatives or family and other health and social care professionals who are involved in their well-being. These include the day centre staff, psychiatrist, psychologist, social workers and General Practitioners. The care reviews read, showed they were holistic and also assesses the home and how the staff support people. The Evidence: manager told us that issues relating to the home or the staff are addressed as part of the quality review. We suggested to the manager that some consideration should be made to making the questionnaires suitable to the needs of the people using the service such as the use of simple words, pictures and symbols to communicate the information. We also suggested that they should consider measuring the results from the quality assurance against the statement of purpose to see if people actually experience the service as intended, which will help identify areas for improvement as the service develops. We saw the monthly visit reports completed by the manager, on the home. The visit reflected the checks, audits carried out and identified shortfalls, which were shared with the staff at the home. This shows there is an internal system of monitoring the management of the home. The information gathered from the self-assessment tool completed by the manager before the site visit details the regular checks, servicing and maintenance of the home. We saw records of the fire checks and tests carried out including the recording of food and fridge temperatures. There is a system in place for reporting faults that need repairing in addition to the monthly checks carried out by the manager. This shows the home continues to ensure peoples health and safety in the home. Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes  No  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 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 Description 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 Description 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 1 It is good practice to develop documentation and information about the home in alternative formats such as easy read supported with pictures and symbols to suit the needs of people living at the home or considering using the home to help them understand the processes easily. It is recommended that care plans should be made available in alternative formats to suit the needs of people who would be able to actively contribute and influence the support they receive that results in outcomes that improve the quality of life people experience. The complaints procedure could be more accessible and developed in alternative formats that would suit individual needs, using pictures, symbols and easy read text. The home should consider developing quality assurance questionnaires in alternative format to suit individual needs, where they can understand with short words, pictures or symbols to express their opinion about the service they receive and experience. The homes quality assurance results should be measured 2 6 3 22 4 39 against the statement of purpose to show if the expectations of the service are met, help identify areas for improvement and ensure the aims and objectives evolves as the service develops. Helpline: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone : 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.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) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). 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