Inspection on 18/04/07 for Blossom House

This inspection was carried out on 18th April 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 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 15/04/08

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 Patricia Rogan Unannounced Inspection 18th April 2007 03:00 Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.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.V335281.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.V335281.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 Miss Serena Mathurin Care Home 2 Category(ies) of Learning disability (2) registration, with number of places Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: none Date of last inspection First inspection 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. Care fees are based upon an in-depth assessment of needs and range from £1,200 to £1,800 per week. The Service User Guide and a copy of this inspection report are available for any prospective service user and can be obtained from the home manager. Fees for additional services such as optician and hairdressing are the responsibility of the service user. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the first inspection of this service. The inspection was unannounced and was carried out in the late afternoon and early evening in order to have an opportunity to speak with the manager, member of staff and the person using the service. Prior discussions had taken place with some of the people who are in contact with this service. Time was also spent reading care plans and records and assessing whether the key standards were being met. This was a positive inspection and the outcome for service users is good. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The doors have strong hinges at the top that were fitted to ensure the doors remain closed as a fire precaution. These hinges cause the doors to slam shut every time the door is opened and this is disturbing to people who use the service. The manager has arranged for this to be changed in the near future. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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.V335281.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.V335281.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. The initial assessment involved the prospective service user and an individualised care plan was developed to include the service users aspirations and needs. EVIDENCE: Prospective service users are invited to view the service and spend time getting to know the staff and the area and to share their opinions and ideas for living a more independent lifestyle. The assessment involves one-to-one discussions with the prospective service user and family members and multi agency input from other professionals known to the service user. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.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 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The care plan is individualised and considers care needs and lifestyle choices. Risk assessments and plans to try to minimise risk are in place in order to enable service users to have an independent lifestyle of their choosing as far as possible. EVIDENCE: The care plan was detailed and had been regularly reviewed as needs changed. The views of the service user was recorded and present and future goals were developed to enable the service user to have a lifestyle which is interesting and fulfilling in accordance with the service users wishes. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Care plans showed that the service user is supported in making choices about meals, clothes and daily activities in the home. The service user is supported in accessing leisure and education in the wider community. Contact with family and friends is encouraged. EVIDENCE: The care plans are wide ranging and there is a flexible daily and weekly living pattern decided between the service user and staff so that support with transport or access to college is arranged in advance. Discussions regarding leisure activities and future plans are regular and staff support the service user to access a varied lifestyle. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Support with personal care and access to health care is provided by the staff with a focus on ensuring the service users choice is reflected in this. EVIDENCE: The individualised care plan reflects the views of the service user about what assistance is needed with personal care and there is a focus on developing independence within a supportive environment. Medication administration is properly managed and only trained staff are allowed to administer medication. Health and social care professionals are involved in order to provide more specialist support when this is required. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users and families have assurance that their concerns would be listened to and investigated. The complaints procedure is clearly understood. Staff are aware of the whistleblowing procedure. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is explained to service users and during one to one discussions and at reviews, service users are encouraged to feel confident that they can share any concerns and that these will be taken seriously. Advice on how to make a complaint is available in formats appropriate for a service users needs. Access to advocacy is encouraged. Recruitment procedures are robust and staff training in the Protection of Vulnerable Adults is being arranged. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 and 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 domestic in appearance, in good decorative order and maintained in a very clean condition. Guidance was sought from regulatory bodies including building control and the fire service to ensure the premises are safe. EVIDENCE: The home was converted to suit the individual needs of service users. Service users are encouraged to personalise their own bedroom. Communal areas are domestic in appearance with comfortable seating and modern furniture. The fully fitted kitchen is clean with sufficient equipment for the service user and staff to prepare meals, drinks and snacks at any time. The only matter which detracts from the good standard is that all doors are fire retardant and have closure hinges at the top of each door, causing them to slam shut every time. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 and 35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff are experienced and competent and have a good understanding of service users rights to freedom of choice with due regard to safety and risk. Support is provided via supervision and regular contact with management. EVIDENCE: Staff have mandatory training and are supported during the induction period. An understanding of person centred care was demonstrated during discussion with the care staff. Further training needs have been identified and discussed with the manager and these include managing challenging behaviour and adult protection. The manager said these are to be arranged as a priority. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The manager is experienced in this field and ensures the home is well run. Quality assurance monitoring is on going. The manager has comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures in place and risk assessments are thorough whilst taking into account the lifestyle choices of service users. EVIDENCE: The manager is also registered to manager another small service in close proximity. She is in daily contact with Blossom House staff and visits the service user several times a week. Supervisions are carried out and observations of practice are carried out regularly in order to ensure good quality care and support is provided. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. 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 YA24 Good Practice Recommendations The remedy to preventing the doors from slamming shut should be put into place as soon as possible. Blossom House DS0000067695.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area 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.V335281.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 - 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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