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Inspection on 01/11/05 for Helena House

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

This inspection was carried out on 1st November 2005.

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

The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 3 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 home make sure that residents have plenty of things that they like to do during the day and staff help them to use the local area for things they enjoy. Residents are helped to keep in touch with their families and friends. A resident told me all about his visits to his sister and her visits to him.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The residents have an `about me file` that they have filled in with staff, this makes sure that the all given the care that they need in a way which they like. The manager knows more about resident`s money so that she can explain it to them, if they want to know. Residents have contracts, which are filled in properly. The home has a good complaints procedure, which makes sure that residents are listened to.

What the care home could do better:

The manager needs to be clear about all of the resident`s money and what they are paying for. The home needs to make sure that staff are trained properly to make sure that they can give residents the best care. The manager must make sure that the radiators are not too hot and that residents cannot burn themselves.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Helena House 1 Brownlow Road Reading Berkshire RG1 6NP Lead Inspector Kerry Kingston Unannounced Inspection 1st November 2005 10:30 Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Helena House Address 1 Brownlow Road Reading Berkshire RG1 6NP 0118 958 7000 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) manager.hhr@prospect-uk.org Prospects For People With Learning Disabilities Mrs Sophie Mwiinga Care Home 10 Category(ies) of Learning disability (10) registration, with number of places Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 2nd June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Helena House offers a twenty-four hour residential care to ten adults of both sexes who have learning and associated disabilities. The house is owned and the care provided by Prospects for Living, a Christian voluntary organisation. The home is a large two-storied house, with bedrooms on both floors. It is situated in a residential area of Reading, close to the town centre. It has its own transport and can easily access public transport. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a routine unannounced inspection which took place on the 1st November, between 1030 am and 3pm Three residents spoke to the inspector and the manager was available throughout the day. Some records and residents care plans and files were looked at and residents showed me their bedrooms. 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. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 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): 2 and 5 New service users are properly assessed and all service users have a contract/statement of terms and conditions, which include all the necessary information. EVIDENCE: A new service user was admitted on the 16th August 2005 and there were full care management and residential assessments in his file. There was discussion about him not wanting to move to the home but the reality of his situation was made clear to him. The new service user said that he misses his old home but he is quite happy although it has been hard for him to move, he said ‘it is harder sometimes than others’. He confirmed that the staff were very good and were making sure he had opportunities to make new friends. His admission was reviewed after one month to ensure that the home could meet his needs and that he felt that he could settle down, the service user and his family were involved in the review process. Every service user has a contract/ statement of terms and conditions, which include all the necessary information, this was confirmed by the manager and the inspector looked at a sample of them. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 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): None of the above standards were assessed at this inspection. EVIDENCE: Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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): 12,13,15 and 16 Service users have comprehensive daytime activities programmes and are assisted to access the local community. Service users relationships with their families and friends are supported and actively encouraged. Service users rights and responsibilities are recognised by staff. EVIDENCE: The residential care provider provides day care programmes for the service users. These are accessed in various locations and specifically appointed day activity staff, deliver the programmes. Residents said that they enjoyed their activities and there was evidence in reviews that these are looked at regularly top ensure that they are still suitable. The local community facilities are used extensively and the activities that take place in the community include golf at the leisure centre, church on Sundays, swimming at the leisure centre, shopping, visits to the pub and train trips. Families are as involved in the care of their family member as is appropriate and eight of the ten service users have contact with their families. The two service users who do not have families have an advocate or friend who is able to advocate on their behalf. Service users also attend churches and local social clubs where they are able to develop relationships, if appropriate. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 The home has a daily routine file, which includes in detail, choices that should be offered to service users, on a daily basis. Interactions between staff and service users were observed to be sensitive and respectful. A service user was included on the recruitment panel and service user meetings are held although it was noted that there has not been one for approximately six months. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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): The above standards were not assessed at this inspection. EVIDENCE: Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 22 and 23 The home has a robust complaints procedure and service users are, generally protected from abuse. The financial records need further attention to safeguard service users financial safety. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints since the last inspection. The complaints procedure is up-to-date and includes all the necessary information and addresses. The systems for tracking service users income and expenditure have improved considerably, but there is still an area of concern, with regard to continual references to ‘outstanding debts’ with no explanation of what they are. Cash records were seen to be accurate. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): None of the standards were assessed at this inspection. EVIDENCE: Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 32,33 and 35 The staff team are experienced and competent but there are limited training opportunities and few qualified staff. EVIDENCE: The staff team were seen to be interacting well with service users and their needs are met by a competent staff team. The handover observed was professional and informative and showed the skill and knowledge of ser vice users needs that the team have. Training records showed that few training courses (core and mandatory) had been offered over the past eighteen months and only three of the sixteen staff have an N.V.Q. qualification. A further three staff are pursuing N.V.Q. qualifications. The manager said that the training co-ordinator is no longer used by the company and the training programme is the responsibility of the managers, she feels that the training programme is beginning to improve. The manager was advised to ensure that all staff new the role of the volunteers and the tasks that they do not complete. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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): 37,39 and 42 The home is adequately managed and there is a quality assurance and development process in operation. Only one aspect of Health and Safety was assessed and this was a potential hazard to the safety of service users. EVIDENCE: The manger is registered by the C.S.C.I and is currently pursuing her N.V.Q. Registered Managers’ Award. The home has a very comprehensive development plan, which includes reprovisioning into more appropriate premises. Regulation 26 visits are carried out more regularly and the provider has a quality audit process, although this appears to have taken place two years ago. Whilst Health and Safety was not looked at, generally, the manager was advised to immediately risk assess the radiators which are not covered, the radiator in the hallway was hot and a service user attempted to steady herself on it. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 X X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 2 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X X X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score X X X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 3 X 2 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Helena House Score X X X X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X 3 X X 2 X DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Yes Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1 Standard YA23 Regulation 20(1) Requirement Timescale for action 01/12/05 2 3 YA35 YA42 18.1(c) 13.4(c) To ensure that service users are protected from all forms of abuse. (Partially met 01/07/05) To develop a training programme 01/01/06 for staff. To risk assess radiators and 01/11/05 ensure they are at a safe temperature. 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 YA33 Good Practice Recommendations To keep the staffing levels under review and to clarify the role of volunteers. Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA 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 Helena House DS0000011061.V262001.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 - 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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