Inspection on 28/11/06 for Aspen House

This inspection was carried out on 28th November 2006.

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

Aspen House 03/11/08

Aspen House 06/01/06

Aspen House 25/04/05

Aspen House 26/01/05

Aspen House 05/05/04

Aspen House 01/12/03

Similar services:

Hillside

Applegarth

Trevayler Residential Care Home

122 Scorer Street

St Marys Nursing Home

Jubilee Villa Care Home

Thornham Grove

Beech Lodge

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Aspen House 277 Wellingborough Road Rushden Northants NN10 9XN Lead Inspector Mrs Linda Preen Unannounced Inspection 28th November 2006 10:00 Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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 Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Aspen House Address 277 Wellingborough Road Rushden Northants NN10 9XN 01933 419345 01933 419456 enquires@CommunityCareSolutions.com www.communitycaresolutions.com Community Care Solutions Limited 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) David William Finan Care Home 10 Category(ies) of Learning disability (10), Mental disorder, registration, with number excluding learning disability or dementia (4), of places Physical disability (1) Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. No person who falls within the category of Physical Disability (PD) may be admitted to the home when one person who falls within category PD is already accommodated in the home No person who falls within the category of Mental disorder (MD) may be admitted when four persons who fall within category MD are already accommodated in the home Any service user admitted to the home who falls within category PD or D must also fall within category LD i.e. dual disability 6th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Aspen House is situated in a residential area of Rushden in Northamptonshire. The home is within walking distance of Rushden Town Centre where community resources include shops, pubs, swimming pool and restaurants. The home is owned by Community Care Solutions Ltd and is registered to provide personal care for ten adults with learning disabilities including up to four people with additional mental health problems and one person with additional physical disabilities. Service users with more challenging behaviours are accommodated in the rear unit of the home. The home is divided into two units, the rear unit being known as Aspen Lodge, each area having a kitchen, dining area and lounge. Accommodation to service users within the front unit of the home is provided across two floors; accommodation to service users at the rear of the home is all at ground floor level. The home has rear and side gardens accessible by the service users and a parking area for the homes vehicles to the front of the house. Fees range from £1082 to £1853 per week according to residents’ assessed needs. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The focus of inspections undertaken by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is on outcomes for Service Users and their views of the service provided. This process considers the home’s capacity to meet regulatory requirements, minimum standards of practice; and focuses on aspects of service provisions that need further development. The inspection was unannounced on a Tuesday afternoon and lasted approx three hours. Two residents were chosen in order that their experience in the home could be assessed. The method used was “Case Tracking”. This involved looking at their records, talking to them and also to the staff concerning the care received. The Commission sent comment cards out to a random selection of residents, their relatives and to General Practices providing a service to the home. Al nine residents had responded to this questionnaire as well as five relatives. No responses had been received from GP practices. All comments received were complimentary with comments such as “overall we are happy with Aspen House and it’s staff” being made. In addition to this, information was available from a pre-inspection questionnaire completed by the provider. There were no requirements made following this inspection. What the service does well: There was a happy, friendly atmosphere within the home, and residents and staff approached the inspector in a relaxed manner to chat during the inspection. Relationships between residents and staff were observed to be very good, with one resident commenting that she got on very well with her key worker who helped her with any problems she may have. The staff team has a good balance of both male and female carers and staff members are divided into two separate unit teams each led by a deputy manager. This provides consistency for the people living in both units within the home. No agency staff are required currently which allows for continuity with this vulnerable group of residents. There is a planned weekly activity programme for all service users that includes college attendance for some people. Two of the residents had attended computer lessons that morning where they had made Christmas cards for relatives. One of these residents was pleased to show this card to the inspector. Another reported that he had been horse riding during the morning and to a work placement in the afternoon. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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 Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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): 1, 2, 3,4 and 5. Quality in this outcome area is good. Residents may be assured that their needs may be met in the home. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A Statement of Purpose, which sets out the services provided, is available but advice was given that this should be further developed in order to make it more user friendly for the resident group. Evidence was available that residents had written contracts and Terms and Conditions of residence and these were provided in both written and pictorial formats in order to assist residents’ understanding. Prospective residents are invited to visit the home prior to admission, and one of the current residents confirmed that she had been for a visit before moving in. There have been no recent admissions. However the case file records for current service users evidence that care needs of individuals are thoroughly assessed to ensure that they can be met in the home. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.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, 8 and 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. The home provides care and support planned around the individual service user’s needs. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Evidence was available that residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible. Risk assessments have been carried out for daily tasks in order to minimise any found without restricting resident activity. Evidence of residents choices concerning daily life and activities was seen in the records chosen to case track. Residents spoken to confirmed that they were given choices concerning food and activities, with one resident choosing not to attend his computer class that morning. Regular residents meetings are held at which plans for the home and activities may be discussed and at which they may raise any concerns. Minutes of these meetings were available for inspection. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. The home supports service users to have age appropriate lifestyles. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There is a planned weekly activity programme for all service users that includes college attendance for some people, swimming, riding and gardening interests. One resident was pleased to report that they were taking part in a play at the drama group some of them attend. She was also looking forward to a Christmas Party organised by the day centre and to a planned Christmas meal out with fellow residents. Three residents discussed their plans to go home for Christmas, one had been taken to visit her mother that morning, and another was planning a shopping trip with his mother at the weekend. All of the relatives who completed Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 comment cards confirmed that staff make them welcome when visiting the home. Residents eat in small family groups in pleasant dining rooms. Residents spoken to stated that the standard of food was good and that they were consulted about the menu. A member of staff went out to purchase fresh vegetables in order to prepare the stew and dumplings proposed for the evening meal. There are no special dietary requirements at present but one resident who sometimes refuses main meals will choose a substitute snack in order to maintain his nutritional input. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. Staff have the correct, up to date, information in order to meet residents’ needs. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Individual care plans were available for those residents case tracked. These were detailed and specific to the individual concerned, regularly reviewed and signed by the resident concerned. Records of attendance at healthcare appointments were kept and two residents attended medical review appointments, accompanied by staff, during the inspection. None of the residents are able to control their own medication, but have signed consent for staff to administer this. Systems for the ordering, recording, administration and disposal of medication were seen to be satisfactory, except that in some cases, the instructions for administration stated “as required” or “as directed” with no further clarification. Advice was given to contact the prescriber in order that sufficient information is available to unfamiliar staff. No covert medication is given and residents are not forced to take any medication refused. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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. The home has robust procedures for ensuring the protection of service users. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home has a clear complaints procedure made known to all service users. Residents spoken to stated that staff listened to their complaints and dealt with them as needed. All of the residents confirmed that they were aware of how to complain, in the comment cards received prior to the inspection. There have been no complaints recorded by the Commission for Social Care Inspection since the last inspection. One complaint, received in the home, from a neighbour concerning noisy ball games in the garden had been settled in an amicable manner. Staff training records demonstrate that they have received training in the Safeguarding of Adults from abuse. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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): 24,25,28 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. Residents live in homely surroundings, which are well maintained and clean. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A limited tour of the environment was undertaken. Two residents invited the inspector into their rooms. These showed that they were clean and tidy and had evidence of personalisation, with hobbies and interests as well as personal music systems, computers and televisions in evidence. Communal areas of the home were maintained and furnished in a homely manner, were bright and suitably heated. The conservatory now has a radiator fitted in order that residents may use this room all year round. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): 32,34,35 and 36. Quality in this outcome area is good. The staff team, experience, qualifications and practice demonstrate that service users’ needs are being met. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Duty rotas demonstrate that the staff team has a good balance of both male and female carers and staff members are divided into two separate unit teams led by a deputy manager. This provides consistency for the people living in both units within the home. The home provides some service users with additional one to one staff support on a daily basis. Staff records are stored at the Head Office of the company, but records available in the home, demonstrated that Criminal Records Bureau checks as well as the other necessary pre-employment checks are carried out before staff are employed in the home. This ensures that residents are protected from abuse as far as possible. The company has a commitment to staff training and records provided as part of the pre-inspection questionnaire, demonstrate that staff receive training Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 specific to this resident group’s needs as well as statutory training in fire, moving and handling, food hygiene and first aid. An induction programme is in place and the pre-inspection questionnaire records that 70 of care staff currently hold a National Vocational Qualification in care, giving them a basic introduction to the care needs of this group. A system of regular supervision and annual appraisal is in place and records of this were seen in the files sampled. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. The home is well-managed and service users’ needs and interests promoted. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Weekly quality assurance checks are made for all systems within the home, and records of these reviews were available for inspection. Regular resident meetings are held to ensure that they are kept informed and that they may express their views about the service provided. Minutes from these meetings are kept, and a deputy manager stated that there are plans to publish these in a pictorial form to make them more accessible to residents. Records of the testing of fire alarms, equipment and emergency lighting were seen and found to be satisfactory. Regular fire drills are also carried out. Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 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 3 26 X 27 X 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northamptonshire Area Office 1st Floor Newland House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB 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 Aspen House DS0000012696.V319771.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 - 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. 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