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Inspection on 04/06/07 for Furzehill Road (9)

Also see our care home review for Furzehill Road (9) for more information

This inspection was carried out on 4th June 2007.

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

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

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 service users who had contact with inspector expressed a high level of satisfaction with the arrangements in place for them. The inspector was struck by the degree of care and support the residents showed towards each other. A service user who wrote to the Commission said `my home is nice, the staff are nice and it is not long to the shops and the bus is good`. Residents who choose to live at Furzehill Road are provided with a comfortable and stable home environment from which they can easily access local shops, transport, and recreational and educational facilities. A high priority is placed on ensuring service users are leading fulfilling lives through their individual programmes of social, leisure and educational activities within the community Service users are fully involved in deciding how they wish to live their lives and are able to contribute their views on the running of their home. Service users are provided with a varied and nutritious diet of home cooked meals, which they are involved in planning and preparing. Each service user has a key worker they can relate to, who takes a special interest in them. There are good systems in place for monitoring and reviewing the quality of the service provided.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The care plans viewed were up to date and demonstrated that regular reviews were taking place to ensure staff are meeting the needs of each individual. New permanent staff have been recruited which has stabilised the staff team. This means service users are being supported by people they have got to know. Staff have been able to develop a more in-depth person centred approach to involving service users in identifying their needs and aspirations. Equipment that was not working at the time of the last inspection has been repaired and the garden tidied and made safe. Many areas of the home have been decorated and new furniture, soft furnishings, fixtures and fittings provide, maintain standards, and creating a bright homely environment. Two residents were very pleased with their freshly decorated bedrooms.

What the care home could do better:

To fulfil their legal obligations Mencap need to ensure that the managers they recruit submit application for Registration with the Commission as they take up their posts. Mencap have advised the Commission that the current manager will be leaving on 20th July 2007 and a new manager is being recruited.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Furzehill Road (9) 9 Furzehill Road Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 2DG Lead Inspector Sheila Knopp Unannounced Inspection 4th & 8th June 2007 13:40 Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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 Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Furzehill Road (9) Address 9 Furzehill Road Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 2DG 0208 953 8401 F/P 0208 953 8401 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) H46013@mencap.org.uk Royal Mencap Society Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (6) of places Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 15th June 2006 Brief Description of the Service: 9 Furzehill Road is a two storey semi-detached house operated by the voluntary organization Mencap as a six-bed care home for adults with learning disabilities. It is located in Borehamwood, just off the High Street. All the people who live there have their own bedrooms and the home has a variety of communal spaces, decorated and furnished in domestic styles. All the town facilities are nearby. There is a bus stop outside the home and a railway station within walking distance. The home is staffed twenty-four hours a day and aims to support the service users to lead the lifestyles they choose in a safe environment. Information about the service provided at 9 Furzehill Road, including the most recent inspection report can be obtained on request from the manager. Each person living at 9 Furzehill Road has a tenancy agreement that sets out his or her individual contribution towards the rent, which is part of a block contract with Hertfordshire County Council. The individual contributions range from £63.95 - £95.95 per week. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The information in this report is based on two visits to the service where the inspector met five service users and five staff. Survey forms were left for residents to complete so that their views could be considered. Where people need help to complete the survey it was requested that some one outside the home be contacted to assist them so an independent view is obtained. At the time of writing this report, four completed survey forms had been received. Information received by the Commission since the last inspection on 15/06/06 has been considered. The Commission is not aware of any complaints or concerns about the service provided at 9 Furzehill Road. What the service does well: The service users who had contact with inspector expressed a high level of satisfaction with the arrangements in place for them. The inspector was struck by the degree of care and support the residents showed towards each other. A service user who wrote to the Commission said ‘my home is nice, the staff are nice and it is not long to the shops and the bus is good’. Residents who choose to live at Furzehill Road are provided with a comfortable and stable home environment from which they can easily access local shops, transport, and recreational and educational facilities. A high priority is placed on ensuring service users are leading fulfilling lives through their individual programmes of social, leisure and educational activities within the community Service users are fully involved in deciding how they wish to live their lives and are able to contribute their views on the running of their home. Service users are provided with a varied and nutritious diet of home cooked meals, which they are involved in planning and preparing. Each service user has a key worker they can relate to, who takes a special interest in them. There are good systems in place for monitoring and reviewing the quality of the service provided. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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 Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standard 2- People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People looking to live at Furzehill Road would be involved in a thorough assessment process to identify their needs and aspirations. EVIDENCE: Mencap have comprehensive polices and procedures in place for ensuring the needs of individuals looking to move in, can be met. This would include the opportunity to met the other residents and try out the service. There have been no recent admissions to Furzehill Road, which provides a stable home environment for the people who choose to live there. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 6, 7 & 9 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Each service user has a person centred care plan which sets out how they wish to be supported and provides staff with information that tells them how each person would like things done. There is a positive and enabling approach to managing risks so individuals can lead fulfilling lives and take part in activities they enjoy. EVIDENCE: All four service users who completed surveys confirmed they liked living at Furzehill Road, they felt well cared for, were treated well and enjoyed their food. One person who met the inspector said ‘it’s nice here’. The records of four service users were checked as part of this inspection. They had been regularly updated and clearly set out how each person wished to be supported. A service user said they looked through their plan and had helped Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 to put it together. They showed the inspector photographs, which were important to them and had been included. The risk assessments in place demonstrate there is a positive approach to enabling service users to lead independent lives. An example was given of a service user who used to be taken to church, but is now gradually gaining the confidence to go independently. The inspector met with five out of the six people who live at Furzehill Road. Everyone looked comfortable and relaxed in his or her home. One person made everyone a cup of tea as they came in. Service users enquired about each other or showed other people what they had been doing. Service users are able to influence the running of the home individually and as a group through meetings and one to one sessions with staff. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 & 17 - People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Each service user had a weekly plan of activities and social events that promote their personal development and interests. Service users are assisted to maintain contact with family and friends. Service users are involved in the planning and preparation of meals which the say they enjoy. EVIDENCE: All four service users who completed surveys confirmed there were good activities. One service user told the inspector about the holiday they were looking forward to. Another person wrote that ‘staff support them on holiday and help them a lot’. A service user showed the inspector the post cards they had purchased on a day out to a steam railway, which they had enjoyed. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 While individual activities are enjoyed service users also meet up with friends living in the area, are supported to maintain contact with their families and enjoy social occasions out together such as meals. Service users visit local pubs, restaurants and the cinema. Each person has a day at home to enable them have one to one time with staff, to catch up with their household chores, do shopping and visit banks and building societies. A service user told the inspector where they liked to shop for clothes. Service users are involved in planning, shopping and cooking meals. Staff are on hand to provide advice and information on healthy eating where this is needed. Support is also available from a dietician. There was a beautiful smell of roast lamb cooking. One of the service users brought a bag of lettuce home, which they had been involved in growing. All service users who completed surveys agreed they liked the food. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 18, 19 & 20 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Each person has an assessment of their needs and a support plan that identifies how they wish to be supported in relation to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Arrangements are made from service users to access local community health & social care services. There are well organised systems in place to ensure residents receive the medication they require. Any problems are picked up quickly and dealt with. The culture and ethos of the service and staff team supporting service users protects their privacy and dignity. EVIDENCE: The care records clearly set out each persons needs and how they are to be met on a daily basis. There are regular health care reviews and clear guidelines Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 for monitoring individual issues. During the inspection the chiropodist arrived to see individual service users. They were each seen in the privacy of their own room. Staff did not discuss confidential information in front of others. Health education information and advice is available. Each resident has a health action folder, which provides clear information regarding his or her medical history, current treatment and preferences in written and pictorial form. The folder can be taken to GP or hospital visits, to provide consistent and reliable information. Overall there are good systems in place for ordering, storing and administering the medication that the service users require that meet current requirements. The records indicate staff took appropriate and prompt action to deal with a recent administration error that had occurred. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 22 & 23 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are encouraged to share their views and there are systems in place that will support them to raise more formal concerns. The ethos of the organisation that runs through staff recruitment, training, supervision and the policies and procedures in place protect residents from harm. EVIDENCE: All four service users who completed surveys confirmed they were treated well and felt safe. They said they knew who to speak to if they were unhappy. Regular residents meetings’ are held and service users are encouraged to view their opinions and any concerns. The Mencap complaints procedure contains sufficient detail to understand how to complain and is available in pictorial format to assist service users in understanding the process. A copy was on display in the home. The systems to support service users manage their financial affairs are clearly set out and regularly reviewed. A random sample of service users financial records were checked during the inspection and were found to be accurate. Staff receive training in understanding the rights of service users and their responsibilities as social care workers to act in the service users best interest at all times. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 24 & 30 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users live in a bright comfortable home, which is fresh, clean well maintained and close to local amenities. EVIDENCE: All areas were found to be fresh and clean. Areas have been redecorated and new furniture, soft furnishings and features added since the last inspection. This has created a contemporary feel with colour co-ordinated decoration and furnishings. This is a very homely home with space for service users to gather for meals and conversation as they wish, in the kitchen diner or adjoining lounge. The main lounge provides a quieter area to watch TV or listen to music. Pictures of the service users are displayed making it very much their home. Two service users showed the inspector their bedrooms, which were bright and comfortable with personal possessions they had collected reflecting their Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 interests and lifestyle. A service user wrote that they ‘had a lovely room’ and their TV, video and DVD player were also ‘very good’ A downstairs bathroom has adaptations to support service users who need them. There is a sloping ramp for access to the garden, which has a lawn and seating areas. Some of the service users have been involved in growing plants. There is a laundry equipped with suitable machines for the service users and staff to manage clothing and linen, in line with current infection control guidelines. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 32, 34 & 35 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are supported by a staff team who are familiar with their needs, can respond flexibly to arrangements and they have good relationships with. There are robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that suitable people are employed and are given the training they need to work effectively and develop their skills. EVIDENCE: Service users confirmed they liked the staff. One person confirmed they liked their key worker. The service users asked questions about who was on duty. Pictures of staff working on each shift are displayed which helps service users to think about who is coming into their home. A service user responding to a picture of the manager said ‘he’s nice’. Another person wrote that the staff are ‘nice’. The records of three staff recruited since the last inspection were reviewed. This confirmed that two references and a Criminal Records Bureau check are Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 received before that person starts work, ensuring they are suitable to work with vulnerable people. The records were well organised with application forms, interview notes, medical clearance, contracts and supervision records in place. The staff records and interviews confirmed that staff were supported as they started work and moved from induction training to LDAF learning disability foundation training and NVQ training. Mencap also provides a wide range of additional training to enhance the skills and confidence of staff. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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): Standards 37, 39 & 42 - People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The safety and well being of the people who live at Furzehill Road is promoted and protected by the management, quality assurance and health & safety systems that are in place. Mencap need to ensure that the managers it appoints to run the service apply for registration with the Commission. EVIDENCE: Mencap need to ensure that new managers register with the Commission as they take up their posts. Registration is a legal requirement for managers of care homes. This is the fifth inspection that has identified the home is being run without the manager being registered. Now that another vacancy is pending Mencap need to ensure that the progress and positive outcomes for service users established by the current manager is maintained. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The management and staff team supported by Mencap polices and procedures demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive, open and inclusive environment for the service users. There are robust quality assurance systems in place within the home and wider organisation for auditing and reviewing the service provided and making sure the views of service users are heard. This includes the opportunity for service users to influence national policy by taking part in national forums. Staff receive the training they require to promote safe working practices. New staff had received food hygiene, first aid, moving and handling and fire training. There are well organised systems in place for carrying out regular health & safety audits and ensuring the required checks on equipment and systems are carried out within the timescales required. The residents are involved when fire drills take place. There are a very low number of recorded accidents and incidents. Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 3 25 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 3 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 3 3 x 4 x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 4 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 2 x 3 x x 4 x Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. 1 Standard YA37 Regulation 8 Requirement An application to Register a manager as required under sections 11 & 12 of the Care Standards Act must be forwarded to the Commission. Timescale for action 31/12/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Hertfordshire Area Team CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB21 5XE 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 Furzehill Road (9) DS0000019392.V343206.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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