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Inspection on 28/06/07 for Ferndale

Also see our care home review for Ferndale for more information

This inspection was carried out on 28th June 2007.

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

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

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 gives clear information to people who use the service about the home. Before someone new moves into the home staff check that they will be able to give them the care they need. The home looks after people well and writes down what help everyone needs. People who use the service are given help and support to do the activities they choose. They are also supported to stay in touch with their families and to develop friendships. Families and friends are welcome to visit the home. People who use the service can choose what they like to eat from the healthy menu at the home. People are supported with their medical appointments and their health care. All staff are trained to give medication safely. The home has a complaints procedure that has easy to understand information about how to complain. People who use the service can talk to staff about any problems they may have. Staff are trained and know what to do if there are any problems. Ferndale is homely, clean and tidy. People who use the service can decorate their rooms in the way they like. The home makes sure that checks are made on staff before they start working in the home. Suitable staff are employed and all necessary checks are made to make sure that people who live at Ferndale are kept safe. Staff are well trained and work well together to make sure everyone is well cared for. The providers checks the home to make sure that everything is being done properly. They check to make sure the home is a safe place to live and work in.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The statement of purpose has been updated to show the changes in the staff team and the new manager. Times when risk assessments are due to be reviewed are now recorded on the risk assessments. Staff have regular training in how to complete and work with risk assessments, so they can support people who use the service to be more involved in their lifestyles. Everyone now has a plan for their dietary needs and staff have been trained to know how to make sure those needs are being met. People who use the service have been supported to have treatment from a qualified chiropodist and for hearing tests. Plans have been agreed so staff know how to support people who want to manage some of their own medication and apply their own creams or ointments. The home will make sure that all complaints are checked out and that all details and actions are fully recorded. The home has had a new kitchen fitted. Many rooms in the home have been painted and decorated. The laundry room has been refitted and decorated.

What the care home could do better:

The service has improved since the last inspection visit. This improvement should continue and be maintained. The registration with CSCI of the acting manager will help with this continued development.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Ferndale 6 - 10 Church Road Brownhills Walsall West Midlands WS8 6AA Lead Inspector Dianne Thompson Key Unannounced Inspection 28th June 2007 09:00 Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.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 Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.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. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ferndale Address 6 - 10 Church Road Brownhills Walsall West Midlands WS8 6AA 01543 454 689 01543 372 308 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) Mrs Angela Lane Mr Peter David French Vacant post Care Home 13 Category(ies) of Learning disability (13) registration, with number of places Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide personal care (excluding nursing) and accommodation for service users of both sexes whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Learning disability (LD) 13 The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is 13. 2. Date of last inspection 28th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Ferndale is a residential home that offers specialised care for adults with autism and associated conditions. The building is designed to be domestic in nature with two lounges, two kitchens, a dining room, laundry and thirteen single bedrooms all of which have en-suite facilities. There is a small garden to the rear of the premises. The service also provides day care facilities to residents of Chase Community Homes. The home is located very near to the centre of Brownhills, close to shops, public transport, markets, theatres and public houses. There is local provision for riding for the disabled and Cannock Chase is close by for activities such as walks. Ferndale is one of a number of homes that form Chase Community Homes, a private company that is owned by two teachers, both of whom have over twelve years experience of teaching in residential schools for complex and delayed developmental disorders including autism. Chase Community Homes are a group of small residential homes aiming at providing an environment where adults with autism and allied conditions can feel safe and secure. They believe people with such conditions have the right to live like others in the community, but that they also have the right to continued specialist help and support within a sheltered setting, to enable their lives to be more meaningful and fulfilling. The current fee for the service ranges from£1000 to £1200 per week. Charges which are additional to the fee include: • • Ferndale Personal toiletries, clothing and electrical items such as TV and music players Activities not covered by the allowance made by the provider or in the DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 • • • • • funding authority contract Holidays Major extra outings Hairdressing Reflexology Beauty therapy Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection of Ferndale. The main purpose of this inspection was to see what the service at Ferndale was like for the people who live there. Care plans, records and individual files were examined. Time was spent with people who use the service, the acting manager and staff on duty. Surveys were sent out to relatives and people who work in the medical services prior to the inspection visit. What the service does well: The home gives clear information to people who use the service about the home. Before someone new moves into the home staff check that they will be able to give them the care they need. The home looks after people well and writes down what help everyone needs. People who use the service are given help and support to do the activities they choose. They are also supported to stay in touch with their families and to develop friendships. Families and friends are welcome to visit the home. People who use the service can choose what they like to eat from the healthy menu at the home. People are supported with their medical appointments and their health care. All staff are trained to give medication safely. The home has a complaints procedure that has easy to understand information about how to complain. People who use the service can talk to staff about any problems they may have. Staff are trained and know what to do if there are any problems. Ferndale is homely, clean and tidy. People who use the service can decorate their rooms in the way they like. The home makes sure that checks are made on staff before they start working in the home. Suitable staff are employed and all necessary checks are made to make sure that people who live at Ferndale are kept safe. Staff are well trained and work well together to make sure everyone is well cared for. The providers checks the home to make sure that everything is being done properly. They check to make sure the home is a safe place to live and work in. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People are given information about the services offered at the home to help them make an informed choice about whether they would like to live at Ferndale and whether the home will meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide provides information about the home to help people decide if they wish to live at Ferndale. The Statement of Purpose has recently been updated to reflect the change of manager and changes within the staff team. Copies of the information are available to all, including visitors to the home. Surveys from families confirmed that information about the home is shared, and that they are kept up to date with important issues. There is evidence that full assessments have been completed for everyone who uses the service prior to their moving into Ferndale. The home has an admissions policy and procedure in place and the home makes sure they are followed for all admissions to the home. The assessment process is very detailed and care records show that the home receives full information about people, their background, their needs, their likes and Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 dislikes when they are referred for a placement. Information is gathered from a range of sources such as other relevant professionals, visits to previous homes or schools, and discussions with family members. There have been two new admissions to the home since the last inspection and assessments are being completed for two prospective admissions to the new annexe. Introductory visits and stays are arranged at the home prior to admission. Everyone is given a copy of relevant information prior to moving into the home, and information is offered in preferred formats, such as symbols, pictures, and large print. Surveys confirm that people visited the home and were given support to move to Ferndale. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 6,7,9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Care plans provide staff with detailed information about individual’s assessed needs. They include risk assessments to show how risks are to be reduced and how to promote independence. People who use the service are supported to make choices and decisions in their daily lives and routines. EVIDENCE: Care plans were examined for three people who use the service. Individual care plans are detailed and informative and show how care is to be provided and the level of support that is needed. Plans include details of preferred personal routines, health care needs, communication assessments, behavioural guidelines and risk assessments. The home keeps daily record sheets for everyone who uses the service and this acts as a checklist to make sure all required care is given throughout the day and includes nighttime routines. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily information record sheets are used to communicate information to parents and carers where this has been agreed. Guidelines are in place to support people at mealtimes, in their personal routines, from self-injury and where behaviour becomes challenging. Plans provide information about the methods of communication that people who use the service understand. These plans make sure all staff are aware to promote consistency. Examples of the different methods used include widget symbols and objects of reference. Staff were observed supporting people in activities. Pictures and photographs promote understanding and communication in care plans. My Life Books are completed for everyone who uses the service. Files for three people who use the service were examined. Case tracking provides a view of how the home responds to the diversity of needs and how this is being managed and supported. This is particularly evident where health needs and disability requires greater input and support from all staff within the home. Relevant information and monitoring is provided in individual files to make sure all staff have the necessary information to provide quality care. Each person is allocated a key worker to oversee his or her care. Each key worker builds a closer relationship so they gain more understanding and knowledge of individual needs, goals and wishes. Plans are reviewed regularly or as any changes in need occur, and there is evidence of key worker support and encouragement to make sure that people who use the service are fully involved in the reviews of their care plans. The home completes risk assessments to promote safety and independence for people who use the service. Risk assessments have been completed for identified needs and goals contained within individual plans of care. The time spans for review has been included in these risk assessments and meets the requirement of the previous inspection. Risk assessment practice training is now included in the in-house training schedule as recommended at the previous inspection. Family surveys confirmed that care given is what they expected or agreed with the home. From nine surveys which were returned six families feel happy with the service their relative receives, but two indicated that they are ‘partly satisfied’ and ‘not satisfied’ with the overall care provided by the home. One person who uses the service had been supported to complete their survey by their parent and was ‘able to point to the relevant symbols to indicate how they felt about their home which was reassuring’. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People receive help and encouragement to lead active and interesting lives and are supported to access facilities within the community. People are also supported to maintain links with their families and to develop friendships. The home offers a well-balanced menu and promotes healthy eating for the welfare of people who use the service. EVIDENCE: Some of the people who use the service were out for the day at the time of the inspection visit. Time was spent with three people who were at home. The home provides a range of activities for people who use the service, in their separate day services building, in the home and within the local community. All activities are organised to take into account individual needs and preferences, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to take part. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 A day services coordinator manages the day services. The day service guide was seen. The guide is very informative and uses pictures to explain the activities that are available. At the day centre and at home people are supported to develop their independence skills through cooking, fitness, computer, hand and foot therapy, art, and horse riding. The home currently uses two horse-riding centres, one has fields for general riding, and the other teaches specific riding skills. People are supported to write letters home using the computers and widget symbols in day services. Photo diaries are maintained as evidence of lifestyles and activities enjoyed by everyone. Photographs were seen of recent horse riding activities and leisure time spent in the garden. Activities within the home include music sessions, using the exercise cycle and gardening activities. One person is learning to use a CD player. Current external activities include visits to places such as Tamworth Castle, bowling, McDonalds, pub lunches, farm visits, visits to Weymouth and Blackpool. People regularly attend the Mencap disco on Thursday evenings, held locally. Holidays are planned for the people who use the service. Two people are going to Skegness (Butlins) in September, four people are going to Wales in October and four people are going to an activity centre in the Lake District in October. Day trips are being arranged for one person who prefers to stay at home. Similar day trips last year for this person included visits to Cadbury World, Blackpool, and the Emmerdale production set. Evidence is available to show that regular contact with friends and family is supported. Survey responses confirm that regular visits and contact is supported and maintained. The home employs a cook who provides well-balanced, varied meals for people who use the service. Alternative options are available. The kitchen is well organised and well stocked. A meal was eaten during the inspection visit which included jacket potato with a choice of filling and side salad, followed by home made syrup sponge pudding and custard. During the previous inspection the home was required to complete nutritional assessments for everyone who uses the service, and demonstrate that specific dietary needs are being met. It was also recommended that dietary advice be sought from the GP with regards to an individual who is trying to lose weight. Dietary advice has been requested through the GP and a referral appointment is awaited. In the meantime the staff at the home have undergone nutritional training through Wolverhampton College. They are due to receive their certificates shortly. The home has completed nutritional assessments as necessary and individual plans show how dietary needs are being met. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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, 20 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Personal and healthcare needs are clearly identified in care plans. The plans provide information and promote consistency of care and support for people who use the service in a way that takes into account their preferences. The home has a medication policy and procedure, which is followed to make sure that all medication is administered and stored safely for the protection of everyone who uses or works in the service. EVIDENCE: Individual care records and plans provide detailed information about physical and mental health and the support needed from staff to maintain good hygiene and health. The care plans sampled contain information about preferred personal care routines. Staff said they are able to communicate with people who use the service verbally and, in certain cases, with the additional use of signs and objects of reference. Some people who were at home at the time of the visit have limited communication, but they appeared to be comfortable, fully involved Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 and at home in their environment. One person talked about how they were looking forward to their forthcoming holiday. Records of all physical checks are completed where people have particular health related issues such as weight and fluid intake. In this way the home is able to closely monitor and respond to changes or obtain appropriate medical input whenever necessary. Arrangements have been made for everyone to receive treatment from a qualified chiropodist, and to access hearing tests. This meets the requirements of the previous inspection. People who use the service and the home are well supported by medical services, which include GP’s, speech and language therapists, dentist, psychologist, psychiatrist, epilepsy consultant and the community learning disability team. The home has a medication policy and procedure in place. The manager confirmed that the organisations policies and procedures would be followed should any medication error occur. Additionally these would be reported to the CSCI. Self-medication assessments have been completed for everyone and are based on individual capabilities with plans of care implemented as necessary. These assessments were seen and discussed with the manager. This meets a requirement of the previous inspection. Medication administration records were seen and appropriate recording is evident. Medicines are suitably and safely stored. Any discontinued medication is now returned to the pharmacy as required during the previous inspection. All prescribed medication in use is recorded on the MAR sheets. It was recommended at the previous inspection that the home implement health action plans. This was discussed with the manager, who demonstrated the Health Action Plans supplied by Walsall Health Authority. The local learning disability team are to support the home in both the completion of these plans, and with staff training. It was noted that although these plans include sections for useful medical information, there is no facility for logging appointments and routine health checks. The manager was advised to modify these plans to ensure information is recorded, easily accessed and monitored. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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, 23 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who use the service are protected by easy to understand information about how to complain, with appropriate information for staff provided. Staff support people to express their views and any concerns they may have. EVIDENCE: Ferndale has a suitable complaints policy and procedure in place. The procedure has been modified to clarify the process for complaints and timescales that can be expected in response to any complaints and possible investigation. The complaints procedure includes reference to CSCI, and is also available in makaton to make it more accessible to people who use the service. Survey responses indicated that two families are unaware of the home’s complaints procedure. Three people indicated they had had made a complaint, one indicating that this was informal. Six respondents indicated they had not made complaints but were aware of the complaints procedure. A discussion took place with the manager about how to respond should an allegation of abuse be reported or suspected. It is clear from the discussion that he fully understands the procedures to be followed. It is recognised that where a previous complaint had been made to the home, an appropriate response had not been made. The acting manager is aware of the circumstances around the complaint and that changes have been made to the complaints procedure. The manager understands that full and comprehensive Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 investigations must be completed for all complaints and to maintain a record that includes details of any investigation, action taken and outcome. There are suitable policies and procedures in place to support staff in keeping people who use the service safe. All staff completed adult protection training during May 2007. This meets the requirement of the previous inspection. During the inspection visit staff were observed engaging with people who use the service in a supportive and respectful way. The home has relevant financial policies and procedures in place to make sure that money is kept safe for each person. Risk assessments have been completed to support people in managing their own money. The provider conducts both in-house and regular financial audits. People who use the service have their own bank accounts. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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, 30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Ferndale provides accommodation that meets the needs of people who use the service, and offers a safe and comfortable home. The home is kept clean which ensures that good hygiene and infection control is maintained. EVIDENCE: A tour of the home was conducted. Ferndale is a residential home that offers specialised care for adults with autism and associated conditions. The building has two lounges, one main kitchen and two smaller kitchens, a dining room, laundry and thirteen single bedrooms all of which have en-suite facilities. The service also provides day care facilities to residents of Chase Community Homes. The home is located very near to the centre of Brownhills, close to shops, public transport, markets, theatres and public houses. There is local provision for riding for the disabled and Cannock Chase is close by for activities such as walks. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 There is a small, fully enclosed garden that is well laid out and accessible. The garden provides communal space where people can sit, ride their bikes, or have BBQ’s in the garden. There is a relaxed atmosphere to the home. The home has been redecorated since the previous inspection and has been very nicely done. A new main kitchen has been installed where main meals are prepared and cooked. The people who live at Ferndale can now access snacks and drinks and take part in meal preparation in the other two kitchens. The rooms of people who use the service are personalised and clearly show their interests and their independence. All rooms are clean, tidy and well presented. Two people who use the service gave permission for their rooms to be seen. Policies and procedures for infection control are in place and staff are provided with disposable gloves and aprons. Communal bathrooms have paper towels and liquid soap available. All cleaning materials are stored in locked cupboards in the laundry room. The laundry room has been refurbished and now has dry and wet areas. This meets the requirement of the previous inspection. Staff were observed wearing appropriate protective wear for the tasks being completed. The home employs a cleaner, who was working in the home at the time of the inspection. The former day services’ building has been converted into an annex, and was being prepared for two new admissions at the time of the inspection. The rooms are well furnished and decorated. The home employs a maintenance person. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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, 35 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing levels are being maintained and the staff team understand their responsibilities. Staff are well supported and work together to provide people who use the service with consistent and good quality care. Staff receive relevant training to help them meet the needs of people who use the service. The home’s recruitment policy and practices make sure that suitable staff are employed. All necessary checks are made to ensure the safety of everyone living at Ferndale. EVIDENCE: Ferndale has a committed staff team. Staff receive regular training and have completed autism, makaton, fire training, adult protection, medication, equal opportunities, and food hygiene this year. Training records were seen. Further training is planned and includes general course updates, nutrition, LDAF, NVQ3 and Equality and diversity. All staff have completed communication training specifically to meet the needs of the people living at the home. Communication training is completed Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 regularly in house by the speech and language therapist who is employed by the home. All staff have completed training in challenging behaviour and epilepsy and this meets a requirement of the previous inspection. The home is making arrangements for all staff to undertake NVQ qualifications. Thirteen of the nineteen staff team currently have an NVQ. All newly employed staff complete an Induction Course. The Induction process also includes new staff being supported by senior staff to familiarise themselves with the home, people who use the service and safety matters. Ferndale’s recruitment policy and procedures ensure that everyone completes an appropriate application form and that required references are obtained including one from their most recent employer. Appropriate criminal records and other checks are undertaken before their appointment is confirmed. All staff are required to work a probationary period at the home. There have been two new members of staff since the last inspection, and all appropriate checks have been made. All staff files now contain the required documents and information as set out in Schedules 4 and 6 of the Care Homes Regulations 2004, meeting the requirement of the previous inspection. Survey responses from families indicated that four people were unhappy about staffing levels, particularly at weekends, however five people felt there were sufficient staff on duty. Staff rota’s were checked and rota cover appeared to be appropriate. The manager and the senior members of staff are providing staff supervision. The manager is currently completing all staff appraisals. The manager has been in post for approximately six months, and records indicate that the regular supervision and appraisal of all staff will be achieved. This will meet the requirement of the previous inspection. Staff meetings are held regularly and include in house training sessions. Survey responses indicated that staff ‘feel involved and supported’. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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, 42 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is managed in an open and positive way. The provider monitors the home in various ways to ensure that the service continues to develop as people who use the service want and that the home remains a safe place to live and work in. EVIDENCE: The acting manager, Danny Page is due to submit an application as registered manager with CSCI. Danny has managed the home for approximately six months, having worked as a registered manager for another home with the same Company for many years. Danny has undertaken a range of relevant training courses that includes Autism, supervision, physical restraint, medication, environmental health, risk assessment, health and safety, makaton and epilepsy. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Danny is qualified to RMA and NVQ 4, is an NVQ assessor, and a trained counsellor. Danny is due to attend an assessor’s workshop for medication handling training. Danny is also completing a postgraduate degree in Autism. The home is aiming to work towards autism accreditation; they are currently affiliated to the autistic society. A deputy manager and senior staff supports the manager. Management responsibilities include organising day-to-day activities, health and safety promotion, staff supervision and induction. The day services coordinator is a qualified teacher. Staff confirmed that the manager is approachable and supportive. Staff said they are able to talk to the manager at any time. Management support is available from the provider, who is available to advise and support the home. The provider’s monthly visits are one of the ways that the service is monitored and how the home is being run. These visits include interviews with staff and people who use the service. An audit of relevant aspects of the service, including records, environment, complaints received, finance and safety is completed. Any actions that may be needed to address shortfalls are specified. The resulting reports are also part of the home’s quality assurance and monitoring system and are intended to form an annual development plan for the service. This report will include views on the service from people who use the service, stakeholders and interested parties. Health and safety is well managed within the home. Records show that monthly checks of the fire safety system and equipment, water temperature and storage, fridge, freezers and electrical appliances are completed. Staff are undertaking all mandatory health and safety training topics. Generic risk assessments are in place. The home has now complied with its fire policy and procedure that states that two fire drills are to be completed each year. This meets the requirement of the previous inspection. Fire records were checked and all checks and drills have been carried out as required. Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 3 14 X 15 4 16 3 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection Worcester Local Office The Coach House, John Comyn Drive Perdiswell Droitwich Road WORCESTER WR3 7NW 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 Ferndale DS0000020852.V326583.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 - 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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