Inspection on 22/12/05 for Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester)

This inspection was carried out on 22nd December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. 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.

Other inspections for this house

Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) 22/11/06

Similar services:

Hillside

Applegarth

122 Scorer Street

Jubilee Villa Care Home

Thornham Grove

Beech Lodge

8 Thorndale Road (Homefield College)

Hunter`s Lodge

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) 170 Station Road Irchester Northamptonshire NN29 7EW Lead Inspector Mr Patrick Toner Unannounced Inspection 22nd December 2005 10:10 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) Address 170 Station Road Irchester Northamptonshire NN29 7EW 01604 811838 01604 811878 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) Alderwood LLA Limited Mr Harold Martin Kelvin Noel Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. The age range of service users admitted to this home shall be between 18 and 35 years The number of service users must not exceed five in number The home may only admit residents who fall within the Autism spectrum Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The home is located on the edge of the village of Irchester, Northamptonshire, with good access to local bus services and major road networks. The home is a large five bedroom detached property with ample parking space to the front and a large well-established garden to the rear. There are five good-sized individual bedrooms complete with ensuite facilities and an additional shower room. A double garage to the front of the property has been converted to provide an office and an educational/activity resources. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection began at 10:10 a.m. and lasted approximately 2 hours. This is the first inspection of the home since registration in August 2005. At the time of the visitor there were three service users present and five members of staff including the manager. There was an opportunity to meet all three service users and have discussions with the manager and some staff, carry out a tour of the premises and review records. The home has deliberately restricted the admission of service users to three during its early months to allow service users and staff to acclimatise to the new setting. The manager confirmed the home is considering a recent referral and will begin a transition plan during the next few months. What the service does well: The home provides intensive support and a structured environment for all service users. Each service user has one-to-one staffing and additional (floating) staff are deployed on each shift to ensure individual schedules can be maintained and additional off-site activities are available and accessible. The home provides holistic care with a clear focus on developing life skills and social integration. The home maintains good contact with parents and promote advocacy for service users. Although this is a new home the parent company has been established for a number of years and has a good reputation for the quality of the care it provides for children and young people. The company has effectively transitioned service users by enabling staff who they were familiar with to continue working with them in the new home, also the manager was previously the manager of one of the childrens homes. Therefore the home has started its life with the benefit of an established staff team who have a thorough understanding of the companys ethos/philosophy of care. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The home enables service users and their family to make effective choices. EVIDENCE: The manager described the pre-admission process for any service user being considered for admission to the home. The home recognises that this is likely to be a crucial welfare decision and every effort is made to ensure service users needs and aspirations are properly assessed to avoid the potential of placement breakdown. This aspect of care planning will usually involve multi-disciplinary assessment, an extensive transition programme and provide opportunities for service users and parents to undertake several visits the home. Service users, parents and placement officers are encouraged to review the transition process with the home prior to agreeing to a placement. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The home is able to meet service users assessed needs and encourages meaningful choices. EVIDENCE: The home uses validated methods of communicating with service users and will adapt choices boards and equipment to overcome service users tendency to take apart/investigate the structure of items. The manager demonstrated how staff will encourage meaningful choices by structuring multiple options/choices and encouraging service users to develop sequencing skills. Therefore service users are instrumental in structuring their daily living arrangements and are able to exercise individual choices. The home has an effective risk management strategy which is used to inform staffing levels and enable individual service users to take risks which add value to their lifestyle, for example, one service user who had experienced high levels of social exclusion is now able with the consistent support of staff to access a wide range of leisure activities including caravan holidays and visits to the cinema. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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 The home encourages service users to develop healthy and meaningful lifestyles. EVIDENCE: The home supports service users to access a wide range of activities and encourages them to be part of the local community. There are good relationships with neighbours and the home has access to a range of suitable community resources including the local Country Park, library, cafes, shops, pubs and cinema. The home recognises service users will benefit from a culture of lifelong learning and developing individual coping skills, for example shopping, laundry food preparation and self care activities. The parent company also operates two children’s homes and is registered as a school. Service users continue to benefit from the organisation of a school environment and the specific input of teachers from the school when developing individual schedules. The manager and staff continually provide support, advice, understanding and tolerance of service users unique lifestyles. There are effective contact Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 arrangements with parents and relatives and service users are afforded private time as appropriate to their individual habits/aspirations. The manager, staff and the directors of the company together with parents and families remain strong advocates for service users rights. The home provides a consistently good quality of meals, snacks and drinks and offers service users individual choices. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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 The home encourages service users to develop healthy lifestyles. EVIDENCE: Service users individual plans are comprehensive, and enable staff to provide appropriate levels of care and support. The manager and staff rely heavily on direct observation of behaviour/mood when assessing and responding to service users physical and emotional needs. The manager described how through his observation and analysis of events he is able to support and direct staff to meet the development needs of service users. The manager as a trainer is able to impart skills and knowledge to new staff and encourage them to develop their own critical analysis skills when working with and responding to service users and other staff. It is not appropriate for the current service users to retain or administer their own medication, all medication is administered in line with the homes policies and procedures and only carried out by staff who have been trained to do so. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 and 23 The home has an effective Complaints and Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy. EVIDENCE: The home encourages service users to express their feelings and aspirations through the choices they are able to make and the positive relationships they have with staff. The manager and staff are acutely aware of the inherent vulnerability of service users, the high staffing ratio and effective communication with parents and families helps to mitigate opportunities for service users to be put at risk. All staff working in the home are experienced and their care practice is monitored by the manager, senior staff and colleagues. Staff are aware of how to raise concerns including how to contact inspectors and of the homes whistle blowing policy. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 and 30 The home has been designed and adapted to be Autism friendly. EVIDENCE: The layout and décor of the home reflects service users needs, individual bedrooms are decorated with a view to the service users level of tolerance of objects/colour schemes. The home is maintained to a high standard, it is clean, hygienic and has been adapted to meet the specific needs of its service users. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The home is properly staffed. EVIDENCE: Staff have access to appropriate and timely training including role specific training which enables them to carry out their tasks effectively. The home is part of a company structure, the manager is directly involved in the recruitment of staff and in developing the homes policies, procedures and care practice. The current service users have diverse needs however the high staffing ratio and the comprehensive individual plans/routines developed by the home enables service users needs to be met while maintaining a cohesive social group. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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, 43 The home is properly managed. EVIDENCE: The home has an experienced manager and an effective quality assurance system. The manager benefits from external supervision and has access to good peer support within the companys senior management team. Parents, placement officers and other professionals are encouraged to visit the home, often these visits will be unannounced and provide opportunities for external scrutiny of care practice. The manager is accountable for the conduct of the home and has the support of the directors of the company and the managers of the two childrens homes, which are part of the company structure. Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 x 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 x 3 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northamptonshire Area Office 1st Floor Newland House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB 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 Alderwood LLA Limited (Irchester) DS0000065111.V274817.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 - 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!