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Inspection on 07/11/05 for Polesworth Group Laurel End

Also see our care home review for Polesworth Group Laurel End for more information

This inspection was carried out on 7th November 2005.

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

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

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The service continues to provide a warm, friendly home of exceptionally high environmental standards, where nine people of greatly varying needs and skills live together and are cared for in a very positive way by a dedicated, motivated, and well-organised staff team. What continues to be particularly noteworthy is the supportive, respectful and tolerant way in which the people residing in the home live together.

What has improved since the last inspection?

High standards continue to be maintained all round. Staff have been working hard on gathering photographs for life story books and service users were obviously pleased with these as several of them brought them out to show me. The positive, and successful way in which staff have been meeting this previous recommendation, and the enjoyment which service users were showing in the results, typifies the way in which the home works. One service user, a more recent arrival at the home, was seen to be helping with minor chores more confidently than previously.

What the care home could do better:

Work on life story books is to continue, and staff plan to expand on this by further work in a similar fashion on present day activities and likes and dislikes. Such work would help supplement the regular reviews as a way of demonstrating service user`s individual development.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Polesworth Group - Laurel End Laurel Avenue Polesworth Tamworth Staffordshire B78 1LT Lead Inspector Martin Brown Unannounced Inspection 7th November 2005 3:45pm Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.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 Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.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. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Polesworth Group - Laurel End Address Laurel Avenue Polesworth Tamworth Staffordshire B78 1LT 01827 896124 01827 892500 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) Polesworth Group Homes Limited Mrs Elizabeth Boucher Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (9), Physical disability (2) registration, with number of places Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 4th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Laurel End is part of Polesworth Group Homes, which was established as a Limited Company in June 1991 with the aim of providing accommodation and support to adults with learning disabilities. The home cares for nine service users with medium to high levels of need, including two service users with physical disabilities as well as learning disabilities. The home is a large detached dormer bungalow in extensive grounds sited discreetly on the edge of Polesworth. It offers seven single and one double bedroom. On the ground floor there are the shared facilities of a large conservatory and kitchen, dining room, lounge, laundry and bathroom. The bathroom is fully adapted to meet the disability needs with a walk-in shower and Parker bath. There are five bedrooms and a staff office also situated on the ground floor. On the first floor, extensions to the dormer roof space have created one double and three single bedrooms, one of which is a staff sleep in room. There is also another large bathroom with shower facility on this floor. Four bedrooms also have en-suite facilities. The Companys offices and training room are based in the converted and extended former garages adjacent to the home. Land to the rear is used for an outdoor bowling green and agricultural and smallholding use where much of the fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs provided to all of the care homes in the Company is produced. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second unannounced inspection of the year, and should be read in conjunction with the previous report. The inspection took place on a midweek late afternoon/evening, lasting for approximately three and a half hours. The manager, staff, and service users were welcoming and helpful. Much of the latter part of the inspection was spent with service users who were keen to show me lots of photographs and other items relating to their life story books. What the service does well: 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 - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 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 Service users can continue to be confident that their needs are assessed and reviewed in a manner that is relevant to them, and that they are fully involved in that process. EVIDENCE: There have been no new admissions at the home since the last inspection. Service User Guides give individuals clear information concerning the home, and any new service user has a full introductory period and assessment prior to permanent admission. Completed review forms show that service users’ needs and wishes are fully considered and that this information is recorded, with relevant photographs, clear pictures and captions, in a way that is of value to service users. Each service user has a (colour) copy of these regular reviews. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 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): 6,7,8 Service users can be confident that their needs and wishes are met and that they are fully consulted and kept informed concerning the ways in which this is done. EVIDENCE: Examination of service user reviews, as detailed in the previous section, showed a continuing attention to changing needs. The use of photographs and clear symbols and captions in the first person give a clear and accessible picture of needs and wishes and how they are met. The home is working hard on life story books, and service users were keen to show me what had been done so far, showing an interest in their own, and each other’s, material. Staff plan to expand this work, using a similar format to show what likes, dislikes, needs and wishes people have, and how these are being met. Much of this is already present in the user-friendly reviews, and in some aspects of the life story books. Minutes of service user meetings clearly show consultation with service users. They show what things are important to them, and how the home responds to these. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 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): 12,17 Service users continue to enjoy a variety of activities. Mealtimes continue to typify the relaxed, easy-going and tolerant atmosphere prevailing in the home. EVIDENCE: Most of the service users returned from a pub lunch during the inspection; others had been to a variety of day services. Tea was taken with the service users; as previously, this was a relaxed, easy–going time. A permanent cook has now been employed, to free staff to concentrate on care and support during mealtimes. Service users helped with clearing away and minor chores around this, in accordance with their abilities and inclinations. One service user opted not to have his meal in the dining room; another service user did likewise, primarily to keep him company. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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): EVIDENCE: These standards were all seen to be met satisfactorily on the previous inspection, and were not assessed on this occasion, other than to note staff’s continuing knowledge of, and attention to, service users’ needs. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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 thrive in a safe, open environment. Service users’ finances are appropriately managed. EVIDENCE: Service users and staff continue to be open and positive regarding the service at Laurel End. Policies and procedures are in place regarding protection from abuse, but the most positive safeguard continues to be the ethos and atmosphere apparent in the home. One service user continues to play a major active role in a variety of self advocacy forums, and ensures that the viewpoints of her fellow service users, as well as her own, are heard. The company has a clear and appropriate policy concerning the management of service users’ finances. The provision of transport was discussed with the manager. The organisation provides three vehicles to meet the varying needs of the service users. Service users’ mobility money pays towards the petrol costs incurred in the many journeys they have in these vehicles. The manager advised that all finances are externally audited by a named accountancy firm. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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 Service users continue to enjoy a homely, comfortable, spacious and safe environment. EVIDENCE: The home continues to be both homely and to maintain a very high standard of furnishing and maintenance. There are nine service users, plus staff in the home, but it is spacious enough to rarely feel as if there are that number present. Service users have the choice of the several communal areas, all of which were used at various points. The upstairs bathroom had been refurbished, principally to make facilities more accessible, and to make more efficient use of space. A new store room has now been provided, using the space saved. Staff explained the procedure for the disposal of clinical waste. The home was clean, hygienic, and free from unpleasant odour throughout. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): 32,33,34,35 Service users are supported by effective and appropriately recruited staff, who are able to meet their needs. EVIDENCE: A sample of recruitment files was seen, and demonstrated appropriate recruitment procedures. A suitable document is in place confirming that a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check has been carried out for each individual staff recruited. Comprehensive and updated training is apparent for all staff. Staff spoken to were positive about training and knowledgeable on areas asked about. Staff were always attentive and on hand when needed, but equally were relatively unobstrusive, thus helping service users to interact with each other, rather than rely on staff. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 37,38. Service users continue to benefit from a well-run home. EVIDENCE: The key standards were seen to be met during the previous inspection, and were not all fully assessed on this occasion. Staff showed a clear awareness of fire procedures. The manager made it clear that the organisation did not see the meeting of standards as a cause for complacency and that the service would continue to strive to achieve the highest standards and improve provision. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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 3 X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 4 x x 4 4 x 4 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x 3 4 3 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Polesworth Group - Laurel End Score x x x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 x x x x x DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard YA6 Good Practice Recommendations The service should build on the excellent work started on individual life story books, and extend this by further developing communication books and activity books, according to need, in a similar manner, with photographs, simple captions, and from a service user’s point of view. Polesworth Group - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Leamington Spa Office 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 - Laurel End DS0000004284.V263266.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 - 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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