CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65
Darwell House Grange Court Maynards Green East Sussex TN21 0DJ Lead Inspector
Lucy Green Announced Inspection 28th October 2005 09:30 Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Darwell House Address Grange Court Maynards Green East Sussex TN21 0DJ 01435 866468 01435 867519 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) Opus Living Mrs Lynda Wilson Smith Care Home 15 Category(ies) of Learning disability (15) registration, with number of places Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. The maximum service users to be accommodated is fifteen (15). Service users will be aged between eighteen (18) and sixty-five (65) years on admission. Service users will have learning disability as their assessed primary need. 23rd April 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Darwell House is registered for fifteen younger adults with a learning disability. The home is a large, two storey, detached property which has been divided into two smaller units. One unit provides seven single bedrooms and the other has eight. Each unit has a large amount of communal space, separate kitchen and dining facilities and sufficient bathrooms and toilets. The service stands alongside its sister home, in ten acres of ground in Maynards Green, near to Heathfield town, with shops and public transport links. Some of the land is utilised by service users for sport, allotments and gardens. Minster Pathways have managed the service since July 1, 2005 on behalf of the new purchasers of Opus Living Ltd. The current registration status of Opus Living Ltd and the home is currently being discussed with the Commission for Social Care Inspection who will be put forward as the Responsible Individual. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced inspection took place over 7.5 hours on Friday 28 October 2005. This is the second statutory inspection of this year and therefore this report should be read in conjunction with the inspection report from the unannounced inspection on 23 April 2005. Since the last inspection, the home has been taken over by a new organisation, which has resulted in the Registered Manager being moved to another service and the Assistant Manager taking over as Manager. The new Manager has only been in post for one month at the time of writing this report. The CSCI is currently working with this Organisation to ensure all parties are appropriately registered. Due to the division of the home, the inspection was carried out by two Inspectors, with one based in each unit. A tour of the premises took place, rotas, care records, staff files and health and safety audits were inspected. Ten of the thirteen service users, eleven staff members, the Manager and Regional Manager were spoken with. The Inspectors observed the lunchtime meal being served. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection?
The number of adult protection referrals received following incidents between service users has reduced in the last six months. The standard of record keeping within the home has improved. The home has admitted two new service users since the last inspection and has undertaken some positive pieces of work in relation to settling these two people into the home.
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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&5 The information available to current and prospective service users does not reflect the services offered by the home. Service users would benefit from an up to date written contract which outlines the terms and conditions attached to their placements at Darwell House. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose has recently been updated, although it was identified that this document does not provide an accurate reflection of the services provided at the home. The Statement of Purpose currently states the following: “The home provides a service for people whose primary needs are learning difficulties and dual diagnosis, with difficult to manage behaviour”. Darwell House is registered to provide residential care for fifteen adults with learning disabilities. Whilst service users may have additional needs, the service is not currently in a position to offer placement to people with particularly difficult or challenging behaviour. When Opus Living Ltd was purchased by new owners on 01 July 2005, they agreed with the CSCI to review current placements and to define what services would be provided by this home. It is required that this review is undertaken as a matter of priority and the home produce a Statement of Purpose that is specific about the services provided.
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 The Statement of Purpose is also currently inadequate in respect of the ownership arrangements of the home. The name of the person to be put forward as Responsible Individual is not included, nor is the telephone contact details for the Provider. The Provider for this service needs to demonstrate clarity and openness with all stakeholders in respect of who is responsible for the ownership and management of this service. Similarly, the skills and experience of staff and management detailed, is not a fair portrayal of the personnel in situ. The home has produced a Service User Guide in a format that is accessible to service users. This document, does however need to be updated to include all information required by the Standard. The contract in place between the home and service users does not include all required information. In particular, there needs to be details about what services are included within the fees and any conditions that would apply in the event of the contract being terminated by either party. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 6&9 Service users would be better protected if care plans provided detailed guidance to staff as to how care should be delivered. Behaviour management strategies need to be more robust to ensure service users are supported in a consistent and appropriate way. The safety of service users would be improved if the system of undertaking risk assessments involved input from all relevant stakeholders. EVIDENCE: Five care plans were viewed as part of the inspection process. It was identified that care plans had not been significantly developed since the last inspection. Care plans provide a basic level of information about the service user. At this stage, specific needs and behaviours are not backed up with comprehensive care guidance and behaviour management strategies. Care plans identify goals for individual service users which are then monitored as part of the ongoing review process. At the last inspection it was identified that the goals were fairly basic and it was required that these be reviewed in respect of service user development. It was disappointing that this had not been addressed. Furthermore, the process of reviewing and recording changes
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 to the care plans and goals needs expanding. It is not sufficient for staff to simply record “no change” month after month. The home has a range of risk assessments in place in respect of varying aspects of service users’ lives. Some further work in this area is again required to ensure the risks associated with all activities are considered. Many of the risk assessments in place require additional information about the affect controls in place have on the level of risk. During the inspection, staff raised concerns about the safety aspects of some areas of the home, for example the open-plan layout of the upstairs kitchen. It is required that the Manager review these risks with the staff team to ensure all issues have been considered. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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, 14, 16 &17 Service users would benefit from a structured programme of fulfilling activities. Mealtimes would be improved if staff ensured the food listed on the menu was available to be served. EVIDENCE: Despite being a requirement of the last inspection that activity programmes were revised, it was again observed at this inspection that service users lack a fulfilling timetable of activities. It was identified that activities are still occurring on an ad hoc basis, as opposed to being scheduled and planned in advance. During the inspection, some service users attended football training on the grounds, whilst a few went shopping, but many service users spent the day amusing themselves in the home. Staff reported that service users were preparing for a Halloween party the following week, but for several service users, their engagement with staff in meaningful activities, was limited. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Staffing levels were adequate for the number of service users, but there was clearly issues about the way shifts were run and staff were deployed across the units. Both Inspectors identified a lack of planning, which resulted in low levels of motivation and expectation from both service users and staff. In response to a question about the plan for the afternoon, one service user replied “what can I do, there’s not really anything to do.” When asked if they went to the cinema, one service user answered “can I really ask to do that then?” Activity programmes within care plans again highlighted that activity programmes need to me more robust to enable all service users the opportunity to engage in appropriate and fulfilling activities. The Inspectors were also informed that a lack of drivers also impacts on the ability to take service users out. This issue needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. The lunchtime meal in both units was observed. It was disappointing to see that the meal time in both units was poorly planned. In one unit, the meal according to the menu was prepared, however, when served, several service users stated that they didn’t like soup and requested an alternative. This resulted in a staggered mealtime which caused a lot of disruption in the dining room. Service users were unsettled by the chaos. In the other unit, the menu could not be followed as despite food shopping being undertaken the day before, the food choices on offer were not available. Again, this generated disappointment and chaos. It is therefore required that mealtimes are appropriately planned and choices are offered in advance of the meal being served. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): The key standards for this section were inspected on the 23 April 2005 and findings can be found in this report. EVIDENCE: Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Service users and stakeholders have opportunities to air their views. Service users would be better protected if the home could manage the repeated behaviours which generate numerous adult protection alerts. EVIDENCE: A complaint was received by the CSCI in September 2005 raising concerns in respect of poor care practices and management at the home. Following an investigation by the CSCI it was upheld that staff training/qualifications are currently inadequate and that aspects of care planning are insufficient. Other areas of the complaint were partially upheld and resulted in requirements being made in respect of the following areas; reviewing policies and procedures, improving fire safety, ensuring staff recruitment procedures are robust and reviewing the way transport arrangements are funded. The organisation has been asked to submit an action plan detailing how he intends to meet the identified shortfalls. A number of adult protection referrals have been discussed since the last inspection in respect of incidents between service users. Throughout this inspection, it was identified that the service could improve its role within this arena and potentially prevent the number of reportable incidents. As examples of practice issues, firstly it was observed that some staff lacked the skills to understand non-verbal communication methods. As a second point, staff did not always respond promptly to escalating behaviours. Finally, the lack of planning and structure to the day was highlighted as a potentially contributing factor.
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24 & 30 Service users benefit from home that is generally clean, comfortable and wellmaintained. EVIDENCE: Darwell House is an adapted two storey, detached property situated alongside its sister home, in ten acres of ground in Maynards Green. The home is divided into two self-contained units. Accommodation for fifteen service users is provided in single room accommodation that has been personally decorated and furnished to reflect individual tastes and personalities. The home was generally found to be clean and tidy throughout, although it was identified that one bedroom and hallway were malodorous. On discussion, this has been identified as a new issue, but the home does need to ensure any issues of incontinence are effectively and sensitively managed. It was also noted that not all toilets and bathrooms had hand-drying facilities and this needs to be rectified. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 32, 34, 35 & 36 Service users benefit from a more permanent team of staff, who are regularly supervised and supported. Recruitment procedures need to be more robust in order to fully protect service users. Service users would be better supported if staff had the skills to meet their specialist needs. EVIDENCE: The home has worked hard to increase the number of permanent staff employed and reduce the previous heavy reliance on agency staff. Records seen showed that recorded supervisions are being held on a regular basis. Staff spoken with confirmed that they had a positive relationship with the new Manager and felt supported by her. Staff recruitment files were examined and it was identified that whilst the majority of documentation was in place, the home needs to ensure that all new employees provide a full employment history and that any references that are received incomplete or appear poor, are followed up. A number of staff training records were inspected and whilst there was evidence of some training having been provided, this was not structured nor
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 sufficient. Training has been an area previously identified by the CSCI as requiring attention and whilst some programmes have been implemented over the past few months, staff do not have the full range of skills to meet some of the complex needs of they people they are supporting. In particular, it has been identified that staff need to undertake communication training as a matter of priority. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 38, 39, 41 & 42 Residents and staff benefit from an experienced and approachable Manager. This would be further improved with clarity regarding the organisational structure. The home would benefit from a more robust system of quality assurance. EVIDENCE: The home has recently appointed a new Manager, who is currently going through the process of registration. This person has completed the Registered Managers’ Award and National Vocational Qualification, Level 4 in Care. Staff spoken with throughout the inspection, said they felt supported by the Manager. That being said, the recent organisational changes are affecting staff morale and impacting on staff motivation. Staff spoken with reported that many of these problems are associated with a lack of communication about the changes. This needs to be addressed, before this impacts on the way service users are supported.
Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The home has a number of systems in place to gain feedback from representatives and monitor the services provided by the home. It is however, required that the effectiveness of these systems are reviewed to ensure that the right level of feedback is being obtained an appropriately responded to. During the inspection, a variety of records were viewed and found to be accurately maintained and up to date. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 2 X X X 2 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 2 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 2 X X 2 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
STAFFING Score 3 X X X X X 2 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 1 13 X 14 1 15 X 16 2 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 2 2 X 2 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 2 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21
Darwell House Score X X X X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 2 2 X 3 3 X DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 YES 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 YA1 Regulation 5 Requirement That the homes Service User Guide is updated to include the information required by the Standard. That the home introduce an appropriate Statement of Purpose that clarifies the intended service user group it aims to provide services to. It must also reflect the new ownership and management arrangements of the home. That contracts are produced that are specific to the service user and homes provision including the individual fees charged. That the homes care planning system effectively monitors service users’ health, welfare and social needs. Care plans should provide support guidelines which outline how care should be given. Behavioural needs should be identified and backed up with comprehensive management strategies. Risk assessments are developed to include all activities and how the controls in place manage the
DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Timescale for action 20/12/05 2 YA1 4 20/12/05 3 YA5 5(1)(b) 20/12/05 4 YA6 15 01/02/06 5 YA9 13(4) 01/01/06 Darwell House Version 5.0 Page 23 6 YA11 12 7 YA12 16(m)(n) 8 YA14 16(m)(n) 9 10 11 YA17 YA30 YA34 16(2)(i) 16(2)(k) 19 12 YA35 18(1) 13 YA35 18(1) risk. (Previous timescale of o1 July 2005 not met) Meaningful goals are identified for service users and achievements recorded and reviewed. The Registered Person consult with all service users to devise a programe of suitable and fulfilling activities. (Previous timescales of 01 April 2005 not met and 01 July 2005 not met) Service users access to external day services is not prohibited by the unreliability of house vehicles or lack of drivers. (Previous timescales of 01 April 2005 and 01 July 2005 not met). Service users to be provided with the meal offered or chosen by them. All parts of the home to be kept clean and free from odour. The Registered Person ensure correct recruitment procedures are followed, including obtaining a full employment history., as detailed in Schedule 2 as amended. That the home ensures that all staff receive suitable training in communication techniques with adults with learning disabilities and help service users develop their own appropriate communication aids. That the Registered provider [new organisation/owners] send the Commission their staff training and development plan to show that it meets Sector Skills workforce training targets and ensures that staff fulfil the aims of the home and changing needs of service users. That this plan has a dedicated training budget, designated person with responsibility for training.
DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc 01/03/05 01/03/06 01/03/06 10/11/05 10/11/05 28/10/05 20/03/06 20/12/05 Darwell House Version 5.0 Page 24 14 YA39 24 To establish a quality assurance and monitoring system based on service user views That the results are published in the home’s guide. 01/03/06 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 YA38 Good Practice Recommendations The process of managing and running the home are open and transparent. That there are clear lines of management accountability from the home, through to the organisation who own and oversee Darwell House. Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection East Sussex Area Office Ivy House 3 Ivy Terrace Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4QT 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 Darwell House DS0000021117.V249514.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 26 - 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!