Inspection on 19/01/06 for Link House

This inspection was carried out on 19th 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

Link House 23/05/07

Link House 06/05/05

Link House 07/03/05

Link House 07/12/04

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 Link House Links View, Sandy Lane Dereham Norfolk NR19 2ED Lead Inspector Ruth Hannent Unannounced Inspection 19th January 2006 02:00 Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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 Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Link House Address Links View, Sandy Lane Dereham Norfolk NR19 2ED 01362 695588 01362 696888 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) Mrs Lesley Ann Adams Mrs Lesley Ann Adams Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Link House is a purpose built care home standing in a residential area within walking distance of the centre of the town of Dereham. The home is designed as a domestic house and is similar to surrounding properties. The registration allows for the care of 6 adults with a learning disability. All service users have their own bedroom and the home has a large lounge with a linked dining room. Outside there is a garden and off street parking. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection that took place over two and a half hours with the Manager. Some records were looked at which included risk assessments, staff induction, MAR charts and staff training on abuse awareness. Staff and residents were spoken to. One family member was visiting and is a regular visitor. Most of the building was seen. 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. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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 Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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): EVIDENCE: There have been no new residents at Link House for a number of years so these standards were not inspected on this occasion. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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 and 7 Residents are very involved in the development of their care plans, which is well documented. Residents do make decisions about their lives. EVIDENCE: The residents all have a care plan file with all the relevant information within. They are very detailed and reflect the person well. One care plan was seen on this occasion and the Manager and Inspector discussed the changing needs as the health of the person needed more intervention since the last inspection. Both this change and the risk assessment to accompany this change was on file and easy to read. On talking to three of the residents it was evident that they are very involved and are listened to in the way they wish to lead their lives. They all have very different activities and participate in many, all over the county. The residents could talk about the House meetings they have to discuss issues such as meals or where they would like to go on holiday. These meetings are recorded although the most recent meeting was still waiting to be typed the residents knew all the details of the meeting. Residents also have access to their own Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 money as they wish. The manager has a clear recording of all money transactions for each person with the staff and resident signing when money is withdrawn. One resident told of how she is saving for a lap top and another told of the savings for the next holiday. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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 and 17 Residents are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Residents are very actively involved in community activities. The meals are chosen, healthy and enjoyed by all residents. EVIDENCE: All six residents who live at Link House have a wide range of education and occupation. Three of the residents spoken to were able to discuss the very full week they have at different places from day centres to working for a charity in a café or working in a home for older people. All three were happy with the work they do and one is aiming at some point to do more work at the café as this is so enjoyed. The Manager will attend the reviews at the day placements and work with these other services to achieve the full potential for the residents. One resident was telling the inspector of her forth coming review and the ideas planned for the future, which is to be discussed at the meeting. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 The activities and community involvement is varied and all six appear to be at various places at different times. Slimming club, bowling, line dancing, pub nights and football are just some of the activities enjoyed. The mini bus on site is regularly going from place to place to take and fetch residents. One staff member talked of the need to constantly look at the individual resident schedule to make sure they were ready for whatever activity was on that day. (On the day of the inspection it was slimming club at 7pm. The day before another resident had been with a staff member to the newly opened library to become a member). Residents are very involved in the meals and on the wall was a menu of who had chosen what meal and who was going to help prepare the meal. These choices are discussed regularly and it was noted that an alternative had been decided on a day there was a split decision. A discussion on the day of the inspection was held between staff, a family visitor and residents over the wonderful vegetable curry eaten and how much is was enjoyed. During the inspection one resident was making her own packed lunch with the assistance of a staff member ready for the next day. The decision on the content of the lunch box was her own and this was evident in the choosing of which flavoured yoghurt to include and what filling to put in the sandwiches. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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 and 20 Residents receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Residents are protected by the Homes procedures when dealing with medicines. EVIDENCE: All the residents are fairly independent with all their personal care. One resident who did need assistance to manage the shower now has controls for easy management and independence. Another needs help with a bath or shower with most of the other personal care managed independently with some prompting from staff. The three residents spoken to are happy with the support they receive and all appeared clean and tidy. All of the medication is held in a locked cupboard in the office. Boots provide a delivery service of the MDS system. The records of administration were accurate and these MAR charts were also held in the locked cabinet. One resident now requires oxygen at different times of the day and the equipment used to monitor the oxygen levels and the machine is checked by the care staff. A risk assessment is in place (seen) and the equipment is regularly serviced. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Residents feel their views will be listened to and acted upon. Residents are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The Home has a comprehensive complaints procedure and on talking to residents they all felt able to tell any staff member if they were unhappy about their care and they know that they will be listened to. The Home has not received any complaints and any concerns are discussed and an outcome achieved either via a review or house meeting. The Home trains all staff on the understanding of abuse. A certificate gained last year by a staff member was shown and a new staff member is already covering the different forms of abuse in the LDAF programme, which was seen during the inspection. Any resident’s money is stored safely and all recordings and receipts are in place as stated in the policy and procedure for handling resident’s money. (This policy was seen by the inspector at the previous inspection). Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 30 The Home is clean and hygienic EVIDENCE: The Home is very clean and follows infection control procedures. The toilets have liquid anti-bacteria soap with paper towels. The kitchen has a hand washing sink that is separate from the main sink. The laundry has suitable washing facilities to ensure clothing and linen is washed correctly and all staff and residents have taken part in a food hygiene course. In the fridge items of food were stored on the correct shelves and on the notice board was a recording of the daily fridge temperatures. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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): 33, 34 and 35 Residents are supported by an affective team. Residents are protected by the Homes procedure in the recruitment of new staff. Residents needs are met by appropriately trained staff. EVIDENCE: The Home has a small staff team with two staff members on duty on the return of residents from their daily activities until 7pm leaving one staff on to sleep over night and assist residents in the morning. A list of who to call in an emergency is in the office and the staff member who is fairly new to the job was able to give an example of when she did require help and that the Manager was available and helpful. The staff are key workers to the residents and are involved with all aspects of the care support and will involve other professionals with ways to improve the care delivered. A personnel file was seen of a new member of staff who had all the relevant paperwork in place. Application, identification, CRB and POVA clearance, two references and any training completed was all seen. Two staff already hold the NVQ 2 qualification and once the new staff member has completed the induction/foundation pack she will have evidence to use for some of the units in NVQ 2. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Throughout the inspection observing the way staff and residents interacted and on talking to the Manager the staff skills and knowledge is good for the residents in the Home. The team have meetings every two months with planned dates (seen) for the supervision sessions, which also includes a contract signed by the staff member to say they understand and will be active in these one to one meetings. All staff employed are over the age of 21 and there has been very little sickness. The Manager has a copy of each certificate gained by the staff on the personnel file. The training offered is sought from many different areas such as LDAF for induction/foundation and Mulberry for training on protection of vulnerable adults. Ongoing training is discussed in supervision with staff and is planned as required. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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): EVIDENCE: These standards were not inspected on this occasion. Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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 X 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 x 25 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 4 X X x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 4 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 X X 3 X X X X X X X Link House DS0000027532.V278626.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 Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Norfolk Area Office 3rd Floor Cavell House St. Crispins Road Norwich NR3 1YF 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 Link House DS0000027532.V278626.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 - 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!