Inspection on 31/08/06 for California House

This inspection was carried out on 31st August 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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

California House 20/09/07

California House 24/02/06

California House 20/08/05

California House 13/03/05

California House 17/07/04

Similar services:

Ruskin Lodge

Clover House

Dystlegh Grange

The Good Companions

Cuerden Grange Rest Home

Springfield Cottage

Parkside

Park Lodge

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 California House 23 California Road Kingstown Carlisle Cumbria CA3 0BT Lead Inspector Cath Wilson Unannounced Inspection 31 August 2006 02:00 st California House DS0000022676.V295564.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 California House DS0000022676.V295564.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. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service California House Address 23 California Road Kingstown Carlisle Cumbria CA3 0BT 01228 596292 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) carlislemencap@aol.com Carlisle Mencap Mrs Sheila Gregory Care Home 4 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4) registration, with number of places California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The service may accommodate four people with learning disabilities (LD) four of whom may have physical disabilities (PD) 24th February 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Carlisle District Society Mencap is the provider of respite care at California House for four people who have a learning disability. The home is situated close to junction 44 off the M6 motorway on the outskirts of the City of Carlisle. The location provides easy access to the city centre by the homes or public transport. The property is a semi-detached house in a quiet residential road. The home has been adapted to accommodate people who have a physical disability. There are garden areas to the front and rear of the home. The charges for respite care are arranged by Social Services. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced visit to California House that took place during the afternoon period. During this time all the key standards of the National Minimum Standards were assessed. Service users, their relatives and members of staff had given opinions regarding the services provided by California House to the inspector. Their comments and views have guided the judgements made in this report. Senior staff were also met during this inspection. A pre-inspection questionnaire was completed by the manager and received prior to the visit. This visit included a look around the inside and outside of the home and an assessment of the home’s administrative policies and procedures. What the service does well: The home has very good documentation available to introduce new residents to the home. These had been reviewed and updated and the Commission for Social Care Inspection sent the up-to-date versions. Good recruitment procedures are in place and a comprehensive staff training and development programme available. There are well-developed links established between the home and health and social care personnel. The inspector from the feedback cards received very positive comments. The general opinion being that California House is a very valued and appreciated resource where staff are ‘very kind and caring’ and ‘look after me very well’. The manager and staff are very committed and focussed in their provision of care and do this in a sensitive, encouraging and kindly manner. The manager and staff are constantly looking at ways to improve their services and be progressive in the ways they can deliver these. Staff felt very supported in their work and received regular supervision. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? 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. California House DS0000022676.V295564.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 California House DS0000022676.V295564.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home, meeting with staff, information from relatives and professionals and assessing the home’s documentation. The home has good procedures and paperwork in place to ensure appropriate referrals and that they accept people whose needs they can meet. EVIDENCE: The information available to prospective guests, their family or representatives is well documented. The manager is fully informed of the criteria for needs led assessments and incorporates this information comprehensively in meeting individual need. People are able to visit the home prior to their visit. People are provided with choice and being provided with opportunities to visit the home allows an informed and supported decision to be made. The Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide are appropriately updated. Both documents are accessible and available to family and representatives also. The home’s use of symbols in their documentation is very good. This further involves guest’s in everyday events in their life and positively includes them in this. California House DS0000022676.V295564.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9 and 10 Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this home. The manager and staff are very focussed on achieving the individual outcomes for people. This is carefully monitored through a developed system of care planning. Risk taking is well managed and a good balance is achieved between promoting independence and ensuring the well-being and safety of people during their stay. EVIDENCE: The manager and staff have developed individual care plans for people in the home. Individual ways of communicating are included and staff are constantly seeking ways of furthering people’s involvement in their daily lives. Good use is made of symbols and these are being further developed for every day use. Information is kept up-to-date with the use of staff meetings and daily records. The information is regularly monitored and assessed and reviewed. In order to further strengthen the care planning used in the home the method of recording outcomes is to be further considered. The manager and senior staff are diligent in monitoring people’s individual care needs during their stay and this is very good practice. Risk assessments had been undertaken and are California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 integrated into the everyday life experiences of people. This allows people to be appropriately supported to be included in events in their lives in a safe, manageable and balanced manner. California House DS0000022676.V295564.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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service, meeting with residents, staff and information from inspection feedback cards. People’s rights are very much promoted and their individuality respected. Meal times are also catered for on an individual basis both in the home and through using community facilities. EVIDENCE: People’s leisure and community involvement is detailed in their records and staff are supportive in people attending these. Staff attended to these in a manner that respected people’s individuality and planned people’s inclusion with this in mind. Staff who met with me displayed a great interest and enthusiasm in encouraging people to have meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Seeking opportunities to further people’s choice and participation in everyday events. Family members are encouraged to have involvement. Mealtimes are arranged to meet individual need whether this be in the home or community. Staff encouraged guests to make their own decisions and their rights and choice are recognised and promoted. It is clear that this is one of the underpinning values of California House. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. 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 evidence including a visit to the home, assessing documentation and medicines arrangements and talking with staff. Health care matters are well managed and documented. Medicines management is generally good but are currently under review regarding storage arrangements for medication. EVIDENCE: Staff are informed of people’s healthcare needs during their stay and these are clearly recorded. The staff team work positively with local health care professionals when required to offer an attentive and supportive approach to ensure people’s health needs are met and planned for. There is access to specialist advice and guidance. As indicated earlier in this report staff work diligently in promoting positive outcomes for people. Staff are assessing the way they record this so that the support and attention provided accurately reflects their practices. There are policies and procedures for medicines management and staff informed of these. All medicines were securely stored and medication records are appropriately kept. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. 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 the home. The home’s system for safely managing people’s financial arrangements is in place and is monitored regularly. The home has a satisfactory complaints system. EVIDENCE: Information is available regarding complaints and relatives or representatives have access to this. Staff are informed of the policies and procedures relating to adult protection matters and how to safeguard the health and welfare of people in the home. Protecting vulnerable adults is integrated into the training and development plan for each member of staff. The manager and staff are familiar with the multi-disciplinary guidance and include arrangements for training to be appropriately renewed. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is very good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home. Private rooms are comfortable, well maintained and provided with specialist aids and adaptations where appropriate. EVIDENCE: Arrangements are in place for the general health and safety of people in the home and for their environment. Guidelines are followed regarding environmental health and fire safety. Specialist equipment is regularly serviced and the home has access to advice and guidance regarding environmental matters. Each guest has use of their own room during their stay. Arrangements are in place to upgrade and replace furnishings and the décor when needed. The overall impression is one of a comfortable, relaxing and pleasant environment for people to enjoy their stay. There are however, one or two matters that need ongoing attention regarding the upstairs bathroom. This will be attended to in the future when planned work for this area is attended to. There is one personal matter in one room that is receiving ongoing attention. The garden areas are very well maintained and both inside and outside the home shows that staff to maintain both living environments provides much care and attention. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 33, 34 and 35 Quality in this outcome is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service, assessing records and meeting with staff. Staff are well trained and regularly supervised and have a comprehensive training and development programme. Recruitment procedures are good and aimed at protecting residents and that staff have the right qualities. EVIDENCE: The home provides each member of staff with a comprehensive training and development programme. Training matters in key subjects are kept up-todate along with staff involvement in NVQ qualifications. All new staff had undergone a period of induction and all appropriate checks and references had been undertaken prior to commencing work. The home ensure appropriate levels of support are available for their guests. The staff that are employed in the home are very clear about their roles and responsibilities and are well informed of the individual and comprehensive needs of residents. Staff feel they are very well supported in their work and have very regular supervision. They meet regularly to discuss their provision and the quality of care they are providing. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the home, assessing the home’s procedures and meeting with staff. Guests to this home benefit from an organised and well ran home that places their care and overall welfare first. EVIDENCE: There are health and safety policies and procedures available in the home and staff are well informed of these matters. The records assessed on the day of the inspection were organised, up-to-date, accessible and confidentially stored. The deputy manager who was present during this inspection is very clear about her role and responsibilities and the systems that are organised in the home. Arrangement in the home were very focussed on meeting the needs and wishes of people who visit California House. It is evident that the manager and staff are constantly seeking ways to improve the quality of people’s lives and enlist the help of fellow professionals and colleagues to do so. California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 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 3 26 3 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 4 34 3 35 4 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X 3 4 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 4 X 3 X X 3 X California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations California House DS0000022676.V295564.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Eamont House Penrith 40 Business Park Gillan Way Penrith Cumbria CA11 9BP 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. 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