Inspection on 14/12/05 for Parrot Farm House

This inspection was carried out on 14th December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 3 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Parrot Farm House 10/10/07

Parrot Farm House 04/05/06

Parrot Farm House 01/06/05

Parrot Farm House 11/11/04

Parrot Farm House 02/06/04

Similar services:

Hillview Farm

Dalewood Respite Care

Orchard,The

REACH Upton Court Road

Fairways

Treloar College

Kestrel House, St Anne`s Opportunity Centre,

Pinta

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Parrot Farm House Arborfield Road Shinfield Reading Berkshire RG2 9EA Lead Inspector Lucy Martin Announced Inspection 14th December 2005 10:00 Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Parrot Farm House Address Arborfield Road Shinfield Reading Berkshire RG2 9EA 0118 988 5051 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) New Support Options Limited ***Post Vacant*** Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 1st June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Parrot Farm House is a residential home for 6 men who have a severe learning disability and may also have additional physical, dietary, sensory, epileptic and behavioural problems. The home is detached and surrounded by a large garden. It is situated on a busy main road. There are a few local shops within walking distance but there is no pavement directly outside the home. The centre of Reading is approximately 5 miles away. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a routine inspection of the home which was announced in order for the inspector to meet with the new Manager of the home. The inspection started at 10am and finished at 4.30pm. In addition to the Manager, other staff on duty were spoken with briefly as they carried out their duties. Five of the six service users living at the home were seen and greeted. None of the service users are able to communicate their views verbally about the home. Samples of records, including service users files, were seen. Feedback was given to the Manager and the Area Manager at the end of the inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: There is a need to ensure that there is accurate recording in sufficient detail of the food available to service users. New members of staff should attend training sooner than they are doing, especially in core areas. The fire safety matters outlined by the Fire Officer in his report need to be addressed. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 The home has a long-term group of service users, all of whom have lived at the home for a minimum of 13 years. Any new service users would only be admitted on the basis of a full assessment. EVIDENCE: All the current service users have been living at the home for a number of years – a maximum of 17 years and the most recently admitted service user has lived at Parrot Farm House for 13 years. There are no plans for any of the service users to move although it has been recognised by the home and one placing authority that a more independent setting would best serve the needs of one of the service users. The registration of the home is for 8 service users and for a number of years the maximum number of service users has been 6. There is an intention by the providers to reduce the registration to 6, as the home works best when the maximum number is 6. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 9 All the service users have up to date plans in place and risk assessments are reviewed on a regular basis. There are robust procedures to ensure that service users finances are safeguarded. EVIDENCE: It was an unmet requirement at the last inspection that service users files are reviewed to ensure that they contain all the required information. This has been met and the service users files seen were much improved. Each service user now has two files – one containing support needs and vital information and the other all the additional information. This system appears to work well and much work has been undertaken in ensuring that the contents of the files contain up to date information. All the service users have had new support plans written which were visual and well presented. They also contain good evidence of choices and decisions in their day-to-day lives that service users are able to make. It was a recommendation made at the last inspection that service users risk assessments are reviewed regularly at least six monthly and this has been met. There was clear evidence that all the risk assessments seen were being regularly reviewed. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 None of the service are able to manage their own finances and the financial procedures were discussed with the Manager. There are robust safeguards in place to ensure that service users finances are kept safe and transparent records are maintained. It was noted that the service users financial records had not been cross checked with receipts since September 2005 and it is recommended that this happens on a more regular basis to ensure that any discrepancies are quickly picked up. Advice was also given that there is evidence that any large purchases by service users have been discussed and agreed with family members or their care manager. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 All the service users take part in activities on a regular basis and are part of the local community. The food menus were up to date but the recording of what was eaten by service users and the activities undertaken by them was not always completed. EVIDENCE: Each service user has a timetable of activities which includes activities indoors such as using the sensory room as well as sessions with external day-care providers. Activities include physical sessions such as rambling, horse riding and trampolining as well as more social activities such as shopping or visiting a local café. Since the last inspection a new laminated timetable of service users activities has been drawn up which has pictures and is visually attractive. This has been placed in the dining room so that service users can see it. One service user delivers leaflets on a regular basis and gets payment for this work. The home has two cars which are used for transporting service users including a new people carrier with 7 seats. The Manager confirmed that it is usual for all the service users to go out on an activity every day and there are additional Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 members of staff on duty 9 – 5 during the week to facilitate this. It is important that accurate records are maintained which provide evidence of the activities undertaken. All of the service users maintain some level of contact with their families and some go home on a regular basis. Visitors to the home are welcomed and a Christmas Party was planned to take place a few days after this inspection and friends and family of service users had been invited. The service users are free to spend time where they wish and this includes the large garden surrounding the house. It was noted that staff were spending time with the service users and all the service users went out at some time on the inspection day. The main food menus were seen which are used for 5 of the 6 service users. One service user has to eat a special diet and a separate food menu is maintained for him. Another service user does some of his own food shopping and sometimes prepares and eats his own meals and he tends to eat separately from the main group of service users. It is important that an accurate record of the food eaten is maintained especially for the service user who sometimes prepares and eats his food separately. It is a requirement that this is done. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 18, 19, 20 The healthcare needs of the service users are met and there were improvements noted in the recording of appointments in the files. EVIDENCE: All the service users require personal support and there are guidelines in their files regarding their preferences about how it is carried out. Service users choose their own clothes to wear and reminders were seen for staff to encourage service users to make these decisions. There is a health section in each service users file and there was improved information on file regarding the outcome of healthcare appointments. It was a recommendation at the last inspection that there is clear recording in service users files in date order of medical appointments including stays in hospital and this has been met. The new forms are useful in ensuring clear recording of the appointments. It was an unmet requirement at the last inspection that service users are weighed on a regular basis. This has been met and the files indicated that service users have been weighed every two months. Discussions were held with the Manager regarding one service user who lost 9 lbs in weight in two months and that there was a need for the member of staff weighing him to raise this as a concern which they had not. Fortunately the service user had nearly regained all the lost weight by the next time he was weighed. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 None of the service users self-medicate and all of the medication is securely stored in a large medical cabinet. The medication administration records were seen which were up to date. One member of staff administers the medication and a second staff member acts as a witness. New staff have to demonstrate competency in administering medication with a senior member of staff and a form is completed before they can undertake this task. A pharmacist visits the home on a quarterly basis to give advice regarding medication. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 23 Service users are protected from harm. EVIDENCE: The organisation that operates the home has robust procedures in place for the protection of vulnerable adults. A number of staff have attended training in adult protection and a course is being organised in the near future which will include four members of staff from the home. Advice was given that it is important that all staff have training in this area. The monthly monitoring visits include a financial check and as stated earlier in this report, there are procedures in place to ensure the security of service users finances. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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, 30 The home is clean, warm and in a reasonable state of repair. There are adequate laundry facilities. EVIDENCE: The home is large and it is not an easy house to make into a homely environment. However, improvements were seen with a display of photographs of service users in the lounge and some Christmas decorations. Three of the service users bedrooms were seen which were all nicely decorated and personalised. Since the last inspection the garden has been cleared and a gardener was laying some new turf. The decoration and furnishing of the home is adequate but it was noted that some of the carpets, particularly in the hall and corridor area, are looking worn and marked. They will need to be replaced in the near future. The home has a laundry room which contains an industrial washing machine with a sluice facility and an industrial tumble drier. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 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): 33, 34, 35, 36 The staff team is low in numbers but there is good consistency with regular bank staff. Staff supervision is taking place regularly and there are thorough recruitment procedures. Staff training does not take place as quickly as it should. EVIDENCE: The staff team is low in number and there are approximately five staffing vacancies at present. However, since the last inspection a new Manager has been appointed from within the existing team and a new Deputy Manager has been recruited who has recently started. Another two new staff are waiting to start. Although low in number, there has been good consistency of staff as there are a regular bank workers who fill any gaps. The requirement to ensure the duty rota is maintained up to date has been met and there are usually three staff on duty during the day with an extra one or two members of staff working 9-5 to cover service users activities. A staff meeting took place in December but one had not been held since August 2005. Advice was given that they take place more regularly, at least two monthly. A sample of staff recruitment records were seen and there was evidence that thorough checks are completed before employment. All the staff files seen had two references in place and confirmation that an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check had been carried out. Eligibility to work in the UK was also checked and followed up. It was noted on the files that there was no Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 evidence that staff appointments are subject to a probationary period or any evidence to indicate whether this probationary period had been passed. It is recommended that this area is clarified. It was an unmet requirement at the last inspection that the formal supervision of staff takes place on a regular basis at least 6 times a year. This has now been met. It was evident that the Manager has prioritised supervision and regular sessions have been taking place. Some of the supervision which has been delegated has not been happening as regularly as it should but overall, there has been much improvement. It is hoped that with the recruitment of a new Deputy Manager, this area will continue to improve. The training file showed the training that staff have undertaken in the past year. It was apparent that not all new staff are undertaking foundation training within 6 months of appointment and one member of staff who has worked at the home since April 2005 had not undertaken any training. It is acknowledged that this member of staff is booked to go on core training in the New Year but it is an expectation that some training would have taken place in the first 8 months of employment apart from an induction. It is a requirement that these training issues are addressed. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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, 42 The home has a new Manager who is in the process of being registered with the CSCI. There were improvements seen in the recording of health and safety checks but there are some maintenance matters regarding fire safety which are in need of attention. EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection a new Manager has been appointed in July 2005 who was previously the Day Care Coordinator. There was evidence that much work has been undertaken since taking over this post. A consultant was at the home for three months supporting the new Manager in her role. The Manager has started the Registered Managers Award but this standard cannot be fully met as the course has not yet been completed. It is positive that a new Deputy Manager has recently been recruited to support the Manager in the management tasks. At the last inspection it was found that there were gaps in the routine recording of the fire alarm system and the temperatures of the hot water. It was a requirement that these matters were addressed and they have been. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 There is now regular recording of these checks. The Fire Officer visited the home on a routine visit in November 2005 and has issued a notice regarding placing itumescent strips in some of the fire doors which do not already have them and ensuring that the doors with self-closure devices work properly. It is a requirement of this report that these matters are addressed by the date on the notice which is 1st February 2006. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 Score x 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 2 x 3 x Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 3 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 2 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Parrot Farm House Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 x x x x 2 x DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No 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 2 3 Standard YA17 YA35 YA42 Regulation 17(2) Schedule 4 18(1)(c) 23(4)(c) Requirement Accurate records are maintained of the food provided for all service users The training for new staff in core areas takes place within the prescribed timescales. The fire safety matters outlined in the Fire Officer’s notice dated 30/11/05 are carried out. Timescale for action 14/02/06 14/02/06 01/02/06 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 YA7 YA34 Good Practice Recommendations Service users financial records are checked more frequently than 3 monthly. The organisation clarifies the procedures regarding the probationary period for new members of staff. Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA 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 Parrot Farm House DS0000011379.V256905.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 - 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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