Inspection on 06/02/07 for Benamy House

This inspection was carried out on 6th February 2007.

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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Benamy House 10/02/09

Benamy House 21/02/06

Benamy House 18/10/05

Benamy House 08/02/05

Benamy House 25/05/04

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 Benamy House 25 Candlish Terrace Seaham Durham SR7 7LG Lead Inspector Ms Kathy Bell Unannounced Inspection 6th February 2007 10:00 Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.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 Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.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. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Benamy House Address 25 Candlish Terrace Seaham Durham SR7 7LG 0191 5813039 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) Mrs Gail Smith Mr Russell Smith Mr Russell Smith Care Home 4 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (4) of places Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The category LD(E) is only available for those people already living at the home before reaching the age of 65 years. 21st February 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Benamy is owned by Gail and Russell Smith and Mr Smith is the registered manager. The Smiths have described their services as having an extended family approach, with social outings sometimes including the Smiths children. Residents relatives are supported as well if appropriate. The home is registered for adults with learning disabilities over the age of 18 but can only have residents above the age of 65 if they have been living in the home before they reached 65. Four men are living in the home at the moment. The premises are a large, detached end terraced house near Seaham town centre. All the bedrooms are single and the home has a large lounge/activities room and a conservatory for eating and activities. The home is decorated and furnished in a domestic style. At the time of the inspection, the home was just getting approval for a change to its registration so that it could take another person. The owners of the home preferred not to provide information on the weekly charges in this report, but this information is available on request from the home. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place during one day in January 2007. It was the one inspection planned for this year and the home was not told the date of the inspection in advance. All of the residents returned home during the inspection and the inspector talked to them. She also met with the parents of two of the residents who were very pleased with the care provided to their sons. Two relatives and one resident had filled in surveys sent to them last summer. The Inspector also looked at the changes to the building and at records kept in the home. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Mr and Mrs Smith did a formal survey of the views of residents, relatives, a care manager and the local surgery, to check that other people were satisfied they were providing a good service. The lack of other improvements is not a bad sign, it just reflects the generally good standards already in this home. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.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 Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.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): Standard 2. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents have only been admitted to the home after their needs have been assessed. It is essential that homes have this information so they can be sure they will be able to meet residents needs. Staff are finding out as much as possible about a man who plans to move in, before he moves into the home. EVIDENCE: All the residents have lived in the home for some time, but before their admissions, each had been assessed by a care manager. The manager explained how a man who plans to move into the home has been joining the others on social outings, so they can see how he gets on with them. They can also get a good picture of his needs, by getting to know him in this way. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.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): Standard 6, 7 & 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Each resident has a care plan which explains the help they need and how staff are meant to provide that help. These are essential to make sure that each of the residents needs is identified and that staff work consistently with them. Residents can make choices about their day-to-day lives. As residents gain in independence and carry out more household tasks, the risks which follow have been assessed and reasonable judgments made about how to manage the risks. EVIDENCE: Staff keep a care plan for each resident which explains the help they need. These cover all aspects of daily life and needs. They have not been reviewed as often as they should be to make sure they are up-to-date. But in this size of home, where the staff have got to know residents well, staff do not need to rely so much on what is in the care plan. But it should be kept up-to-date, just in case staff are off sick and someone else has to look after residents. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Residents take part in different activities, according to their choices. The inspector heard one resident being asked if he wanted to go out or stay in. Residents said they could make choices about their food. On a survey form, one resident said that he could make choices about his daily activities. As part of developing independence, for example travelling independently, or developing housework skills, risks are assessed and steps taken to avoid harm coming to residents. These risk assessments have been recorded. Risk assessments have been completed for leaving two of the residents unsupervised in the building but these need more explanation of what could go wrong and how the home will try and stop it going wrong. When they are finished, the manager should ask the care managers to say if they agree it is all right to leave people alone. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents have been encouraged to learn new skills and gain independence in the home. They also have been able to take part in new leisure activities. They take part in a range of leisure activities, as well as the day placements arranged by care managers in some cases, usually using community facilities. They are able to maintain close relationships with their families. Staff recognise residents rights to make choices and also encourage them to take responsibility for day-to-day life in the home. Residents enjoy a varied diet, which takes into account individual needs, and are involved in the preparation of meals. EVIDENCE: Mr and Mrs Smith described how residents have learned new skills and gained independence while living in the home. Residents parents said they were very pleased with what the home had achieved in this area. One resident said that he thought he was making more decisions for himself these days. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Some residents attend day placements arranged by care managers. Residents who are at home in the daytime have a varied programme of activities, including everyday tasks such as shopping, and trips out. They have continued to try new activities such as an art class and exercise class. They visit local pubs and clubs and recently enjoyed holidays which were chosen to suit each residents interests. Within the home, residents are able to pursue their own interests. For example, one has drawing materials, one has a guitar and another can grow plants outside. Residents parents are full of praise for the way the Smiths involve them in the care of their sons and say they feel free to visit at any time. The Smiths also support parents in practical ways and help residents maintain contact with their families. The home has set up simple systems to make sure that the rights of all residents to make choices are respected: each has a turn in choosing the main meal each day, although people can still make individual choices. Residents who can, look after their own money and medication. Some residents had chosen not to fill in a survey form. Residents are expected, within the limits of their abilities, to take responsibility for looking after the home. Although they are supervised to keep them safe, residents have been able to develop their skills in tasks such as preparing meals and clearing up afterwards. The inspector saw them working as a team. The menus show a varied diet and residents are involved in the preparation of meals. Residents said they liked the meals and one talked about how he understood why he had the less healthy food he enjoyed only some days of the week. Staff monitor residents weight and make sure they keep at a healthy weight as far as possible. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 18, 19 & 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Care plans provide the information to staff so that residents receive the personal support they need. The Smiths make sure that residents receive the health care they need. The home looks after residents medication safely and enables residents who can, to take medication independently. EVIDENCE: Care plans include detailed guidance on the personal care needed and the overall aim is to promote independence. Relatives confirmed that residents have gained self care skills and independence. Care plans show that health care needs have been assessed and health advice is obtained when necessary. Good clear records are kept of when people have seen doctors and other health workers. Regular dental etc checkups are arranged. The Smiths aim to provide a healthy lifestyle, with residents encouraged to take regular walks. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Parents have confirmed that the Smiths have been successful in managing long-term health problems. The local doctors surgery said in response to a survey carried out by the home that they were always confident that the home would carry out any regime requested by the surgery with the utmost care and attention. One of the residents is able to order, look after and take his medication by himself, with the home just doing occasional checks with him. For another resident, staff store the one tablet he takes a day securely and he takes his own medication out of a pack which the pharmacist fills with one pill in the compartment for each day of the week. These arrangements give residents the benefit of independence but provide enough safeguards to make sure that they are receiving the medication they need. The only other tablets handled are antibiotics occasionally. The home does the required recording of medication administered. Staff have not had formal external training but in view of the limited use of medication in this home, the Inspector felt it was good enough if the manager makes sure that he gives staff regular refresher training in supervision sessions. But Mr Smith said that the staff are going to do an external, assessed course in handling medication safely because the resident who will join the home in the next few weeks does use medication. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 22 & 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents say that they can talk to staff if they are not happy about something, and they are listened to. Residents are protected from abuse but staff should have training in protecting vulnerable adults to increase their understanding of what abuse is and how they should respond to any concerns. EVIDENCE: The home has a satisfactory complaints procedure and residents and relatives say they can talk about any minor issues with staff. One resident said that if he says he wants to talk, staff make time to sit and listen. Another said that when he has said that something was bothering him, staff did something about it. Residents are protected from abuse in a number of way. Staff were checked before they started work to make sure they were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. Proper records are kept of any money handled for residents. In the past, the home has co-operated with a referral made under the procedures for protecting vulnerable adults from abuse. The people who looked into this were satisfied that no abuse had taken place. Although Mr Smith has done a recent course in protecting vulnerable adults, other staff have not. They should do this, to increase their understanding of what is considered abuse, and how any concerns should be dealt with. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 24 & 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is a comfortable and safe place to live and is decorated and furnished in a domestic style. It appeared clean and hygienic on the day of inspection. EVIDENCE: The home provides a single room for each resident and each resident decorates their room to suit their individual interests. One bedroom has an en-suite toilet and one other has a wash hand basin. One resident said that he was asked if he wanted a wash hand basin but he didnt want one. Mr and Mrs Smith have recently converted a dining room into another ground floor bedroom. They have built a conservatory room which provides for eating and activities. Residents said they liked this new light area. The building is decorated and furnished in a domestic style and appears to be maintained and kept clean in a satisfactory way. One resident who commented said that the home was always kept fresh and clean. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 32, 33, 34 & 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are enough staff on duty to meet residents needs and the staff have received training they need to look after residents safely. It was not possible to assess whether the home make sure that new staff are suitable to look after residents because no new staff have been recruited for some time. EVIDENCE: Care in this home is provided by Mr and Mrs Smith, with three extra staff. They provide at least one person on duty at all times which seems enough given that some residents are fairly independent in their self-care and can enjoy their leisure interests without help from staff. Also, one resident receives day care outside the home for four days each week and another is out three days each week. Staff can provide a varied and busy lifestyle for residents. Staff have received essential training such as first aid and food hygiene and Mr Smith checks in supervision with staff when they need refreshers for training. All the staff have re-done their food hygiene training lately. Three of the staff including Mrs Smith have achieved a National Vocational Qualification, level 2, in care which is the recognised qualification for care staff. The National Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Minimum Standards recommend that half of the care staff in a home should achieve this standard and this home now has three quarters of its staff qualified to this level which is a good achievement. Two newer staff also completed the Learning Disability Award Foundation induction training which is intended for staff working with people with learning disabilities. No new staff have been recruited for a while so it was not possible to look at the homes current practice in making sure they only appoint staff who are suitable and safe to work with residents. However the Smiths know how they need to check new staff. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): Standards 37, 39 & 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The manager is suitably experienced and qualified to run the home and is just completing the management qualification recommended for managers of care homes. The Smiths have a system to check whether the home is meeting the standards they, residents and relatives expect but should still do the monthly reports which are required by law. They take reasonable steps to make sure that the home is a safe place to live and work. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 EVIDENCE: Mr Smith is a nurse specialising in learning disabilities with many years of experience. He has been running this home for a number of years and has gained a good knowledge of the individual needs of the residents. He is just completing the recommended qualification for managers. The Smiths have relied a lot on receiving informal, day-to-day feedback from relatives who are closely involved with residents care, to find out whether they are satisfied. Last year they carried out a survey of the views of residents, relatives, a care manager and the local surgery. This was better because asking direct questions may provide more information in some areas. They did begin to do the monthly reports on the running of the home required by law but have not continued this. However, both Mr and Mrs Smith are closely involved in the running of the home and aware of anything which needs action. The Smiths have a fire safety system suitable for the scale of the home and they carry out checks on this and regular fire drills. The gas services and electrical appliances are checked regularly. Mr Smith has received training in health and safety. The home employs a handyman to make sure that regular maintenance tasks are carried out promptly and he keeps a record of what he has done. Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 4 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 2 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 3 X 2 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 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 2 X X 3 X Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 2 Standard YA6 YA9 Regulation 15 13 Requirement Care plans must be reviewed regularly. Risk assessments about leaving people in the home on their own must include more details of the potential risks and how they can be minimised. The home must ask care managers if they agree that the risk can be taken. Staff must do training in adult protection. Regulation 26 visits must be recorded. Timescale for action 31/03/07 31/03/07 3 4 YA23 YA39 13 26 01/06/07 31/03/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 Benamy House DS0000007588.V324637.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - 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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