Inspection on 15/04/08 for Blossom House

This inspection was carried out on 15th April 2008.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

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

Blossom House 18/04/07

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 Blossom House Blossom House 134 Auckland Road Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3HE Lead Inspector Mrs Alison Butler Unannounced Inspection 15th April 2008 09:30 Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blossom House Address Blossom House 134 Auckland Road Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3HE 01707 659809 01707 828080 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) Mulenga Mumba Chanda Vacant post Care Home 2 Category(ies) of Learning disability (2) registration, with number of places Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18th April 2007 Brief Description of the Service: Blossom House was registered in 2006. It is a large house located in a quiet residential area of Potters Bar, within walking distance of bus stops and local shops. The service was established to provide care and support for up to two people with a learning disability. The ground floor has a lounge / dining area and a fully fitted kitchen. Laundry facilities are also on the ground floor. At the front of the ground floor, there is a large bedroom with a shower en-suite for one service user. The first floor has a large bedroom with a wash-hand basin for one service user. The bathroom and toilet is on the first floor. Office and sleep-in rooms are also on the first floor. Car parking space is at the front of the home and at the rear there is a large garden with seating and shaded areas. The Statement of Purpose, Service User Guide, a copy of this inspection report is available for any prospective service user and can be obtained from the home manager. Up to date information of fees can be obtained direct from the home manager. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 2 star. This means the people who use the service experience good quality outcomes. This inspection report has been written with information already known to us (The Commission for Social Care Inspection), a visit to the service, talking with the residents and staff at the home and examining the care records. This inspection was carried out by one inspector and included talking with the proprietor with regards to the management of the service. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The proprietor has ensured that the fire doors have been adjusted to ensure they no longer bang and disturb the people who live at the home. Residents are given the opportunity to attend staff meeting where appropriate so they can be kept informed about any changes that may affect them. It is positive to note that over half the staff are NVQ trained and are therefore skilled and competent to meet people’s needs. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be assured that a comprehensive assessment is carried out prior to admission to ensure that Blossom House can meet their identified individual needs. EVIDENCE: A examination of the residents files these showed that comprehensive information had been gathered prior to admission. The individual, family and various professionals are involved with the assessment process. These assessments helps to form the care plan which has an on going review process by holding one to one sessions with individuals. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that care plans are individualised and the service users are part of this process to ensure that it meets their needs and expectations. EVIDENCE: An examination of the care plans showed that they were detailed and gave the action required by staff to meet the individual needs. They showed individual’s future goals and which had been set with the person’s wishes at the heart of the plans. These are reviewed regularly with the person concerned. Various professionals are also involved in the care planning process to support the people who use the service. Risk assessments were in place for areas of cooking, gardening and smoking. Guidelines had also been written but they need to ensure that risk assessments are available for the person who is able to access the local area independently. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Care plans had not been signed and dated when amended, to provide a full audit of the reviewing of the care plans staff should sign and date any additional information that is recorded within the care plans so that it can be tracked appropriately. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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): 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. People who use the service can be confident that people are supported to access a wide variety of leisure activities that meets their needs and expectations. EVIDENCE: The care plans cover a wide variety of interests that the people who use the service have chosen, which include using the local gym, local college, and shops. They have contact with families, and friends of their choosing. Staff provide appropriate support to people to access their various chosen activities. The residents are involved in the choice, preparation and serving of their meals, which ensure they are offered and supported to maintain a healthy diet. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that residents have access to health care and support that meets their wishes and needs. EVIDENCE: Their care plans detail visits to health professionals and any further action that may be required for example a further appointment needs to be made. Records are well kept to ensure that the residents receive care and support as necessary. The medication is administered appropriately and they receive support from the local pharmacist. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that people are kept safe from harm and any concerns that are raised will be listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: A complaints procedure is available. This is explained to all new admissions to the service to ensure they are clear about the procedure and who they can speak to if they are unhappy about the care they are receiving. Residents spoken to were clear who to speak to if they were unhappy and felt that their concerns or worries would be listened to. Staff receive training in safeguarding through Hertfordshire County Council and further advice is given in-house on a regular basis to ensure that the people who use the service are kept safe. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be confident that the home is well maintained and clean throughout. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home showed it was well maintained and cleaned to a high standard. Residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms and be involved in colour choices etc. throughout the home. The fire doors have been attended to since the last inspection and no longer slam shut which was disturbing people who lived at the home. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be assured that staff are appropriately trained, have a good understanding of their roles and are deployed in sufficient numbers to support the people who live at Blossom House. EVIDENCE: Newly appointed staff files were examined and contained the relevant documentation prior to commencing employment which ensures people are kept safe by robust recruitment procedures. Staff have received all mandatory training and various training is also available to ensure people are skilled and competent to meet the residents needs. Since the last inspection staff have received training in managing challenging behaviour, and safeguarding. Two staff are working towards the Registered Mangers Award. Staff are clear about their job roles and who has responsibility for which area. The proprietor is a regular visitor to the home to ensure staff are being Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 supported as appropriately as there is currently no registered manager for the service. Regular meetings are held to ensure everyone is kept up to date on any issues and they are able to discuss any concerns. Rota showed appropriate staffing levels are in place to meet the personal care needs of the residents. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.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 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service can be assured that the home is well managed, that Health and safety policies and procedures are in place and the home is run in the interests of the people who live there. EVIDENCE: A newly appointed manager had commenced on the day of this inspection. They have started the registered Managers Award and had come to start her induction with the proprietor. The proprietor is in daily contact with the home to ensure that the staff are being appropriately supported. She has recently carried out an annual quality assurance questionnaire to get the views of the residents, families and other Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 professionals who have contact with the home. A report will be prepared and a copy forwarded to us on completion. The health, safety and welfare of all who enter the home is protected and promoted through a variety of checks, and risk assessments are completed as appropriate. Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 3 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 3 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 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 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 Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Eastern Region Commission for Social Care Inspection Eastern Regional Contact Team CPC1, Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge, CB21 5XE 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 Blossom House DS0000067695.V362432.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 - 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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