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Inspection on 06/06/07 for Owls Barn

Also see our care home review for Owls Barn for more information

This inspection was carried out on 6th June 2007.

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

Owls Barn is highly regarded by its residents who feel safe, cared for and comfortable living at the home. The residents spoken with confirmed that their care needs were met, that they felt able to voice their opinions to staff and that they were supported to make choices regarding their day to day lives. Comments included: "It is like a big family here, we are looked after when we need it". "I like it here as I do as I like". "I keep busy doing things I like and helping keep my place tidy and helping around the house". The food is very nice, I like what we have and you can help choose what they make". "We are treated just like the owners family". "I get up and go to be when I like and can do what I like". The physical environment is of a good standard and overall provides a clean, comfortable and homely place for residents.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Further improvements continue to be made with the home to provide more comfortable environment for residents. During the visit the registered manager discussed plans to improve the overall living environment further, which include creating a separate entrance to each bedroom, one of which currently is shared.

What the care home could do better:

Health and safety precautions regarding Legionellosis must be undertaken and a comprehensive risk assessment of the premises is needed to more fully identify and then minimise risks to service users. There must be formal recruitment procedures and checks in place, which include criminal record checks, references and the induction of newly recruited staff into the home to further safeguard residents. Records should be maintained of any training undertaken by staff whom should attend sufficient up to date awareness training to meet residents care needs. This includes all staff being aware of policies and procedures to safeguard residents from abuse. Residents confirmed that the registered manager sought their views regarding life within the home and a suggestion box is located in the home although formal quality satisfaction systems should be improved to more fully encourage and support residents and their representatives to express their views regarding the services provided.

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Owls Barn 47-49 High Street Marton Gainsborough Lincolnshire DN21 5AL Lead Inspector David Bacon Key Unannounced Inspection 6th June 2007 08:00 X10015.doc Version 1.40 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 Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.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 Older People. 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. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Owls Barn Address 47-49 High Street Marton Gainsborough Lincolnshire DN21 5AL 01427 718842 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 Loraine Olsen Mr Jorgen Olsen Mrs Loraine Olsen Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (2), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (1), Mental disorder, excluding of places learning disability or dementia (1), Mental Disorder, excluding learning disability or dementia - over 65 years of age (1) Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 21st December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Owls Barn is a large, two-storey, old, rambling cottage situated on the High Street in the village of Marton near Gainsborough, close to local shops and facilities. It is owned, managed and run by the Provider mainly with the assistance of one employee - the deputy manager - and occasional voluntary help. The home is registered to provide personal care for up to five adults in the categories of learning disabilities and mental disorders, currently housing four residents in two single and one double, ensuite bedroom. The bedrooms are situated on the ground and upper floors, with stairs giving access to the upper storey and steps throughout the varying levels of the ground floor. There are attractive, enclosed, well-kept gardens to the front and rear of the property. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This key unannounced inspection took place during June 2007 and the visit to the home was undertaken over approximately 5 hours. The methodology for the inspection visit used is called ‘case tracking’. This means that the care received by two residents was looked at in detail, including resident’s care, staff and general home records, which pertain to their care and support. We also spoke with two residents, the registered manager and two staff members about the support offered to people living at the home. Three completed quality satisfaction surveys were received prior to the visit, which have been used to further inform the judgements made within this report. A partial tour of the premises was conducted including areas relating to the residents who were case tracked. Notifications received along with a pre-inspection questionnaire, completed by the manager were also viewed as part of the overall information gathering regarding the service. Some records could not be located during this visit as some refurbishment work was being undertaken and the main office area was being relocated. The range of fees is assessed per individual. What the service does well: Owls Barn is highly regarded by its residents who feel safe, cared for and comfortable living at the home. The residents spoken with confirmed that their care needs were met, that they felt able to voice their opinions to staff and that they were supported to make choices regarding their day to day lives. Comments included: “It is like a big family here, we are looked after when we need it”. “I like it here as I do as I like”. “I keep busy doing things I like and helping keep my place tidy and helping around the house”. The food is very nice, I like what we have and you can help choose what they make”. “We are treated just like the owners family”. “I get up and go to be when I like and can do what I like”. The physical environment is of a good standard and overall provides a clean, comfortable and homely place for residents. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3, 6 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Satisfactory systems are in place for the introduction of residents to the home whose care needs are clearly identified and information is provided to them detailing the services provided. EVIDENCE: The records viewed demonstrated that an assessment of each residents care needs had been undertaken, which included a detailed risk assessment specific to the individual. The records seen provided staff with a history of each resident including activities for daily living, which identified individual preferences regarding daily and personal routines and lifestyle. The assessment information forms the individual care plan and those seen documented where residents had been consulted with or involved in the assessment process. Records identified how residents were made aware of their rights during admission, which included Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 data protection and confidentiality. The residents spoken with could not recall the admission process as this had been a considerable time previous but confirmed that they were made welcome by staff. The care staff spoken with were clearly aware of individual residents assessed care needs and how these were met. Intermediate care services are not provided at the home. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8, 9, 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents receive support from a caring staff team who treat them respectfully. Detailed care plans are in place to provide staff with sufficient information to meet the residents care needs. Procedures for the administration of medication are appropriate. EVIDENCE: The residents spoken with said that staff provided them with the care and support they needed, that care staff were respectful and promoted their privacy and dignity. Comments included: “We are part of the family, it is a nice place”. “I am looked after by the staff when I need it”. “I am involved in my care records and I sign this”. “I am helped by the staff who know what care I need”. “When I am poorly they know how to care for me”. Comments received in satisfaction surveys completed by residents further supported these. Care records refer to residents making choices, their likes and dislikes and they provide staff to give clear explanations to residents about how these should be met. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 A care plan is completed for each resident from the initial assessment and the records seen clearly documented each resident’s involvement in this. Care records identified any specific health needs, how these were met by supporting health agencies and any action taken by the home staff. For example, one resident assessed as having care needs regarding epilepsy was monitored regarding this and records clearly instructed staff how care should be delivered in the event of this and included instructions from health professionals. Medication systems were well maintained and documented medicines as received into the building, as administered and as disposed. The manager said that staff whom administer medicines have recently received updated awareness training regarding this subject matter although records of these were not available during the visit. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, 15 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents feel safe in the environment, they are able to choose how they spend their time and to maintain and develop community links as they prefer. Residents enjoy the meals provided and their views regarding meals are sought. EVIDENCE: The residents spoken with confirmed that they felt safe living at the home, that they could spend their time as they liked and that staff respected their views. Residents said that their visitors were made welcome and that they were satisfied with the homes provision of activities of which records are maintained. Comments regarding life within the home included: “I have hobbies that I get involved in each day, I also help about the home, tidying and keeping busy and I do as I like”. “We do what we like, I go shopping or out and to the pub”. “I feel better some days more than others so I do what I want”. A record of any activities undertaken is maintained for each resident. Activities included cards, dominoes or taking part in the local activities, which residents confirmed were their activities of choice. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The staff members spoken with were aware of policies and procedures to promote and ensure residents rights and choices regarding their day to day lives, which is an integral part of residents individual care plans. A record of the food provided is maintained along with meal and equipment temperature records. The residents said that their views regarding meals were sought and that they were occasionally involved in the shopping and planning of meals when they liked. Resident’s comments included: “I generally like what they have but I can choose something different”. “The food has always been good, very nice”. Residents confirmed that the manager would listen to any opinions regarding food preferences and no suggestions to improve the foods provided were made. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16, 18 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The residents spoken with feel able to comment or complain about the care they receive although staff are not fully made aware of the systems in place to protect residents from abuse. EVIDENCE: The pre inspection information received from the manager identified that policies and procedures are in place to safeguard residents although these could not be located during the visit due to the office being relocated. Information regarding these is displayed in the home and provided to service users. Records show that there has been no complaints or safeguarding adult’s referral since the last inspection visit. The residents spoken with said that they felt able to complain or express their views about the care provided and that any comments would be appropriately acted upon, which was further confirmed in the quality satisfaction surveys seen. Comments included: “Yes, I could complain if I wanted to, to the manager or staff”. “They would be alright with you if you complained but I don’t want to”. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The staff members spoken with explained the correct action to be taken in the event of an issue of abuse being identified although one staff member said that they were not fully aware of policies and procedures regarding this subject matter. The manager said that this matter would be addressed. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19, 26 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The standard of the physical environment is good and considered by residents to be homely although some action is needed to further safeguard residents. Fire safety systems are adequately maintained. EVIDENCE: The environment was clean, tidy and well maintained throughout all the areas seen. The manager said that a rolling programme of refurbishment and redecoration was in place, which was evidenced throughout the home. The resident’s private accommodation seen had been personalised to resident’s own taste. Residents said that their rooms were kept clean and tidy and that staff were respectful of their own space. The residents spoken with were satisfied with the overall cleanliness of the home and comments seen in the homes completed satisfaction questionnaires Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 further confirmed this. Comments included: “Spotless, clean house”. “I keep my room clean and the staff also do, its always clean and tidy”. “We try to help about the house and the staff also keep it very well”. Fire safety tests were appropriately maintained and the home staff receive regular awareness training. Information received from the registered manager prior to the inspection visit stated that a fire officer site visit was last undertaken 25/04/05 and that no requirements were placed upon the home following this. Substances identified as being potentially hazardous to health were stored safely information sheets and risk assessments regarding these provided guidance for staff. The registered manager acknowledged that there was no formal legionella checks in place and advice from the environmental health officer must be sought regarding this and that appropriate action is taken as necessary to minimise risks of infection to residents. The registered manager said this would be addressed. Water temperature valves are fitted to water outlets and records of temperatures are kept. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28, 29, 30 Quality in this outcome area is poor. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing levels are sufficient and residents feel that their care needs are met. Some staff are recruited without important documentation being received, they are not formally inducted or fully trained, which could place residents at risk. EVIDENCE: Some staff records could not be located during the visit due to the office being moved and some other important records were not in place. The registered manager and senior carer acknowledged that formal recruitment checks had not been undertaken for two staff members. This included application forms, obtaining criminal record checks, references and formal identification. There were no records of newly appointed staff receiving a basic induction or statutory training, which was confirmed by the staff members spoken with although it is acknowledged that staff may have attended some training prior to commencing work at the home. The registered manager took steps to address this matter following the visit. The residents spoken were satisfied with the care provided and that their care needs were appropriately met. Comments included: “The staff look after you when you are not well”. “Whenever in crisis an not well there is always Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 someone to help”. “We are very fortunate here, it’s much better than where I stayed before, they look after you well and they are there when needed”. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. 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 and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31, 33, 35, 38 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are very satisfied with the management of the home. Minor adjustments should be made to quality satisfaction systems to promote residents views more fully. Some health and safety assessments and procedures are in place although these should more fully identify risks to residents. Systems are in place regarding safekeeping resident’s finances. EVIDENCE: Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 The residents and staff members spoken with were fully satisfied with the manager’s approach to the role, which was further confirmed in the completed satisfaction surveys seen. Comments included: “We get on and the manager’s relatives are just like our own”. “The manager is like family and looks after us all very well”. “I feel safe and that this is home, I don’t want to move”. “You can just talk to the manager if you need to a she will sort things out for you”. There are some formal quality satisfaction systems in place although these are limited. For example, a suggestion box is located in the home although questionnaires are not sent to service users and service users meetings are not held. It is acknowledged that the manager and staff aim to achieve this informally although it is recommended that satisfaction questionnaires are openly promoted and displayed to further afford residents and their representative’s opportunities to express their views regarding life within the home. The manager agreed to address this. Policies and procedures are in place to protect residents where the home has any involvement in their finances and the monies are kept separate and receipts although records of transactions and totals are maintained. Residents sign for any transactions, where this is possible. The staff members spoken with were satisfied with the homes management of health and safety and a basic risk assessment of the premises has been undertaken of which records are maintained although this should more fully identify all areas and potential risks within the home to provide a safer environment for residents. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.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 Older People 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 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X X 3 X X N/a HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 2 3 X X X X X X 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 2 29 1 30 2 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 2 X 3 X X 2 Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 OP18 Regulation 13 (6) Requirement Staff must be competent and understand the safeguarding adult policies and procedures to protect residents from abuse. Adequate systems including risk assessments must be in place to minimise risks to residents from legionnaires disease. Recruitment procedures must be adequate to safeguard residents. Timescale for action 31/07/07 2 OP26 13 (4) (c) 31/10/07 3 OP29 19 08/06/07 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 OP30 OP33 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that staff training provision is reviewed to ensure that training undertaken by staff is sufficient to meet residents care needs. It is recommended that quality assurance systems are developed to more fully enable residents to express their views regarding the service provided. Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Lincoln Area Office Unity House, The Point Weaver Road Off Whisby Road Lincoln LN6 3QN 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 Owls Barn DS0000002517.V342185.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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!