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Inspection on 05/05/05 for April Cottage

Also see our care home review for April Cottage for more information

This inspection was carried out on 5th May 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

The home has a warm, friendly atmosphere. Each guest was very relaxed and seemed happy in the company of the staff team on duty. Guests said they liked coming to April Cottage and the staff are nice. The home was able to provide some extra support to a family when needed. Guests said they liked the food at April Cottage.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Some care plan records kept in the home were seen to have been reviewed and updated.

What the care home could do better:

The record of which staff are working and who is staying at April Cottage needs to be more accurate. There need to be better arrangements for storing medication in accordance with the manufacturer`s instructions. More space in the small dining room would help at busy mealtimes. The home needs to improve the way it looks at risk in relation to equipment within the home and equipment brought in by guests.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 April Cottage Ducklington Lane Witney Oxon OX28 4TJ Lead Inspector Catherine Kane Unannounced 05 May 2005 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. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service April Cottage Address Ducklington Lane, Witney, Oxon, OX28 4TJ 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) 01993 773832 Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust Ms Lynn Davison Care Home 4 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4), Physical disability (4) registration, with number of places April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: The total number of persons that may be accommodated at any one time must not exceed 4 Date of last inspection 14 February 2005 Brief Description of the Service: April Cottage is a purpose built four bedroomed bungalow situated at the end of a private drive about a mile from Witney town centre. It provides a short term breaks/respite service for up to four peple with learning and physical disabilities who live with their families in the local area. The bungalow has ramps and adaptations and is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs. The home is run and managed by the Oxforshire Learning Disabulity NHS Trust. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place on the evening of Thursday, 5 May 2005. The purpose of the visit was to see how the home is meeting National Minimum Standards. The visit took three and a half hours. The inspector spent this time with all four guests staying at April Cottage on that evening and the three members of staff on duty. The inspector listened to their views and discussed their experiences. Staff were seen to be very busy indeed. The inspector also looked at some records kept in the home, looked at how medication was looked after and was present during the evening meal. The inspector would like to thank each guest for taking the time to talk with her and thank the staff for their assistance during the inspection. The day after the inspection the inspector spoke with the registered manager on the telephone about the inspection findings. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The record of which staff are working and who is staying at April Cottage needs to be more accurate. There need to be better arrangements for storing medication in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. More space in the small dining room would help at busy mealtimes. The home needs to improve the way it looks at risk in relation to equipment within the home and equipment brought in by guests. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 registered manager understands how important it is to make sure that April Cottage is the right place and that her staff team have the right skills before offering guests a place. EVIDENCE: During the inspection the inspector met two young ladies and a gentleman who have been to April Cottage before. Another young gentleman guest who has just left college was staying in the home for a longer emergency stay whilst waiting to move to a new home of his own. The registered manager told the inspector that April Cottage does not usually have an emergency stay room available. On this occasion only one planned stay and been rearranged with the greement of the person booked in and their family in order to accommodate this young person. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 Staff were very busy attending to the needs of the four guests. Records seen by the inspector and discussions with staff indicated that there may be difficulties in looking after these four guests in the home at the same time. The inspector saw that the home had been able to accommodate a regular guest for an extra evening visit during a difficult time. The registered manager must ensure that all guests present in the home, even those people only in the home for a day, evening or tea visit, are noted within the document used as the home’s register and not go over the numbers identified in the statement of purpose. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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 and 9 Care plans seen had all the essential information staff need to be able to care for people when they stay at April Cottage and were neat and easy to read. Staff do not always follow the essential guidance in care plans and risk assessments. EVIDENCE: The inspector looked at the care plan notes of all four guests and saw in care plans that two guests must not be left on their own. During the inspection staff were so busy that sometimes this happened resulting in an incident witnessed by the inspector. One guest told the inspector that she has seen her care notes and staff tell her what they write about her. She doesn’t mind this. During the inspection the inspector saw how a guest tampered with some equipment kept in the bedroom he was using during his stay. The registered manager told the inspector that this guest had never done anything like this before so this had not been covered in a risk assessment. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 The registered manager discussed how April Cottage tries to provide a safe place for all its guests. She said it was difficult to judge when to allow people with learning disabilities to make choices and take risks in order to live an ordinary life. The registered manager must ensure that all parts of the home are, as far as reasonably possible, free from hazards and that unnecessary risks to health and safety are identified. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 Guests continue to go to the activities of their choice and within their local community that they would go to whilst living at home with their families. Guests said that the food at April Cottage is good. The home tries to develop good relations with guests and people who are important to them. EVIDENCE: Guests told the inspector about all the different activities in which they take part including going to college and the local day service. One guest was pleased to be able to bring his favourite videos to watch during his stay. From looking at care plans and other records the inspector could see that the manager and her staff think it is very important to keep good relationships with guests and their families. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Each guest and their family are invited to an annual barbecue party held in the summer where they can meet the manager and staff. A guest said that she looks forward to the barbecue every year. The home was able to provide some extra support to a family when needed. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 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 and 20 Care plans give staff the information they need on how to help guests with their personal care where necessary. Staff help residents to look after their medication when they stay at April Cottage. EVIDENCE: The inspector saw staff being very thoughtful in making sure that guests were comfortable. A guest was able to tell the inspector how staff helped her to look after her medication. An experienced staff member showed the inspector how medication was looked after. One guest’s medication had been stored in a locked cupboard in the kitchen. The temperature in this cupboard was over 27 degrees centigrade. The registered manager must ensure that medication is stored safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The inspector saw that the records were well kept. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) None The inspector has not made a judgement on these standards on this visit. The outcomes of these standards will be looked at during the next inspection. EVIDENCE: April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24 , 25, 28,29 and 30 At the time of the inspection the shared areas of the home looked very cramped. Bedrooms are bright and airy and are furnished and decorated in a modern style. At the time of the inspection all areas of the home were clean. EVIDENCE: A guest told the inspector that she sleeps in different bedrooms when she stays at April Cottage but they are all nice and the beds are comfortable. A guest staying at April Cottage at the time of this inspection had a lot of personal belongings and equipment including a wheelchair, beanbags and other soft equipment positioned for his safety and comfort. The registered manager told the inspector that several regular guests come to the home with personal disability equipment, including specialist wheelchairs, that take up a lot of space. There is little storage room in this home. The small dining room is very cramped at mealtimes. Staff told the inspector of difficulties in sitting everyone at the dining table when more than one guest uses a wheelchair. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 During this inspection the staff were kept very busy. Well attended Team Meetings take place where staff are asked for their views. EVIDENCE: The inspector saw how busy staff were during the inspection. One member of staff told the inspector that she had to be careful about what tasks she did and who she worked with. The inspector spoke with staff and the registered manager about the number of staff on duty; a staff member said that she felt confident about the ability of her other two colleagues on duty but might not with some agency staff. From what the inspector saw during the inspection, and from the notes she read, it was clear that a high level of staffing was required in order to meet the needs of certain guests. The rota stated that during nightime hours only one waking night staff member was on duty. The registered manager stated that she felt that the number of staff on duty and the on-call back up system was sufficient to meet the needs of guests at the time of the inspection. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) None The inspector has not made a judgement on these standards on this visit. The outcomes of these standards will be looked at during the next inspection. EVIDENCE: April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 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 N/A 3 N/A N/A N/A Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score N/A N/A INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 N/A N/A 2 N/A Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 N/A N/A 3 3 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 3 3 N/A 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score N/A N/A 3 N/A N/A N/A CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 April Cottage Score 3 N/A 2 N/A Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 None 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 9 Regulation 13(4)(a) & (c) Requirement The registered manager must ensure that all parts of the home are, as far as reasonably possible, free from hazards and that unnecessary risks to health and safety are identified. The registered manager must ensure that medication is stored safely according to the manufacturers instructions Timescale for action By 31/05/05 2. 20 13(2) By 31/05/05 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. Refer to Standard 1 Good Practice Recommendations The home should improve its record keeping in relation to which guests and staff are in the home. April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Burgner House, Cascade Way Oxford Business Park South Cowley, Oxford OX4 2SU 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 April Cottage H57-H08 S13061 April Cottage V225648 050505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 - 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. 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