Inspection on 21/12/06 for Hillcote

This inspection was carried out on 21st December 2006.

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

The inspector 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.

Other inspections for this house

Hillcote 04/01/08

Hillcote 19/02/06

Hillcote 16/08/05

Hillcote 07/03/05

Hillcote 23/07/04

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 Hillcote 66 Bidston Village Road Birkenhead Wirral CH43 7QT Lead Inspector June Beaver Key Unannounced 21 December 2006 10:30 st Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.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 Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.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. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Hillcote Address 66 Bidston Village Road Birkenhead Wirral CH43 7QT 0151 670 0306 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) Alternative Futures Limited Ms Carys Vernon Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Only adults with a learning disability may be accommodated. Date of last inspection 19th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Hillcote is registered to provide personal care for up to five adults who have learning disabilities. At the time of the inspection, there were five service users accommodated at the home. The home provides each service user with a single bedroom and sufficient communal areas. The home is located in a residential area, close to shops and supermarkets and can be accessed by public transport. The home provides a secure garden that service users are free to access as they wish. The home provides a minibus to give service users the opportunity to go out individually or together. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was carried out over 5 hours and was unannounced. The inspector spoke to the manager and to staff. No service user was able to express themselves verbally to the inspector however they were able to use other forms of communication to express their feelings. A tour was made of the home. A selection of documentation was examined; these included staff files, service users care files, health and safety certificates, training records and fire log book. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The decoration to the home has been improved to make the home a more pleasant environment for all service users, (however there has been a requirement made to replace the flooring in the bathroom). The requirements made at the last inspection have now all been met in full. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.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 Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 and 5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The home provides potential service users with sufficient information to enable them to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of the placement. EVIDENCE: The home’s Statement of Purpose and Service User guide contain all the information necessary to enable potential service users to make an informed choice regarding the suitability of the home. This is important when looking for a placement as the service user needs to be sure it will be right for him or her. A copy is available upon request. All clients are admitted only after a detailed pre-admission assessment has been completed. The manager carries out an initial assessment, then over a period of time, the potential service user is offered the opportunity to visit the home to meet other service users and staff to make sure that everyone gets to know one another before eventually moving in. This trial period procedure helps prevent any misunderstanding and incompatibility. All service users who move into the home are issued with a written contract that contains information about their terms and conditions of residency. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7 and 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The care plans and Essential Life Plans provide staff with clear details on how to assist service users with their goals and aspirations. EVIDENCE: Evidence was provided in the records that the care plans and essential life plans reflect the personal choices of the individual service user. Each file contained information about the personal care and health care for each service user as well as their goals and achievements. This ensured that all aspects of life at the home were assessed and that service users were given the opportunity to participate in the running of their home. All records and documentation including risk assessments for the various activities are kept under regular review and updated as necessary. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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): 12,13,15,16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The service users are provided with opportunities to pursue appropriate leisure activities and are fully supported by a dedicated staff team to take part in all aspects of community life. EVIDENCE: Service users are encouraged to set goals, plan their day to day activities and leisure time and are supported by a dedicated staff team to achieve their aims and aspirations this helps to give the service user a sense of individuality . The service users supported by staff use local services and facilities such as the library, local cafes and snack bars, the cinema and colleges which helps to make them feel part of the community and to get to know some of the neighbours. Each service user has a daily diary report which details what has been achieved each day and what if anything could have been done better. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The staff are aware of the importance of keeping in contact with family and friends and evidence that visits are arranged was in the care files. None of the current service users are currently in employment. Throughout the visit staff were observed asking service users opinion, giving them choices of what they wanted to do, or asking whether they wanted a drink, and at lunch time the service users were given a choice of food. The Manager stated that they often consult with other health care professionals regarding diets and healthy food to ensure all service users needs are met. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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): 18,19, 20 and 21. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The service users are provided with opportunities to pursue appropriate leisure activities and are fully supported by a dedicated staff team to take part in all aspects of community life. EVIDENCE: Evidence that service users are asked about the way they want their personal care delivered was on file as well as what care had been delivered each day. During the visit staff were observed asking service users whether they felt like going out or if they wanted to rest. Information in the personal care files indicated that there were no specific routines and service users could choose when to get up in the mornings, when to go to bed, what time to eat, where to eat and how to spend their day. The recordings in each file provided evidence that health care needs were being met. Any health related visit to either a G.P. or hospital outpatients department was recorded in detail by staff with an explanation of why the service user went and what was said or prescribed. This helps all staff coming on shift to be kept fully informed about service users current state of health. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Staff also receive a verbal “handover” to ensure all up to date information is available to them so that the service users’ needs are met in full. Medication practices at the home are carried out in a safe way and all medication is stored safely and securely in the service users own bedrooms. A recommendation has been made to ensure unwanted medication is returned promptly to stop a build up of surplus stock and to make sure that there are two signatures on any hand written entries on the medication sheets. The company is reviewing and updating the death and dying policy and procedure and one of the member’s of staff is contributing due to having very recent experience in this area.. . Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The home has a good complaints system providing information on how service users concerns would be listened to and acted upon if necessary. The home’s policy and procedures protect residents’ from abuse, neglect and self-harm. EVIDENCE: Service users or their advocates have access to the home’s complaints procedure which is service user friendly and the information it provides give them or their advocates a clear picture of how to raise a concern or complaint. There have been no complaints since the last inspection either at the home or at the CSCI Liverpool/Wirral office. Staff are given training in how to manage any adult protection issues during induction and in regular updates and evidence was in the staff files to support this. This type of training helps staff understand the importance of protecting service users from any form of harm or abuse. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): 24 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all evidence available including a site visit to the service. Service users live in a warm comfortable well maintained environment and are encouraged to help with the day to day running of the house. EVIDENCE: A tour of the premises was carried out and all rooms were clean, warm and serviceable. Each bedroom was tailored to meet individual tastes and needs and the Manager stated that service users had been consulted over choices e.g. colour schemes. The home was free of any bad odours and both indoors and outdoors appeared to be well looked after providing service users with a homely place to live. The home is centrally heated and a random sample of the hot water from hand basins was checked and found to be reasonably hot for hand washing. The garden area was well maintained and used mainly in the warmer weather for sitting out or barbeques. Generally the home was well decorated however, the flooring in the bathroom upstairs was in a poor state of repair and needs replacing. A requirement has been made to attend to this matter at the end of this report. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 . Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): 32,34, 35 and 36. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The service has a robust recruitment procedure and employs sufficient numbers of staff to ensure the service users health and welfare needs are met in a safe manner. . EVIDENCE: An inspection of the rota indicated that there is a steady stable workforce with no vacancies. Staff spoken to on the day of the visit said “it’s great working here, I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else”. The present staffing levels ensure service user needs are met and that their lifestyles and social activities are promoted. Through reviewing the staff files it was evident that there is a good recruitment procedure operating at the home. Staff files contained copies of the information required to make sure service users are looked after by appropriately vetted staff (interview notes are kept in Head Office). Whilst not all of the service users are able to converse potential new staff are invited to the home so that they can chat and interact with service users to try to ensure compatibility. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home provides staff with a wide range of appropriate training which includes NVQ training (National Vocational Qualification) to level 2 & 3. The home operates a training matrix which makes tracking training needs easier. All staff are given regularly one to one supervision and a record kept of each session. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using all available evidence including a visit to the service. The Manager is competent and has the skills necessary to manage the home in an efficient manner whilst developing good working relationships with staff, visitors and the service users. EVIDENCE: The Manager has been in post for two years and has a number of years experience working in the service. She has developed good leadership skills and feels the company(Alternative Futures) are very supportive and will fund training if it is relevant to the client group. She has completed the Registered Manager Award and NVQ 4 in Care. Staff spoken to during the inspection spoke well of the style of management in evidence at the home and stated that the Manager was very supportive. On the day of the visit the interaction between the Manager and the service users was observed to be very relaxed and natural. One member of staff stated that “the Manager is one of the girls but knows how to be firm when needed”. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The home’s petty cash and service users personal allowance were checked and found to be correct. The service users also have a clothing and holiday allowance which has to be organised through head office. The recommended safety checks on the gas and electricity supply were carried out for the year and the safety certificates seen. Other safety checks on fire appliances and small electrical goods were also done and the certificates of worthiness on file. Fire drills are supposed to be done twice a year for day staff and more often at night, these had not been done as regularly and a recommendation was made for this be corrected as soon as possible to make sure all staff members are up to date with the drill and procedure Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 2 3 3 x 4 x 5 3 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 3 27 3 28 x 29 x 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 3 33 x 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 x 3 x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 3 13 3 14 x 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 2 3 3 x 3 x 3 2 x Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 YA24 Regulation 23 Requirement The registered person is required to ensure the flooring in the bathroom is fit for purpose. Timescale for action 28/02/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2 3. Refer to Standard YA20 YA20 YA42 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that surplus stocks of any medication is returned promptly to prevent any build up. It is recommended that two signatures are obtained on all hand written entries on medication records. It is recommended that staff carry out more regular fire drills to ensure their knowledge in the procedure to follow is kept up to date. Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Liverpool Satellite Office 3rd Floor Campbell Square 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 Hillcote DS0000018897.V306750.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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