Inspection on 02/06/05 for Helena House

This inspection was carried out on 2nd June 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 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

Helena House 24/10/07

Helena House 04/10/06

Helena House 01/11/05

Helena House 02/11/04

Helena House 27/07/04

Helena House 13/02/04

Helena House 09/07/03

Helena House 18/07/02

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 HELENA HOUSE 1 Brownlow Road Reading Berks RG1 6NP Lead Inspector Kerry Kingston Unannounced 2 June 2005, 10.00 am 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. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Helena House Address 1 Brownlow Road, Reading, Berks, RG1 6NP 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) 0118 9587000 Prospects for People with Learning Disabilities Sophie Mwiinga Care Home (CRH)) 10 Category(ies) of Learning Disability (LD) registration, with number of places HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Four of whom may have associated physical disabilities Date of last inspection 2 November 2004 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 transort and can easily access public transport. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced routine inspection, which took place on the 2nd June 2005 between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. On the day of inspection there were interviews taking place and the home was very busy. The inspector spent time with the assistant manager, a short time with the manager and met with three residents. A sample of files and some records were looked at in detail. 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 H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 5 There have been no new admissions since the last inspection; standard 2 will be assessed at the next inspection (a requirement at the last inspection.) All service users have a contract, statement of terms and conditions but this is not complete. EVIDENCE: The home has a vacancy and there is likely to be an admission prior to the next inspection. As no work has been done yet with regard to a new admission the inspector will assess this standard at the next inspection. No new paperwork had been produced, as yet, to support detailed recordings being kept to evidence an appropriate admission/introductory process. All the service users had a contract/statement of terms and conditions in their ‘About Me’ file, which once complete will be the comprehensive service user plan. These did not include room numbers, costs, period of notice or any reference to the purchaser/provider agreement. Seven of the nine residents, their families or their advocates had signed the contracts/statements of terms and conditions. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 6,7 and 9 Service users needs are regularly reviewed and assessed and they are able to make as many decisions about their lives, as is practicable. Appropriate risk assessments are in place. EVIDENCE: Residents have an ‘all About Me’ file which will be a comprehensive care plan and will cover all aspects of their care. This however, has been in the development stage for some time and many of them remain incomplete. Current care plans are adequate but completing the new paperwork would enhance the practice of the home. Care plans are, generally, reviewed six monthly. The home also has a daily routine file, which includes, in detail choices that should be offered to service users, on a daily basis. The daily recordings also evidence areas where service users have been encouraged to make appropriate choices. All residents have either the support from their family or have an advocate. Risk assessments were seen and they cover all the necessary aspects of care with regard to the individual needs and abilities of the service users. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 17 The service users are offered a nutritious diet. EVIDENCE: Menus were seen and they evidenced a varied and well-balanced menu. They also noted choices made by residents. The inspector observed residents being encouraged to help in the kitchen (on the day of inspection.) One service user told the inspector that she ‘loved’ the food. Referrals are made and special diets are followed if service users have any special nutritional requirements or issues. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 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) 19 and 20 The health needs of the service users are met and medication is safely administered. EVIDENCE: All health appointments are effectively recorded and most of the service users have appropriate annual check ups. One service user refuses all medical and health attention, which is a problem of longstanding. The manager has succeeded in getting support from the G.P. and is currently, attempting to engage the responsible Local Authority to try to resolve this issue, which is now causing health problems for the service user. Medication records showed that there had been only one error in medication administration since the last inspection. A new medication administration procedure was put in place in April of this year and this appears to be effective in reducing medication administration errors. Staff have recently been on training courses organised by Boots and the assistant manager advised that there is a plan to organise another training course ‘in house’. Medication was appropriately stored and the stock control was accurate (on the day of inspection.) The assistant manager was advised to store internal and external medications separately and review the detail in the P.R.N. guidelines for individual service users. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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 and 23 There is a comprehensive complaints procedure in place, which service users have access to. Service users are not adequately protected from physical or financial abuse. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is available in a service user-friendly form in the Service User guide. The manager was advised that the name and address of the C.S.C.I should be added to all copies of the complaints policy and procedure documents. The inspector noted a recorded incident where a service user had made an allegation against a staff member. This allegation was later withdrawn but there was no record of appropriate action having been taken. The manager confirmed to the inspector that she had not investigated or commented on the incident. The home did not have a system for ‘tracking’ service users income and expenditure accurately. The manager advised that the administrator had an ‘in depth’ knowledge of service users finances but the manager and inspector were unable to ‘track’ a particular individual transaction. There was no record of income received by the service user or records of payments paid to the provider. Cash expenditure was accurately recorded and cashbooks ad tins balanced. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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 and 30 The home is safe, comfortable, clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home looked clean and was well maintained on the day of inspection. The laundry has adequate facilities and is well kept. The lighting in communal areas has been reviewed and stronger bulbs have been installed. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 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) 33 and 34 Service users appear to be supported by an effective staff team. Recruitment procedures are robust and protective. EVIDENCE: Staffing was discussed with the manager who felt that staffing levels were adequate to support the current service users; there is one vacancy in the home at present. There has not been a written review of staffing levels but staff confirmed that staffing is adequate. Staff members felt that very occasionally the home would benefit from more staff to ensure service users receive one-to-one staffing for social events. Rotas showed that there are a minimum of four staff per shift, with five on duty for special occasions and/or at the weekend. There have been three staff meetings this year and minutes showed good content. Service users spoken to said they were well looked after and did what they wanted to do. The home uses paid volunteers and the manager was advised to clarify their role and duties, they are currently used as full staff members. All the necessary staffing information is kept in the home. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 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) 42 The Health, Safety and Welfare of service users is protected in the home. EVIDENCE: The fire officer has visited the home and all his recommendations have been complied with. All Health and Safety maintenance records are kept up-to-date and environmental risk assessments are currently being up-dated. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 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 x 3 x 2 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 2 1 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x x x x x x 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 3 x x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 HELENA HOUSE Score x 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x 3 x H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 no 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 5 Regulation 5 Requirement Timescale for action 01.08.05 2. 22 22(7) 3. 23 20(1) To ensure all statements of terms and conditions/contracts include all the information as outlined in regulation 5 (previous timescale 31.03.04) To ensure the complaints 01.08.05 procedure is appropriately completed on all documentation. (previous timescale 31.01.04) To ensure that service users are 01.07.05 protected from all forms of abuse. 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 33 Good Practice Recommendations To keep the staffing levels under review and to clarify the role of volunteers. HELENA HOUSE H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection 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 H51-H01-S11061-Helena House-V229901020605-Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 - 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!