Inspection on 21/06/05 for Helen House

This inspection was carried out on 21st June 2005.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Helen House 06/11/06

Helen House 24/02/06

Similar services:

Clover House

Parkside

Park Lodge

Mere Hall View

St Bonaventures

Hudson Road

Whitewalls

Home Farm

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Helen House Raby Hall Raby Hall Road Bromborough CH63 0NN Lead Inspector Jeanette Fielding Announced 21 June 2005 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationary Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Helen House Address Raby Hall Raby Hall Road Bromborough CH63 0NN 0151 334 7510 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Wirral Autistic Society John Alkins PC Care Home 20 Category(ies) of LD Learning Disability - 20 registration, with number of places Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection N/A Brief Description of the Service: Helen House was previously registered as part of the Raby Hall registration but is now registered separately and runs as an independent unit. The home provides accommodation and care for up to twenty adults who have a learning disability, specifically, autistic spectrum disorders. The home provides accommodation in single bedrooms, with three service users having individual flatlets with their own bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom. The home is on two floors and all service users accommodated on the first floor are fully mobile and able to access this area via the stairs. The home provides a large lounge / dining room with an additional seating area in the foyer. All service users are given the opportunity to learn and develop new skills through the day services. Some facilities for day services are within the Raby Hall complex but some are at the Industrial Training Units at Grisedale Road. Transport is provided to the day services. The home is set in extensive, well maintained grounds. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This is the first inspection of Helen House since it’s independent registration from Raby Hall and so all standards were inspected. The inspection took place over a period of eight hours and involved discussion with service users and staff. A pre-inspection questionnaire was completed by the home and relatives and service users were given the opportunity to comment on the home via questionnaires. A high response was received to the questionnaires, all of which gave extremely positive comments about the home and the service provided. Records relating to the care of the service users were inspected and this included pre-admission assessments, care plans, reviews and daily reports made by staff. Records in relation to health and safety were inspected to ensure that the service users were accommodated in a safe building and that they were protected. Staff records were inspected to ensure that service users were protected and that staff were given training appropriate to the needs of the service users. An inspection of the building took place to ensure that service users were provided with a comfortable and homely environment in which to live. What the service does well: Helen House provides specialist care for adults who have a learning difficulty, specifically Autistic Spectrum Disorders. All service users are comprehensively assessed regarding their needs and their care plans identify how those needs can be met. Staff are provided in numbers according to the individually assessed needs and staff training is specific to the needs of the service users. A large range of educational, developmental, social and leisure opportunities are available and service users are given the opportunity to access these in line with their individual preferences and risk assessments. Appropriate systems are in place to ensure the protection of service users through staff recruitment and regular assessment of the premises. All service users have a single bedroom which is decorated and personalised according to their individual preferences and in line with risk assessments. The home provides a comfortable and homely environment which is well maintained. Comments from relatives of service users include, “Staff are welcoming and friendly,” “We are extremely happy with the quality of care given,” “Helen House provides excellent care.” Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 The comment from one service user was “The staff are great, they make me laugh.” 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. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users’ know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 1,2,3,4,5 The assessment process of new service users is extremely detailed and informative to enable the home to identify the service users needs. EVIDENCE: The home has produced a Statement of Purpose and a Service User Guide to provide current and prospective service users with information about the home and the service provided. New service users are fully assessed prior to their admission to the home. These assessments involve gathering information from previous carers, educational establishments, social workers, other healthcare professionals and the manager of Helen House. The home is owned by Wirral Autistic Society who employ their own social workers who are also involved with the assessments. These assessments are extremely detailed and informative and give all the necessary information regarding the care needs of the service users. Daily reports are completed by the staff. These are in the form of individual diaries and give full information regarding the service user, the care given and the activities that take place during the day. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 New service users have a detailed programme of visits to the service to enable them to meet with staff and other service users and to become familiar with the home prior to admission. This involves short visits initially, and building up to overnight, weekend and week long stays. These visits also give the staff at Helen House the opportunity to build on the information held on the service user and to prepare a detailed plan of care. Individual contracts are prepared by the funding authorities in conjunction with the home in accordance with the specific needs of the service user and the specialist care required. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate, in all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 6,7,8,9,10 Detailed risk assessments are prepared for each service user, and agreed by them, to ensure their protection. EVIDENCE: Detailed care plans are prepared for each service user. These are prepared with the service user and their family, together with the day services specialists to ensure that all care, educational, emotional and social needs are met. The information on the care plans also includes details of the service users preferences to give staff the information necessary to meet the service users specific requests. Individual preferences are risk assessed and this information is held on the care file. Service users participate in the day-to-day running of the home as much as they are able. Information is held on files of the abilities of each service user and of goals that are agreed to enable the service users to further develop their knowledge and skills. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 Detailed risk assessments are prepared for each service user. These are in relation to care, activities both within and outside the home and at day services. The day services hold their own risk assessments together with risk management strategies. Risk management strategies are prepared and the service users are involved with the preparation of these and their agreement is sought. Family members are also consulted during the risk assessment process. All staff are given training on confidentiality. Records are held securely in the home and access to records is relevant to the role of each member of staff to enhance confidentiality. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 12,13,14,15,16, 17 Links with the local community are good and support and enrich service users’ social and educational opportunities. EVIDENCE: All service users are given the opportunity to maintain and develop new skills. They are taught independent and life skills both within the home and at day services. The opportunities provided within day services include horticulture at the Society’s own garden and horticultural centres, physical education, swimming, information technology, music, pottery, woodwork, life skills, domestic skills, printing, personal development and many others. Service users are involved in the local community and with local amenities in accordance with individual preferences and risk assessments. These include the cinema, bowling, pubs, restaurants and social clubs. They use the services of local hairdressers and health facilities where this is appropriate. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 Family and friends are welcome to visit and some service users go home for weekends or short visits. The manager requests that visits to the home are arranged in advance as the service users have such an active life, they are not always in the home during the day time. The service users enjoy a lifestyle which is structured around the day services. They have freedom to use their own bedroom or any of the communal areas, as well as the grounds of the home, as they wish. Staff supervision is given to service users in accordance with their assessed needs. The day services are provided from Monday to Friday and so the weekends are more flexible. Service users are required to get up at an agreed time during the week to prepare them for the day, but choose the time they get up at weekends. Service users take their meals in the main dining room, but will usually have their lunch at the service that they are at during the day. The dining room is bright and new tables and chairs have recently been provided. The menus provide evidence that a varied and balanced diet is served and a record of individual likes and dislikes are recorded. Special diets can be provided on the advice of the GP or dietician or in accordance with the service users choosing. One service user is vegetarian and the home were able to provide evidence that one particularly specialist diet, gluten, wheat and dairy free diet is provided. The meal served on the day of the inspection appeared appetising. The home is looking to provide a dedicated catering staff team and is currently recruiting. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 18, 19, 20, 21 The staff have a good understanding of the service users’ support needs. This is evident from the positive relationships which have been formed between the staff and service users. EVIDENCE: Service users are individually assessed regarding their care needs and the number of staff necessary to provide their care. Service users are provided with one-to-one or two-to-one care if identified as a care need. Designated key worker staff are designated to individual service users to provide a stable and consistent level of care by well informed staff. Service users are provided with single bedrooms and personal care is given in the privacy of their bedroom or bathroom as appropriate. The home has a procedure for the action to be taken in the event of accidents. All accidents are recorded and appropriate action taken. All service users see their GP and other health professionals as necessary. Annual health checks are also given. Records are held of all visits to and by healthcare professionals and any necessary action is recorded in the plan of care. One service user attends to their own medication and a full risk assessment has been undertaken. This is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Other service users are not able to administer their own medication and this is Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 dealt with by staff. Agreements have been made with service users regarding their medications. The home has developed an extremely secure method of dealing with medications. Each Medication Administration Record sheet and each container of medications has a photograph of the individual service user attached to it. This ensures that there is no risk of misadministration. The records were well maintained and accurate. All medications are ordered, stored, administered, recorded and disposed of in accordance with the homes’ policy and procedure. Designated senior staff, who have been given appropriate training are the only persons permitted to administer medications to the service users. The home has a procedure to be followed in the event of the death of a service user. In that many of the service users are younger adults who have ageing parents, discussion has been held with family members regarding the information to be given to a service user in the event of the death of a family member. These have been agreed and signed by the family and these details are held on the service users’ care files. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 22, 23 The home has a good complaints system with evidence that service users views are listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: The records held in the home provide evidence that service users view are listened to and acted on. The care files record the changing preferences of service users and given details of how these preferences are met. The questionnaire sent to service users and relatives included a question about complaints. One relative wrote, “Any complaints or worries are always dealt with in a satisfactory and amicable way. Staff always have the time and patient understanding to listen to concerns raised by clients’ family. Wonderful people.” The home has a complaints policy and procedure to follow in the event of a complaint being made. No complaints have been received by the home or by CSCI. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self harm through risk assessments, reviews and regular monitoring. All appropriate checks are made on staff to ensure the protection of service users. Staff have been given training on the prevention of abuse within their foundation training. A whistle blowing policy has been prepared and the home has a copy of Wirral Adult Protection booklet. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 The standard of the environment within this home is good providing service users with an attractive and homely place to live. EVIDENCE: Service users are provided with a single bedroom to protect their privacy. Bedrooms are decorated and personalised in accordance with service users individual preferences in line with individual risk assessments. Bedrooms are appropriately furnished according to the needs of the service users and it is evident that staff have assisted service users to personalise their rooms with pictures and other items. Bedrooms are decorated to a good standard and many of the service users have chosen their individual colour scheme. One bedroom carpet, as identified to the manager at the time of the inspection, was found to be worn with some bare patches. This requires to be replaced. One other bedroom, again, identified to the manager, was stained. It is necessary for this carpet to be deep cleaned and if this is not effective, the carpet should be replaced. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 The lounge /dining room has recently been provided with new dining furniture and new lounge furniture. Sofas with big cushions have been provided to enhance the lounge and to provide a very homely environment. A new large wide screen television has also recently been provided. A seating area is provided in the large foyer to give an alternative lounge area for service users. The home provides both baths and showers and service users can choose which they prefer. The shower rooms have recently been improved and upgraded. Aids and adaptations are provided for service users as necessary following assessments. The home was found to be clean throughout and there were no offensive odours. Appropriate arrangements have been made for the disposal of waste. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Staff morale is high resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively with service users to improve their quality of life. EVIDENCE: Staff are employed in accordance with the assessed needs of each individual service user. The Society has a policy and procedure for the recruitment of staff, based on equal opportunities, and all records are held at the head office in Grisedale Road. All prospective staff are required to complete an application form prior to interview. Two references are taken and checks are made with the Criminal Records Bureau and with the Protection of Vulnerable Adults register. All staff are issued with a job description, relative to the position they hold, and a contract of employment. A comprehensive induction training programme is undertaken which is followed by foundation training. Specialist training, relative to Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and training relative to the individually assessed needs of service users is given. The Society employs a training officer who is responsible for ensuring that training needs are identified and implemented. Training is also given to bank staff who work for the Society on a short term or temporary basis. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 All staff are given regular supervision and an annual appraisal. Records of these are held on the staff confidential files. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 The management of the home is good with all records being well managed. This protects service users and prevents them being placed at risk. EVIDENCE: The manager of the home is experienced and is currently working towards an NVQ at level 4 in management. He is knowledgeable of all the service users and their individual needs and is involved with their care as much as possible. He has an open door policy and is available to staff, service users and relatives. Staff meetings are held regularly and minutes of these meetings are held in the home. The Society holds Investors In People quality assurance system and is accredited by the National Autistic Society who conduct their own inspections on a regular basis. The Society has a very active Parents and Staff Association that meets regularly and provides an open forum for discussion and debate. The manager speaks with service users and their family as often as possible. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 The Society has comprehensive policies and procedures which are adapted to provide for each individual care service. A copy is held in the home. Records inspected were found to be well maintained and up to date. Appropriate checks are made on fire detection equipment and all other health and safety equipment and records of these are held as required. Visits are made to the home each month, as required, and a report prepared on the conduct of the home. Health and safety issues are raised with the Health and Safety manager and the maintenance team as necessary and addressed appropriately. The homes accounts are published annually and a copy of the annual report is submitted to CSCI as it becomes available. Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 23 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 3 4 3 4 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 4 4 4 3 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Helen House Score 3 3 4 4 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 24 N/A Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard 24 Regulation 23 Requirement The Registered Person must ensure that the two identified bedroom carpets are cleaned and/or replaced as necessary. Timescale for action 26/8/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection 3rd Floor 10 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5AS 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 Helen House F52 F02 S000060941 Helen House V228322 210605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 26 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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