Inspection on 20/09/05 for Alnbank

This inspection was carried out on 20th September 2005.

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

Alnbank 13/02/09

Alnbank 16/02/07

Alnbank 18/12/05

Alnbank 08/12/04

Alnbank 10/06/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Alnbank Alnmouth Road Alnwick Northumberland NE66 2PR Lead Inspector Deborah Haugh Unannounced 20 September 2005 11:00 th 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 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 Stationary 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. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alnbank Address Alnmouth Road Alnwick Northumberland NE66 2PR 01665 603584 01665 603584 ssdalnbank@talk21.com Northumberland County Council SSD Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Dorothy Margaret Kent CRH 13 Category(ies) of LD - Learning Disability (9) registration, with number LD(E) - Learning Disability - Over 65 (1) of places PD - Physical Disability (1) SI - Sensory Impairment (2) Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: The Manager must complete the NVQ Level 4 in Care and Management by 2005. Date of last inspection 8/12/04 Brief Description of the Service: Alnbank is a Local Authority home that provides care and support for 10 adults who have a learning disability. The home is situated on the outskirts of Alnwick, and is close to a number of interesting amenities, including shops, historic places of interest, and leisure facilities.Alnbank is a detached building and is set within its’ own grounds. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The unannounced inspection took place on 20/9/05 at 11am and lasted until 4pm. At the time of this inspection the Registered Manager Mrs Dorothy Kent was on duty. There are 9 service users living at Alnbank and 4 people were at home during the visit. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet the needs of the service users but due to their changing needs this will need to be reviewed. Time was spent looking around the home to check the cleanliness, maintenance and decoration. Staff spoke about their support to the service users and time was spent observing the contact between them. Two Care Plans for service users care were examined. The home’s Fire Log, Accident Book and Complaints Record were checked. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? There were no requirements or recommendations made at the last inspection in December 2004 which is commendable. The manager and her team have continued to develop the care plans and Personal Future Plans with service users. Service users continue to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 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. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 2 The home identifies the needs and aspirations of service users EVIDENCE: Two service user care plans were examined and assessments are completed which look at the needs and wishes of the service users. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 6, 7, 9 & 10 Care plans are detailed and identify the needs of the service users and actions to meet them. However nutrition and skin integrity care plans must be identified. Service users are supported to be as independent as possible and risk assessments are completed. EVIDENCE: Two care plans were checked and these are informative and provide detail of the needs of the service users. Risk assessments are in place. Staff spoke in detail of their strengths and preferences. Some of the service users have complex needs and are unable to communicate them but staff are attentive. The care plans are evaluated on a regular basis and reviews are carried out on a six monthly basis. One service user requires a nutritional care plan and a plan to maintain his skin integrity. Care managers name, address and contact number must be recorded on personal files. The events of importance record must cross reference information regarding service users to the promary source to ensure confidentiality. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 The manager was asked to consider using first person for care plans to reflect the service users views more. Records are well organised and positive, there is evidence of service users developing and fulfilling their wishes and potential. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12 - 17 Service users are able to fulfil their potential, participate in community activities and their rights are respected. Service users have nutritious food but details of nutritional care plans must be shared with the cook. EVIDENCE: Each person living at Alnbank has opportunities for personal development. A range of activities take place within and outside the home. These include, swimming, concerts, shopping, pub lunches and going out to places of interest. Service users attend day services and college courses. Service users have family and friends whom they maintain contact. People are able to visit any time and are made welcome. Lunch was shared with the service users and staff and was relaxed and pleasant. Staff encouraged service users to eat and there was a good rapport Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 between them. The kitchen has a range of nutritious food and a 4- week menu plan. Home baking and cooking is enjoyed by all. As mentioned previously a nutritional care plan is required for one service user and this must be shared with the cook. Staff respect service users’ privacy and dignity. Due to the special needs of some of the service users they are unable to verbally express their needs but the staff are aware of their body language and cues to indicate their wishes. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 18 & 19 The health needs of residents are well met with multi disciplinary working taking place on a regular basis. Two areas of care planning need to improve. EVIDENCE: The staff monitor service users health needs which is recorded in the care plans. Routine health checks are carried out and service users attend appointments with relevant health care professionals with staff. As mentioned previously the nutritional and skin care needs of one service user must be documented and advice should be sought from professionals. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 22 Complaints system is effective. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints since the last inspection in December 2004. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 24 & 30 The standard of the environment within this home is good providing service users with an attractive and homely place to live. EVIDENCE: The premises were inspected. The home is spacious and comfortable for the service users who live there. Bedrooms are personally decorated with photographs, belongings and keepsakes. The maintenance and cleanliness of the home is good. The cleaning and hygiene control measures are appropriate. The manager has requisitioned work to be done to improve the home such as increasing the electrical sockets, repairing radiator covers and replacing the water tanks. There are 3 bathrooms and 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets and 1 en-suite. The hot water temperatures are checked each month and thermostatic valve controls are fitted to each water supply. However temperatures are not checked using a thermometer each time someone bathes. The extensive garden area is pleasant and enjoyed by the service users, visitors and staff. A gardening group which includes one of the service users Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 from one of the Adult Training Centres are growing plants and vegetables in the garden to good effect. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 33 Staffing numbers are appropriate to the assessed needs of the residents, size and layout and purpose of the home at all times. However the changing needs of the service users requires a review of the night staff. On-call management arrangements must be more formalised. EVIDENCE: A minimum of three staff are on duty during the waking day and there is 1 waking night staff. A domestic works twenty hours and a cook who works five afternoons a week. The night staffing must be kept under review to continue to meet the changing needs of the service users. On - call management arrangements which are informal must be formalised by a rota. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37,41 &42 The home is being managed effectively to safeguard residents and to fulfil their potential. There is one health and safety issue and two record matters which need addressing. EVIDENCE: The manager is experienced and is completing NVQ Level 4 for the Registered Managers Qualification. The manager is committed to maintaining and improving the life opportunities of the service users and this is evident by staff practice. The Fire Log was checked and appropriate checks and training is in place. The accident book is maintained appropriately. As mentioned previously hot water temperatures for showering and bathing must be checked on every occasion with thermometers. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 The Care managers name, address and contact number must be recorded on personal files. The events of importance record must cross reference information regarding service users to the promary source to ensure confidentiality. Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 2 3 x 3 2 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x 3 3 3 3 3 2 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 x x x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Alnbank Score 3 2 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 x x x 2 2 x B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 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. 1. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 31/10/05 6,17,19, 41 15 & 17 2. 42 13(4) 3. 33 18(1) Care plans must be in place for the management of nutrition & skin integrity. Care managers name, address and contact number must be recorded on personal files. The events of importance record must cross reference information regarding service users to the promary source to ensure confidentiality. Hot water temperatures for 23/9/05 showering and bathing must be checked on every occasion with thermometers. Night staffing must be kept 30/9/05 under review to continue to meet the changing needs of the service users. On - call arrangements must be formalised by a rota. 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. Alnbank Refer to Standard 6 Good Practice Recommendations Consider using first person for care plans. B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northumbria House Manor Walks, Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Alnbank B53-B03 S35342 Alnbank V240081 200905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. 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