Inspection on 20/02/06 for Our House

This inspection was carried out on 20th February 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 6 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Our House 06/03/07

Our House 29/09/05

Our House 03/03/05

Our House 16/09/04

Similar services:

Ashlong House

Norbury Crescent (30)

Edenvale

Wadham Avenue

Chatsworth Care - Dawson House

Cowden Road, 52 - 54

Chatsworth Care - Tudor Lodge

Foxley Lane (121a)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Our House 5 Blueberry Close Woodford Green Essex IG8 OEP Lead Inspector Jackie Date Unannounced Inspection 20th February 2006 03:30 Our House DS0000025914.V284486.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 Our House DS0000025914.V284486.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. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Our House Address 5 Blueberry Close Woodford Green Essex IG8 OEP 020 8599 7585 020 8599 7585 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) Redbridge Community Housing Limited [RCHL] Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Mild to moderate level of disability. Date of last inspection 29th September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: 5 Blueberry Close, also known as Our House, is a home for five people with learning disabilities. It is one of a number of homes run by RCHL, Redbridge Community Housing Ltd. The house is in Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge. The home was built in 1998 and was designed with the support of the parents of the residents. It is a bungalow and accessible for wheelchair users. The home has five large bedrooms, two with ensuite showers and toilets. There is a large lounge, a kitchen/dining area, a bathroom, a shower room and a laundry room. There is also a small conservatory where residents can use the computer. In addition to this there is a staff sleeping in room and an office. All of the residents have lived together since the home opened. The residents do a lot of things in the home, the day centre, and the college. They have strong links with the local Catholic Fellowship and join them for a lot of social activities. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection lasted for about three hours and took place during the late afternoon and early evening. It was the second of the two inspections that each home must have during the inspection year. During the two visits all of the key standards have been checked. The manager, staff, residents and a relative were spoken to. All of the communal rooms and two of the bedrooms in the house were seen. Care and other records were checked. The main purpose of this visit was to monitor the progress of the requirements from the previous inspection. Feedback forms were left for staff and other relatives to give their comments on the service. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: There are three requirements from this inspection that are related to recruitment and staff records both of which are dealt with by the head office. The organisation has been addressing these requirements and they will be checked by a further visit to the head office. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 Although the staff team are competent and know the residents well they have only had limited access to training. Staff need to be able to attend regular training and to have the opportunity to obtain qualifications so that they have the skills and up-to-date knowledge to provide a good service to the residents. 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. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2&5 If a vacancy arose the required information would be gathered on a prospective resident and they and their relatives could spend time in the home to find out what it would be like to live there and to enable the resident to make a choice about living in the home, within their capacity to do so. Residents and their representatives now have a written and costed contract/statement of terms and conditions and will therefore be clear about what they are entitled to. EVIDENCE: The home was purpose-built seven years ago for the five people that live there and there have not been any new admissions since then. It is therefore not possible to directly test Standard 2 with regard to prospective users needs being assessed. However, the organisation has an admissions procedure that includes gathering of information and assessments. It also contains details of how a prospective resident would be introduced to the home. The staff would be able to assess and introduce a new resident to the home if needed. The residents have a contract between themselves and the Housing Association/provider. Previous inspections have required that the organisation must provide a fully costed contract/statement of terms and conditions to each resident. These have now been developed and include information about individual financial arrangements. The contracts were available at the home. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 This means that there is clear information available about the service that will be provided to individual residents. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6&9 Residents’ plans focus on their individual needs and abilities and contain detailed information so that staff can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Each resident has a care plan. These are detailed and give clear information about each person. They include details of what they can do, what they like and the support that they need. Residents said that their plans were discussed with them. The care plans are reviewed and information updated when required. Daily reports are made and these linked to items on the care plan. Daily notes contain details of how the person has been and what they have done. Risk assessments are the in place. These identify risks for the residents and indicate ways in which the risks can be reduced to enable the residents needs to be met as safely as possible. Risk assessments are adequate and have been increased to cover all the necessary areas as required by the previous inspection. For example, cleaning the bathroom using cleaning products and ironing. Therefore residents have the opportunity to try things and to develop their skills as safely as possible. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 13, 14 & 15 The residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible, to take part in activities and to be part of the local community. Residents are supported to keep in contact with their relatives and visitors are made welcome at the home. EVIDENCE: Residents participate in household tasks on a rota basis. This includes the cooking as well as domestic chores. On the day of the visit one resident was helping to cook the evening meal and his mother was coming to dinner. Residents’ care plans contain lots of different ways in which they are supported to develop their skills and to be as independent as possible. One relative said that her son had developed a lot since moving into the house and was much more independent. All of the residents have a very busy life. They attend college courses and some go to day centres. In addition to this they belong to the Catholic Fellowship and United Friends and they go on lots of social activities, trips and holidays with them. They all go to church regularly. Two Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 of the residents had recently been on a trip to Rome, which they said they enjoyed. As previously stated the residents’ families were involved in the setting up, planning and building of the home and they are still very much involved. They visit regularly and residents also go home for visits and short stays. The relative spoken to said that she was always made welcome at the home and there was a happy family atmosphere there. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 & 20 The residents are encouraged to take their own medication with help and supervision from the staff team and this increases their independence. Residents receive support to ensure that they get the medical and health care that they need. EVIDENCE: All of the residents are registered with local doctors and are supported to attend appointments. Details of appointments and checks, and their outcomes are recorded in residents’ files. The requirement from previous inspections that all staff must be made aware of the appropriate first aid that can be carried out and if necessary further or refresher training provided has been addressed. One member of staff has completed a full four-day first aid course and the rest of the staff team were doing a one-day refresher course on the day after the inspection. This will ensure that in the event of any accident or injury residents will receive the appropriate first aid. The procedure for the administration of medication changed last year. Medication cabinets have now been fitted into each residents’ rooms and the keys are kept in the office. The resident comes to the office and the staff goes with them and assists them with their medication. The staff sign the Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 medication administration record. The details of what is required are clearly explained in the guidelines, which also contain photographs of each resident. The idea of this is to give the residents an understanding about their medication and to enable them to be as independent as possible even though at present none are able to totally self medicate. This system of administering medication is adequate and suitable. The key cabinet is now kept locked at all times to safeguard residents. This was a requirement of the previous inspection Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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): These standards were not tested on this visit. However evidence from the last inspection was that there is a complaints procedure that would be followed in the event of any complaints being made. Also that staff were aware of issues of abuse and worked to protect residents from abuse EVIDENCE: The above standards were not specifically tested on this visit, as there were no outstanding requirements in relation to the two standards. At the time of the last inspection both standards were tested and assessed as met. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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, 27, 28 & 30 The residents live in a clean and comfortable home that is suitable for their needs. EVIDENCE: The home was built in 1998 and was designed with the support of the parents of the residents. It is a bungalow and accessible for wheelchair users. The home has five large bedrooms, two with ensuite showers and toilets. There is a large lounge, a kitchen/dining area, an assisted bathroom, a shower room that is accessible to wheelchair users and a laundry room. There is also a small conservatory where residents can use the computer. The garden is well maintained and has suitable garden furniture. All of the communal areas have recently been redecorated and look nice. The residents said they had helped to choose the colours. It is hoped that some of the carpets will be replaced in the near future and carpets will be cleaned if not. Bathing and showering facilities are suitable for the needs of the residents. In the shower room the towel rail and the shower seat have been replaced as required by the previous inspection. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 At the time of the inspection the home appeared to be clean and the recommendations from a recent environmental health inspection had been carried out. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34, 35 and 36 Staff are competent and receive the necessary support and supervision to carry out their duties. However they need access to further training and in particular to NVQ training. The organisation has taken action to address concerns about the robustness of recruitment practice and this will be tested via a further inspection of recruitment files at the organisations head office EVIDENCE: The staff team have experience of working with people with learning disabilities and have all completed the Learning Disabilities Award Framework (LDAF) training. However records show that they have received a very limited amount of training in the last year and that only one of the staff has achieved NVQ qualifications. Staff must receive appropriate training and have the opportunity to obtain qualifications appropriate to their work. This will ensure that they have the skills and up-to-date knowledge needed to provide a good service to the residents. During last year an inspection of a sample of personnel files at the organisations head office showed that not all of the required checks on staff could be demonstrated to have taken place. This was discussed with the organisation and the Commission received an action plan of how this was going Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 to be addressed. A further visit to head office will take place to confirm that all of the necessary action has been taken and that the recruitment procedure is robust. The requirements with regard to recruitment will remain until this visit has taken place. A new manager is now in post. Staff spoken to do that there are now receiving supervision regularly and also that staff meetings are being held regularly. Both of these were requirements in the previous inspection. Staff therefore have an opportunity individually and together to discuss issues, concerns and the development of the service Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 41, 42 & 43 The home is well managed and provides a safe environment for the residents. The organisation has taken action to address concerns about staff records and this will be tested via a further inspection of recruitment files at the organisations head office. EVIDENCE: The new manager has been in post since the end of October. He has the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to manage the home. Feedback from staff was that he is very organised, has new ideas and involves staff and residents in the development of the service. Feedback from relatives was that he is understanding and listens to them. During last year an inspection of a sample of personnel files at the organisations head office showed that not all of the required staff records were maintained. This was discussed with the organisation and the Commission Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 received an action plan of how this was going to be addressed. A further visit to head office will take place to confirm that all of the necessary action has been taken and that the necessary records are kept. The requirements with regard to records will remain until this visit has taken place. All of the necessary health and safety checks are carried. The fire risk assessment has been reviewed and updated as required by the previous inspection. This is now up-to-date and contains the correct information to safeguard residents. There was a problem with the oven in the kitchen in that when the door was being opened the oven would move causing a potential risk to anybody using it. The oven has been attached to the wall by a short chain and is now safe. Previous inspections have required that the registered manager must develop a business and financial plan for the home and a copy of this must be sent to the Commission. This still remains outstanding. The organisation has developed a template for this and the manager is working on this document. As the manager has only been in post for a short time and has needed to get to know the service and the needs of the residents the timescale for this has been extended to allow for this work to be completed. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 3 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 2 33 X 34 2 35 2 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 X 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X 3 3 X 3 X X X 2 3 2 Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 Yes 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 YA35YA32 Regulation 18 Requirement Staff must receive appropriate training and have the opportunity to obtain qualifications appropriate to their work. The registered persons are required to ensure that their recruitment procedure is robust and in line with regulation. The registered persons are required to maintain records for the protection of service users in line with Schedule 2 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. For new staff before appointment. The registered persons are required to maintain records for the protection of service users in line with Schedule 2 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. For existing staff. The registered manager must ensure that there is a business and financial plan for the home and that a copy of this is sent to the Commission. (Previous timescales of 31 December 2004, 31 May 2005 & 31 December 2005 not met.) Timescale for action 30/06/06 2. YA34 19 31/03/06 3. YA41 17 31/03/06 4. YA41 17 31/03/06 5. YA43 25 31/05/06 Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 24 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 YA8 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that residents’ meetings are held regularly and minutes are kept. Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ilford Area Office Ferguson House 113 Cranbrook Road Ilford IG1 4PU 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 Our House DS0000025914.V284486.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 26 - 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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