Inspection on 30/11/05 for Blamsters Farm

This inspection was carried out on 30th November 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

Blamsters Farm 02/05/07

Blamsters Farm 01/06/05

Blamsters Farm 13/10/04

Blamsters Farm 06/06/04

Similar services:

Coopers Mill Ltd

Bramley Avenue (73)

Paradise Lodge

Grangewood

Upaya Ananda

Newton Court (1-2)

Kings Lane (32)

Pemdale

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Blamsters Farm Mount Hill Halstead Essex CO9 1LR Lead Inspector Brian Bailey Unannounced Inspection 30th November 2005 11:00 Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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 Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blamsters Farm Address Mount Hill Halstead Essex CO9 1LR 01787 479491 01787 479406 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) TLC Care Homes Limited Mr Glen Harms Care Home 16 Category(ies) of Learning disability (16) registration, with number of places Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Five persons of either sex, under 65 years of age, who require care by reason of a learning disability, to be accommodated in Blamsters Farmhouse Two persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability, to be accommodated in The Cottage Two persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability, to be accommodated in The Coach House Seven persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability, to be accommodated in Blamsters Green The total number of service users accommodated in the home must not exceed 16 persons 1st June 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Blamsters Farm is a care home providing accommodation for sixteen adults with learning disabilities. The home is situated in a rural setting on the outskirts of Halstead town centre. The registered manager is Glen Harms. The home consists of four self-contained units within the grounds. The original farmhouse has accommodation for five people in single bedrooms, the adjacent cottage has two single bedrooms, a detached property known as the Coach House has two single bedrooms and an adjacent property, Blamsters Green, has seven single bedrooms. The property is within walking distance of the town, where there is a range of amenities including a library, cinema, pubs, supermarket, post office and general shops. Residents have the use of four minibuses and two resident vehicles for outings to the community. The spacious grounds were well maintained and provide views across open countryside. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was carried out on 30th November 2005 from 11.00am until 4.50pm. This was the second unannounced inspection of Blamsters Farm in the inspection year 2005/6. The manager was on duty with two deputy managers, the training coordinator and the activities coordinator, plus support staff. The majority of residents were seen and several were spoken to in three units. Residents living in the Cottage were out for the afternoon. The inspection included a partial tour of the premises, a check of the staff supervision procedure and records, training and annual appraisal records, the complaints register, medication and procedures, residents’ contracts, and discussions with staff and residents. The manager stated that at a meeting with residents, it was agreed that they preferred the term “resident” rather than “service user”. This inspection report therefore refers to residents. What the service does well: Blamsters Farm has a well-organised and effective management structure in place to support and encourage the staff team to provide a good standard of care. Staff spoken to were enthusiastic about working at the home and were able to provide many examples of what they considered the home does well. Staff felt supported and all highlighted the fact that all residents are enabled to experience and enjoy opportunities to integrate in the community regardless of ability. A Quality Assurance system survey has shown that relatives and other interested people consider the home is doing well. The home provides a comfortable and homely environment for residents and continues to improve the facilities available. Training opportunities are available to staff and by January 2006; the home will have exceeded the target of 50 of staff having obtained a National Vocational Qualification at level 2 and above. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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 Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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): 3. Prospective residents benefit from having opportunities to visit to assess the home’s suitability and from being able to access information about the home’s services and resources. EVIDENCE: Prospective residents considering the home, as a place to live, would have a trial period before any decisions about permanent residency was agreed. Introduction to the home is via a series of visits to see the facilities and to meet the staff and residents. Information available to prospective residents and their relatives is increasingly being provided in different formats such as the residents’ guide. Inspection reports are made available and information in the new Residents’ Contract is in pictorial form. Staff training records reflect the range of topics that staff are knowledgeable about, and the previous inspection of the home showed that staff were being recruited appropriately with all the necessary checks being made. An advocacy service has recently been obtained for one resident, which is according to staff proving beneficial and it is hoped that this service will be extended to further residents. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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): 7 and 9. Residents’ care needs are well documented and followed with risk assessments in place to safeguard residents. EVIDENCE: The residents seen and spoken with on the day of inspection were unable to provide an opinion about their participation at the home and the degree of independence that they are able to enjoy. Reliance was therefore on staff to assist in the inspection process and to provide an indication, which was a totally positive view. Recently appointed staff and more permanent staff spoken to consider that all residents regardless of their abilities were enabled to participate and were not excluded from any activity. Monthly meetings are held with residents when a range of topics is discussed and minutes of the meetings were available. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Staff were observed to encourage residents to participate rather than trying to be too persuasive. A resident was seen to assist with the ironing and others were joining in a game. A resident reminded a staff member that it was time to go to the pub for tea. When asked what staff considered Blamsters Farm does particularly well, all expressed the same sentiment that residents are provided with many opportunities to integrate into the local community regardless of their abilities. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 15 and 16. Residents are encouraged to maintain contact with friends and family and staff fully understand the need to recognise that residents’ rights are protected. EVIDENCE: From observation and discussion with staff and residents it was evident the home continues to promote a policy of ensuring residents exercise their rights to independence and choice. Throughout the inspection, residents were observed to come and go as they please throughout the units and grounds without restriction. Some service users were seen to spend time on their own whilst others sought the company of staff. The buildings are homely in appearance and service users had access to all areas except for the need to observe the right and privacy of other people’s private rooms. Many of the bedrooms seen were cheerfully decorated and had been personalised and contained many private possessions according to the wishes of the individual. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.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): 18 and 20. Residents’ benefit from having personal support offered in such a way that promotes and protects their rights’ to privacy, dignity and independence. The home has a system in place that ensures the administration of medication is managed effectively and safely. EVIDENCE: It was evident from observation and discussion with staff working in Blamsters Green that they were knowledgeable about the needs of residents and how their personal support needs should be met. Staff described the procedures and of how these take into account the need to recognise residents’ rights to support with dignity and respect. Staff felt that as each resident in the Green had their own bathroom, their right to privacy was easily achieved. Medication is kept in each of the four properties in locked storage units. A deputy manager has been designated to take the lead on medication and is responsible for reordering, storage, recording returns to the pharmacist, the training of staff and monitoring the administration records. Staff designated to administer medication are assessed to determine their knowledge and competency, but a list of those staff with their initials was not available. Staff assessments are kept in the training office but were not checked. The supplying pharmacist undertakes an audit of all medication and provides Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 additional staff training, the last occasion was on 20/7/05 when procedures were considered to be satisfactory. One resident had been assessed as able to look after their own medication although the assessment was not looked at. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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 home has appropriate arrangements in place to protect residents from abuse and operates a clear and open complaints procedure. EVIDENCE: The home had policies on Adult Protection and Prevention of Abuse, Whistle Blowing, Bullying and a copy of the Essex POVA Guidance. The home’s adult protection policy covered appropriate issues. All staff had attended training in the Prevention of Abuse, which was included in the LDAF induction and National Vocational Qualification training that many of the staff have completed. Further training on the prevention of abuse would continue to be arranged to ensure all staff were trained. Staff spoken to were aware of the need for adult protection. The manager and owner were clear that should a situation arise in their absence, delegated responsible staff were aware of the procedures to be followed. The training coordinator had attended a training course on the protection of vulnerable adults and was now able to provide inhouse training for staff. The home has a complaints procedure and all complaints and compliments are recorded. The complaints register showed that one complaint had been received since the last inspection, which was found to be unsubstantiated. CSCI were aware of the complaint and agreed with the outcome. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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, 28 and 30. Residents benefit from being provided with a well-maintained, comfortable and safe range of accommodation. EVIDENCE: Blamsters Farm consists of four self-contained units within the extensive grounds. The original farmhouse has accommodation for five people in single bedrooms, the adjacent cottage has two single bedrooms, a detached property known as the Coach House has two single bedrooms and an adjacent property, Blamsters Green, has seven single bedrooms. The location and layout of the home is suitable for the service user group. All the properties were well maintained and homely in appearance. The home has continued to reinvest in improving facilities and resources at the home during 2005. At this inspection, work was in progress to upgrade the bathroom in the Cottage and the kitchen in the Farmhouse. The kitchen in the Coach House had been renewed. A new building in the grounds to provide a central administration centre for the whole site and some additional facilities for residents such as a hot tub room, walk in shower room and toilet and a snoozelum had been completed, the adjacent car park and fencing had also been upgraded, which had improved the appearance of the area. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 A good standard of hygiene and cleanliness was observed in all the areas inspected. The extensive grounds were attractive and well maintained with additional seating areas provided. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 35 and 36. Residents benefit from staff being provided with appropriate training and supervision. EVIDENCE: Records showed that of the thirty-one care staff employed, a total of ten staff have obtained a National Vocational Qualification at level 2 and that twelve staff are in the process of completing the qualification. In addition, two staff have a NVQ level 3 and five staff are taking the qualification. This means that the home will exceed the target of 50 of staff having the qualification by the January/February 2006. At this time further staff will be put forward to obtain the qualification. Evidence was available to show that all new staff are required to undertake an initial induction course followed by an equivalent LDAF induction course. Two new staff member were interviewed. They confirmed that they had received a good introduction to the home with an immediate induction that provided them with basic information and that they felt well supported by a team of friendly and helpful staff. They were aware of the training opportunities and that they were due to commence a more detailed induction. The home has a training coordinator who is able to provide in-house training for staff on a range of topics, having attended training the trainer courses. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 These include the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse, manual handling, health and safety, first aid and controlled support. Other courses attended by staff in the last nine months include fire awareness, supervision, diabetes, epilepsy, computer software and medication. The manager also qualified as a Controlled Support Trainer. Staff spoken to considered the opportunities for training were good and confirmed the courses they had attended. Staff confirmed they receive regular supervision. Records were available that showed supervision is provided and a set format is used to record issues discussed. From discussion, it was evident that supervision is used as a means for the manager and senior staff to check and monitor staff performance. Supervision training has been provided for staff. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 38 and 39. Residents benefit from the home having an effective management structure in place and an open style of management that encourages residents, relatives and other interested people, to give their opinions about the home and the quality of services provided. EVIDENCE: The success of 2005 was the achievement by the manager, Glen Harms who was awarded, Special Needs Manager 2005, at a ceremony held in London in November. The manager has completed a National Vocational Qualification at level 4 in care and is in the process of taking the Registered Managers Award. The home’s statement of purpose and the staff roster shows the home to have an effective senior management structure in place. This enables the manager to delegate responsibilities to senior staff, to monitor progress and ensure standards are being met as well as successfully implementing a system of staff supervision and appraisal. From observation and discussion, the home’s owner Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 plays an important role within the home and is very supportive of the manager and staff and has high expectations of standards being achieved. Staff interviewed were all of the opinion that assistance, guidance and support were available at all times. Procedures were in place to show that should situations arise in the absence of the manager and/or deputy managers important decisions and actions would be taken and not delayed. Staff spoken to said they have had meetings with the management team to discuss a range of issues, including the future developments and the well being of residents. They felt they are consulted and the management style is open and encouraging. A Quality Assurance system survey was undertaken in 2005 that included obtaining the view of relatives and health care professionals. The results of the survey were published in a well-presented report and overall outcome was of almost complete satisfaction on a wide range of topics. The management team had considered that obtaining the views of residents would be more effective using other methods, which include holding resident meetings each month, when the discussions are recorded. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X X 3 X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X 3 X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 X X X 3 X 3 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 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Blamsters Farm Score 3 3 X X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 4 4 X X X X DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard YA20 Good Practice Recommendations The manager should attach to the MAR sheets file the names of staff together with their initials of those staff designated as competent to administer medication. Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Colchester Local Office 1st Floor, Fairfax House Causton Road Colchester Essex CO1 1RJ 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 Blamsters Farm DS0000017772.V265186.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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