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Inspection on 17/07/06 for Finn Farm Lodge

Also see our care home review for Finn Farm Lodge for more information

This inspection was carried out on 17th July 2006.

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

The inspector 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

Some Service Users were able to inform the Inspector about their choices being enabled by the home. This is good practice and enhances the ethos of the home to work towards independent living. Staff training is well supported by the Registered Manager.

What has improved since the last inspection?

A requirement made at the previous inspection has been met. There was one recommendation made at this inspection.

What the care home could do better:

A recommendation was made for advice to be sought from the Fire Officer regarding the sighting of a computer station situated next to the tumble dryer. The Registered Manager agreed to provide an improvement plan regarding the flooring to the laundry area.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Finn Farm Lodge 2 Bathurst Road Folkestone Kent CT20 2NJ Lead Inspector Wendy Gabriel Unannounced Inspection 17th July 2006 10:00 Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.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 Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.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. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Finn Farm Lodge Address 2 Bathurst Road Folkestone Kent CT20 2NJ 01303 252821 01303 252821 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) www.craegmoor.co.uk Parkcare Homes (No. 2) Limited Miss Natasha Lydia Jane Pryke Post Vacant Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 10th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Finn Farm Lodge is registered to provide care for up to six adults with a learning disability. The Home is owned by Park Care Homes and the Registered Manager is Natasha Pryke. All bedrooms are single and are en-suite. There is a large kitchen, a spacious communal lounge and a dining area. The home aims to provide accommodation for adults with learning disabilities who are working towards independent living. Finn Farm Lodge is a detached property with accommodation on two floors in a residential area of Folkestone. All local amenities and public transport are within easy reach of the Home. Fees are currently £1335. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The Inspector had the opportunity to speak to the Registered Manager, briefly to a support worker and to some Service Users during this unannounced inspection. The college summer holidays had just commenced and the Service Users were encouraged to decide what their days’ activities would be. The Inspector noted the levels of independence the Service Users were supported to attain during the day and how the communication enhanced self-esteem and confidence. One Service User was able to tell the Inspector about his life at the home and how much he had been able to achieve towards an independent lifestyle. The Service User wanted to make it quite clear to the Inspector that his choices were enabled and very varied. Evidence seen indicates that the Registered Manager is robustly pursuing a full training schedule for the staff. What the service does well: 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. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Information is available to prospective Service Users about the home. Prospective Service Users are assessed to ensure their needs may be met in the home. EVIDENCE: The home assesses all prospective Service Users and the owning company has recently provided a new format for this purpose. The Registered Manager said that information from other agencies would be sought if applicable to that individual. The current Service Users have come from other homes within the company and information has also come from those homes. The Registered Manager has recently updated the statement of purpose. A service users guide is provided and is written in a simple style that clearly tells the reader about life in the home. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Service Users care plans are reviewed and contain clear information that reflects their lifestyle. Service Users said they are able to make decisions about their life in and out of the home and are encouraged and supported to do so. EVIDENCE: The care planning system is concise and informative. Decision-making is encouraged and supported, and residents are involved in the running of their home. The plans give suitable information for support workers to encourage the Service Users towards independence and are reviewed monthly and updated annually. Daily entries detail activities and the risk assessments include a monthly progress and evaluation. Terms and conditions are included in the car plans. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Two Service Users told the Inspector about their choices and how the home encourages their independence. A conversation between a Service User and the Registered Manager evidenced how the Service User was encouraged to think about different aspects of an issue and come to a conclusion by himself to suit his own needs. A similar instance was also noted between a support worker and another Service User. One Service User showed the Inspector a new shelf in his room and happily explained his reasons for wanting the shelf in that position. Goals are planned and are workable and can be one step at a time to give confidence to each Service User. This underpins the homes ethos of encouraging independence and is good practice. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service Users said they have a variety of activities, work and learning opportunities that the home encourages them to attend. Service Users rights are respected. Meals are provided that meet dietary needs and choices. EVIDENCE: Opportunities are encouraged that develop independent skills. One Service User told the Inspector about his many, varied activities including working at the local football club; he also plays for a local football team and travels to venues with the team. This in turn offers the chance of meeting people outside of the homes environment. The Inspector saw the different vegetables and salads being grown in the well-tended garden and a Service User told the Inspector that he had planted and nurtured them. An annual holiday is being planned to Zante for all but one of the Service Users who prefers to remain at home and go out to different places daily. One Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Service User told the Inspector about his interests and another was able to indicate to the Inspector by means of certificates awarded to him of the variety of courses he had undertaken. The home does not have its own vehicle but the Registered Manager stated that a vehicle might be borrowed from one of the other homes in the area owned by the company. The occasional drive out is enjoyed and Service Users have recently been to Southend. Household tasks are arranged as part of the independent living skills and the Skills’ teaching is undertaken in house on a one to one basis. A teacher visits the home weekly to teach art and craft. College is attended and one Service User has chosen and enrolled on a course independently of the home. Two Service Users are going to attend a ‘summer camp’ for two weeks whereby they will go out for several days a week to events and activities offered by the college during the summer holidays. The Registered Manager stated that there are currently plans to provide a club for all local homes in the company to be held in a nightclub where Service Users can experience a more community based activity than in clubs specifically for learning disability. A masseur visits once a month. The company pays half the fee towards this. Meals are prepared by Service Users with assistance if required from support workers. A Service User very kindly offered to make a sandwich for the Inspector for lunch. The kitchen is open plan and Service Users are free to access at it all times. There was evidence of fresh vegetables, salad and fruit in the home and the fridge and freezer was full. At the time of the inspection the Registered Manager confirmed there were no health issues requiring special dietary needs for any Service User. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Personal support is offered according to assessed needs. Healthcare needs are met. Service Users needs may be safeguarded by the homes medication policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: The care plans and risk assessments clearly indicate the support to be offered to individual Service Users. The Registered Manager said that as all the Service Users attend college and or work, weekends are free for them to choose their own preferred activity or just watch tv or have a lie in. From listening to conversation between the Service Users and support workers it was apparent that Service Users are enabled to make their own choices. The local learning disability team is available for support and advice as required. Healthcare needs are documented in care plans and evidence when an appointment has been made. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Medication administration records were completed with a record of daily audits included. This is good practice. Each Service User who has medication has a locked facility in his own room for storage. A Service User told the Inspector that he did not self -administer his medication and that staff would do that for him. The company has provided a large pack of medication administration advice, policies and procedures. Staff takes a competency test regarding administration. No excess medication was seen to be stored at the home. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. There is a clear complaints procedure operating in the home. Staff training and policies may protect Service Users from abuse, neglect and self-harm. EVIDENCE: There was evidence of complaints policies and notices in the home and in the service users guide that is available in an easy to understand and pictorial format. Support workers receive training in understanding Adult protection and the Registered Manager stated that yearly training is also undertaken as arranged by the company. Training is also undertaken in ‘causes of challenging behaviours’, ‘autism’, and ‘primary intervention’ that details a green amber and red level of intervention. Information around adult abuse is also given to Service Users as appropriate. There was evidence of notices about adult abuse, complaints and whistle blowing in the home. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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): Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. The home is clean and the environment is comfortable and furnished to complement the Service Users needs. Improvement to the laundry flooring will complement the good hygienic standards of the home. EVIDENCE: Some Service Users asked the Inspector if they could show her their rooms. Each room was individual and well furnished and decorated. The home was clean and tidy and Service Users were involved in various housekeeping tasks as part of their independent living skills. The Registered Manager pointed out some carpets in the communal areas of the home that are to be changed because, whilst they are in reasonable repair, the colour and patterns are old fashioned for the age group of the Service Users. A recommendation is made that advice be sought from the Fire Officer about the Service Users computer currently placed by the tumble drier. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 The laundry is in a light and tidy area where there is also a desk and chairs and some secure storage. Support workers and Service Users use this area. The laundry area is on a washable carpet and the Registered Manager agreed to provide an assessment of infection control measures to the area with an improvement plan that the carpet be replaced by impermeable flooring when the carpet needs replacing. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Recruitment policies are consistently followed and staff training and supervision is supported by the Registered Manager and company procedure. EVIDENCE: The staff training matrix indicated that a wide range of courses are undertaken to the National Minimum Standards plus working practices and courses specific to the Service Users group. NVQs 2 and 3 are undertaken and currently meet the requirement that at least 50 of staff hold NVQ. The company has devised a robust induction format and this leads new staff directly into foundation training. Support workers receive regular supervision and appraisals; again using a helpful book formatted by the company for this purpose. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the service. Service Users benefit from quality control audits. Service Users benefit from their personal plans being regularly reviewed. EVIDENCE: A previous requirement to report incidents under regulation 37 has been met. The home holds regular staff and Service Users meetings. Key worker training is given and Service Users meet with their key workers monthly and write a monthly report. The Inspector viewed the completed questionnaires from families and from Service Users that indicated their confidence in the service. Quality control audits are undertaken regularly including a daily audit of medication, which is good practice. Maintenance certificates were in date and the fire book was in order. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The Registered Manager operates a positive and open approach to her responsibilities and indicated a robust attitude to wishing to improve the home and the outlook for Service Users. Unfortunately the Inspector had little opportunity to speak in depth to support workers as they were leaving the home with various Service Users for the day. However, the Inspector observed good and positive interaction that underlined the homes ethos of autonomy and independence for Service Users. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 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 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 4 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X X X 3 X X 3 X Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. 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. 1. Refer to Standard YA24 Good Practice Recommendations Advice is to be sought from the Fire Officer regarding the siting of the computer next to the tumble dryer. Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU 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 Finn Farm Lodge DS0000032336.V299662.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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