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Inspection on 25/06/07 for Mount Avenue

Also see our care home review for Mount Avenue for more information

This inspection was carried out on 25th June 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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

Before moving in, people are assessed to make sure that their needs can be met at the home. People living at the home are able to make choices about their lifestyle, and are supported to develop their life skills and independence. Social, educational, cultural and recreational activities meet people`s expectations. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. People who use the service are able to express their concerns and have confidence that they will be listened to. People are protected from abuse, and have their rights protected. The home enables people to live in a safe, well maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who live there. People who live at the home are included in training to maintain their safety in the home.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Mount Avenue continues to provide a very pleasant home and way of life for those who live there. Standards have been maintained and outcomes for people living at the home remain positive.

What the care home could do better:

Signatures should be made to show that care plans and all risk assessments have been developed and agreed between staff and the individual concerned.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Mount Avenue 1 Mount Avenue Hemsworth West Yorks WF9 4QE Lead Inspector Gillian Walsh Key Unannounced Inspection 25th June 2007 10:00 Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Mount Avenue Address 1 Mount Avenue Hemsworth West Yorks WF9 4QE 01977 615994 01977 616809 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 Christine Gatley Mrs Christine Gatley Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 13th February 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Mount Avenue is a small home offering residential care to three people with learning difficulties. It is situated in Hemsworth which is 10 miles from the towns of Pontefract, Wakefield and Barnsley. The accommodation is a semi-detached house comprising 3 single bedrooms, 2 on the first floor and one the ground floor. The bathroom/toilet facilities are situated on the first floor. The lounge/dining room, kitchen and a utility room are on the ground floor. There is a fenced garden to the rear of the home. In addition to the residential home, the owners have a small day centre situated within walking distance of the home where people can go to take part in craft sessions, life skills training and social events. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection of the care home. The inspector spoke with two of the people who live at the home and the registered manager. While at the home the inspector had a look around the home and looked at some of the documentation. Before a visit to the home took place, surveys were sent out to people living at the home and health and social care professionals who have dealings with Mount Avenue. Several of the surveys were returned before the visit took place, and the feedback that people gave was positive. Some of things people said included: “I have found them to be a very committed and professional service providing a high standard of care” – Social Worker. “Provides a small group home environment. Service recognises needs well and acts to meet needs” – Community Nurse. None of the people who live at the home made any specific comments in the surveys but they all indicated that they enjoyed their lives at the home and that staff support them to meet their needs. The inspector would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hospitality and assistance during this visit. What the service does well: Before moving in, people are assessed to make sure that their needs can be met at the home. People living at the home are able to make choices about their lifestyle, and are supported to develop their life skills and independence. Social, educational, cultural and recreational activities meet people’s expectations. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. People who use the service are able to express their concerns and have confidence that they will be listened to. People are protected from abuse, and have their rights protected. The home enables people to live in a safe, well maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who live there. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 People who live at the home are included in training to maintain their safety in the home. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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. People who use this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People are given information about the home and have an individual assessment before being offered a place to make sure that their needs can be met at the home. EVIDENCE: Two of the people living at the home said, in surveys, that they had a choice about moving into the home and that they were given information to help them make the decision. One person said they didn’t have the choice but the manager explained that their admission had to be arranged very quickly due to difficult circumstances. All three care plan files contained pre admission assessments completed by the home’s manager as well as assessments completed by the individual’s social worker. All of the assessments seen were based on the individual’s aspirations for the future as well as their current needs. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The manager said that people who make an enquiry about coming to live at the home are invited to make visits when they can look around, spend time with people already living there and join them for tea before making a decision to move in. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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, 9 People who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Individuals are involved in decisions about their lives, and play an active role in planning the care and support they receive to enable them to lead as independent a life as possible. EVIDENCE: Care plans for all of the people living at the home were seen during the visit. All of the plans give clear details of individuals’ needs, abilities and personal goals. Short-term achievable goals are included, which helps to assess whether the plan is working to enable the person meet their identified long-term goal. All of the care plans are based on individual choices and preferences and detail how staff should support people to develop independent living skills in order to meet their personal goals. A holistic approach is taken to the development of Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 care plans which means that plans are in place to cover all different areas of need including physical, health, psychological, educational and social needs. The manager explained that care plans are developed with the individual concerned and the two people spoken with, who live at the home, said that they knew what it says in their care plans. It was discussed with the manager that, in order to evidence that care plans have been developed jointly, it would be good practice for people, or where necessary their representative, to sign that they have been included in the development of their plan and agree with what it says. Records showed that care plans are reviewed either on a monthly basis, or, as the manager explained, more often as people’s needs change. Documentation shows that people are supported to take risks as a part of the promotion of independence. Risk assessments are in place to demonstrate that consideration has been given to how risks can be managed to promote people’s safety in activities such as going out with friends and spending time alone in the home. Positively, some of the risk assessments have been signed as agreed by the person concerned and the manager said that she would discuss the assessments again with the people concerned and ask them to sign to show that they understand and agree the assessment. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. People who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People are able to make choices about their lifestyle, and are supported to develop their life skills. Everybody living at the home enjoys social, educational, cultural and recreational activities. EVIDENCE: The manager explained that people decide, on a weekly basis, what they would like their schedule to be for the following week. One person said that they really enjoy working out what they are going to do and planning their schedule. For two of the people this usually includes going to the home’s own day centre on weekday mornings, to take part in activities such as crafts, cooking and baking, general health and personal care skills and exercise. The manager said that they have recently also done basic first aid and are soon to Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 do basic food and hygiene certificates. Both of these people said how much they enjoy the day centre. The other person attends a local training centre where they take part in similar activities. The home’s own day centre is also used for evening activities such as discos when other people are invited to come and join in. The manager said that people who live at the home are free to choose what they do and where they do it. One person said how much they enjoyed going to their local keep fit group and another person talked about how they have been supported to spend time with family. People living at the home enjoy, and are supported to pursue, different hobbies, both people who were at the home during the visit showed the inspector examples of the very intricate craft work they have been enjoying doing recently. The manager said that none of the people who live at the home wish to go to church but do enjoy joining in with church activities such as social events and fetes. The manager and two people who live at the home spoke about the holidays they all took together and how they have booked to return to a particularly favourite place just before Christmas. The manager also said that she is trying to organise passports for everybody as they have said they would like to go in an aeroplane. Both people spoken with said how much they enjoyed their lives at the home in general but particularly enjoyed their holidays and special times such as Christmas and New Year. The manager said that, whilst she tries to encourage people to eat a healthy and nutritious diet, everybody is involved in deciding what to have for the main meal of the day and people make individual choices about, and prepare, their own snack meals. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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. People who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs and abilities. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: Whilst the emphasis at the home is on encouraging and supporting independence, information within care plans demonstrates the support people are given to enable them to meet their needs in the way they prefer. One social worker involved in the service said in a survey that the “service demonstrates respect, sensitivity and maintains positive regard to service users in difficult circumstances”. Some of the people at the home have quite complex healthcare needs and care plans are in place to show how people should be supported to manage their Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 healthcare needs with the support of the home’s staff and healthcare professionals, either within the community or at local clinics and hospitals. One community health professional said in a survey that the home “are very good at reacting to health care needs”. Support is also sought to assist people in meeting their social care needs. The manager said that an advocate has recently been involved in assisting one of the people at the home, who needed some support in making important decisions about their future. Documentation showed that the advocate had been involved in care reviews for this person. One person at the home chooses to manage their own medications, including ordering them, a risk assessment is in place for this. Medications managed by staff were checked during the visit and it was found that staff follow procedures to ensure that a safe system is maintained. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 and 23. People who use this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service are able to express their concerns and have access to an effective complaints procedure, are protected from abuse and have their rights protected. EVIDENCE: The home has an accessible complaints procedure. The records show that the home has not had any complaints since the last inspection. People who responded to our survey indicated that they know how to complain and who to complain to. The manager said that staff have received training in protecting and safeguarding the rights of people living at the home and that further training in local safeguarding procedures is to be organised. Since the last inspection, the manager has appropriately made one referral under local safeguarding procedures. Observations made on the day indicated that the views and experiences of people living at the home are valued. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 and 30. People who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The home enables people to live in a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. EVIDENCE: Discussions with the people living at the home showed that they are happy with their house and that the living environment is appropriate for their particular lifestyle and needs. The manager explained that she ensures that the physical environment of the home provides for the individual requirements of the people who live in the home, with adaptations made to the environment as required although these are minimal with people only needing such things as an second banister rail and a raised toilet seat. The manager and people who live at the home said that, when any redecoration is planned, everybody gets together to discuss colour schemes etc. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 One person was proud to show the inspector their room and everybody who responded to surveys said that the home is always fresh and clean. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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, 34 and 35. People who use this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who use the service. EVIDENCE: Records show that the small team of staff all receive regular training and have recently updated their first aid and moving and handling training. People who live at the home are also included in some training, such as fire and food and hygiene training which would be relevant to their safety. Staff files contain evidence that people are protected by the home’s recruitment policies and practices. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 and 42. People who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who live at the home benefit from good management processes, which ensure that their views and their wellbeing are at the heart of the running of the home. EVIDENCE: The registered manager is a first level nurse who demonstrates commitment to enabling people to live as independent and fulfilling a life as possible and works hard to ensure that people benefit from good management processes in the home. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Apart from discussions with people who live at the home and staff, the manager gains views about the service from other people who visit the home such as social workers, GPs and community nurses, to ensure a continuous process of quality monitoring. To complete the process, the manager develops an action plan from the comments received to ensure that quality is maintained in the home. The manager provided information to the Commission for Social Care Inspection that health and safety is maintained in the home through regular maintenance and servicing. No issues relating to health and safety were identified during the visit. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 4 X 4 X 4 X X X 4 Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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. 1 Refer to Standard YA6 YA9 Good Practice Recommendations People who live at the home should sign their care plans and risk assessments to show that they understand them and agree to what they say. Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Team First Floor St Pauls House 23 Park Square Leeds LS1 2ND 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 Mount Avenue DS0000006237.V329504.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. 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. 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