Inspection on 16/08/06 for Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way)

This inspection was carried out on 16th August 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Community Care Solutions... 20/12/05

Community Care Solutions... 01/09/05

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 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) 53 Brambling Way Oadby Leicester Leicestershire LE2 5PB Lead Inspector Ruth Wood Unannounced Inspection 16th August 2006 12:40 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) Address 53 Brambling Way Oadby Leicester Leicestershire LE2 5PB 0116 2719644 0116 2719644 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) Community Care Solutions Limited Ms Kathryn Wainwright Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (9), Mental disorder, registration, with number excluding learning disability or dementia (9) of places Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. No additional conditions of registration apply. Date of last inspection 20th December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Brambling Way, Oadby is part of a group of homes owned by Community Care Solutions. It is a modern detached house, situated on an estate close to the centre of the village, and provides care and support for up to nine adults who have learning disabilities and/or mental health disorders. There are two single bedrooms and one double bedroom at ground floor level, and three single bedrooms and one double on the first floor. There are bathroom and toilet facilities on both floors. Two rooms have en-suite facilities. Communal facilities consist of an open-plan style kitchen, lounge and conservatory extension, which is used as a dining area. There is a lawned garden to the rear of the property with seating. Service users are encouraged to live an independent lifestyle, while receiving the necessary care and support from the staff team. Current fee levels at the home are £332 per week Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place on a weekday between 1.40pm and 5.10pm. The care of three service users was focused on; their care files were examined and discussion about how their needs were met was held with two of them and with the manager and deputy manager (who were both present throughout the inspection). The inspector conversed with all the service users in the home and a further staff member. Documentation relating to medication, staff recruitment and training, fire safety, service users’ finances and maintenance were examined and a full tour of the home’s environment was made. Standards in all outcome areas were good with the exception of the environment where they were adequate. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The home urgently needs re-wiring and until this work is completed required re-decoration of some areas of the home cannot be completed. Some windows also need replacing on the upper floor and a risk assessment should be carried out to ascertain if window restrictors should be fitted. The practice of locking the fire exit in the downstairs bedroom should be reviewed (including consultation with the fire officer), as this would appear to constitute a health and safety risk. Alternative ways of balancing security with fire safety should be explored. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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): 1,2,3,5 Quality in this outcome area is good. Good information is available about the home and service users’ diverse needs are effectively met. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users’ files contain an up to date service users’ guide. The document is written in plain English and contains pictures of the home to help clarify meaning. All nine service users have lived at the home for a number of years. The files of the three service users examined, contain information from placing authorities concerning regularly reassessment of their needs and reviews of their placement at the home. This includes regular re-assessment by key workers for those service users subject to the care programme approach. Files also contain written contracts, which clearly outline terms and conditions of residence. Currently the home has service users who fall within both of its registration categories of learning disability and mental disorder. Discussion with the manager and deputy manager, observation of interaction with service users and examination of care files indicates that the needs of both these groups are well understood and met. One service user who is visually impaired has access to appropriate aids such as a speaking watch and receives audio transcripts of important information (such as bank statements). Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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): 6,7,8,9 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users’ views are sought, they are supported to take reasonable risks and care plans accurately reflect their needs. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The files of three service users examined contain an up to date plan of care, signed/approved by the service user. The plan covers all aspects of need including personal care, interests and aspirations and is reviewed every six months. Risk assessments relating to individual needs and lifestyles are also included. Links were evident between the assessment conducted by mental health professionals (as part of the care programme approach) and the subsequent plan of care. All service users receive an appropriate level of support to manage their finances and good systems are in place to monitor this. Service users take part in regular meetings at the home and are invited to give their views as part of the parent organisation’s quality assurance audit. Concerns and complaints are recorded and one service user had recently used an independent advocate to raise a concern. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users have opportunities to engage in vocational, leisure and community activities; they have access to nutritious food and can maintain links with their family and friends. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users have access to specialist intervention (for example from voluntary agencies and mental health professionals) and receive individual assistance from staff to assist them in working towards greater independence. They are engaged in a wide range of vocational activities such as attendance at college, day centres, paid and voluntary work. One service user works five mornings per week at a local nursery and spoke with pride and satisfaction about this job and the training and qualifications they had obtained. Service users maintain links with the local community in a variety of ways. On the day of the inspection, several service users had just returned from a charity event where they had been selling homemade cakes to raise money for the local branch of Age Concern. They also regularly use local facilities such as shops and public transport to visit Leicester. Service users families can visit at any time and one service user said that they went to visit their brother Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 independently in London every year. Several service users said that they didn’t like going out in the evening, preferring to relax when they got home; some said they played cards or watched television. Several said that they enjoyed day trips and there are plans for various visits later in the year; some residents also go on holiday with staff support. Service users can have a key to their own bedrooms and the front door should they choose and take part in an agreed list of chores such as washing up and setting tables. This expectation is detailed in the service users’ guide. Menu records show that service users have access to a good balanced diet and suitable provision is made for service users from different ethnic backgrounds or with specific dietary needs such as diabetes. Service users are offered a choice and the opportunity to prepare snacks and drinks for themselves. In the organisation’s quality assurance survey all service users said that they liked the meals provided in the home. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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, 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users receive appropriate personal support and their health and medication needs are well met. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The level of support with personal care varies according to the needs of the individual and is clearly detailed within care plans. These also detail all healthcare appointments and show that service users have regular access to doctors, dentists, chiropodists, opticians and specialist health services such as mental health professionals and physiotherapists. This was confirmed by discussion with service users and staff. Files also contain evidence that service users have access to routine health screening. Medication is stored appropriately and clear systems are in place for ordering, receiving and returning medication. Two staff sign the medication record, with one staff member checking the administration practice of the other. Clear protocols are in place dealing with the administration of ‘as required’ medication, stating under what circumstances the medication can be given; such medication can only be given with the approval of the on-call manager. Blood sugar levels for a service user with diabetes are recorded regularly. Staff administering medication have received training relating to this process from Boots. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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, 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users are listened to and good procedure and practice is in place to protect them. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Both concerns and compliments are recorded in detail together with any necessary response made by the manager or registered provider. The service users’ guide (of which all service users have a copy) clearly outlines the complaints procedure and gives information about independent advocacy services, should a service user wish to use these. One service user had used an advocate to bring a concern to the attention of staff earlier this year and this had been dealt with appropriately. Service users said that if they weren’t happy with anything in the home they would tell the manager, the deputy manager or their key worker. Before working in the home staff are checked against the vulnerable adults register and have an enhanced criminal records bureau check. They receive training in the protection of vulnerable adults and very clear company procedures are in place as to how allegations of abuse are to be dealt with. The manager and deputy manager were aware of local agency protocols for dealing with alleged abuse and their responsibilities under them. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.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, 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. The home is clean and comfortable but improvements are needed to improve safety in some areas. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home currently needs re-wiring and this is having an impact on several areas in the environment: • Light bulbs frequently need replacing, periodically leaving some key areas (such as the landing) in darkness. • The manager stated that they were unable to test the fire system from all points at the moment because of the re-wiring issue. (There was documentary evidence that the fire alarm system had been successfully maintained within the previous 12 months). • Some areas of the home, including service users’ bedrooms require redecoration but this cannot be completed until re-wiring has taken place. In addition to the re-decoration noted above, several upstairs windows appeared in need of repair or replacement. It was noted also that windows were not fitted with restrictors. The fire exit in one downstairs bedroom opens directly onto the street and is now kept locked for security reasons. This should be reviewed and the fire Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 officer consulted, as this would appear to constitute a health and safety risk. Alternative ways of balancing security with fire safety should be explored. Training records showed that staff had received training in infection control and the home was clean, tidy and fresh smelling throughout. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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, 33, 34, 35, 36 Quality in this outcome area is good. Service users are supported by welltrained staff and protected through effective recruitment practices. This judgement has been made using available evidence, including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There are sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of service users and adjustments can and are made should there be an increase in any service user’s needs. Agency staff are used but these are subject to the same recruitment checks as permanent staff. These are comprehensive and include checking prospective staff against the vulnerable adults register and obtaining an enhanced criminal records bureau check. New staff undergo a structured induction and formal supervision meetings are held with all staff every two months. There is an ongoing training programme to which all staff have access. Recent training includes; person centred planning, nutrition and risk assessment. Good interaction between staff and service users was observed throughout the inspection and service users said that staff supported them well. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. The health and safety of service users is promoted and very good, quality-monitoring systems are in place to ensure that standards are continually monitored and improved. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home’s manager Kathryn Wainwright has managed the home for five years. She holds National Vocational Qualifications in care at levels 2,3, and 4 and the Registered Manager’s Award. The results of the organisation’s internal quality assurance questionnaire were forwarded to the Commission on 10 May 2006. Service users, their families and advocates, social workers and staff are surveyed as to their opinions of life at the home, the environment, staff, management and services such as food. In addition service users are able to express their views regularly at the service users’ meetings; staff meetings are also regularly held. An area manager from Community Care Solutions visits the home on a monthly basis to monitor the service provided; a formal report is made of this visit and is available for inspection. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home’s water supply is tested for Legionnaires disease every 3 months (last check 01/08/06). Electrical appliances have been checked and the gas boiler has been serviced. Staff have received training in health and safety, fire safety, food hygiene, first aid, moving and handling and infection control. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Standard No Score 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 X 5 3 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 1 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 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 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 4 X X 3 X Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 No Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1 Standard YA24 Regulation 23 Requirement The proposed re-wiring of the home must commence as a matter of urgency as issues arising from the current state of the electrical system may compromise the health and safety of service users and staff. The practice of locking the fire exit in the downstairs bedroom should be reviewed (including consultation with the fire officer), as this would appear to constitute a health and safety risk. Alternative ways of balancing security with fire safety should be explored. Timescale for action 30/09/06 2 YA24 23 30/09/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 Refer to Standard YA24 Good Practice Recommendations Arrangements should be made to ensure that the required redecoration in some service users’ bedrooms takes place DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) 2 YA24 Arrangements should be made to ensure that all windows are in good repair and that the need for window restrictors to be fitted is risk assessed. Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Leicester Office The Pavilions, 5 Smith Way Grove Park Enderby Leicester LE19 1SX 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 Community Care Solutions (Brambling Way) DS0000064677.V306881.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 - 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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