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Inspection on 15/08/05 for Elora House

Also see our care home review for Elora House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 15th August 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report but made no statutory requirements on the home.

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

What the care home does well

The home is small and friendly. Residents are involved with the day to day running of the home. They are consulted on such things as menu planning, leisure activates and visitors to the home. The staff have a good understanding of the residents` needs and are able to respond positively and appropriately. Each resident`s care plan is very diverse and clearly identifies their individual needs and aspirations.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Some of the staff have received training in Adult protection awareness and food hygiene. At the previous inspection there had been two areas in which the home had to improve, the provider has taken action on one of these areas. Written records are now kept of all staff supervision sessions.

What the care home could do better:

Two new areas and the outstanding area of improvement were identified and discussed. The home requires a policy and procedure that covers the dying and death of a resident. Risk assessments need to be regularly reviewed and updated. Staff files could be reorganised into appropriate sections.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Elora House 48 Netherfield Gardens Barking Essex IG11 9TL Lead Inspector Julie Legg Unannounced Inspection 15 August 2005 15:00 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationary Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Elora House Address 48 Netherfield Gardens, Barking, Essex IG11 9TL Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 0208 591 2260 0208 591 2260 Mr Dia Tilakasiri Mr Dia Tilakasiri CRH Care Home 3 Category(ies) of LD Learning Disability (3) registration, with number of places Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 31 March 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Elora House is a privately owned care home which is registered for three adults with a learning disability. The home is situated in a residential area of Barking. The home is well kept and maintained and is undistinguishable from other houses in the street. The house consists of one bedroom and an open plan kitchen,dining and sitting room on the ground floor. There is also a small conservatory where smoking is allowed. Upstairs there are another two bedrooms, a combined bathroom and toilet and a staff office/sleep-in room. The home is well situated for all local amenties, including shops,library and leisure centre. It is also close to Barking railway station and the bus terminus. The home is run as a family type home, which aims to promote independance and choice and to assist them with developing daily living skills. Two of the residents attend specialist day services and are in part time time employment. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and commenced at 4.00pm. It took place over three hours. The inspector spoke to all three residents. Discussion took place with the member of staff on duty and the manager and feedback was given to the manager at the end of the inspection. The inspector made a tour of the home and looked at residents and care staff files. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Two new areas and the outstanding area of improvement were identified and discussed. The home requires a policy and procedure that covers the dying and death of a resident. Risk assessments need to be regularly reviewed and updated. Staff files could be reorganised into appropriate sections. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users’ know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 2 and 5 The home has detailed assessments, reports and information from the social care and health professionals. This will enable the manager to determine whether he can meet the needs of a prospective resident. Residents have individual contracts. EVIDENCE: Two of the residents have been in the home for several years and the third resident has been in the home since March 2004. All of the residents’ files were examined and they contained a detailed assessment, care plan and other relevant health information which had been received from the social care and health agencies. The provider also undertakes their own assessment. The residents’ files all had a copy of the contract ( stating terms and conditions), which had been signed by the resident and the manager. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 6,7 and 9 Residents’ needs and aspirations are reflected in their care plans and risk assessments. They are supported by staff to make decisions about their lives and are supported to take risks. EVIDENCE: The inspector examined each resident’s file which contained a detailed care plan and risk assessment. Staff were observed interacting with the residents and some elements of the care plans were discussed with the manager. The care plans clearly identify all personal care, social support and health needs of each individual resident and how they are to be met. Care plans are being evaluated, updated and regularly reviewed and accordingly are reflecting their changing needs. Regular reviews are held and involve the resident, their relative/representative and care management. Copies of the reviews are held on file and comments from the residents and relatives were all very positive. Staff were observed to work in a person centred way with each of the residents. One resident told the inspector that he was keen on gardening and the manager had assisted in him in finding an appropriate college course. Another resident had wanted to find some employment and again the manager had assisted him with finding a part time job at the local barber shop. The Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 residents told the inspector that they had meetings where they discussed what social activities they wanted to do and anything else to do with the home. Notes of these bi-monthly meetings were seen by the inspector. Risk assessments were examined and though they were comprehensive they needed to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. . Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 11, 12,13,14,15 and 16 All the residents are supported by staff to lead very active and varied lives which encourages personal development and learning. Accessing the community and contact with family and friends is given a high priority. Their rights are respected and they are encouraged and supported to take responsibility for their actions. EVIDENCE: Residents have a planned activity programme which takes account of their interests and capabilities. One of the residents attends a specialist day service two days a week and works as a volunteer in two charity shops. He has recently been accepted on a horticultural course at the local college. Another resident works in a barber’s shop two days a week. One of the residents stated that she did not want to attend a day centre as she was too old but enjoyed going out shopping with the staff and having her lunch one day a week at the local café. She also enjoys attending her regular hair appointments at a local salon. The residents have varied interests and leisure pursuits, these include swimming, weight training, car boot sales, cinema, theatre, gardening and Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 going to the pub. Next month they are all going on holiday to Margate, which residents said they are all looking forward to. Their bedrooms also showed their own particular interests and hobbies. One resident is very keen on music and football and he has a large volume of CDs and football posters displayed in his room. Another resident is interested in North American Indians and this is reflected in the artefacts in his room. At the time of the inspection, due to unforeseen circumstances, a member of staff was allowed to have her young daughter with her. This was with the agreement of the manager and the residents. All of the residents were asked individually if they were happy with the child being in their home. They all said “yes”, one resident added that “she enjoyed her being there”. This resident was seen sitting and drawing with the child, they were obviously enjoying each others company as they were both laughing. This is not a regular occurrence and this is only with the agreement of the manager and residents. The manager needs to ensure that a risk assessment regarding children in the home is in place and staff are clear about their responsibilities in the event of an accident/ emergency within the home. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 18,19,20 and 21 Care plans clearly identify the personal support residents require and that their physical and emotional health needs are met. Due to the level of disability, residents are unable to control their own medication, so staff always administer it. The medication policies and procedures are clear and staff receive the appropriate training to ensure that medications are administered safely. The residents’ wishes regarding their death are recorded and acted upon in the event of their death. EVIDENCE: The inspector spoke to the three residents regarding what support they required with their personal care. Two of the residents said that they are independent in their personal care and only required reminding. The other resident said she only needed some help with her bathing. The care plans indicated that all three residents required minimal support or prompting with their personal care needs. All of the care plans recorded appointments with health professionals (opticians, dentist, well woman clinic, breast screening, Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 chiropody, diabetic clinic and GP). All of the residents required support to attend their appointments. Two of the residents told the inspector that they had recently been to the dentist and one resident had been to the optician and had a new pair of glasses. Two of the residents are diabetic and tablet controlled, both have their sugar levels monitored frequently and records are kept. One of the residents experienced a fall two weeks ago and sustained a minor injury to her eye and knee. The injury had been recorded appropriately and the resident was able to give a full account of how the fall occurred. The Medication Administration ( MARS) charts for July and August were examined and all were completed appropriately. The manager had spoken to the residents about their wishes in the event of their death, the inspector saw evidence in the files that these wishes had been recorded. The home does not currently have a written policy and procedure for the death and dying of a resident. At the previous inspection a requirement was for the manager to ensure that the home had a policy and procedure for the dying and death of a resident. The manager advised that this requirement is still outstanding. He has commenced working on the documents and will ensure that they are completed by the end of October. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 22 and23 The manager and staff make every effort to deal with any problems or concerns and make sure that that residents and their relatives feel confident that their complaints and concerns are listened to and will be acted upon. Residents are protected from abuse by the policies, procedures and practices within the home. EVIDENCE: The home has a comprehensive complaints policy and procedures and details of who to contact at the Commission. Both written and verbal complaints are recorded, the action taken and the outcome for the complainant. There have been no complaints since the last inspection, the inspector was satisfied from the discussions with the residents and the manager that any complaints would be dealt with promptly. The three residents were asked what they would do if they were unhappy with anything in the home. They said “I would speak to Dia” who is the manager or a member of staff. The inspector reaffirmed to them that they could contact the Commission. All three residents could also talk to their relatives who they see regularly. There is a written policy and procedure for dealing with allegations of abuse and whistle blowing. Most of the staff have undergone Adult Protection/Abuse awareness training, the remaining two members of staff will be attending a course in September. Staff records were examined and there was certificates indicating that the training had been undertaken. This will ensure a proper response to any allegations of abuse. The member of staff spoken to was aware of the action to be taken if there were concerns about the welfare and safety of residents. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24,25 and 30 The home is decorated and furnished to a good standard. It is clean and hygienic and provides a homely environment for the residents in which to live. Their bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. EVIDENCE: All rooms in the home was inspected, the décor and furnishing are maintained to a good standard. There is an open plan kitchen. dining and sitting room area with comfortable furnishings. There is also a small conservatory where residents can smoke. The residents showed the inspector their bedrooms which are decorated and furnished to their own individual tastes, with music centres, televisions, photographs, swimming medals and football posters. There is also a combined bathroom and toilet. The home offers a homely environment for residents to live in. Throughout the inspection all areas of the home were found to be clean tidy and free from odour. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 34,35 and 36 The home has a robust recruitment policy, which provides safeguards for the residents and staff receive appropriate training and regular supervision to meet the needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: Three staff files were examined and these indicate that the home is undertaking all the necessary employment checks including Criminal Record Bureau checks to ensure the protection of the residents. Staff files had evidence that training has been undertaken. All but one member of staff have obtained their NVQ2. A requirement of the last inspection stated that written records are to be kept of staff supervision meetings. Files show that these records are now being kept. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37,41 and 42 The home is well managed and provides a safe environment and that the residents’ best interests are paramount. EVIDENCE: Records were checked, staff and residents were asked their views and staff interacting with the residents was also observed. The findings were discussed with the manager. All the evidence from the previous sections of this report points to a well managed home, where the needs of the residents come first. The manager is very experienced and qualified (NVQ4) to manage the home and has a sound understanding of the residents’ needs. The home is maintained to a satisfactory standard and provides a safe environment for the residents. The homes record keeping is satisfactory but it is recommended that staff files are reorganised into sections (application form, references, supervision contract and notes and training certificates), this will ensure easier access to relevant documents. Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x 2 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 x 3 3 x 2 x Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Elora House Score 3 3 3 2 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 x x x 3 3 x G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 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. 2. 3. Standard 9 16 21 Regulation 13 (4c) 13 (6) 12(1) & (2) Requirement Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated A risk assessment to be completed regarding children visiting the home The home must have a policy and procedure that covers all aspects of standard 21 Timescale for action 30/11/05 31/10/05 31/10/05 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 41 Good Practice Recommendations Staff files to be reorganised into appropriate sections Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ferguson House 113 Cranbrook Road Ilford Essex IG1 4PU 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 Elora House G55_S0000027887_Elora House_V244558_150805_Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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