Inspection on 26/01/06 for Ashdale

This inspection was carried out on 26th January 2006.

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

Ashdale 15/05/06

Ashdale 31/08/05

Ashdale 01/12/04

Ashdale 26/05/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Ashdale Ashdale Byerley Road Shildon Durham DL4 1HN Lead Inspector Mrs Pat English Announced Inspection 26th January 2006 03:00 Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.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 Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.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. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashdale Address Ashdale Byerley Road Shildon Durham DL4 1HN 01388 777693 01388 777693 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) www.unitedresponse.org.uk United Response Mr Graham Conway Spencer Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. PD LD (5 persons) Date of last inspection 31st August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Ashdale is a long established care home providing care for 5 younger adults with profound physical and learning disabilities. The home is a large bungalow with all accommodation and facilities on ground floor level. All bedrooms are single occupancy and are decorated and furnished to a high standard. Each bedroom has been fitted with aids and equipment to suit the specific needs of individual service users. There is good access throughout and it is situated in the community of Shildon close to all amenities and good public transport links. The home is surrounded by well kept easily accessible gardens. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced inspection took place over approximately four hours and all five service users were present. The manager assisted throughout the inspection and the process included examining records and policies and procedures. Three members of staff were interviewed and two visiting relatives kindly gave their views. Two completed comment cards were also received from relatives who were unable to visit. On this occasion the inspector looked at a total of fifteen core standards which were not inspected on the last inspection, these mainly concerned Choice of Home, Individual Needs and Choices, Lifestyles, Personal and Healthcare Support, Concerns and complaints and Conduct and Management of the Home. What the service does well: The service is well managed and organised and good staff training and supervision programmes were in place. Staff commented that they “enjoyed coming to work” where they “all worked as a team” and had “very good support and guidance” from the manager. Staff spoke highly of the specific training and support they have to develop their knowledge and skills in communicating with people with special needs and communication difficulties. Visitors commented on how well the staff communicated with their relative and how this had improved his quality of life. Detailed information on each resident’s communication needs and specific physical requirements are recorded in their care plans and included all the information staff need to make sure they respond to their needs in a way suitable for each resident. This is recognised as being particularly important due to residents’ profound physical and learning difficulties. Residents’ social lifestyles are varied and stimulating. They each have planned programmes of their weekly activities which are linked in with their personal preferences, hobbies and interests. They are encouraged to be involved in numerous community based activities which include outings to local social and leisure clubs, dining out and shopping trips. Some residents enjoy a number of sporting activities such as swimming and football. These activities have enabled the residents to develop their independence in a variety of ways and to make decisions about their lives within the boundaries of their capabilities. Residents’ relatives keep in regular contact with the home and are kept informed of their progress. . Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 2 Prospective residents have their needs assessed by qualified people prior to entering the home to ensure that the home can adequately meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Individual records are kept of each resident and a sample of these records was inspected. Records showed that the home had obtained detailed information about each resident including an assessment by a care manager. This is essential to make sure the home will be able to meet a new residents needs and expectations. The manager also carries out a comprehensive assessment and relatives are involved in the process. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 Residents each have a plan which describes how staff should care for them. This makes sure that staff are aware of each persons needs and preferences and respond in a consistent way. There are satisfactory procedures and risk management strategies in place to ensure residents are supported to take risks as part of their independent lifestyle EVIDENCE: Residents each have a plan which includes a pen picture and photograph and describes the care they need. The plans were comprehensive and covered all aspects of their personal and social support, specialist requirements and physical and mental healthcare needs. Areas of risk and any restrictions on residents’ choice and freedom were clearly identified. Each resident had specific aids and equipment for moving and handling purposes and staff commented on how these benefit both them and the residents. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Detailed information on each resident’s communication needs and specific physical requirements were recorded and included all the information staff need to make sure they respond to needs in a way suitable for each resident. This is recognised as being particularly important due to residents’ profound physical and learning difficulties. The plans also include assessments and guidance from specialists who are involved in their care. The plans were reviewed on a monthly basis by the home and at least yearly by care managers. Residents’ families said that they have good contact with the home and they are invited to reviews. The parents of a resident commented that he is “loved, looked after and well cared for”. Daily reports were being kept of each resident’s activities and any specific incidents or occurrences. These reports, together with what has been stated in the review reports, showed that residents were involved in making decisions about their lives and that their needs and aspirations were taken into account when planning their daily routines. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15 and 16 Residents take part in a range of leisure activities and use local community resources. This gives them opportunities to develop new skills and enjoy their lives. Residents are supported to keep in contact with their families and to maintain appropriate and fulfilling lifestyles in and outside of the home EVIDENCE: All residents had planned programmes of their weekly activities which are linked in with their personal preferences, hobbies and interests. Staff explained how they were developing a “Person Centred Plan” with each resident and showed an example of one they were doing. These plans are in addition to the care plans and contained pictures, photographs and information about the resident’s likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests as well as being a record of special occasions and their achievements and plans for the future such as holidays and sport activities. There were a variety of outdoor activities included in the programmes which take place in the local community. These include walks, visits to the local pub, a local country and western club evening and local pantomimes recently held Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 during the Christmas period. Some residents enjoy football and swimming and some regularly attend a local church. Evidence of therapeutic equipment such as a fish tank, music and fibre optic lighting showed that their rooms had been personalised to suit their specific interests and personal requirements. Each resident attends a day placement four days during the week where they engage in activities and are supported and enabled to develop their skills and interact with their peer group. Residents are able to spend time at home with their families or go out with them. The parents of one resident spoke highly of the staff and how “they understood their son and what he likes”. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 Residents are supported and encouraged to maximise their independence. Detailed care plans ensure that staff are made aware of each resident’s needs and preferences. There are thorough systems in place that ensure residents’ health needs are identified and met. Policies and procedures for dealing with medicines are satisfactory and are being followed appropriately. EVIDENCE: Each resident has a detailed care plan which explains the care they need and how they prefer the care to be given. There are supporting policies and procedures that guide staff in protecting residents dignity. The care plans include a “medical profile” and records of appointments with their doctor, dentist and other healthcare professionals. It was also noted that any communication between staff and healthcare professionals was recorded in residents’ personal files. The systems in place ensure that staff are clear about what has been advised and also enables the home to demonstrate that it has asked advice when necessary. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 There are detailed procedures covering how medication must be looked after and given to residents. These also include specific details of any side affects and how to manage them. A sample of records showed that the procedures were being followed. A formal training course in the administration of medication is included in the staff training programme. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Residents are given the encouragement and support they need to express their views. Relatives are confident that any concerns they may have will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. The home’s policies and procedures and appropriately trained staff ensure that residents’ legal rights are protected and that they are safeguarded from abuse or harm. EVIDENCE: Staff receive specific training and ongoing specialist support to develop their knowledge and skills in communicating with people with special needs and communication difficulties. All staff who gave their views said that there have been very positive outcomes for residents whose communication skills have developed through this training and evidence of this was observed during the inspection. A couple visiting their son remarked on how well the staff communicated with him and how this had improved his quality of life. There is a satisfactory complaints procedure in place a copy of which is made available to relatives. There have been no formal complaints recorded. The manager stated any concerns or issues that may be raised with staff are usually noted in the service users’ daily records or in the diary. Comments from family members indicated that they had very good relationships with the home and had no problems in expressing their views. There is also a compliments and complaints book for people visiting the home to make their views known. Policies and procedures were in place to ensure that people who user the service are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. Appropriate training on abuse and the protection of vulnerable adults was being provided. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): These standards were assessed on the last inspection EVIDENCE: Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 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 on the last inspection. EVIDENCE: The arrangements for recruiting staff have been changed in response to a requirement under Standard 34 from the last inspection. Satisfactory recruitment records for staff are now kept in the home and made available for inspection. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 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): 37, 38, 39 and 42 Practices within the home promote and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of residents and staff. There is effective leadership, guidance and direction of staff to ensure that the home is run in the best interests of residents. There are effective communication strategies in place that empower residents to express their views and to be involved in making decisions about their lives. EVIDENCE: Comments received from families confirmed that they are kept informed of important matters affecting their relatives. They are in regular contact with the home and either telephone or visit on a planned basis to discuss their progress and welfare. Comments from the manager, staff and relatives confirmed that relationships within the home were friendly and supportive. Staff who gave their views said they “had very good support and guidance” from the manager and this Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 included monthly supervisions, staff meetings and regular in-house training sessions. All said that they “enjoyed coming to work”. New Era has a set standard of Quality Assurance audits which are carried out monthly by the managers of the homes and quarterly basis by area managers. The audits were comprehensive covering the environment, management issues and care practices. The views of residents and staff are sought as part of this process. However, the audits did not include any formal procedures for seeking the views of relatives, advocates and other people in the community who have an interest in the service such as social workers, GPs, community nurses and physiotherapists. This evidence is needed as part of the overall quality assurance process to assess how the home is achieving goals for people who use the service. An ongoing maintenance programme is in place for the servicing of equipment and maintenance of heating and electrical systems etc., and there was evidence from the maintenance contracts and service certificates that that the programme was kept up to date. There were no outstanding recommendations from previous visits made by the Fire Safety Officer or Environmental Health Officer. Fire drills and fire alarm checks met Fire Safety Regulations. The staff training programme included the required Health and Safety training such as Fire Safety, First Aid, Moving and Handling, Infection Control and Food Hygiene and records showed that this was kept updated. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME 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 4 23 3 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 4 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 4 3 X X 3 X Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 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 Refer to Standard YA39 Good Practice Recommendations The home’s Quality Assurance systems should include formal procedures for seeking the views of family, friends and advocates and of other interested parties in the community such as health and social care professionals. This evidence is needed as part of the overall process to assess how the home is achieving goals for people who use the service. Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 Ashdale DS0000007450.V272905.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 - 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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