Inspection on 07/12/06 for Alpha House

This inspection was carried out on 7th December 2006.

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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 8 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Alpha House 16/05/07

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 7th December 2006 1.40 Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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.V314640.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.V314640.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.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 21st December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Alpha House is a care home offering accommodation and personal care to three service users 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 service users’ rooms 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.V314640.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 carried out by one inspector. The inspector arrived at the home at 1.40pm and left at 5.40pm. During this visit the inspector spoke with two service users, 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 three questionnaires to service users living at Alpha House. There were three service users living at the home on the day of this visit and no questionnaires were returned to the CSCI. Surveys were sent to two service users relatives, two GPs and two social workers. The inspector received responses from one GP survey. 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: The potential needs of the service users are assessed prior to admission into the care home. The service users and the staff have good working relationships. During this visit the service users appeared happy with the staff working at the home. The service users 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 the individual service user. The staff team has worked well to enable the service users to be part of the local community and take part in community activity. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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.V314640.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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Individual needs and aspirations of potential service users are assessed prior to admission in to the home. EVIDENCE: The admissions process for potential service users was discussed with the manager and a pre admission assessment for service users was seen. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Not all service users assessed and personal needs and goals are recorded in their care plan. The support required by service users to make decisions and risks taken as part of an independent lifestyle is not recorded in all the care records. EVIDENCE: There was good interaction seen between the staff and service users during this visit. The care records for two service users were looked at. One of the care records looked at was detailed; person centred and reflected the individuals’ preferred choices and lifestyle. However, the other care record did not contain the required information and this was discussed with the manager at the time of the visit. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 As soon as possible following admission to the home the care planning process should begin. This may initially consist of an interim or short-term care plan. But it must contain the required information for staff to follow in order to provide the care required by the individual service user. Individual procedures for helping the service users manage their behaviour, specialist interventions and individual personal care needs were recorded in one of the care records. This level of detail must be made available in all the care records kept. One of the records showed the level of support required by and individual and decisions they had made. This information was good but was in need of updating. One of the care records held detailed risk assessments relating to any identified risks as part of the individual service users lifestyle. The care records must contain up to date risk assessments relating to any identified risks as part of an individual’s preferred lifestyle. The information recorded must be clear, easy to follow and outline the level of risk and the measures in place to minimise the risk and any associated hazards. Greater care is required to ensure that all care records contain sufficient detailed information. This information must be reviewed, signed and up to date. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The service users are supported to be part of the local community and take part in appropriate activities. Service users are supported to maintain relationships with family and friends. Generally, the service users’ rights are respected and individuals’ choice and independence is promoted. EVIDENCE: None of the service users living at the home are in paid employment. The manager said that where appropriate service users are supported to attend the local college. The service users are supported to be part of the local community. During this visit service users were being supported to go out shopping and access a local club. The staff spoken to said that service users are supported to go out to the Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 day centre, clubs, trips and shopping. Individual activity is encouraged preferred activities were seen in one of the care records looked at. Service users are supported to maintain contact with family and friends. The staff team has worked well to maintain relationships that are important to the individual. Individual relationships were seen in one of the care records. The staff were seen interacting well with the service users and treating individuals dignified and respectful manner. Participation in housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and cooking tasks was evident in one of the care records looked at. Staff at the home work hard to meet individual cultural dietary needs. During this visit a service user was helping to prepare the evening meal. Some service users enjoy shopping and assisting in the preparation of meals. The support required in undertaking such tasks, and preference of food was recorded in a care record examined. A service user spoken to during this visit said they enjoyed helping to prepare meals in the home. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users receive personal support in their preferred way. Generally the health care needs of the service users are being met. The medication policy and procedure sufficiently protect the service users. EVIDENCE: A survey received by the Commission for Social Care Inspection said the staff communicates the service users needs well. Personal preferences for how to dress, appearance, preferred times for rising and going to bed, bathing and preference for taking meals was recorded in one of the care records looked at. The care records audited had a healthcare record. It was evident that service users are supported to access healthcare services and facilities. However, greater care is required to ensure a potential healthcare need includes a Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 referral to the appropriate professional. A recommendation is made in this report regarding this matter. The medication for two service users was checked and all the medication could be reconciled with the records kept by the home. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users, their relatives and advocates are confident their views are listened to and acted upon. The service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints policy and procedure in place. Information of how to make a complaint is available in suitable formats for the service users, in the service user guide. There has been one complaint made to the home during the last twelve month period that is now resolved. Staff complete adult protection training as part of their induction training and the organisation has arranged training updates in adult protection. 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.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Generally the home is clean, hygienic and well maintained. EVIDENCE: On the day of this visit the home was generally clean and odour free and well maintained. The service users rooms were seen and had been personalised by the individual. Consideration should be given to replacing the flooring in the room identified during this visit. The shower is fitted with non-slip mats that looked clean. However, care needs to be taken to ensure the mats are thoroughly cleaned after to each use to prevent the risk of cross infection. The homes laundry facilities were generally clean and well organised. However this is area was not suitably equipped for hand washing. Laundry facilities and Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 communal areas such as, toilets and bathrooms should be fitted with antibacterial hand wash and paper towels. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Generally, a competent staff team supports service users. Some improvement is required to the home’s recruitment policy and procedure to ensure it sufficiently protects the service users. EVIDENCE: A professional who responded to the survey said that the staff demonstrate a clear understanding of the service users needs and that they were satisfied with the overall care at the home. 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. The staff spoken to during this visit said they had received training appropriate to their role. The manager said that some staff has completed LDAF (Learning Disability Award Framework) training. And the organisation has implemented an ongoing Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 training programme for staff. There was no evidence of staff training in the care records audited and the training completed by staff is difficult to follow. The organisation should consider developing a simple system of recording training undertaken by staff. The records for two staff were audited. One of the records held all the required information. There was a gap in the past history of one of the records examined no proof of identity available in the records examined. This was discussed with the manager. He advised that photographs were in the process of being made available in staff files and he would take action to bring the identified staff record up to date. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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): 37,39,41 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users benefit from a well run home that is generally run in their best interests. The health, safety and welfare of the service users, and the staff, is not sufficiently promoted and protected. Quality in the outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The homes registered manager is Mr Steven Garbutt. He has fifteen years experience of working within the organisation. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The staff spoken to during this visit said the manager is approachable and supportive, and all the staff said they felt part of a good staff team. The manager said that there had been some quality assurance questionnaires sent to service users relatives. And quality monitoring takes place through service user meetings and reviews, staff meetings and visits to the home from a representative of the organisation. It would be beneficial for the organisation develop an effective quality monitoring system that seeks the views of service users, family and friends and relevant professionals. The results of such surveys should be published and made available in suitable formats for service users and any interested parties. A gas safety check has recently been carried out at the home. The fire records showed a gap in the weekly fire testing records. This was discussed with the manager who said that fire testing may have been carried out but not recorded. Up to date fire records must be kept on the premises. Testing of the home’s fire alarm system must be completed on a weekly basis. Emergency lighting checks should also be recorded on a weekly basis with daily visual checks undertaken. The manager said that the fire safety work required by the fire authority has now been completed. There was no evidence available to show that all the staff had received fire training updates. The manager advised that a member of staff has been appointed to receive suitable training in order to train staff in fire safety. All staff should receive fire training updates twice a year. There were no records to show that all the staff working in the home have completed food hygiene and infection control training. Fourteen staff hold a current first aid certificate. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.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 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 2 35 2 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 1 2 X 1 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 2 X 2 1 X Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 YA6 Regulation 15.1 & 15(2) a Requirement The registered person must ensure all service users have a care plan. And the service users know that their assessed and changing needs are reflected in their individual plan. The registered person must ensure that risk assessments are kept up to date to ensure they reflect the current level of risk identified for the individual service user. The registered person shall not employ a person to work in the care home unless - they have obtained in respect of that person the information and documents specified in schedule 2 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. There must be a full history of employment and proof of the persons’ identity including a recent photograph. The registered provider must ensure accurate and up to date records are kept relating to service users, staff training and any other records required for DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Timescale for action 18/01/07 2. YA9 13(4) c 18/01/07 3. YA34 19.1(b) 6 18/01/07 4. YA41 YA42 YA35 17.1, 2 and 3 18/01/07 Alpha House Version 5.2 Page 24 the effective and efficient running of the home. 5. YA42 23(d) The registered person must make arrangements for people working in the care home to receive suitable training in fire prevention. Such training must be updated at six monthly intervals. The home’s fire alarm systems must be tested on a weekly basis. In addition the emergency lighting must also be checked on a weekly basis with the appropriate records kept including a fire risk assessment. 18/01/07 6. YA42 23(4) v 18/01/07 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. 3. 4. 5. 6. Refer to Standard YA7 YA19 YA24 YA30 YA30 YA39 Good Practice Recommendations The decisions made by service all users should be recorded in their individual plan of care. Greater care is required to ensure that potential healthcare needs are referred to the appropriate professional. Consideration should be given to replacing the flooring in the identified bedroom. The laundry floor should be covered in impervious material. Suitable facilities for hand washing should be made available in the laundry facilities. The organisation should continue to develop quality assurance and quality monitoring systems. Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Alpha House DS0000026303.V314640.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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!