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Inspection on 21/12/05 for Alpha House

Also see our care home review for Alpha House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 21st 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.

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

What the care home does well

People who live at the home benefit from being looked after by staff who know them well, and who respect their rights. This is particularly true of the manager who has a good overview of the care needs of residents and the skills and competences of staff. There is a good deal of experience and expertise within the team and, combined with this, good recording within case files and other documentation help to provide positive outcomes for people who live at Alpha House.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The outstanding requirements from the last inspection have been met. Other improvements include better recording of fire tests, more regular staff consultation and an increase in staff numbers.

What the care home could do better:

No shortfalls in either the regulations or standards were identified at this inspection. However the manager recognises that there is always room for improvement in, for example, consistency in practice and in recording, and the task for the home is to maintain the already high standards provided.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Alpha House 122 Halifax Old Road Birkby Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 2RW Lead Inspector Stella Henderson Unannounced Inspection 21st December 2005 08:30 Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.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 Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.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. Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Alpha House Address 122 Halifax Old Road Birkby Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 2RW 01484 422760 01484 422760 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.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 30th August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Alpha House is a care home offering accomodation and personal care to three service users who have learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. The accommodation is owned by Valeo Ltd, a private limited company providing residential accommodation and domiciliary services in the local area. Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was carried out over a period of approximately one and a half hours. A discussion was held with the manager and case file records were inspected. What the service does well: 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. Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 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): EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 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): These standards were assessed at the last inspection. EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 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): 15 and 16 People living at the home are supported to develop and maintain personal relationships with family and friends. People are supported to exercise their rights and responsibilities that promote independence and individual choice. EVIDENCE: The people who receive services at Alpha House engage in social activities such as eating out, going to the pub and in taking part in other social events, some needing more support and assistance than others. There was evidence that people living at the home participate with shopping for food and undertaking some domestic chores such as laundry. People have close family have contact on a regular basis, and one person participates independently in local social clubs and support groups. Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 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 The person-centred approach followed by staff at Alpha House allows people living there to receive personal support in the way they prefer. EVIDENCE: For those people at the home who need an element of personal care and support in their day to day living, there was evidence from case files, and from conversations held with the manager, that this is provided in a way that helps to maintain their dignity and independence. Individuals who need this form of support are able to choose which members of staff they want to provide them with help in this way. Referrals to specialist agencies have been made where required. People living at the home can also, with support in some cases, exercise autonomy over choosing their own clothes and daily routines. Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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): These standards were assessed at the last inspection. EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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): These standards were assessed at the last inspection. EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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): These standards were assessed at the last inspection. EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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): These standards were assessed at the last inspection. EVIDENCE: Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 X 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 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 X STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 X 35 X 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 X X X X X X X X X X Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 Alpha House DS0000026303.V265935.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Office Park View House Woodvale Office Park Woodvale Road Brighouse HD6 4AB 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. 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