Inspection on 26/09/05 for Ashlong House

This inspection was carried out on 26th September 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.

Other inspections for this house

Ashlong House 07/06/06

Ashlong House 28/04/05

Ashlong House 29/11/04

Ashlong House 17/06/04

Similar services:

Norbury Crescent (30)

Edenvale

Wadham Avenue

Chatsworth Care - Dawson House

Cowden Road, 52 - 54

Chatsworth Care - Tudor Lodge

Foxley Lane (121a)

Whitworth Lodge

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Ashlong House Ashlong House 141 Longfellow Road Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8BA Lead Inspector James O`Hara Announced Inspection 26th September 2005 09:30 Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashlong House Address Ashlong House 141 Longfellow Road Worcester Park Surrey KT4 8BA 020 8330 2708 01483 740 569 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) Throwleigh Lodge Jenny Hamilton Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (9), Physical disability (4) registration, with number of places Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The service user in bedroom 3 must be able to manage in the bedroom without the aid of a wheelchair. The service user who was named to the CSCI on 4th April 2005 is the only service user who may occupy Bedroom 2 if they require the use of a wheelchair whilst in the bedroom. 28th April 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The home is a detached house situated in a cul-de-sac off a quiet street in Worcester Park. Ashlong House is registered to support 9 people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. The home has been prepared so that the bedrooms, bathrooms and communal spaces can meet the needs of this service user group. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This home was inspected under the National Minimum Standards Care Homes for Younger Adults. The inspection was announced, started at 9.30 am and finished at 12.45 pm. Methods of inspection included a tour of the premises observation of contact between staff and service users and discussion with service users and the registered manager. Records examined included service user plans, care manager needs assessments and risk assessments, complaints, staff training records, Criminal Records Bureau Checks, service user meeting minutes, health and safety and fire records. A number of comment cards were returned to the Commission for Social Care Inspection as feedback from service users. Requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection were discussed with the registered manager. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A lot of work has been completed in preparation for the new service users moving into the home. On the day of the inspection service users said that they were very happy with the facilities provided. Regulation 26 visits, these are monitoring visits carried out by the organisations senior management to check that the home is performing well, are now carried out on a monthly basis, copies of these visits and reports are now sent to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 Since the last inspection the new service users and staff have reviewed and updated the Service Users Guide adding pictures and relevant information from their point of view. All members of staff are now completing an NVQ qualification in Care. 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. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 and 3. The home is registered to provide support to people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Prospective service users and their representatives are provided with all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to use the service. The home has an appropriate admissions procedure thus ensuring that a thorough assessment of prospective service users needs and aspirations are carried out before they move in. EVIDENCE: The home has a Statement of Purpose appropriate the service user group it supports. Since the last inspection the new service users and staff have reviewed and updated the Service Users Guide adding pictures and relevant information from their point of view. Four new service users have moved into the home since the last inspection. Three service users moved from The Queen Elizabeth Foundation Centre a Development Centre for people with learning disabilities/physical disabilities were people live and attend classes/courses that would support them towards independent living. On the day of the inspection two service users said that they had plans to move onto more independent placements within the next few years. The registered manager is aware of this and the service users placements are reviewed with this in mind. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 All service users had an opportunity to visit the home prior to choosing to move in. All new service users have had their needs assessment carried out by a care manager prior to moving into the home and all have had their placement reviewed since moving into the home. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 6, 7, 8 and 9. Service users are involved in completing their own Life Style Plans thus ensuring that their personal wishes and aspirations are considered. Service users plans sampled indicate that individual risk assessments and risk management strategies are carried out and monitored thus enabling service users to participate in activities in the home and in the community with appropriate support. EVIDENCE: Three service user files were examined and all had a Life Style Plan, this plan is very comprehensive and includes detailed information on the service users health, social and domestic activities and communication needs. The plan is person centred and completed by the service user with help from an allocated key-worker. Plans examined included photographs of service users involved in domestic, therapeutic and social activities. The plan also includes information under the headings “The support I need to meet my needs and reach my goals” and “My daily living activities”. The registered manager said that these plans had been developed since the new service users moved in and that they would be reviewed on a six monthly basis all other service users have had their plans reviewed. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 The home offers service users and their relative’s questionnaires in order to seek their views of the service that the home provides. Information from these questionnaires is used as part of the homes Quality Monitoring System so that the service offered to the service users can be improved. There was evidence of regular service user meetings. Minutes of the meetings indicate that service users are very much involved in the running of the home. One service user attends part of each staff team meeting to bring the service user groups issues, concerns and opinions to the attention of the home. All service users have had risk assessments carried out for both inside the home and for activities outside the home. These assessments are reviewed on a regular basis and referred to in the service users care plans. All staff has signed the service users care plans. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. The service users and staff are in the process of looking for and developing social, domestic and therapeutic activities. EVIDENCE: None of the service users attend day services. As the new service users have only recently moved in the registered manager said that they are getting used to the local area and that activities would be developed according to the individual service users wishes over the coming months. Service users have attended swimming sessions, bowling and karaoke at the local pub. Minutes of service user meetings indicate that service users have discussed possible college courses on drama, budgeting and Indian head massage. For some of the service users this is still very much in the developmental stage. A number of service users have computers in their bedrooms the registered manager said that she plans to purchase broadband Internet connection and a wireless re-router so that service users can log on when they wish. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Some service users have requested private telephones for their bedrooms on the understanding that they will pay a bill some service users have mobile phones. On the day of the inspection one of the service users went out with his father. Other service users said that they are able to visit and receive visits from relatives and friends. The homes menus seemed varied and nutritious in content, are based on a four-week rota. A number of questionnaires were returned to the Commission For Social Care Inspection as feedback. One question asks “Is your privacy respected” two service users answered “sometimes”. It is recommended that the registered manager review the homes policy on service users privacy. One service user said that he was not impressed with the Commission For Social Care Inspection service user questionnaire. The commission is currently reviewing these questionnaires so his comments would be appreciated. The service user said that he would be happy to write to the local Commission For Social Care Inspection with his comments. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20. Overall the arrangements for health care needs of the service users are good and they receive personal support in the way they prefer. EVIDENCE: The home has policies and procedures for handling medicines and staff has had training on medication administration. All service users have been registered with a local General Practitioner and a local Dentist. One service user prefers to use his father’s dentist in Lancashire however if he had an emergency he would attend a local dentist. One service user has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and all staff has had training on the subject. Another service user uses a Stoma and staff has received training in Stoma care. One service user has been diagnosed with presenting Pseudo Epileptic Seizures and there are guidelines for staff to follow in the event of this occurring. All service users files examined contained appointment information for dentists, opticians, chiropodists, weight charts and individual homely remedies. The home has been designed to meets the needs of the service users advice was sought from an occupational therapist. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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. The registered manager has over time developed positive communication with local residents so that their concerns can be discussed and resolved cooperatively and promptly. EVIDENCE: The registered manager said that two complaints have been received from local residents regarding noise coming from the home. The registered manager has contacted these residents to discuss the matter. All staff has had training on adult protection the registered manager said that some staff will attend refresher training on this subject in October or November this year. The home has a copy of Sutton Councils Multi Agency Procedure for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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): 24 and 30. The home has been prepared so that the bedrooms, bathrooms and communal spaces can meet the needs of service users with physical and mobilty problems. The health and safety of the service users could be compremised unless the electrical wiring in the homes kitchens is properly conected. EVIDENCE: The home supports service users with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. The home was assessed by an occupational therapist and the home has been built around the service users assessed needs. Most of the service users have en-suite facilities with either a bath or a shower as they have requested. Shower heads are set at assessed levels so that service users can use them. Service users with mobility problems have the use of hand rails and hoists. The kitchen work surfaces have been lowered and doors widened to aid service users who use wheelchairs. Some service users who have ceribal palsey have electronic door locks on their bedroom doors. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 A loose electrical earth wire was noted under the sink area in the downstairs kitchen and two electric cables have been connected into one plug at the back of the cooker in the upstairs kitchen. The registered manager must ensure that wiring under the kitchen sink is made secure and boxed in. The registered manager must ensure that two plugs are used for the two cables behind the cooker so as to reduce the risk of fire. Service users said that they have had the opportunity to choose furniture and decorate their own bedrooms, bathrooms and the living room. The home was clean and free of offensive odours on the day of the inspection. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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): 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. The home has a well-supported staff team who receive the level of regular supervision and appropriate training required to ensure that the service users benefit from having a consistent approach to their needs. EVIDENCE: The home has obtained Criminal Records Bureau Checks for all staff. A new member of staff has started work recently, a POVA check was obtained before she started work in the home. The registered manager stated that this member of staff will not work unsupervised until Criminal Records Bureau clearance has been received. All members of staff are completing an NVQ qualification, two completing NVQ level 2 in Care and 10 completing NVQ level 3 in Care. The deputy manager is completing NVQ level 4. Training records indicate that staff has received training on first aid, fire safety, moving and handling, health and safety and food hygiene. There was evidence that staff has also had training on adult protection, epilepsy, medication and managing challenging behaviour. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The registered manager said that there has been very little staff turnover in the last two years. Evidence was seen that staff receive regular supervision and six staff have had an annual appraisal. The registered manager said that all other staff would complete an annual appraisal. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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, 40, 41 and 42. In general the home appears to be well run and well managed. The management approach of the home creates an open, positive and inclusive atmosphere. The health and safety of the service users could be compromised if regular weekly checks of homes the fire alarm system is not carried out. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has completed the Registered Managers Award to level 4, has a Degree in Health Care Studies and is currently completing a Diploma in Applied Psychology and Challenging Behaviour at the Tizard Centre. She has worked hard to develop positive communication with the local neighbours. As required at the last inspection copies of the homes Regulation 26 visits have been sent to the Commission for Social Care Inspection on a monthly basis. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 As previously stated in this report the home offers service user and their relative’s questionnaires in order to seek their view of the service that the home provides. Information from these questionnaires is used as part of the homes Quality Monitoring System so that the service offered to the service users can be improved. Service users hold regular service user meetings. The home employs a full set of policies and procedures from the consultancy company Cared4. These documents fully comply with the required standards as defined in appendix 2 of the National Minimum Standards. Certificates were seen for a environmental health visit 05/05/05, legionella testing 04/02/05, Portable Appliance Testing 04/06/05. The home’s gas boiler has been has recently been repaired and the registered manager said that the Landlords Gas Safety Certificate would be sent to the home. It is recommended that the registered manager send a copy of the Landlords Gas Safety Certificate to the Commission For Social Care Inspection when it is received at the home. Fire records were examined, the fire alarm system was checked on 02/09/05, a fire risk assessment has been carried out for the home and a fire plan is in place and signed by staff. Fire evacuation drills are carried out quarterly by the home on the advice of the fire officer. Gaps were noted on the recording of the weekly fire alarm system check. The registered manager must ensure that the homes fire alarm system is checked and recorded on a regular weekly basis. Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 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 X 3 3 X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 3 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 X X X X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 3 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Ashlong House Score 3 3 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 3 2 X DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 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. 1. Standard 24. Regulation 13 (4) a and c. 13 (4) a and c. Requirement Timescale for action 26/09/05 2. 24. 3. 42. 23(4) a. The registered manager must ensure that wiring under the kitchen sink is made secure and boxed in. The registered manager must 26/09/05 ensure that two plugs are used for the two cables behind the cooker so as to reduce the risk of fire. The registered manager must 26/09/05 ensure that the homes fire alarm system is checked and recorded on a regular weekly basis. RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. Refer to Standard 16. 42. Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that the registered manager and staff discuss the homes policy on service users privacy. It is recommended that the registered manager send a copy of the Landlords Gas Safety Certificate to the Commission For Social Care Inspection when it is received at the home. DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 25 Ashlong House Commission for Social Care Inspection Croydon, Sutton & Kingston Office 8th Floor Grosvenor House 125 High Street Croydon CR0 9XP 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 Ashlong House DS0000048490.V250711.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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!