Inspection on 16/08/05 for Polesworth Group 68 Long Street

This inspection was carried out on 16th August 2005.

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

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 01/07/09

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 23/06/07

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 09/02/06

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 14/03/05

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 16/11/04

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street 06/11/03

Similar services:

Polesworth Group Friary Road

Polesworth Group Pooley Heights

Polesworth Group 32 Station Road

Polesworth Group 70 Long Street

Breme

Polesworth Group 64 Long Street

10 Whitfield Avenue

1a White Ladies Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 68 Long Street Dordon Warwickshire B78 1SL Lead Inspector Maggie Arnold Unannounced 16 August 2005 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 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 Stationary 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. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 Address 68 Long Street Dordon Warwickshire B78 1SL 01827 899508 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Polesworth Group Homes Limited Mr Stewart Harrison PC Care home 3 Category(ies) of LD Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: none Date of last inspection 14 March 2005 Brief Description of the Service: 68 Long Street, also known as “The Terrace”, is part of Polesworth Group Homes, which was established as a Limited Company in June 1991, with the aim of providing accommodation and support services to adults with learning disabilities. The home is one of three care homes, housed in adjoining terraced properties owned by the company on Long Street. 68 Long Street accommodates three service users. There is a light modern kitchen with a utility at the rear, a cosy dining room with a feature fireplace, and lounge with open plan staircase leading to the first floor. The first floor has one double bedroom, one single bedroom and a light modern bathroom. Externally there is a small rear garden with lawn, flower-beds and shrubs. The home is situated in a residential area of Dordon near to shops and other local facilities including a public house, a library and a health centre. As the current residents are able to safely maintain many aspects of their independence, 68 Long Street is only staffed for parts of the day. Staff are available 24 hours a day at 64-66 Long Street and the residents from 68 Long Street can call upon these staff should any need arise. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The unannounced inspection took place on Tuesday 16th of October from 10.20 am to 11.35 am. The main focus of the inspection was to talk to residents and staff and to check the physical environment for suitability, safety and comfort. Two residents and one member of staff were in the home at the time of the visit. The inspector also had a meeting with the manager at his office which is located a short distance from 68 Long Street. During the hour long meeting staff files were looked at and discussions took place regarding 68 Long Street and a sister home. What the service does well: A tour of the home found it to be very clean, free from unpleasant odours and clutter. Both bedrooms were furnished and personalised to reflect the needs and preferences of the occupants. Communal areas were well maintained, homely and decorated and furnished in a domestic manner. The overall expertise and quality of care and management of the home is very good. Over the course of the visit the member of staff was observed to treat the residents with respect. Support was delivered in a professional and sensitive manner. The staff member constantly spoke to and involved the two residents in decisions and the daily routine of the home. Just two recommendations arose from the records seen. Records were securely stored when not in use. To summarise, the residents benefit from a competent and committed manager and staff team. This results in a well ordered home that has a calm and relaxed feel to it, which helps to promote a feeling of well being and confidence in the residents. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 1&4 Prospective residents given the information they need to make an informed choice about where they live and are offered the opportunity to visit the home prior to admission. This works towards ensuring that prospective residents find a suitable placement. EVIDENCE: One resident talked to the inspector about how he first heard of the home and came to live in it. The resident confirmed that he had visited the home prior to admission and discussed, with the staff and manager reasons why it was thought 68 Long Street might meet his needs and aspirations. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 7-9 The home is pro-active in working with residents to ensure that, as far as possible, residents are involved in decisions regarding their life and various aspects of life in the home. This works towards meeting the needs and preferences of the residents. EVIDENCE: Two of the three residents were at home at the time of the inspection. When the inspector arrived at the home both residents were busy completing their daily household tasks. The inspector had the opportunity to speak to both residents, spending most of the time with one resident in particular. The resident talked to the inspector about various aspects of living in the home and said that they liked the general routine of the home, level of independence and choice that they exercised. For example, the resident said that he liked that there was a general routine for cleaning and mealtimes and that staff were there to help or advise him if there were problems. He also liked the fact that the home was fairly quiet and staff were not always on the premises. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 The resident stated that staff encouraged him to “Do as much as I can for myself, if it is safe and I can manage it”. Care plans and accompanying records were not inspected on this occasion. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 11, 13 & 17. The home continues to support the residents to access opportunities for their personal development and participate in the local community. This helps to promote independence and confidence. The food provided is varied and nutritious. EVIDENCE: Residents living in 68 Long Street are able to maintain many aspects of their independence. The ethos of the home is to promote independence and ongoing personal development. The home does not employ additional domestic or laundry staff. Subject to risk assessments, residents are encouraged to participate in the day-to-day running of the home. Both residents said that they were happy to undertake household chores. One resident said that he would “Rather he got paid for doing jobs such as hoovering, than pay someone else to come in and do it for us”. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 The inspector was advised that one resident does voluntary work in a charity shop and also undertakes a few hours paid work in a care home that is not part of the Polesworth Group. Other activities include college courses, concerts, visits to the local pub and meals out. A brief inspection of the kitchen and catering arrangements found everything to be in good order. A tasty sounding chicken dish was simmering on the stove. The residents and staff member said that most of the meals were home cooked with fresh ingredients. Residents are involved in deciding on the choice of meals are encouraged to help prepare and clear away after meals. There was good feedback regarding the variety and quality of the meals. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) Not assessed on this occasion. EVIDENCE: Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 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 standard(s) 23 The recruitment , training and supervision of staff works towards reducing the risk of abuse, neglect or self harm of the residents. EVIDENCE: The home has a number of systems in place that reduce the risk of abuse, neglect or self-harm of the residents. In addition to a robust recruitment and induction programme staff receive regular supervision and training. Staff training also includes Vulnerable Adult Awareness training. There have been no complaints regarding the service or staff received by the home or the Commission in the last twelve months. Refer also to the section headed Staffing. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 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 standard(s) 24-28,30 68 Long Street is a well maintained home and residents live in a safe and comfortable environment. The home is clean and hygienic, with policies and procedures in place that minimise the risk of any infection. EVIDENCE: 68 Long Street is a two bedded home that blends in with other properties in the area. In addition to the kitchen there is an open plan dining room leading onto the lounge. The dining room is also furnished with comfortable easy chairs and tends to be used as a second sitting room. The kitchen and utility area lead directly onto the dining room. The bathroom and toilet facilities are located on the first floor. One of the residents showed the inspector around his home. The homely premises are decorated and furnished in a comfortable domestic manner and suited to the needs and preferences of the present occupants. An inspection of the home found it to be bright and cheerful with lots of personal touches. In addition to being extremely clean and orderly, the premises were also free from unpleasant odours and potential hazards. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 The bedrooms were comfortable and reflected the interests and preferences of the occupants. It is pleasing to note that the resident who escorted the inspector around the home respected the privacy of the other residents and did not show the inspector the second bedroom. The gardens and exterior of the property are maintained to the same high standard as the interior of the home. The residents share a rear garden and paved area with the residents from 70 Long Street, which is also a registered care home belonging to the Polesworth Group. The gardens looked very attractive with lots of annual plants in the borders. There was sufficient garden furniture for all of the residents from both homes. The home has a planned maintenance and renewal programme for the fabric and decoration of the premises. In the last twelve months to eighteen months the bathroom floor has been retiled, the landing and stair carpet fitted. In order to reduce the risk of burns or scalding radiator covers and water temperature gauges have also been fitted. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31-36 There are robust recruitment procedures in place that work towards protecting potentially vulnerable adults. A suitably qualified and supervised staff team, who benefit from ongoing training, work the home. This helps to ensure that the needs and preferences of the residents are understood and met. EVIDENCE: Residents at 68 Long Street do not have twenty-four hour staff cover on the premises. The residents spoken to know that a staff member is always on duty at 64-66 Long Street. Unless there are reasons to the contrary, such as illness or additional concerns, just one staff member is employed to work in the home at any given time. The Polesworth Group had employed the staff member on duty at the time of the inspection for approximately eighteen months. Having previously worked at one of the Company’s larger group home, the staff member transferred to 68 Long Street in June 2005. The manager advised that the Polesworth Group Homes does not specifically employ new staff to work in smaller group homes where just one staff member is on duty at any one time. New staff work in a larger group home where they have the support and opportunities to develop the competencies and qualities Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 required to meet the residents needs and the high standards of the employer. This good practice helps to monitor the new staff member and works towards reducing the risk of abuse or neglect of the residents. The staff member confirmed that she had undertaken an induction process and received core training. In addition to becoming familiar with the home’s daily routine and procedures, the staff member said that, when first working in the home, she always worked alongside another member of staff. Core training compromised of Understanding Learning Disability, Basic Food Hygiene, Fire Safety, Safe Management of Medication, and Emergency First Aid. The staff member’s file showed that other courses included the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Vulnerable Adult Awareness, Mental Health Awareness and People Handling. The manager advised that, due to the resident and staff holidays, training courses are not usually run throughout the summer period. Eighteen different training courses are planned between September and December 2005. Discussions with the manager and staff member also confirmed that supervision and staff meetings take place on a regular basis. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 42,43 The comfort, safety and well being of the residents is protected and promoted by a well organised home which is staffed by suitably trained and competent staff. Monthly visits from a representative of the Polesworth Care Homes Limited Company works towards ensuring the accountability of the management of the service. EVIDENCE: A tour of the premises found the home to be safe and secure with no potential hazards such as worn carpets or potentially hazardous items such as cleaning fluid left unattended. As noted in the section above, staff training includes Fire Safety Training, People Handling. Basic Food Hygiene, COSHH and Emergency First Aid. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 Records seen evidenced that persons qualified to do so, routinely undertake gas and electrical checks. Daily records are taken of refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Records are maintained of accidents and incidents and the relevant people informed. Staff maintain details of fire drills and when batteries are changed in the smoke alarms. Records of fire drills would be improved by fuller details. For example, the staff member advised that earlier in the month the fire alarms had been activated due to the heat and steam from food cooking in the kitchen. The records did not note this detail, nor were records made regarding the residents’ responses and any debriefing from staff after the event. As a smaller registered care home the premises are not subject to inspections from the Fire Safety Authority. In view of the fact that the last visit by a Fire Safety Officer took place in October 1995, it is recommended that the home request another visit from a Fire Safety Officer. It is also recommended that the person changing the batteries of essential equipment such as smoke alarms also include their signature as well as the date of the replacements. In accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000; Care Homes Regulations 2001: Regulation 26 a representative of the Company undertakes a monthly visit to the home. A report of the visit is forwarded to the Commission. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 3 x x 3 x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score x 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score x 3 3 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 x 4 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 x 3 x x x 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 Score x x x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x 3 3 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 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. 1. Standard Regulation Requirement No requirements arose from this inspection. 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 42 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that the home request visit from a Fire Safety Officer. It is also recommended that the person changing the batteries of essential equipment such as smoke alarms also include their signature as well as the date of the replacements were made. Written records of fire drills would be improved by more detail. Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Imperial Court Holly Walk Leamington Spa CV32 4YB 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 Polesworth Group - Long Street, 68 E53 s4448 PG - 68 Long Street v246144 160805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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. 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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