Inspection on 04/05/07 for Marlin Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 4th May 2007.

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

Marlin Lodge 20/09/06

Marlin Lodge 04/05/06

Marlin Lodge 21/02/06

Marlin Lodge 05/10/05

Marlin Lodge 30/11/04

Marlin Lodge 10/08/04

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 Marlin Lodge 31 Marlborough Road Luton Beds LU3 1EF Lead Inspector Mr Paul Worthy Unannounced Inspection 4th May 2007 12:50 Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Marlin Lodge Address 31 Marlborough Road Luton Beds LU3 1EF 01582 723495 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) Quality Care (Surrey) Ltd Vacant Care Home 15 Category(ies) of Dementia (1), Learning disability (15) registration, with number of places Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Number of places: 15 Age: 18 - 65 years Category: Learning Disability The provider must appoint a full time permanent manager and submit an application to the CSCI for registered manager in 3 months time from the date of this registration. 1 Service User with DE Date of last inspection 20th September 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Marlin Lodge consists of 2 adjacent large detached houses that provide residential accommodation for up to 15 adults with learning disabilities. All the accommodation is in single bedrooms. There is a lounge and dinning area/conservatory on the ground floor. The property is within easy reach of local amenities and Luton town centre. The home provides care for adults between the ages of 18 to 65 with learning disabilities, most of whom attend day activities outside of the home during weekdays. All of the bedrooms on the first floor of the home cannot take people who have significant physical disabilities in addition to their learning disabilities. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was unannounced and started at 12.50 p.m. It took place over 7 hours. We met several of the people living at the home, some of whom showed us their rooms and told us about life at the home. We also spoke to three staff and the manager and looked at some records. We had an opportunity of seeing how those living at the home got on with the staff, the manager and the provider, particularly during part of the evening meal. Preinspection information that had been provided, including responses from those living at the home and their relatives, was also taken into account. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The provider and the manager identified two main areas for future development. These were the development of a common garden area to the rear of the two units that make up the home and the development of person centred planning, including the training of staff, within the context of the home. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2, 3 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The needs and aspirations of those living at Marlin Lodge had been assessed to ensure that they would be met in the ways that they choose. EVIDENCE: Arrangements were seen to be in place to ensure that the needs of those living at Marlin Lodge could be met. This included working closely with other professionals. The arrangements for recording assessment information included two documents, a Care Plan and an Assessment of Need, which were seen on personal files. They were complemented by risk assessments. At the last random inspection it had been noted that they were now providing care for someone whose care needs were changing because of dementia. Since then the registration has been altered to allow this person to remain at the home. The staff had received routine training relating to the care of people at the home but since the last inspection a training course had been provided that focused on the particular needs of the person with dementia. The training notes that were available to staff were seen. Talking to staff showed that they Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 had a sympathetic and up to date understanding of the needs of the people living at the home. These findings were consistent with those of the last random inspection, except for the required condition of registration now being in place. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 8, 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There were good plans for those using the service that ensured their needs would be met in ways that took account of their wishes and supported them to be as independent as possible. EVIDENCE: Appropriate arrangements were seen to in place to ensure that there were plans in place to ensure that staff would meet the identified needs of those living at the home. These included a plan for each person living at the home that linked identified needs to the action that needed to be taken to meet them. A named key worker along with the person reviewed every month the plans to ensure that the assessments and plans remained up to date. Staff spoken to were aware of the needs of those service users who were discussed. They Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 clearly worked with them in ways that gave them as much choice and independence as possible. The risk assessments that were in place and complemented the plans ensured that account was always taken of a persons safety while supporting them to be independent. Person centred planning had been introduced into the day centre that was attended and the staff from Marlin Lodge were involved in providing support to this process. The manager intended to build on this and ensure staff have the appropriate training and can fully utilise the approach. From what was observed the staff were already working in ways that put each person that lives at the home at the centre of the planning process for both the long and the short term. This was observed in the interaction of the staff and those living at the home and confirmed from what those living at the home said. Those living at the home confirmed that there were regular meetings for them to allow them to be involved in the day to day running of the home and longer term planning for things like holidays. One result of these meetings had been the recent introduction of Sky TV, which was particularly appreciated by the football enthusiasts amongst those living at the home. These findings confirmed those of the last random inspection. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Those living at the home were provided with the support they needed so that they were able to maintain appropriate and fulfilling life styles in and outside the home. EVIDENCE: Staff were seen to support those living at Marlin Lodge in ways that allowed them to continue developing and extending their experiences. Marlin Lodge operated as a group living situation with those living there working together with the support, as appropriate, of staff to carry out daily living tasks so as to help them develop their independence. These users of the service were all seen to be very relaxed at home with each other, and the staff, the manager and the owner. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The regular meetings they had allowed them to be involved in decisions relating to their daily lives together. This co-operative approach in the context of Marlin Lodge also helped develop social skills and it was seen how well all those living there got on together. Staff commented on how supportive of each other they were. The individual rooms were seen provided personalised and private places where they could relax as they wished. Arrangements were seen to be in place to support those living at the home to have activities at day centres and to attend college courses. There was also a range of leisure activities in the community and at home, with those living there involved in choosing these, including holidays abroad. The activities ensured that they went out into the community. There were very positive responses from the relatives and representatives about the support received in maintaining contact and the positive welcome they always had at the home. Three matters raised for consideration for improving what was clearly seen as a very good service were: more support in ensuring regular contact; supporting those living at the home to send cards on special occasions to a wider range of relatives and friends; and restarting the newsletter as this helped the feeling of contact. In the latter case it was thought that this was already being considered. There arrangements to ensure that there was good quality food in sufficient quantities. Staff commented on the emphasis the owner had placed on ensuring that healthy diets were encouraged and that fresh food was served. The meal served was substantial and attractively served. There were sufficient staff to provide the extra support that had been identified as required for one person following a risk assessment relating to swallowing. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The staff were providing appropriate care and support to those living at the home to ensure that they maintained as much independence and good health as possible. EVIDENCE: Good arrangements were seen to be in place to ensure that everyone living at the home was receiving appropriate personal care and health care. These arrangements included assessment and planning information relating to personal and health care in peoples personal files. Monthly review sheets ensured that this information was kept up to date. Contact with medical professionals was tracked by recording details on a form specifically for this purpose. In the case of the medical assessment and planning an appropriate range of other professionals were seen to be involved in the process. Staff spoken to were very aware of the care and health needs of those living at the home. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 There had been very focused training to help the staff support one person with dementia. Medication was seen to be being appropriately managed. These findings confirmed those of the last random inspection. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22, 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There were effective arrangements for identifying and responding to the concerns and complaints of those living at the home to so that they felt listened to and safe. EVIDENCE: There were appropriate complaints procedures in the service users guide for both oral and written complaints. There was also a user-friendly format copy of the procedure for those living at the home it. There was a folder for keeping a record of complaints but there had been none since the last inspection. Talking to staff and those living at the home indicated the degree to which the regular meetings for those living at the home provided a forum for looking at requests and concerns. The most recent matter picked up from these meetings had been a request for Sky TV, which they now had. The questionnaires sent out to those using the service, their relatives and to other professionals as part of the quality assurance arrangements were seen to also provide feedback on how the service is perceived and lead to action plans for correcting the service where there had been concerns. The initial induction training was seen to cover the protection of vulnerable adults. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24, 25, 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The accommodation was well maintained and furnished so that it provided those living there with a homely and comfortable environment EVIDENCE: The public and private areas that were seen were decorated and furnished to a very high standard, where this included the newly registered wing. The rooms of those living at Marlin Lodge were seen to be personalised and decorated according to their wishes. The accommodation was seen to be being maintained to a high level of cleanliness. The public areas had a homely and comfortable feel. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Sufficient staff were appropriately trained and organised to ensure that all the needs of those living at the home would be met. EVIDENCE: The rota that was seen confirmed that there were enough staff to meet the needs of those living at the home. This included providing one-to-one support for one person at all times and one-to-one for another at meal times. Seeing the number on duty during the day and talking to the staff and the manager confirmed this. The staff spoken to had received appropriate training to work with all the people whose home it was. In particular this had included focused training in addition to the usual training relating to dementia. This had helped staff to look at the specific needs the person. The training matrix that allowed the training to be monitored was seen. It indicated that 4 staff out of seven had NVQ 2. Three of these were now doing NVQ 3 and another staff member was doing NVQ 2. Staff confirmed that they felt well supported and had regular supervisions and staff meetings. A newly appointed member of staff Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 confirmed that the correct procedures were being followed when appointing staff. This confirmed the positive findings of the last random inspection and showed that the requirement identified at that time had been met. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39, 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home was well managed so as to ensure that the needs of those living at the home were met in ways that reflected their wishes. EVIDENCE: The appointed manager who was in post at the time of the last random inspection was seen to have maintained the arrangements that were in place at that time for providing an appropriate service. She was at the time of the inspection working towards obtaining the required NVQ qualifications. Marlin Lodge was seen to be being well run so that the people living there felt at home and comfortable. Staff confirmed that they felt well supported by both the manager and the provider. The providers intention is to put forward the Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 manager for registration when her probationary period ends. They commented on how the provider put the interests of those living at the home first and responded to requests that would improve their lives. They commented on the quantity and quality of food that he ensured was available for those living at the home. Appropriate arrangements were seen to be in place for ensuring the quality of the services provided and determining how they could be improved. They included both monitoring the services and reviewing the findings. Surveys were carried out to obtain the views of those using the service, their relatives and other professionals with involvement with the home. The monitoring arrangements were seen to cover the health a safety arrangements in the home, including ensuring that all the required checks by appropriately qualified specialists were carried out. The induction training included health and safety for the staff and risk assessment were in place for those living at the home. This confirmed the findings of the last random inspection and showed that the requirement identified at that time relating to registering the manager was being addressed. Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 3 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 3 25 3 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 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 3 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 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 3 X X 3 x Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Bedfordshire & Luton Area Office Clifton House 4a Goldington Road Bedford MK40 3NF National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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 Marlin Lodge DS0000060196.V339297.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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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