Inspection on 29/08/07 for Conroy Close (2)

This inspection was carried out on 29th August 2007.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Conroy Close (2) 27/08/09

Conroy Close (2) 20/09/06

Conroy Close (2) 14/02/06

Conroy Close (2) 11/10/05

Conroy Close (2) 15/03/05

Conroy Close (2) 20/07/04

Similar services:

Larch Avenue

Alderson Road 12

Cranworth Close Registered Care Home

The Cornerstone

John Street Nursing Home

Pennine Camphill

Whitwood Hall

Muston Road (70)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Conroy Close (2) 2 Conroy Close Easingwold North Yorkshire YO61 3NS Lead Inspector Gill Sample Unannounced Inspection 29th August 2007 09:15 Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Conroy Close (2) Address 2 Conroy Close Easingwold North Yorkshire YO61 3NS 01347 821488 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) h1002@mencap.org.uk www.mencap.org.uk Royal Mencap Society Mrs Susan Palmer Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (6) of places Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service Users to include up to 6 (LD) and up to 6(LD(E)) up to a maximum of 6 Service Users. 20th September 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: 2 Conroy Close is registered to provide residential, personal and social care, for six people with learning and physical disabilities, some of whom are over the age of 65 years. The home is a single storey bungalow providing single bedroom accommodation, and suitable communal space. It is situated in a residential area close to the local services and amenities of Easingwold. The premises are owned by a housing association and Mencap provides the care. The registered manager is Mrs Susan Palmer. On the 29th September 2007 the fees were £825 per week. Information is available to people about the service in a Service User Guide to the home. This document is available in different formats. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The key inspection has used information from different sources to provide evidence for this report. These sources include: ● ● ● ● ● Reviewing information which has been received about the home since the last inspection. Written information provided by the manager prior to the inspection. Written surveys from relatives, carers and advocates of residents. Written surveys from care staff working at the home. A visit to the home on 29th August 2007. The visit to the home lasted two hours. The inspector spoke to people who live at the home and staff on duty at the time. Records relating to people living there and the management activities of the home were inspected. Care practices and routines of the home were seen. This helped the inspector gain an insight into what life is like at 2 Conroy Close for the people who live there. Staff on duty at the care home assisted the inspector and were given verbal feedback at the end of the inspection. What the service does well: The home is clean and homely and suits the needs of the people living there in terms of space, accommodation and facilities. People are supported by staff to make choices in their day to day lives and for their future. Staff are skilled in recognising the signs and signals which people use to show how they feel. Attentive care was seen at the visit to the service. One resident said of the staff “They like me!” A care manager commented that they were “very impressed with the standard of care at Conroy and the expertise of the staff team. They quickly got to grips with the needs of my customer and monitor (them) very closely”. (They) have also settled very well and adjusted to the home well, which is a reflection on Conroy”. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 and 5 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. They can be assured that their needs will be identified and recorded. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: No-one had been admitted to the home recently. However, care records showed what information about people had been gathered prior to coming into the home and following their admission. Where people had entered the home with the assistance of a care manager, the care manager’s assessment was on file. A care manager commented that the home had made a “good gathering of information and assessment.” The last inspection required that all residents have a copy of terms and conditions covering their care. One of the care records seen had a copy of the statement of terms and conditions for the person’s care at the home. However, this had been signed by the home’s manager and was not signed by the person or their representative. It was not possible to tell whether an independent person, such as an advocate, had ensured that individual rights had been recognised. Each person had a copy of their tenancy agreement made with the landlord of the property. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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): 6, 7 and 9 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. People living at the home are encouraged to make their own choices about how they live their lives. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Care planning documentation is in place for all people living at the home. Those seen showed that information is available to staff so that they can recognise the tasks they need to do and what things are important to each individual so that staff know how to care for people in the way they prefer. A ‘Person Centred’ approach is used which means that care plans are presented in the first person and cover all areas of daily life. Any change in need had been recorded. Assessment of risk had been recorded and were seen on files. These included risks associated with providing care and with any activities which presented a potential hazard. The majority of people living at the home do not use language to communicate their needs. Care staff knew about the needs of each resident and were seen spending time on a one to one basis with people living at the home. They Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 related to people well and responded to the needs of people using their knowledge of people’s non-verbal signals. Three staff were on duty and were seen to ensure that each person had proper attention. A care manager commented that they were “very impressed with the standard of care at Conroy and the expertise of the staff team. They quickly got to grips with the needs of my customer and monitor (them) very closely”. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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): People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Daily life in the home and activities organised outside it meet residents’ needs. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Staff surveys said that activities are sometimes limited by the number of staff on duty, but detailed a range of activities inside and outside the home which they support residents with. People are involved in attending courses locally to develop skills and work alongside people outside the home environment. People are involved in the running of the home as a household by planning the shopping list and going with staff to do food shopping. If they are able and wish to, residents can also help in the preparation of food. A resident said “There’s only me that can wash up.” Care records showed activity plans for individual residents. A resident said she liked to feed the garden birds, and a staff member brought her bread to prepare so that she could do this. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Relatives and friends can visit at any time. Staff support people with letter writing and sending cards so that they have other ways to maintain contact with their relatives as well as seeing them. Notes of family members’ birthdays were seen noted on care records, so that staff could support people to maintain their family role. People have a varied diet and there is always an alternative meal available if people do not like what is on offer. Although not all people living at the home are unable to verbally communicate their needs, staff can determine if any of them do not like the food on offer from observations of their behaviour and body language. Care plans noted what food people liked and how they liked their food to be served. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 and 20 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Their personal and health care needs are met by staff who respect their individual need for privacy and dignity. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Each person’s care records provide good information about how each person is to receive personal support and their health care needs. Staff surveys reflected how they regarded people living at the home and recognised that residents should be given as much choice as possible and have their privacy and dignity respected. One comment was “the best thing about my job is making a difference to the lives of (people) and seeing them happy, and making them feel valued, and supporting them with their daily activities.” Medical appointments and health care information is well recorded in individual care records. The medication systems and procedures are satisfactory. Proper arrangements are in place for the administration and storage of medication and all the medication records are accurate and up to date. Staff who administer medication have received the appropriate training and have also received specialist training so that they can support people with health related issues such as epilepsy and dementia. No-one at the home dealt with their own medication. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 and 23 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. They are able to raise a complaint about their service and are safeguarded from abuse by the awareness of staff. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Staff have access to information so that they can disclose poor practice and refer any suspicion or allegation of abuse. A copy of the ‘No Secrets’ document was seen and is available to staff. The home has a comprehensive complaints procedure so that people wishing to make a complaint know how to do so and this is available in alternative formats. The home has not received any complaints since the previous inspection visit. Although the people living at the home are unable to verbally communicate their concerns, staff said that they would be aware of their dissatisfaction through observation of their behaviour and body language. Relatives made comments that they would know how to complain if they needed to do so and feel confident that concerns would be dealt with properly. Staff had a good understanding of people’s rights and related to people living at the home with respect and understanding. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 and 30 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. They live in a home which is well maintained to a good standard of comfort and safety. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: All general areas of the home were seen, some bedrooms, the kitchen and laundry facilities. All areas were light and airy and were well furnished and decorated. The style of the home is modern and comfortable, in keeping with the needs of the residents. Several bedrooms were seen which were well furnished and full of ornaments, photographs, pictures and personal belongings. One resident said they had chosen the decoration and bedding of their room. There is a system for the maintenance of the building and the systems and equipment which it contains. There is good, secure outside space so that people who live at the home can sit outside in fresh air in good weather. The home is clean and well maintained. Communal areas are spacious and there are suitable aids and adaptations to support people with their independence and mobility. All accommodation is on one floor and there is level access to the home so it is suitable for people with mobility difficulties. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The home has separate laundry facilities where staff deal with people’s personal clothing and bedding. Proper procedures are followed to minimise the risk of infection and staff have received infection control training. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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, 34 and 35 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Residents are receiving good care from a committed staff team who are well trained to meet their needs. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: People living at the home have complex needs and communication difficulties so it is important that they are supported by a stable staff team who have a good understanding of each person’s needs. Staff receive a range of training to support them in doing their jobs and in meeting people’s needs. Seven of the thirteen care staff have completed the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) training in care and attend other courses relevant to the care of people with a learning disability. A staff member made comments that “training is very good. Training has been specific to the service users we support, e.g. dementia, epilepsy, which is very good”. Staffing records were not available for inspection because the manager who keeps the key to the records was on annual leave. However, the last inspection report did not require any action to be taken in relation to the home’s recruitment process. A recently appointed staff member described the process she had undergone prior to being appointed to work at the home. This Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 included making written application, obtaining two written references and checks made of criminal records. She had undergone a face to face interview and confirmed that she had undertaken induction training. She said that her appointment was subject to a probationary period. Records relating to staff recruitment must be available for inspection so that checks can be made to ensure that only suitable people are employed at the home. Staff records seen included personal information and contact information on who to contact should there be an emergency involving the member of staff. This information was available routinely to other members of staff and advice was given to consider the implications of data protection on these records so that personal information is kept confidential. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 and 42 People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. People living at the home benefit from a well run home which is run in their best interests. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager Susan Palmer was not available on the day of the inspection so care staff assisted the inspector. Mrs. Palmer has experience of managing the home and the care of people who live there. With the exception of records relating to staff care staff on duty were aware of the location of all records and were able to access these easily. There is a clear management structure which is headed by the home’s manager. The organisation provides support in personnel, training and maintaining quality standards and senior managers for the area who visit the home and are available for advice and support. There is little staff turnover so Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 that people who live at the home can rely on a consistent and well organised staff team who know and understand their individual needs. Staff comments received said “I receive good support and supervision from the house manager” and that there were “good relationship between staff and the manager and between members of staff”. The manager works alongside other care staff providing care to residents. One comment from care staff was “I think the manager would be better just as a manager and not included on the rota/shift, giving her time to do all the paperwork…..this would give other members of staff more time to support the service users as they would not have as much paperwork to complete.” The home operates a quality assurance system based on the views of individuals about their care. There is a service user forum ‘Share-it’ which residents may attend to put forward their views and opinions about the service they receive. The families of service users are also consulted by questionnaire about the care of their relatives living at the home. There are key changes identified by the service which is based on the views of people who live in residential care, such as the residents being involved in the appointment of care staff and in the introduction of new residents to the home. A number of policies and procedures are in place concerning the health and safety of residents and staff. These are readily available to staff in hard copy or on the organisation’s website. A sample of health and safety records were examined and were in order. Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 2 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 1 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 YA34 Regulation 19 Schedule 2 Requirement Records relating to the recruitment of staff must be available for inspection at all times so that checks can be made to ensure that only staff suitable are appointed and that proper checks are being made in the recruitment process. Timescale for action 29/08/07 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 YA5 Good Practice Recommendations All residents should have a contract or statement of terms and conditions relating to the care in the home which should be signed by themselves or person independent of the service, such as a relative, advocate or legal representative. People should be able to see the records relating to their own money and these records should be held in line with data protection legislation. Records should be confidential and not be maintained collectively i.e. several peoples’ records to one sheet. DS0000007947.V348889.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 2 YA23 Conroy Close (2) Commission for Social Care Inspection York Area Office Unit 4 Triune Court Monks Cross York YO32 9GZ 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 Conroy Close (2) DS0000007947.V348889.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. 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!