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Inspection on 08/08/05 for Long Lane Farm

Also see our care home review for Long Lane Farm for more information

This inspection was carried out on 8th August 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.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home provided individual care to each of the young adults, depending on their individual needs. Care plans were well thought out and detailed and approaches to working with the young people were constantly being reviewed. The staff team was enthusiastic and well motivated and support from the management team was valued. The home worked hard to include the young adults in the local community. The structures and flexible approaches implemented by the staff provided a positive environment for the young adults. One of the young men living at the home stated that he liked living there very much. Staff felt well supported and were motivated in their work

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection the number of young adults living at the home has reduced from five to four. There has consequently been a reduction in the number of staff present in the home. As a result the home is much quieter and more settled. The introduction of a young adult who is able to communicate very well verbally has challenged staff approaches and attitudes positively.

What the care home could do better:

The homes policy on the involvement of families and friends in the home should be reviewed and extended to reflect the emphasis the home places on these relationships. Some additional work needs to be undertaken to ensure that the young adults receive a minimum annual health check and documentation regarding consent to medication should be in place. The challenges presented by the young adults inevitably means that repairs to the home are always necessary. At the time of the inspection there was a variety of work that needed to be undertaken within the home to improve the general environment. The garden area should also be made safe and appropriately maintained. The home was required to ensure that staff receive suitable training in fire prevention and review all relevant policies and procedures with a view to providing a safer environment for both the young adults and staff.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Long Lane Farm Kellet Lane Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6AN Lead Inspector Val Turley Unannounced 08 August 2005 10.00 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. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Long Lane Farm Address Kellet Lane Bamber Bridge Preston PR5 6AN 01772 334832 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) Progress Adult Services Limited N/A Care Home 5 Category(ies) of LD - Learning Disability (5) registration, with number of places Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The home is registered for a maximum of 5 service users in the category LD (Learning Disability). 2. The converted office room may be used at the home as a bedroom for a maximum of six months from the date of issue of the certificate of registration. 3. The service should, at all times, employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection. 4. Staffing must be provided to meet the dependency needs of the service users at all times and will comply with any guidelines which may be issued through the Commission for Social Care Inspection regarding staffing levels in care homes. Date of last inspection 3.12 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Long Lane Farm is one of three residential care homes run by Progress Adult Services Ltd. It provides a service for young adults who have a learning disability and present complex and challenging needs. The aim of the service is to provide the young adults with intensive positive support and experiences and to work towards reducing episodes of challenging behaviour by reinforcing and maintaining positive change. The home itself is a detached property, which is set back from the road in its own grounds. There is a large secure garden at the rear and landscaped gardens to the side and front. The home is comfortably furnished taking into account the safety and well being of the service users. The home offers accommodation to four service users who each have their own bedroom. Three of the bedrooms are situated on the first floor of one wing of the house where there is also a toilet and a bathroom. In a separate and almost self-contained wing of the house there is a fourth bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a lounge area. There is controlled access to the rest of the house from this wing.The communal areas are on the ground floor and consist of a lounge, a large dining kitchen, staff room, office and a small conservatory. There are several outbuildings with the laundry being situated in one. The other buildings provide storage. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection that took place over one day in August 2005 by one regulation inspector. The inspection involved discussion with and observation of the young adults who lived at the home and also discussion with and observation of the staff working there, an examination of records, policies and procedures and a tour of the premises. As part of the inspection, the inspector used “case tracking” as a means of assessing some of the National Minimum Standards. This process allowed the inspector to focus on one of the young adults living at the home. All records relating to that individual are inspected along with the room occupied at the home. The young adult was invited to discuss his experiences of the home with the inspector, however this was not to the exclusion of other people living at the home. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 Since the last inspection the number of young adults living at the home has reduced from five to four. There has consequently been a reduction in the number of staff present in the home. As a result the home is much quieter and more settled. The introduction of a young adult who is able to communicate very well verbally has challenged staff approaches and attitudes positively. 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. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) EVIDENCE: None of the standards in this section were assessed during this inspection. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 6,7 and 9 Care plans for young adults living at the home were very detailed outlining individual support needs. They ensured that staff were able to provide a safe and structured environment, and also work towards extending the young adults range of experiences and options for the future. EVIDENCE: The care plan examined was based on information collected from a number of sources. The plan was clearly laid out and included the health, social and emotional needs of the young adult. There was evidence that the plan was developed as the needs of the young adult changed. The plan also included a number of strategies that were in place allowing the young adult to make decisions himself with regard to any goals he had. The young adult was able to explain what he needed to do to achieve his specific goals and the timescales involved. Risk assessments were in place as part of the care plans and included details of any limitations and restrictions in place to protect the young adult. Discussion with staff indicated their willingness to be flexible and creative in working with the young adults and consequently the care plans for each of the young adults living at the home were personalised to meet their specific individual needs. There was evidence that staff signed to indicate that they had read each care plan as it was updated. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 The plans were not in a format that the young adults could easily understand but support staff where heard to talk to the young adults about their behaviour and to guide, praise and encourage them appropriately. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12, 13,14,15 and 17 The young adults were supported to become involved in a range of appropriate and meaningful activities. These helped to promote a sense of achievement and well-being. Meals were nutritious and balanced and offered a healthy and varied diet. EVIDENCE: Discussion with one of the young adults indicated that there were opportunities to attend college courses and his care plan indicated that this had been talked about within his care-planning meeting. From conversation with both the young adult and the staff it was clear that he had been encouraged to make decisions as to which courses he would like to take next term. He stated that he liked going to college because he could ‘meet friends’ in his class’. Visits to local parks, shops, the cinema, and to McDonald’s were also described as enjoyable places visit and it was confirmed in discussion with a member of staff that these visits took place. Minutes from a care-planning meeting indicated that the possibility of finding a supported employment placement for one of the young adults was being investigated. The home was well equipped with TV’s, DVD’s and CD players. One of the young adults was observed in his bedroom where he had chosen to spend some time alone, watching TV. The acting manager stated that use of the Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 garden was being encouraged and that the purchase of a trampoline had proved a success. A young adult was observed enjoying spending some time on the trampoline and another spoke of how he enjoyed spending time on it. There was written evidence that the young adults maintained contact with their families this was confirmed through discussion with one of the young adults and members of staff. Details of how they were to be supported in this were included in the care plans. The homes policy on contact with family and friends should be extended to support this approach, making it clear that contact with families and friends is to be supported and encouraged appropriately. Menus and information from one of the young people confirmed that the home had adopted a healthy eating diet and that the young adults were being supported appropriately with this. The acting manager stated that this approach had proved very successful. One of the young adults spoke proudly of his weight loss and how he would choose healthy options when eating out. The acting manager stated that menus were devised with the preferences of the young adults in mind. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 19 and 20 The staff worked hard to ensure that the health needs of the young adults were being met, however this can be further improved to ensure that they receive the same opportunities for health care as the general population. EVIDENCE: Details kept on a young adults file, discussion with him and staff, confirmed that his health needs were being addressed. Records were kept of all medical appointments and any referrals that had been made. The acting manager stated that the support staff monitored the health of the young people on a day-to-day basis and took action accordingly. The staff stated that the possibility of annual health checks for each of the young adults was being looked into although little progress had been made to date. Standard 20 was not fully assessed at this inspection, however it was noted that the young persons consent to medication had not been obtained and recorded in his individual plan. This should be completed to safeguard both the young adult and the staff. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 22 The home had a detailed complaints policy and procedure that provided a framework for complaints or concerns made by the young adults or other interested parties to be investigated promptly and thoroughly. EVIDENCE: The homes complaints policy was comprehensive containing all the necessary detail with the organisation responding to any complaints or concerns within seven days. One complaint had been made by since the last inspection. The organisation involved outside agencies appropriately. The complaint was upheld and the company took the necessary action to ensure that there could be no repeat of the incident. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 24,25, 26 and 28 The home was in need, of some redecoration and refurbishment and the grounds needed to be made safe. This would provide the young adults with a more comfortable, pleasing and safer environment in which to live. EVIDENCE: The home was clean, comfortable and free from odours. One of the young adults said that the home was always clean. The premises were accessible to the group of young people living there. The home was furnished with safety in mind taking into account some of the challenges the young adults present, however the acting manager stated that he planned to change some of the furniture and fittings to give the premises a more homely feel. The home was in need of general redecoration and some refurbishment. A ceiling needed to be replastered and some walls and woodwork needed painting. There was written evidence that requests had been made for some of this work to be undertaken. The young adults bedrooms were furnished and personalised according to their individual needs and again with safety in mind. One of the young adults said ‘I like my bedroom’. He had been given the opportunity to help make decisions as to how his room should be redecorated Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 The communal space within the home was safe and accessible to all of the young adults. The grounds were spacious and pleasant, however the organisation should continue in its efforts to ensure that improvements are made to the drive and other concreted areas to the rear of the premises. These are very uneven and as such present a health and safety risk to the young adults and the staff. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 36 Members of the staff team were well motivated and felt well supported. This helped to create a positive environment for the benefit of the young adults. EVIDENCE: Discussion took place with two members of staff and they said that they felt well supported by the management. They stated that they had received one to one support on a monthly basis from the manager and had a more informal meeting with one of the deputy team meetings approximately every two weeks. This was supported by documentation on staff files. Staff files also indicated that where appropriate, staff had received an annual appraisal. There were opportunities for discussion between managers and staff in staff meetings; minutes on file supported this, as did discussion with staff. One new member of staff spoken to stated that she felt she could always ask for help from an established member of staff if she was unsure about anything. The acting manager was observed to offer support and guidance to a member of staff during the course of the inspection. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 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 home takes its health and safety responsibilities seriously, however more work must be undertaken in specific areas to ensure the safety of the young adults and staff. EVIDENCE: The home was able to provide evidence that a variety of checks were undertaken to ensure the health and safety of both the young adults and the staff. Electrical appliances had been PAT tested on an annual basis and the electrical system had a valid certificate in place. The acting manager stated that the maintenance team tested water temperatures weekly, but unfortunately those records were not available on the day of the inspection. The gas boiler was serviced by the housing association and so records were not available. Although there was evidence that members of staff were asked to read and sign the fire book and that fire training was included within the staff induction, no refresher training was provided for staff. This potentially left both the young adults and staff at risk. It was required that the home reviews its fire training Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 and related policies, procedures and risk assessments to ensure that they are suitable and appropriate for the home. Training was undertaken by staff in moving and handling, first aid, food hygiene and infection control. Staff also received induction and foundation training. Training records in the home confirmed that this training had taken place, as did discussion with staff. The home kept records of any accidents, injuries or incidents occurring within the home. Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 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 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 x 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 2 3 3 x 2 x x Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x 3 3 3 2 x 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x x x 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Long Lane Farm Score x 2 2 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x 2 x F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 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 15 Regulation 16(m) Requirement The homes policy regarding contact or communication with families and friends must be extended to reflect the emphasis the home places on these relationships. All parts of the care home should be kept reasonably decorated. The external grounds should be suitable and safe and appropriately maintained The registered person must ensure that staff receive suitable training in fire prevention and review all relevant policies and procedures Timescale for action 31/10/05 2. 3. 4. 24 28 42 23(2)(d) 23(2)(o) 23(4) 31/03/06 31/3/06 31/10/05 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. Refer to Standard 19 20 Good Practice Recommendations The young adults should be offered minimum annual health checks. Consent to medication should be obtained and recorded in the individual plan F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 Long Lane Farm Commission for Social Care Inspection Levens House Ackhurst Business Park Foxhole Road Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1NW 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 Long Lane Farm F57 F08 S6008 Long Lane Farm V242921 050805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 - 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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