Inspection on 23/11/06 for Blyton Court

This inspection was carried out on 23rd November 2006.

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

Blyton Court 24/01/06

Blyton Court 06/09/05

Blyton Court 23/10/04

Blyton Court 02/06/04

Blyton Court 04/06/03

Similar services:

Hillside

Applegarth

Trevayler Residential Care Home

122 Scorer Street

Jubilee Villa Care Home

Thornham Grove

Beech Lodge

8 Thorndale Road (Homefield College)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Blyton Court 3 Laughton Road Blyton Nr Gainsborough Lincs DN21 3LG Lead Inspector Vanessa Gent Key Unannounced Inspection 23 November 2006 09:30 Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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 Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blyton Court Address 3 Laughton Road Blyton Nr Gainsborough Lincs DN21 3LG 01427 628791 01427 628377 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) Blair.house@craegmoor.co.uk Craegmoor Health & Care Services (UK) Limited Miss Anne Jackson Care Home 24 Category(ies) of Learning disability (23), Mental disorder, registration, with number excluding learning disability or dementia (1) of places Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 24th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Blyton Court is a two-storey country house with a purpose-built extension. It is situated in the village of Blyton. The village amenities include a post office, village shop, two pubs, a pottery, a Garden Centre and an Ice Cream Parlour, very popular with residents and staff. The village is on a main bus route from Gainsborough to Scunthorpe, with buses stopping right outside the home. Blyton Court provides personal and nursing care for up to twenty-four people of both sexes, from the age of eighteen years, who have a learning disability. There is no upper age limit. The home is currently fully occupied. The accommodation has two units, known as the ‘House’ and the ‘Court’. It is made up of ten single bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, and eight double bedrooms. The original house accommodates seven residents, the remaining living in the Court. All bedrooms overlook either the garden or the enclosed patio area. The home has its own minibus to enable residents to participate in recreational and leisure activities within the local community and outside the village. Many varied activities are also provided within the home. The home stands in its own grounds. The gardens to the rear and side of the home are well-maintained to provide a tranquil and interesting outdoor area. There is car parking for about twelve staff and visitors at the back of the building. The philosophy of the home is to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for the people who live there. The manager and staff aim to promote independence and ensure the residents’ privacy and dignity is maintained. The home has achieved the Investors’ in People Award for providing a high quality of care and environment. Fees range from £750 to £900 per week. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. An unannounced visit was made to the home as part of a key inspection. It started at 12.30 and lasted five hours. Information already held on file was used to plan the visit. Twenty-four people are currently living in the home. The main method of inspection used is called ‘case-tracking’, which involves selecting a proportion of residents, and tracking the care they receive. This is done by checking the records, observing the residents and the interaction between them and the staff, talking to the care staff and the manager and observing care practices. The site visit focused on whether key standards continue to be met and how the residents feel about the service provided. Three residents’ assessments and care plans were examined to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents is taken care of. The inspector spent time with residents to check that they are allowed dignity, autonomy and choice, and talked with staff and the manager. A tour of the home was made and a sample of other records examined. Surveys were distributed for relatives but none were returned to the manager or inspector. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The manager and staff continue to improve on the already high standard of care provision and paperwork in line with the company policies. New care plan formats are being used to personalise the care plans by using the ‘first person’, simplifying them and showing as much resident and representative involvement as possible. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Staff have created a sensory area in the garden since the last inspection. They are looking forward to develop this further once the winter has passed. 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. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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 Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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. Residents and their representatives know that a full assessment is completed to ensure that staff know how to help the residents fulfil their potential and live comfortably in the home. EVIDENCE: Pre-admission assessments are completed thoroughly for any new resident, as seen in care plans examined. Residents, their representatives and any outside agency, as available, are involved in this assessment. Any assessments done by the funding authority are also in the care plans. These form the basis for the creation of the care plans for each resident. No new residents have come to live at the home since the last inspection. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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): Standards 6, 7, 8, 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are cared for by staff who are informed by well-completed, easy to follow care plans and good liaison with other authorities. Residents are encouraged to take risks and to live as independently as possible within their capabilities. EVIDENCE: Care plans are created from the pre-admission and risk assessments done by both the home’s nursing staff and the funding authority. Those examined identify the needs, wishes and preferences of the residents. They enable staff to care appropriately for the residents who mostly have very limited communication skills. Each resident has a key worker who is responsible for them. Staff say they know the contents of the care plans well and follow them in providing care for the residents, that the care plans are easy to follow and put into action. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 A new care plan format has been introduced by the company which staff have started to complete for each resident. Those seen are well documented: person-centred and written from the resident’s viewpoint. They encourage further involvement of the residents, their representatives and the ‘placing’ authorities. Care plans are reviewed monthly to ensure the residents’ needs and wishes are made known as they change. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly to encourage residents to continue to take risks within their capabilities. Staff say they have good liaison with healthcare professionals. This is borne out as recorded in the care plans seen. Although the home has its own nurses, staff liaise with the community district nurses for advice, assistance and equipment as necessary. Residents who are mobile move freely around the home. Independence is clearly encouraged. Those without mobility are moved from time to time to give them a change of scenery and sensations. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.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 excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are able to be independent, taking part in a variety of activities, calculated risks with choice in all aspects of their lives enables. Residents and staff together create a very lively atmosphere, which they are happy to share with visitors. EVIDENCE: The home buzzed with various activities throughout the time the inspector was at the home. There are two activities organisers who work full time; one for each unit within the home. All care staff also participate during the day. Activities are planned according to each resident’s preferences and wishes and those which have taken place are recorded in a daily activities record sheet. These are clear records which are easy for staff to follow to ensure that the residents are kept occupied and content during their waking hours. The documentation to evidence this is excellent. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 One of the activities organisers takes residents out on outings several times every week in the home’s own minibus. These activities into the local and wider community are varied and interesting for the residents to enjoy, as seen in the activity records kept. Residents’ families are encouraged to visit although many live far away. Residents were seen to relate to each other and with staff in positive ways including being friendly and helpful, smiling and joining in games. Residents are given the freedom to choose where they want to be and what they want to do at all times of the day. They are encouraged to assist with house-keeping duties if they are capable and want to. The lunch meal was observed. The main meal is served in the evening so a light meal is normally prepared for lunch. The residents were taken into the dining room in two sessions to allow ample time for each resident to have their meal unhurriedly. All staff assist residents who find it difficult to eat independently. They were seen to chat readily and frequently with the residents as they were assisting them, making the mealtime a pleasant experience for the residents. Staff say that all the residents have a good appetite and all enjoy their food. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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. The residents are cared for in a friendly, calm and dignified manner by a strong, supportive staff team who show dedication to and enjoyment for their work and meet the needs and wishes of the residents at all times. EVIDENCE: The amount of personal support for each resident is excellent, with all staff being clearly aware of and responding to the residents’ needs and wishes throughout the day. Residents were all kept busily occupied and happy and reacted positively to staff as they cared for them. The conduct of staff was calm, pleasant and positive and residents responded regularly by smiling and touching staff appreciatively. The residents are treated with dignity and respect. Medications are administered by staff who have been trained to do so, most of them qualified nurses. The home’s supplying pharmacist provides update training and regular visits to the home to monitor and audit the staff’s practices and policies. The inspector found them all to be in order. None of the residents is able to take care of their own medicine taking. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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. Residents are safeguarded by robust policies and procedures, strong leadership, excellent staff training and dedicated staff. EVIDENCE: The home has a clear complaints policy and procedure. Residents are clearly very happy with the service provided by the manager and staff. This was demonstrated by the happy atmosphere, the smiles and the affectionate manner in which the residents respond to the staff. Staff were seen to listen to the residents, watch their body language and appreciate their needs even when they cannot express them verbally. Residents show great affection for the staff and staff reciprocate with caring gestures and calm words often spoken with gentle tones. There is a good rapport between residents and staff. No complaints or concerns have been received either directly by the home or to the commission since the last inspection. All staff are up-to-date with training in safeguarding adults. Most staff have also had training for managing challenging behaviour, primary intervention and equal opportunities awareness to provide a safe environment for and protect the vulnerable adults in their care. All say they are aware of how to handle the residents in positive ways and are supported by the manager in this. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 26, 27, 28, 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home and garden have been thoughtfully planned and equipped to provide an attractive, stimulating and therapeutic environment for the residents to feel safe and comfortable in. EVIDENCE: The home is pleasantly decorated throughout. Residents’ rooms are personalised, with colours chosen that residents would like if they could select for themselves, and equipped to meet their needs. The residents live in ten single bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, and seven shared bedrooms. Twelve residents use wheelchairs for getting around the home and outside. Communally, the lounges and dining room are spacious and decorated in light colours. The flooring is suitable and spotlessly clean for residents who need to move around the home at ground level. There are two bathrooms in the ‘house’, three in the ‘court’ and altogether there are nine residents’ toilets. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 All communal areas of the home are safe, homely and comfortable and have attractive extras such as the ‘Snoozlem’ which is a therapeutic sensory room. Tropical fish tanks provide focal points for some residents to sit and watch. The gardens are tidy, spacious and supplied with outdoor equipment for the residents to enjoy. A sensory area has been created since the last inspection, with a wooden canopy built over, from which hang wind chimes and around which plants will grow and wind themselves to provide a sun screen in summertime. The home was found to be clean and hygienic at the last inspection and the inspection visit on this occasion confirmed the previous findings. The latest Environment Health Officer’s report was dated 17/07/06 at which no problems or hygiene issues were found. On 20/09/06, the home was awarded four stars for their good ‘food business’ practices. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are protected by a robust staff recruitment procedure, strong induction programme and plenty of training. Together, these enable staff to care efficiently and knowledgeably for the residents. Staff are supported by a helpful and caring home manager and encouraging company managers. EVIDENCE: About half of the staff have worked at the home for over six years, some for many years. All say they love their jobs and wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. There is evidence of a very good rapport between staff and residents. The staff say there are always an adequate number on duty and they have time to give plenty of attention to the residents, often one-to-one support for activities and personal needs. During the day, the house has a carer and an activities organiser/carer plus a nurse for seven residents. The court has four care staff, an activities organiser/carer and a nurse for the remaining seventeen residents, who all have higher needs. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Comments from staff include, “I’m happy working here. I love it. Everyone gets on with each other. The residents get looked after really well.” “The other staff are so friendly. We are a great team.” “Some of us have been here so long now.” Two temporary staff on work placements spoke about their experiences whilst working at the home. “It’s been brilliant. A really positive place. There’s been lots of support and opportunities.” “They don’t mind if you ask the same question time after time – really patient. They’re happy to help you.” “The staff are so involved with the residents. They really enjoy their work.” “They’re a lovely crowd to work with.” A recently employed staff said that the recruitment was thorough and the induction programme covered all topics and took several weeks even though they had previous experience of care work. Although they had had previous training, additional training has been provided within the past months. Staff files checked showed that a robust recruitment procedure is in place, with company documentation confirming good practice. All staff agree that their training programme is excellent, with encouragement from the manager and the company representatives. The staff training matrix shows that all staff have received the basic training and most have done additional training to ensure that their work practices are safe. Records show that over 73 of care staff have achieved at least Level 2 in the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in care. Staff receive regular supervision which is minuted and recorded in the staff files. Staff feel supported by the manager informally too. “You can talk to her at any time; she is always ready to listen and advise.” “Both the manager and deputy manager are 100 supportive.” Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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. The home is well-run by a strong leadership and well-trained staff team, with good support from the company. The manager and staff listen to what the residents want and need and ensure that they are cared for safely and with understanding. EVIDENCE: Staff say they are well-supported by the manager and representatives from the company. “The manager is so nice and helpful. She is always around for you.” Staff say they are listened to and can discuss any issues with the manager. As stated in the previous section, staff meetings and supervision are conducted regularly and staff feel they are listened to. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Relatives are given questionnaire surveys to complete every six months, so that the manager and company can obtain their views, although not a high number are returned. The manager and company analyse these as part of the auditing of the service for the benefit of the residents. The company’s representative visits the home to do monthly, unannounced monitoring of the home. Recent specific audits include policies and procedures, medications, health and safety, the environment and infection control. Staff say that with the managerial support, high degree of training, good staffing levels and company backing they get, they are able to keep the home resident-focused to provide the residents with the best care possible. All aspects of health and safety are established and taken into account to protect the residents and staff at all times. Agencies such as the environmental health officer, the supplying pharmacist, the Investors in People Award Team all have endorsed the home’s ability to care for its residents safely and to a high standard. Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 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 3 27 3 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 3 16 4 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 4 X Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Lincoln Area Office Unity House, The Point Weaver Road Off Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3QN 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 Blyton Court DS0000002583.V318672.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. 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