Inspection on 14/10/05 for Blossomwood

This inspection was carried out on 14th 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 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

Blossomwood 23/01/09

Blossomwood 08/03/07

Blossomwood 02/02/06

Blossomwood 21/11/04

Blossomwood 22/06/04

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 Blossomwood Colchester Road Elmstead Market Colchester Essex CO7 7AZ Lead Inspector Steve Boyd Final Unannounced Inspection 09:30 29th September Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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 Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blossomwood Address Colchester Road Elmstead Market Colchester Essex CO7 7AZ 01206 825510 01206 825510 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) Mr Pelandapatirage Gemunu Susantha Dias Mr Ramrup Bolaky Mr Ramrup Bolaky Care Home 12 Category(ies) of Learning disability (12) registration, with number of places Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability (not to exceed 12 persons) 21st November 2004 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Blossomwood is a care home providing personal care and accommodation for twelve individuals with learning disabilities, between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five. The service is owned, in partnership, by Mr Dias and Mr Bolaky. Mr Bolaky is also the registered manager. The care home is situated between Colchester and Elmstead Market, being within walking distance of the shops and facilities of Elmstead Market. This provides for day-to-day requirements. The dwelling consists of two linked units, a main house and a ground floor annexe. Accommodation in the main house is provided on two floors. All but one of the rooms are single occupancy. There are extensive enclosed gardens to the property. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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 during one day in September 2005. One service user was spoken with at some length and other service users were observed in and around the home and interacting with staff during the course of inspection. One service user’s parent was contacted by telephone to ascertain their views on the service offered by Blossomwood. The four care staff on duty plus the manager, Mr Bolaky, and his deputy were spoken with during the course of inspection. A tour of the premises was also undertaken. In all, 20 standards were assessed during the inspection and all of these were met, with a few recommendations to enhance the overall quality of care at the home. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Both of the requirements outlined at the last inspection had been addressed by the time of this visit. Cleaning materials which had been left unlocked in one unit at the previous inspection were now safely locked in an appropriate cabinet. The home had also completed a first cycle of quality assurance monitoring and review. The premises in the ‘annex unit’ had been improved by the installation of new windows and doors. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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 Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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 Prospective service users, individual aspirations and needs would be assessed. EVIDENCE: Although the home has not had any new service users for approximately five years, the home was seen to have an appropriate admission process and policy in place should a vacancy arise. This included time made for pre-admission assessments of prospective residents and trial visits to the home. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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, 7 & 9 Service users were seen to have comprehensive individual care plans that were reviewed on a regular basis. Service users were clearly helped to make decisions about their lives, where possible, and were given appropriate levels of assistance. Risk assessment was in place as part of the overall care planning strategy of the home. EVIDENCE: Individual care plans were seen to be available for three service users sampled during the inspection. The plans were easy to read and had clear objectives set out, with interventions recorded as to how to meet these objectives. Service users each have a key worker whose role it is to write a monthly report on service users and how the care plan objectives are progressing. Regular reviews involving service users, where possible, and other interested parties were seen to take place. Although a number of service users need significant assistance in their daily lives, it was noted that service users are encouraged to make decisions for Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 themselves, where possible, and were involved in such areas as menu planning. Suitable risk assessments were seen to be in place for service users sampled during the inspection. These were found to contain clear description of the what the risks were to individual service users and how these could be managed. The inspector also noted specific risk assessments having been undertaken regarding service users going on holiday from the home. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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): 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 Service users were seen to take part in appropriate activities that related to their age and culture. Service users used the facilities within the local community and all were found to have degrees of contact with their families. Service users’ rights and responsibilities were seen to be recognised. healthy diet and enjoyable meals seem to be on offer at Blossomwood. EVIDENCE: All service users have an activity plan that includes activities followed both inside and outside of the home. For example, many service users attend day centres. Leisure activities such as ten pin bowling, listening to music and attending social clubs were seen to take place. Blossomwood is located near the village of Elmstead Market and service users use the post office there, sometimes go to the local pub and are registered with the local GP practice. Inevitably, service users access the towns of Colchester and Clacton where there is a greater availability of social and leisure activities e.g. shops and leisure centres. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 A All the service users at Blossomwood have degrees of contact with family, which includes visits by family to the home and service users spending time with relative at their own homes. The relative spoken with during the inspection was most complimentary about the care given to their particular relative and indicated that, from visits that they made to the home, other service users were treated very well. Evidence was seen of service users taking responsibility in their daily lives. For example, those able were taking some responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of their rooms. Staff were observed treating service users with respect, for example knocking on doors. The home operates a four-week menu cycle and menus were sampled during the inspection. The service user able to comment during inspection intimated he was very happy with the quality and quantity of food on offer. Plenty of food linked to the menus was seen to be available in the kitchen during the inspection. The kitchen area was also noted to be clean and tidy. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18 & 20 Service users received personal support in an appropriate manner for their needs. The home’s medication system and practices were appropriate for service users’ needs. EVIDENCE: The service users able to comment during the inspection indicated that he received personal support, where necessary, but was encouraged to be as independent as possible. Other service users’ care plans indicated the degree of help they needed with personal care and also indicated their likes and dislikes with respect to a range of issues. The home operated a monitored dosage system of medicine administration, which was found to be working in line with the requirements of the National Minimum Standards. Due to their levels of disability, none of the service users were able to self-administer medication and all were taking some form of medication. Although the medicines utilised in the home were housed in a safe and secure manner, the medicine cabinet within the main office was suffering wear and tear and its replacement was recommended. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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 & 23 Service users’ views would be listened to and acted upon. from abuse, neglect and self-harm was promoted effectively. EVIDENCE: The home had an appropriate complaints procedure, although this had not been utilised by service users or others since the previous inspection took place. The complaints procedure had been developed into a pictorial format to make it more understandable for some service users. The home was found to have its only policies and procedure in respect of Protection of Vulnerable Adults and a policy with regards to “whistle blowing”. Staff had received training regarding Protection of Vulnerable Adult issues via National Vocational Qualifications and Learning Disability Award Framework training. Their protection Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.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, 27 & 30 Service users were found to live in a homely and safe environment. Bathroom and toilet facilities offered privacy and were appropriate to individual needs. The home was found to be clean and hygienic during the inspection. EVIDENCE: A tour of the premises indicated that, overall, a homely environment had been achieved. Service users’ rooms were found to be personalised with their own interests and tastes, the decoration was of a good standard. No safety hazards were noted during the course of inspection. The inspector felt that the removal of some notices on various doors, giving instructions to staff, would enhance a homely environment. The annex unit had one bathroom suitably equipped for service users and the main house had a shower room and bathroom. Service users did not require specialist bathing or toileting equipment and privacy was assured via locks on bathroom and toilet doors. During the inspection the home was seen to be tidy and clean and no odours were detected throughout the premises. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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, 34 & 35 Service users benefit from competent and qualified staff. recruitment practices support the protection of service users. EVIDENCE: Since the previous inspection further LDAF and NVQ training has been progressed for the home’s staff. Fire safety, first aid and manual handling training have also featured as part of the home’s training programme. Staff spoken with during the course of inspection presented as able and knowledgeable about their individual service users for whom they were the key worker. A training profile was seen for individual staff members, plus an overall plan for the year 2005. Certificates for various courses undertaken by staff were seen within their individual staff files. Staff recruitment processes within the home were seen to include interviews, references being taken up and CRB checks being undertaken. Staff files also included photographic identity, job descriptions and contracts of employment. The home’s Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 & 42 Service users benfited from a well run home. The home had a quality assurance system which was being operated. The health, safety and welfare of service users was being promoted and protected in a number of ways. EVIDENCE: Staff spoken to during the inspection were complimentary about the way the home was run by the manager, Mr Bolaky. He has a number of years experience as manager of the home and substantial experience of working with he client group withi a local health authority. The home’s quality assurance system was seen to include surveys of service users, staff and significant others. The information gained from these surveys had been analised and action indicated. The home was seen to have undergone a health and safety premises inspection by the local district council in March of 2005 and “no contraventions”, were noted. The inspector saw a certificate for water safety, electrical safety and various fire safety certificates. Staff had undergone training in first aid, manual handling and food hygiene. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 As indicated earlier in the report no safety hazards were noted during the inspection and the potential hazard noted at the previuos inspection had been addressed, in respect of locking away potentially harmful materials. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 X X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 X X 3 X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 X 3 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Blossomwood Score 3 X 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X 3 X X 3 X DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 1. 2. 3. Refer to Standard 24 YA6 YA20 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that notices placed on doors throughout the home, which detract from the overall homely environment, are removed. It is recommended that contact information held in service users’ files is reveiwed and updated. It is recommended that a new medicine cabinet is purchased for the home’s main office as the current one is suffering wear and tear. Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 Blossomwood DS0000017774.V252846.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. 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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