Inspection on 04/01/06 for Houghtons

This inspection was carried out on 4th January 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 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

Houghtons 08/03/07

Houghtons 11/05/05

Houghtons 26/10/04

Houghtons 08/05/04

Similar services:

Coopers Mill Ltd

Bramley Avenue (73)

Paradise Lodge

Grangewood

Upaya Ananda

Newton Court (1-2)

Kings Lane (32)

Pemdale

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Houghtons 6 Sandy Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 9TH Lead Inspector Carol Mitchell Unannounced Inspection 4th January 2006 09:20 Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Houghtons Address 6 Sandy Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 9TH 01234 351248 01234 351248 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) www.aldwyck.co.uk Aldwyck Housing Association Ms Margaret McNally Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 11th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Houghtons is a purpose-built detached bungalow located in a residential area of Bedford. The home provides long term care for adults who have learning disabilities. The home is owned by the Aldwyck Housing Association. who also employ and manage the staff who work there. The home is close to a bus route on the A428, and there are shops, pubs, churches and leisure facilities within easy reach. The building has six single bedrooms, one for each person living there. There are a number of other rooms that everyone can use, these include a lounge, “snozelan”, kitchen/diner, shower room, bathroom and toilet. The people who live at the home are able to take part in the day to day tasks, and access to all areas of the home is available for people who have to use a wheelchair. Staff who work at the home can use an office/sleep-in-room, and staff toilet/shower. The home has a large garden area, with summer house, that everyone can use. At the time of the inspection work was underway to improve the garden for the benefit of residents. People who live at the home use a number of social and leisure activities. These are chosen by the people who live at the Houghtons, and staff help to arrange them. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place during the morning of 4th January 2006. Five residents were living at the home at the time. The inspector spent time with residents, checked some of their records, and looked around some parts of the building. The inspector also spoke to five members of staff, including one new support worker. The manager was not present for this inspection. The inspector is very grateful to people living at the home, and to everyone who helped with this inspection. What the service does well: Staff at the home know the people living there well, and care about them. Plans have been written so that staff know the best ways of helping residents. The home is good at helping people living there to be as independent as possible. For example one resident does his own laundry, and another goes to the shop. People living at the home enjoy doing lots of different activities, and they keep doing their hobbies. For example one resident has a very great interest in clocks. Staff try hard to make sure that there is time to spend with residents so that they can do what interests them personally. Staff have been trained and they know how to help people make choices for themselves even when speaking is difficult. The home is well run and it is kept really safe and clean so that it is very comfortable for everyone there. Staff at the home are well supported, and they enjoy their work. One member of staff said, “I love it, you get so much back from everyone.” Another said, “everybody gets on well and has a sense of humour”. People living at the home can rely on the staff to make sure that their health needs are looked after, and to sort out their medicines for them. The home has easy to read information about what it is like for people living there, and about the staff and other matters. The information includes lots of pictures to make it easier to look at and understand. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The manager makes sure that the needs of people living at the home are written down in an organised way, so residents can be assured that their needs will be assessed. EVIDENCE: Residents’ needs had been assessed for the three residents checked. The assessments contained relevant and detailed individual information, and had been reviewed with input from residents and their families. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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, 9 People living at the home can be sure they will be supported in the right way because staff care about them and the manager and staff make sure that changing needs are written down in the individual plans. EVIDENCE: The individual plans for three residents were checked and the records were detailed and described the needs of residents. The plans are reviewed regularly with input from residents and families. Staff were able to give examples of how they support residents to make decisions. For example by offering two garments, and looking for a specific positive reaction from the resident. Residents usually take meals together in the kitchen/diner but one resident chooses to have breakfast in her room, and another takes his evening meal in his. Stakeholder meetings are held regularly, and there is active involvement in the home from family members. Where possible, residents participate in the running of the home, for example by doing their own laundry. Staff described how the whole philosophy of the home is to support people to maintain as much independence as is possible and reasonable. Within one resident’s support plan were details of the need for regular visits to the local shop in order to maintain and promote his independence. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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, 14, 15, 16, 17 The manager and staff at the home make sure that what people living at the home can carry on doing what they enjoy and benefit from as much as possible, so residents do take part in the right activities for them. EVIDENCE: Activities enjoyed by individual residents were recorded in the support plans and a file recording all activities done is maintained. Structured group activities are arranged, and on the day of inspection a musician was providing entertainment in the lounge. The home has a vehicle for trips out, and a recent visit to Cadbury World was enjoyed by residents. Meals out are also arranged at local pubs. Various activities enjoyed by individual residents are listed and include having conversations about specific topics, ball games, cookery, foot spas, and aromatherapy. One resident’s hobby involves a keen interest in clocks, and another is a prolific reader of factual and pictorial books. Local churches and leisure facilities are attended, and one resident attends a local sensory room facility. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Work is currently underway to turn the garden into a sensory area to increase the benefit and enjoyment for residents. Families and friends are encouraged to visit and be involved in the home as much as possible. A menu is provided and this is reviewed regularly. A staff member described how the reactions of residents to meals are constantly observed in order to judge whether the meals are being enjoyed or not. Alternatives are offered when required. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 The way that people living at the home prefer to be supported is carefully assessed and written down, so that residents can be sure that they will be looked after in the right way for them. EVIDENCE: Clear details regarding how residents prefer to receive personal care were recorded in the support plans checked, and staff were able to describe in detail examples of how they attend to specific residents. Staff receive a handover every day to ensure that they are up to date with any changes. The need for health care such as dentistry and chiropody was recorded. Staff have received training regarding the administration of medicines. None of the current residents are self medicating. The medicines are kept in an organised fashion, and the pharmacist visits the home periodically to check the medicines. Health and Safety checks are done at the home, and these include regular checks of the sheets used to record the administration of medicines. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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, 23 The manager and staff are keen to listen to residents and families, and try hard to work to the highest standards. The right training is being provided for staff. People living at the home can therefore feel sure that they will be listened to, and that they will be protected from harm. EVIDENCE: An easy to understand complaints procedure is available at the main entrance of the home. Members of staff described a culture of openness where residents, families, and staff have an informal relationship with the manager such that problems can be aired and dealt with. Staff are in the process of receiving training regarding the protection of vulnerable adults, and when questioned, staff were able to say what they would do if they should witness anything which causes them concern. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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, 25, 30 People living at the home are safe and comfortable, because the manager and staff are organised, and know how important safety and comfort are for residents and staff. EVIDENCE: The home has an extremely homely and welcoming atmosphere. Furnishings and décor are carefully chosen, and attention and priority is given to identifying maintenance faults or safety issues in a methodical way, and addressing these promptly. A bathroom has been decorated with a three dimensional nautical theme to good effect. Bedrooms seen reflected residents’ interests and hobbies, and were clean and comfortable. Work is underway to create a sensory garden for the residents’ further enjoyment. Very high standards of hygiene and cleanliness were noticed throughout all areas of the home seen. Excellent systems are in place to ensure that this level of cleanliness is consistently maintained. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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): 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 People living at the home can be sure that they will be well supported because staff are trained and supervised, and they care about the residents. EVIDENCE: The staff questioned were able to describe their roles at the home clearly and in detail. They also described the particular support needed by specific residents, and gave examples of how the independence of individual residents is promoted, or maintained. Residents were relaxed and calm in the presence of staff, who are friendly, warm, and professional in their demeanour. Staff were knowledgeable about management systems in place and how these link to their role as part of an effective team. (For example the systems in place for safety and cleanliness at the home.) The inspector was unable to look at staff files on this occasion. However, recruitment is underway, and a new support worker had just started at the home. She confirmed that an application form had been completed, and that she had been interviewed. Pre-employment checks and references had been obtained. Formal induction training is in place, and the new staff member said that it had been “brilliant”, and she thought she was learning a lot. On the day of inspection the support worker was shadowing experienced staff, and was not working alone. Staff receive daily handovers about how the residents are doing, staff meetings are held, and appraisals and supervision are in place. The staff questioned had Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 received training, and confirmed that training is given high priority at the home. Some agency staff are used, and such staff receive the same induction and support as permanent members. There is an intention to create a small bank of regularly used agency staff. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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, 42 The manager is good at organising the home and the staff. Staff are trained and motivated. This means that the home is well run, and people living there benefit from this. EVIDENCE: The manager was not present for this inspection. Staff confirmed that stakeholder meetings are held, and that the opinions of residents and important others are obtained formally during these. The office is well located for ease of access by relatives when visiting the home, and many family members are very committed to being involved with the running of the home. Staff find the manager and deputy manager approachable and helpful. A member of staff said “there are always senior staff here to talk to, and you get support from the people here”. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 The staff spoken to had received training relating to safety and other matters. Training is well provided for and well organised at the home. There are set systems in place to ensure that the safety of residents and staff at the home is not compromised. Staff given areas of responsibility such as hygiene and safety are well versed and trained, and take their roles seriously. Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 x 2 3 3 x 4 x 5 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 3 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 3 33 3 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 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 x 3 x x x x 3 x Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Houghtons DS0000014918.V276253.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Bedfordshire & Luton Area Office Clifton House 4a Goldington Road Bedford MK40 3NF 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. 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