Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 04/10/05 for Blackwood Road (2)

Also see our care home review for Blackwood Road (2) for more information

This inspection was carried out on 4th October 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Observations confirmed that staff continue to work well with tenants on an individual basis and involve them as much as possible in the day-to-day household tasks as a way of promoting and developing their individual skills. Staff have a good rapport with tenants and humour is very much a part of the daily work with both tenants and staff sharing a laugh and joke about events that occurred throughout the day. The home is very thorough in their assessment process and work well with other professionals. Observations made confirmed that the staff have a good understanding of individual tenants needs and they were able to speak with confidence about the work they are carrying out.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The staffing team is now back to full strength with those staff members who were on long term sick having returned to work ensuring that tenants are supported by a group of staff who are known to them. Improved opportunities have been made available to the tenants to acquire new skills with one tenant about to take up a work placement. Two tenants are on holiday in Majorca and discussion with staff confirmed that this had been a big improvement in being able to support these tenants in going on an overseas holiday.

What the care home could do better:

The manager is aware of the need to continue developing the tenants individual care plans and discussion was held as to how this could be achieved. A record of the prescription issued by the GP for each tenant must be kept in the home prior to being sent to the pharmacist for dispensing.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Blackwood Road (2) Town End Farm Sunderland SR5 4PG Lead Inspector Mr Clifford Renwick Unannounced Inspection 4th October 2005 10:00 Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.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 Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.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. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blackwood Road (2) Address Town End Farm Sunderland SR5 4PG 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) 0191 553 6979 0191 553 6978 Council of City of Sunderland Susan Patricia McAllister Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The Manager is to successfully complete the NVQ Level 4 in Care Date of last inspection 31/05/05 Brief Description of the Service: Blackwood Road is a purpose built detached bungalow standing in its own grounds in the centre of a local housing estate. It has lawned gardens to 3 sides of the building and has its own driveway and garage. The accommodation consists of 7 single bedrooms and a range of communal facilities. At the rear of the home is a patio area and landscaped features, which include a water fountain. All areas of the home offer good disabled access. Personal care is provided to people between the ages of 18 – 65 years who have a learning disability as well as some who may also have a physical disability. Easy access is available to the local shops and post office and a bus service, which offers easy access to the city centre, is nearby. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over 5 hours and was carried out as part of the statutory twice-yearly inspection process. Selected areas of the premises were viewed which included external areas and a range of records was examined. This included records of care as well as records that related to health and safety. Discussion took place with the staff on duty on the morning shift and also the manager. This discussion focused on the key worker roles and also individual service user plans. It was established that the people who live in this home prefer to be known as tenants; therefore this term is used throughout the report. Four of the tenants were out during the inspection and as most of the tenants do not always use speech as a way of communicating observations took into account how staff made use of body language and gestures as a way of communicating with the tenants. Lunch was taken with the tenants. The judgements made are based upon the evidence available at the time of the inspection. What the service does well: Observations confirmed that staff continue to work well with tenants on an individual basis and involve them as much as possible in the day-to-day household tasks as a way of promoting and developing their individual skills. Staff have a good rapport with tenants and humour is very much a part of the daily work with both tenants and staff sharing a laugh and joke about events that occurred throughout the day. The home is very thorough in their assessment process and work well with other professionals. Observations made confirmed that the staff have a good understanding of individual tenants needs and they were able to speak with confidence about the work they are carrying out. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.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 Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.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 A range of information is available which enables service users to make a fully informed choice about where they would like to live and the detailed assessment process which is in place confirms that the home can meet service users needs. EVIDENCE: Examination of tenants case files confirmed that the assessment process is ongoing with regular evaluations being carried out by staff to ensure that individual tenants needs are met. Records also confirmed that other healthy professionals are involved in the assessment process with good use being made of the psychologist. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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, 9 Although a wide range of information is contained in the individual care plan and the assessment information is comprehensive, at times the specific information required to assist tenants and staff meet personal goals is not always available. Care practices ensure that the tenants can live as independent a lifestyle as possible whilst at the same time undergoing risks associated with this. EVIDENCE: Examination of tenants case files confirmed that staff take encourage and support tenants to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle in many aspects of daily living. This has included the use of public transport and going out unaccompanied. Satisfactory risk management plans are in place and these link into the individual care plans. Some revision has been carried out to the care plans and in particular in relation to how staff are to approach behaviours that challenge. This is a good piece of work and also reflects the use of other professionals in assisting to develop a consistent and positive approach by the staff team. Some further development is required with care plans in particular where staff are working on healthy eating plans and also communication with two individual tenants. Discussion was held with the manager as to how the developments should take place and the type of information that should be recorded. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 15, 16 Tenants are assisted to lead active and fulfilling lifestyles by having a regular community presence and by accessing a range of community facilities. This will assist in them leading a full and enjoyable life. Tenants rights and responsibilities are recognised in their daily lives and this is supported by their individual care plans. EVIDENCE: At the time of the inspection two tenants were on holiday in Majorca and two tenants were at college. One tenant is about to commence work in a café 2 hours per day twice weekly in the local enterprise centre and staff confirmed that this has been possible due to how the tenant has developed sufficient skills and confidence. Another tenant has joined a drama group. Good contact is maintained between tenants and their relatives and friends and there are no restrictions on visiting the home. Contact is also maintained by telephone. Staff encourages relationships and tenants have gone out for meals with friends who live in other establishments. Staff respects tenants rights and responsibilities and tenants meetings are used as a forum for discussion about any matters relating to the house. A Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 complaints process is also in place, which offers tenants an additional process to raise any concerns that they may have. All tenants have been offered a key to their room though most have chosen not to have one or to use them. Work is also being carried out by staff to encourage tenants to make more use of the kitchen and make drinks and simple snacks. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 20 Good systems for storing and administering tenants medication are in place to ensure that tenants receive their medicines. EVIDENCE: Examination of medication records and discussion with the manager confirmed that all but two staff have received certificated training in the safe handling of medicines. Records are in place, which confirm that medicines have been administered, and also what has been returned to the local pharmacist. What is not clear is what the GP has prescribed as the pharmacist has in place an arrangement whereby they receive the prescription directly from the GP. Staff in the home need to see the prescription that is issued by the GP prior to being submitted to the pharmacist in order to ensure that what is prescribed by the GP matches with what is delivered by the pharmacist. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 23 Appropriate policies and procedures are in place, which offer protection to tenants from harm or abuse and staff actively promotes the protection of service users. EVIDENCE: Discussion with the manager confirmed that all staff have received training in the protection of vulnerable adults. New staff employed in the home also completed this training as part of their induction. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 25 Tenants benefit from a well-maintained, homely and clean accommodation. This helps to promote a positive image for service users, and ensures they remain comfortable and safe. Tenants bedrooms are furnished to a good standard. This contributes to their comfort. EVIDENCE: This inspection focused upon selected areas of the home and observations confirmed that a good standard of maintenance is in place. Each tenant has been encouraged by staff to have their bedroom decorated and furnished in a way which suits them and which has resulted in each bedroom having its own distinct style. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32 Staff work well together, are well organised and share information and views so that tenants care is consistent and well thought out. A competent staff team supports tenants, and the staff team have worked hard to ensure that most of them are qualified to NVQ level 2 in care, or higher. EVIDENCE: The manager has satisfactorily completed NVQ Level 4 and is awaiting official confirmation. The staffing team numbers are back to normal and no one is on long-term sick leave. There is currently one vacant position of 37 hours per week with hours currently being covered by the staff team. All staff have recently received updated/refresher training in vulnerable adults protection procedures. One member of staff has attended a social inclusion course and another member of staff is undergoing NVQ Level 4 training. Staff have completed NVQ training at varying levels and once another member of staff commences NVQ level 2 training this month this will ensure that at least 50 of the staff are in receipt of NVQ Level 2. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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): 39 The manager of the home is the driving force behind the consistent high standards offered and she offers leadership and support to the staff team to ensure tenants rights and best interests are always promoted. EVIDENCE: Discussion with the manager confirmed that tenants meetings are held on a regular basis and these are used to promote and develop the service based upon tenant’s views. Two of the tenants are elected members of a tenant and resident group that involve them meeting other people who use care services. This group is used to influence changes within the care services. The tenants and residents steering group also send questionnaires to the homes seeking their views on the house that they live in. These are completed at tenants meetings with support being offered by staff. The manager continues to be enthusiastic about the development of the service and how tenants can be fully involved and it was positive to note that this is consistent with previous inspections of the service. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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 X X X Standard No 22 23 Score X 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 2 X X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 4 4 X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 X X 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Blackwood Road (2) Score X X 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X 3 X X X X DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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 YA7 Regulation 15 Requirement Tenants individual care plans must continue to be developed as during the inspection. Timescale for action 31/01/06 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 YA7 Good Practice Recommendations Consideration should be given to developing a communication diary/dictionary for one tenant as advised during the last inspection and as discussed during this inspection visit. Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection South of Tyne Area Office Baltic House Port of Tyne Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT 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 Blackwood Road (2) DS0000032751.V251552.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 - 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!