Inspection on 16/05/07 for Alpha House

This inspection was carried out on 16th May 2007.

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

Alpha House 07/12/06

Alpha House 21/12/05

Alpha House 30/08/05

Alpha House 05/01/05

Alpha House 25/05/04

Similar services:

Larch Avenue

Alderson Road 12

Cranworth Close Registered Care Home

The Cornerstone

John Street Nursing Home

Pennine Camphill

Whitwood House

Whitwood Hall

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Alpha House 122 Halifax Old Road Birkby Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 2RW Lead Inspector Bronwynn Bennett Unannounced Inspection 16th May 2007 09:00 Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alpha House Address 122 Halifax Old Road Birkby Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 2RW 01484 422760 01484 420008 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) Valeo Ltd Mr Steven Garbutt Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 7th December 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Alpha House is a care home offering accommodation and personal care to three people who have learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge the service. The accommodation is owned by Valeo Ltd., which is a private limited company. The company provides residential accommodation and domiciliary services in the local area. The accommodation consists of an end terraced Edwardian house operating over three floors. It is situated in a residential area a short distance from the centre of Huddersfield. All the bedrooms are single, one having en-suite facilities. There is a large living area and dining room. There are gardens to three sides of the property with a sitting area and small car park to the rear of the property. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection included an unannounced visit. The inspector arrived at the home at 10.35am and left at 4.50pm. During this visit the inspector spoke with two people living at Alpha House, some of the staff and the manager Mr Steven Garbutt. The inspector looked at records of people’s care, staff records, how medicines are given and carried out a tour of the home. In addition to this visit the Commission for Social Care Inspection sent questionnaires to people who live at Alpha House. However, during this visit the manager explained that people at the home were unable to complete these. The inspector did observe the care people receive and how the staff treat people. There were three people living at the home on the day of this visit. Surveys were sent to two service users’ relatives, two GPs and two social workers. No responses were received. Other information used as part of this inspection process includes notifications from the home to the Commission for Social Care Inspection about illnesses, accidents and incidents at the home, copies of the monthly management visit reports produced by the care provider, and a pre inspection questionnaire completed by the manager. The inspector would like to thank everyone for their assistance during this inspection process. What the service does well: People’s individual and potential needs are assessed prior to admission into the care home. The people who live at Alpha House and the staff enjoy good working relationships. During this visit the people appeared happy with the staff working at the home. Individuals are supported to plan and enjoy a choice of meals. Care is taken by the staff to ensure the purchase of food and meal preparation respects the cultural needs of everyone. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The staff team continues to work well in enabling people to be part of the local community and take part in community activity. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2. People who use 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 who are looking to moving in to the care home have their needs and aspirations assessed. EVIDENCE: The process for admitting people to the home was discussed with the manager. There was a comprehensive assessment in place in the records examined, that demonstrates the home is able to meet the needs of the individual prior to their admission. One of the care records looked at showed the assessment processes that had taken place prior to the individual being admitted. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7 and 9. People who use 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. Individual assessed, personal needs and goals are recorded. As is the support required by the person to make decisions and take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: There were three people living at Alpha House on the day of this visit. The home offers a relaxed environment for people to live and staff were seen interacting well with individuals living at the home. The care records for two people were looked at. Both records held good information relating to the individuals needs. The care records were detailed; person centred and reflected the individuals’ preferred choices and lifestyle. One care plan directed the staff to a risk assessment relevant to the person concerned. This is good practice and helps to ensure people’s needs and preferences are properly met. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 The procedures for helping people to manage their behaviour and and specialist interventions are detailed in the behaviour management plans and agreed physical intervention plans. There was evidence of regular review and monitoring. The recorded information was clear, easy to follow and outlined the level of risk and the measures in place to minimise risk and any related hazards. The daily records showed good detailed information that related to the person’s care plan. Both the records and plans looked at were up to date and had been reviewed to check that they working to support each individual. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15,16 and 17. People who use 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 are supported to be part of the local community and take part in appropriate activities. Individuals’ are supported to maintain relationships with family and friends. Generally, the rights of people are respected with their choice and independence being promoted. EVIDENCE: No one living at Alpha House is currently in paid employment. People are supported to be part of the local community and during this visit one individual had been supported to go out shopping. The staff spoken to said that people go out to a day centre, holidays, trips and shopping. People are encouraged to take part in activities. The individual choice of activity was recorded in both the care records. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 People are supported to maintain contact with their family and friends. The staff work hard to ensure people maintain relationships that are important to them. The contact that people have with family and their friends was seen recorded in the care records. Staff were interacting well with everyone, and seen treating people in a dignified and respectful manner. One person was seen taking part in household tasks and another person had assisted the staff to prepare lunch. The care records show the individuals involvement in housekeeping tasks such as cooking and cleaning. The staff work hard to meet individual cultural dietary needs, such as how food is prepared and choice of food. Some people enjoy shopping and assisting the staff in preparing meals. The support required in undertaking such tasks, and preference of food was recorded in the care records looked at. One person said they had enjoyed helping the staff to prepare meals in the home. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19 and 20. People who use 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 receive personal support in the preferred way and generally their health care needs are being met. The medication policy and procedure sufficiently protect people living at the home. EVIDENCE: During this visit the staff were seen sharing good professional relationships with the people who live at Alpha House. Personal preferences for how to dress, individual appearance, preferred times for rising and going to bed, bathing and preference for taking meals was recorded in the care records looked at. Individual records showed that people are supported to access healthcare services and facilities for example, specialist hospital appointments or their doctor. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 The medication and the records looked at was of a satisfactory standard. However, it is good practice to record any medication from the previous months medication on to the current MAR (medication administration record) sheet. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23. People who use 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 the home, their relatives and advocates are confident their views are listened to and acted upon. People are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home has an up to date policy and procedure for dealing with complaints. There have been no complaints made to the service since the last visit by the CSCI. Information for how to make a complaint is available in suitable formats in the service user guide. Staff complete adult protection training as part of their induction training and the staff has recently received updates in this training. The staff spoken with during this visit had a good understanding of adult protection issues and the necessary actions that should be taken following any allegations of abuse. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30. People who use 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. The home is clean, hygienic and well maintained. EVIDENCE: During this visit the home was noted to be generally clean and odour free. The bedrooms looked at showed that people are supported to personalise their own room. The manager has taken action since the last visit by the CSCI and communal areas such as, toilets and bathrooms are now fitted with anti-bacterial handwash and paper towels. At the time of this visit the hand-washing facilities in the laundry area were obstructed with bikes and other clutter. And the facilities for hand-washing were not available or accessible. Liquid soap and paper towels should be available at all times to prevent the risk of communicable diseases. This was Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 discussed with the manager who agreed to take immediate action in this matter. The organisation should consider replacing the laundry room flooring with material that is easily cleaned. This was discussed during the last visit to the home. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,34 and 35. People who use 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. Overall a competent staff team supports people living at the home. Generally, people are protected by the organisations recruitment policy and procedure. EVIDENCE: The information received by the Commission for Social Care Inspection confirms that fifty per cent of care staff has achieved NVQ level 2 in care or above. The staff spoken to during this visit said they had received training appropriate to their job. The manager said that some staff have completed LDAF (Learning Disability Award Framework) training. And the organisation has implemented an ongoing training programme for staff. There was evidence of relevant training in one of the staff records looked at. The training completed by staff is logged on the organisations computer system and generally provides up to date records. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 The employment records for two staff were checked. One of the records held all the required information. The required police check was not available in one of the records looked at. However, the manager did explain that this information had only just been received and was held at the organisation’s head office. Every effort should be taken to ensure that all the information required to employ people is kept at the home, in each individual staff file. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39 and 42. People who use 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 benefit from a well run home that is generally run in their best interests. Greater care is required in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of everyone is sufficiently promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The homes registered manager is Mr Steven Garbutt. He has fifteen years experience of working within the organisation. He has recently registered to complete the RMA (registered managers award). The staff spoken to during this visit said the manager is approachable and supportive. All the staff said they felt part of a good staff team. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The manager said that there had been some quality assurance questionnaires sent to people’s relatives. Other areas of quality monitoring take place through staff meetings, individual care reviews, and visits to the home from a representative of the organisation. The organisation should develop an effective quality monitoring system that seeks the views of people who live at the home, family and friends and relevant professionals. The results should be published and made available in suitable formats for everyone to read. The fire records were checked and up to date. The manager confirmed that all the staff working at the home have received fire safety training. In addition to this the staff and the people living at the home take part in weekly fire drills. This is good practice. The information available indicates that some staff were in need of training in food hygiene, first aid and infection control. This needs to be addressed to ensure all the staff working in the care home are up to date with the required basic training. The organisation should develop a simple system in order to monitor the training of all of its staff. Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2.. Refer to Standard YA30 YA30 Good Practice Recommendations The laundry floor should be covered in impervious material to make it more hygienic and easy to clean. Suitable facilities for hand washing should be made available in the laundry facilities. This will promote good hygiene standards in the home and meet infection control standards. The organisation should ensure the information required in staff files is kept in the home. The organisation should continue to develop quality assurance and quality monitoring systems. The organisation needs to ensure all the staff working at the home has received the required basic training. The organisation should develop a simple system in order to monitor the training of all of its staff. 3. 4. 5. YA34 YA39 YA42 Alpha House DS0000026303.V333373.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Team First Floor St Pauls House 23 Park Square Leeds LS1 2ND National Enquiry Line: 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 © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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