Inspection on 16/01/06 for Links Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 16th 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

Links Lodge 19/11/08

Links Lodge 18/04/07

Links Lodge 11/10/04

Links Lodge 05/04/04

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Links Lodge 16 Links Road Blackpool Lancashire FY1 2RU Lead Inspector Pauline Caulfield Unannounced Inspection 16th January 2006 11:00 Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.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 Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.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. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Links Lodge Address 16 Links Road Blackpool Lancashire FY1 2RU 01253 354744 01253 590198 karenbradley16@aol.com 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 Karen Bradley Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 16th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Links Lodge is a care home for up to eight adults with learning disabilities. The home is a large detached house situated in the North Shore area of Blackpool, close to the sea front and local amenities. There are six single bedrooms and one double bedroom. One is en-suite. There is a large lounge area that leads to a sunroom and a kitchen/diner. There are spacious gardens at the front side and rear of the home. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and took place over two and a half hours during the morning and afternoon. There were seven residents living in Links Lodge on the inspection. The inspection involved sitting with and talking to four residents as well as the manager and one member of staff. 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. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): These standards were not assessed. EVIDENCE: Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6 Staff have gained further knowledge about residents that may improve residents lifestyle. EVIDENCE: Staff have found out information about earlier parts of each residents life in order to further understand their past and to be able to discuss events that have occurred before they came to live in Links Lodge. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 17 &17 Residents are encouraged to recognise their rights and responsibilities and are supported to make the most of these to enhance their lifestyle. There are a good variety of meals with unhurried and flexible mealtimes that meet resident’s needs. EVIDENCE: Residents are encouraged to make their own decisions with support as needed and choose what they want to do. Some of the residents have limited communication skills, and need support to make choices. Staff are very aware of residents rights and responsibilities and respect them. They encourage residents to access health care, college and other services they have a right to. One resident is finding attending day care four days a week too tiring and it is affecting their health. They do not attend whenever ill or are brought back to the house early if they become ill at the centre. Staff are negotiating to reduce the hours on a permanent basis so that in house activities can be enjoyed along with later rising when needed. Some residents have limited communication. The inspector sat in the lounge observing staff interactions with residents. Interactions were caring, sensitive Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 and supportive, allaying worries about a hospital appointment with one resident and sharing a joke with another. The atmosphere in the home is relaxed and cheerful and obviously home to the residents living at Links Lodge. Mealtimes are unhurried and ‘family orientated’. There is a good choice of food. Records show that residents choose what to eat and are given any support needed at mealtimes. One resident said, “The food is good, I enjoy it.” Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 20 Medication is well managed in the home, promoting good health. The health and personal needs of residents are well met, improving their health and quality of life. EVIDENCE: The home now users typewritten Medication Administration Records from the pharmacist rather than handwritten ones. This ensures the information is clear. Staff are satisfied with this system. Residents attend local health services as and when needed. Two residents were attending the local health centre later on the day of the inspection and said that staff in the home help them by arranging visits and going with them for support. One resident said, “They (staff) always help me to go to see the nurse. They are good to me.” Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 23 Staff know how to respond to any suspicion or allegation of abuse enabling them to protect service users in their care. EVIDENCE: Staff have received abuse awareness training during Learning Disability Awareness Framework (LDAF) training and/or National Vocational Training (NVQ) and are aware of how to ensure that residents are kept safe. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 &30 The standard of the environment within the home is good, providing residents with a comfortable and homely place to live EVIDENCE: The home is safe, clean and comfortable. Communal areas are homely and pleasantly decorated and residents said that they liked relaxing in the lounge. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32 &35 The relationships between staff and residents are good and create a caring ‘listening’ environment in which to live. Staff training improves staff skills and knowledge and enhances the quality of support provided to residents. EVIDENCE: Staff were observed interacting with residents in a supportive and respectful manner. The residents spoken to said that the staff were “kind and really good”. There are sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of residents. Two out of the five members of staff have completed National Vocational qualification training (NVQ) to level 2 and one to NVQ level 3. The manager and one other member of staff have completed the Registered Managers Award. The home provides a very good level of staff training. The member of staff who manages the administration of the home has a HND in Business studies. All new members of staff also complete Learning Disability Award Framework (LDAF) training. Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): These standards were not assessed EVIDENCE: Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME 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 X 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 X 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X X 3 X X X X X X X X Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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 Links Lodge DS0000009854.V263568.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection North Lancashire Area Office 2nd Floor, Unit 1, Tustin Court Port Way Preston PR2 2YQ 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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