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Inspection on 06/09/05 for Blyton Court

Also see our care home review for Blyton Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 6th September 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home has a committed manager and staff who provide care to residents in an attentive and gentle manner. Many of the staff have worked in the home for a number of years and were very knowledgeable about residents social and personal care needs. Care plans reflect the good practice evident during inspection.

What has improved since the last inspection?

A requirement set at the last inspection to update care plans has been fully complied with. Additional information regarding personal care needs have been added to care plans. As recommended during the last inspection the home manager has also ensured that all staff have received adult protection training which includes protocols and procedures about what action staff need to take when dealing with adult protection issues. The system for storing and administering medication is currently being fully updated to ensure greater safety and support for residents.

What the care home could do better:

The home would benefit from a decorative update. This is currently being planned commencing with flooring/carpets being replaced in the main areas of the home within the next month. A fire door at the foot of the secondary staircase in the home is in need of being replaced as required by the local fire department. The work required will be undertaken during the next month.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Blyton Court 3 Laughton Road Blyton Nr Gainsborough DN21 3LG Lead Inspector Roger Harrison Unannounced 6 September 2005 10:00 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 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 Stationary 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 C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Blyton Court Address 3 Laughton Road Blyton Near Gainsborough Lincolnshire DN21 3LG 01427 628791 01427 628377 blyton.court@craegmoor.co.uk Mr G H Blackoe Health & Care Services (UK) Ltd Miss Anne Jackson Care Home with nursing 24 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Category(ies) of MD Mental Disorder Both (1) registration, with number LD Learning Disability Both (23) of places Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: N/A Date of last inspection 23 October 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Blyton Court is owned by Craegmoor Health and Care Services (UK) Limited and the registered care manager is Mrs A. Jackson. The Home is located on the edge of the village of Blyton. Blyton Court provides care (which includes Nursing) for twenty four people with a learning disability from the age of eighteen years and above. The accommodation is made up of ten single bedrooms and eight double bedrooms. Two of the single bedrooms have en suite facilities. These single and twin rooms overlook either the garden or the enclosed patio area. The home stands in its own grounds with gardens to the front and rear. Car parking is to the rear of the building. The village itself offers a variety of amenities such as public houses, shops, and a post office. The home provides activities and transport to enable residents to participate in recreational and leisure activities within the local community and outside the village. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. An inspector undertook this unannounced inspection over a five hour period during which the home manager Anne Jackson was present. On the day of the inspection there were twenty two residents living in the home. Due to the severe disability of many of the residents who do not have language skills it was not possible for the inspector to fully establish individual residents views or opinions regarding the delivery of care at Blyton Court. In order to carry out the inspection The inspector toured the building, and spoke with the manager and three members of staff in detail about the care being provided using a method of inspection called “case tracking” which involved selecting three residents and tracking the care that they receive through the checking of their records, observation of care and communication by staff with residents, and practices within the home. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? A requirement set at the last inspection to update care plans has been fully complied with. Additional information regarding personal care needs have been added to care plans. As recommended during the last inspection the home manager has also ensured that all staff have received adult protection training which includes protocols and procedures about what action staff need to take when dealing with adult protection issues. The system for storing and Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 administering medication is currently being fully updated to ensure greater safety and support for residents. 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. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 1 and 2 Detailed assessments are carried out together with any new resident by the manager and senior care team prior to any admission taking place. Residents and their family carers are given the written and verbal information needed to enable them to make an informed choice about moving to Blyton Court. EVIDENCE: The home has a statement of purpose and resident guide, which is discussed and shared with any new resident at the time of assessment. The home manager showed the inspector information which demonstrated that residents received a full pre assessment prior to any admission taking place which includes the involvement of carers and other professionals in order to take into account the existing residents needs and how they will be matched with any new admission. Written information provided to residents and their family carers is clear and sets out the main features of the home, the care levels that are provided and the facilities available. Information gathered at the pre assessment is used to complete a residents care plan, which includes all physical and social needs of the individual. These plans are reviewed on a regular basis so that any change in need can be addressed. The care team were seen to take a great deal of time using a variety of methods for communicating with residents to provide the right level of support needed in order to maintain individual identity, independence and choice. Residents have their own key workers who were seen to be providing high levels of support Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 and an understanding of each persons need throughout the day which was reflected in written care plans for each resident. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 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 standard(s) 6,7 and 9 The manager and care team encourage residents to make informed choices whilst taking time to support individuals right to take risks with support when this is needed. Care plans are reviewed to ensure changes in need and goals are acted upon. EVIDENCE: The home has a good relationship with health and social care support services in the community. Care plans looked at show that reviews of existing plans involve family and other professionals wherever possible in order to ensure residents changing needs are recognised and acted upon. Care plans looked at during inspection showed that assessments made at the time of admission had been reviewed as appropriate to include risk assessments which take account of residents wider needs and wishes. Care plans reflected activity which supports good communication and the freedom for individuals to make choices, for example, regarding how they would like to furnish their rooms, maintaining independence wherever possible with personal hygiene, how they would like to dress, the type of meals each enjoys and activities inside the home and in the wider community. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12, 13,15,16, and 17. Residents are supported to take part in appropriate activities within the home and local/wider community. Residents are encouraged to maintain family relationships and to develop relationships with other residents with support as they wish. The home provides a varied and balanced nutritious diet for residents. EVIDENCE: Care plans show that residents are able to maintain and further develop family relationships. This was further evident when observing residents rooms, which were personalised with family possessions and photographs. Wherever possible family links are encouraged by the care team and there was evidence of strong, regular family support for some residents within the home. The inspector observed positive relationships between residents particularly between those who share rooms together. Time is used by staff to support residents to build self-esteem and identity. Verbal and non verbal communication between skilled staff and residents was observed and evidenced on care plans with aims set out clearly. The manager told the Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 inspector that residents are encouraged to develop practical life skills as part of their overall care plan. One care plan had been used with the aim to promote the masculinity of a resident through the use of support with the purchase and use of appropriate clothing and toiletries. Care plans show that residents are given opportunities for personal development and engage in leisure activities. On the day of inspection five residents were observed relaxing and listening to music in the “Snoozlem” which provides light and sound therapy. Other residents were seen to be working with shapes and using art and sound to express feelings and to communicate with the activities organiser. Staff told the inspector of the need to promote choice and independence. This was further evident when looking at the induction and training programme in place at the home which regards the values of the care staff as an important part of the care giving process. The manager told the inspector that nutrition is an important part of each care plan. Menus are planned on a four weekly basis to include residents wishes. Care plans highlight likes and dislikes and are included as part of the planning process. If residents indicate they would like an alternative it is provided and taken account of for the next plan. Meals are taken in two dining areas in the home. Some residents need to take meals in their own rooms. The care team support residents to have meals in any other room if they wish and on the day if inspection were seen to be supporting residents in eating meals in a relaxed way using a variety of positive and practical ways. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 18,19, and 20. Residents are protected by policies and procedures within the home which are used to ensure health needs are met in the right way and to understand wider needs in order to encourage choice and self determination wherever possible for all residents. EVIDENCE: Each resident has a named key worker. This system has been maintained in practice which helps to promote a relaxed and measured approach to care giving by a manger and carers who know the needs of the residents they work with. This also helps to create a calm enviroment where staff anticipate when and where needs require meeting so that appropriate action is taken when needed which minimises any disruption and stress for residents. Care plans looked at have been updated to include all health related needs and staff support residents to attend GP and other health care appointments within the community when this is needed. All residents require support with medication. There are policies and procedures for recording all aspects of administering medicines. Records are kept up to date and only the manager and trained senior care staff administer medication to residents. The home is developing its storage facility which is adequate but in need of replacement. Within the next month a new facility will be in place to ensure medication is stored in accordance with pharmacy advice. The manager showed the inspector a recent Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 pharmacy advice visit report which was very positive about the way medicines are handled and administered within the home. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 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 standard(s) 22 and23 Residents and family carers are encouraged to be open about their feelings and concerns. The manager and staff take action to address ideas put forward for developing practice and issues of concern. The home uses induction, training and team meetings to ensure that the policy in place for protecting residents is taken seriously and acted upon when required. EVIDENCE: The manager showed the inspector an up to date adult protection procedure/policy which, through discussions with staff and looking at the training plan in place all care team members are aware of. Induction is used by the organisation to encourage staff to explore their own values and understanding of the need to protect residents which helps to maintain the importance of reporting concerns. The home has a complaints policy and record book for logging complaints of residents, family carers and staff. There have been no complaints during the last year. It was evident during inspection that carers took time to understand residents needs and to maintain communication with family members so that any concerns could be addressed. The inspector observed open communication at all times with residents moving about freely within the home. Discussions between the inspector and staff confirmed that morale was good and that the management team within the home were supportive. The staff meet regularly as a group and are able to discuss team issues, the feelings of residents and residents needs. Ideas for developing and improving practice with residents are taken into account and acted upon by the manager. This feedback from staff has resulted in improved hygiene practice with residents and ideas for further developing a sensory garden with residents have been put forward and are being considered. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 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 standard(s) 24 and 30. The home is well maintained, clean and provides a supportive environment for residents. There is a need to replace carpets in the main living areas of the home. A fire safety exit door is in need of replacement to ensure the safety of all residents. Appropriate arrangements have been made by the manager to address issues raised regarding carpets and fire safety. EVIDENCE: On the day of inspection residents were observed freely going about daily activities as they wished either with support or unaided. The home has comfortable lounge and therapeutic areas which can be easily accessed at any time. The home has a relaxed informal atmosphere which is created by the whole staff team. It was evident through observation of residents that they were confident and felt safe both inside and in the garden areas of the home. Kitchen areas were seen to be clean and hygiene practices were followed properly throughout the home. Residents rooms have been personalised and adapted were appropriate to support the needs of those with higher levels of need. En suite and communal bathrooms were seen to be clean and safe with space provided for using equipment needed to maintain residents safety. There is a need for some decorative update within the home which is currently being Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 planned by the manager and the organisation. New carpets are to be fitted in the main areas of the home within the next month. The garden area is safe and secure with space for residents to use as they wish. Ideas to develop a sensory garden are being considered by the manager. The home received a visit from the fire safety inspection officer in June 2005 during which a fire door at the foot of a secondary staircase was highlighted as needing to be repaired to include an appropriate door release system or replaced. This work was still outstanding on the day of inspection. The manager made contact with the home owners and discussed the referral made to request that the work is undertaken. A further discussion between the organisations property services department and the inspector during inspection confirmed that the work will be undertaken within one month of the inspection date. The manager informed the inspector that all other fire safety issues had been reviewed and met the requirements of the fire department. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 33,35 and 36 The manager and care team are able to use training provided to support residents within the home and wider community. EVIDENCE: Staff training files provided evidence of induction and training which is fully supported by the home manager. All staff are recruited appropriately by the manager with support from the main organisation. The manager has a programme in place which ensures all staff receive key training in Fire safety, food hygiene, Health and safety practice, moving and handling and adult protection. The inspector observed a team of carers working together to the benefit of residents. The home employs two activity co coordinators for thirty hours per week each. One post is currently vacant. The activity organiser present was observed using a variety of methods for communicating and stimulating sound recognition with individuals in a way which demonstrated good knowledge of need and how needs could be met. Residents are taken outside the home with support from staff in the local village area and on trips to places of interest. Each staff member has an individual training record which is used as a basis for development. Supervision is undertaken every two months for staff or as needed. The format used was showed to the inspector and is set out to ensure consistency for staff. This training system is being further developed by the home owners to ensure development of staff toward recognised NVQ awards. The home has a high level of staff who are trained at Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 NVQ level and the training is linked to the care giving process which ensures residents benefit through the development of good communication, understanding and sensitivity. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37 and 39 The home has a competent and committed manager who understands the needs of each individual resident. Residents benefit from the support given to staff by the manager to undertake appropriate training, the results of which helps to maintain residents at the centre of the care giving, review and development process. EVIDENCE: The home has a manager that has been in post for a number of years. A deputy manager and well established care team support the day to day running of the home and discussions with staff confirmed respect and support for their manager. Staff told the inspector “Its really good here”. And “We can say what we think, the manager is a good leader so we all know where we stand and the roles each of us have”. Evidence of team meeting records which are shared with staff further demonstrate the manager has an approach which encourages feedback from residents, carers and staff. The home is managed well by a manager and deputy who use structure and a measured approach to the task. The manager has an open door policy which helps to keep Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 communication a two way process. Care plans are kept securely in the manager’s room. The manager ensures that care plans are used alongside the training programme so that staff are trained and supported to be person centred and able to communicate with and understand the needs and wishes of each resident. Strong links with family carers are maintained by the manager and team to ensure that every effort is made to use the needs and wishes of all residents to inform the monitoring, review and development of practice within the home. Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 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 3 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x 3 3 x 3 4 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 x 4 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Blyton Court Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 x 3 x x x x C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 none 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. 1. Standard YA24.11 Regulation 23(4)(b) Requirement With regard to fire safety The registered person must take action to provide safe and adequate means of escape to address the requiremnets of the fire safety authority Timescale for action October 6th 2005 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 Good Practice Recommendations Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unity House, The Point Weaver Road, off Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3QN 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 Blyton Court C53 C04 S2583 Blyton Court V247093 060905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 25 - 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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