Inspection on 23/05/07 for Poplars Resource Centre

This inspection was carried out on 23rd May 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Similar services:

Clover House

Parkside

Park Lodge

Mere Hall View

St Bonaventures

Hudson Road

Whitewalls

Home Farm

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Poplars Resource Centre 2 Poplar Street Southport Merseyside PR8 6DY Lead Inspector Ms Lorraine Farrar Key Unannounced Inspection 23rd May 2007 10:55 Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.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 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. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Poplars Resource Centre Address 2 Poplar Street Southport Merseyside PR8 6DY 0151 934 5390 01704 385391 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) Sefton New Directions Limited Miss Pauline Rimmer Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following categories of service only: Care home only - code PC, to people of either gender whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Learning disability - Code LD The maximum number of people who can be accommodated is: 8 This is the first inspection of the service since it Date of last inspection registered with Commission for Social Care Inspection as a new company. Brief Description of the Service: The Poplars Resource Centre provides three different services, all for adults who have a learning disability. The first is a regular day service provided Monday to Friday, the second is a weekend day service and the third service is a short break service whereby people stay at the Poplars for a period of time. This inspection reports relates only to the short stay service. The Poplars has a main building, which was purpose built and is adapted for use by people with physical disabilities. This provides five single bedrooms for people to use during their stay. There are also adapted bathrooms, an accessible kitchen and living areas. Although the day service is also provided in the same building the two services are physically separated, so people staying at the Poplars have their privacy. To the side of the building is a bungalow, which is fully self- contained and provides accommodation for three people. Situated in a residential area of Southport the Poplars is accessible by public transport and is near to local facilities. Until recently the service was owned and operated by Sefton Social Services. In April 2007 it was taken over by a company called Sefton New Directions LTD. The shares for this company are currently wholly owned by Sefton Social Services and staff and the manager remain the same. Staff are available at the Poplars 24 hours a day to provide support to people with their personal care, health and lifestyle. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Information for this inspection was gathered in a number of different ways. An unannounced visit took place for eight hours on the 23rd May 2007. Time was spent looking at the support three of the people staying at the Poplars receive. This included looking at the support they get with their care plans, medication, money, activities and environment. The inspector met some of the people staying at the Poplars and some of the staff who work there, including the manager. Any information the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) has received since the last inspection about the Poplars is also taken into account in writing this report. This includes information provided by the manager on a pre-inspection questionnaire and comment cards sent to people who stay at the Poplars and their relatives. Two comment cards were received from relatives and two from people who stay there. People pay £9.24 towards the cost of each night they stay at the Poplars. They also pay for any activities they take part in whilst they are there. An easy to understand copy of the summary of this report is available. If you would like to see it please ask the manager or staff at the Poplars. What the service does well: The Poplars provides people with a place to stay for short periods of time that is homely and can meet their needs and choices. People who stay there and their relatives are positive about the service provided and say they enjoy their stay. Staff are knowledgeable about peoples support needs and have good care plans in place which provide information about the support people need with their personal and healthcare as well as the things they do and do not like and how they choose to spend their time. The people who stay at the Poplars enjoy the company of a staff team who spend a lot of time with them engaged in activities and communicating with them in a way that they can easily understand. People are able to get out and about in the local community several times during a short stay, with outings planned around the things they enjoy. Relatives of people who use the service say they are satisfied with the service provided and the level of communication between the Poplars and themselves. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 There are good systems in place to ensure that people’s money and medication is managed safely and well and that their support needs are identified and acted upon. The poplars provide a very good service to the people who stay there. As it has been taken over by a new company it is CSCI practice to carry out another key inspection after six months to ensure standards are maintained. 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. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Sufficient information is provided to and obtained about, people considering using the service. This enables everyone to decide if the Poplars is the right place for them to stay. EVIDENCE: The people who stay at the Poplars and their relatives said that they received enough information about the service to help them decide if the Poplars was the right place for them to stay. This was further confirmed by a Social Worker who said that the service’s assessment process helps to make sure the right service is planned and can be provided for the person. Records for two people, who had started staying at the Poplars since the last inspection showed that before offering a service staff find out enough information about the persons needs and choices to make sure the service can meet them. This includes meeting with the person, their relatives and other professionals who support the person. An assessment form is completed which lists the support the person needs with their health and personal care as well as the things they do and don’t like. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Staff also obtain a copy of any Essential lifestyle Plans that have been written with and for the person. These contain detailed information about the things the persons needs support with, the ways they like to be supported and how they like to live their daily lives. Two members of staff explained that before staying at the Poplars for a longer period of time people are invited to visit, then to stay for a few hours or overnight. They explained these visits can carry on for as long as it takes for the person to feel comfortable, explaining that one person has been regularly visiting for over six months to get to know the service and the staff team. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people living at the Poplars are consulted about their support needs and choices and the service ensures that these are met. EVIDENCE: Care plans and records were looked at for three of the people staying at the Poplars. These give information about the persons health and personal care needs and about how they like to live their daily lives. Plans had been regularly updated when people stayed to show new things staff had learnt about them or changes to their support needs. Plans also give clear guidelines about risks to the persons health and safety and the things that staff should do to reduce these. The level of detail in the plans helps to ensure staff have enough information about the person to support them successfully. For example one plan identified that the person uses a form of sign language and gave guidelines about how to communicate with them. Throughout the site visit staff were Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 seen to follow these guidelines and use sign language when talking with the person. A relative of one of the people who stays at the Poplars explained their relative “has a well developed person centred plan. Staff from the Poplars were involved in establishing and reviewing the plan so they are well aware of what (their relative) likes to do with their time”. A social worker explained that the service responds to people’s different needs and “can be flexible to suit changing needs and willing to work in partnership with any issues that challenge the service”. Three of the people staying at the Poplars confirmed that they had a care plan and that staff talked to them about what it says. This helps to ensure that peoples views about the support they need and their choices about the things they do are noted and acted upon. Throughout the site visit staff were seen to regularly talk with the people staying in a way that they could easily respond to. This included using sign language and giving people plenty of time to respond during a conversation. The people staying were clearly comfortable with staff and in making requests for support with the things they wanted to do, all of which staff responded positively to. As a short stay service the Poplars does not take responsibility for managing peoples benefit money. However any money that people bring with them can be stored in the safe if they wish. This was seen to be well managed, with people taking their own money with them when they go out and clear records kept of the amounts held in the safe and any money spent. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people staying at the Poplars are supported to live a lifestyle of their choice. However a lack of accessible transport for people with physical disabilities may, at times, restrict the opportunities available. EVIDENCE: One of the people staying at the Poplars explained, “I am having a good time” and when asked if he enjoyed staying there responded with a resounding, “YES”. He explained that he was able to bring his hobbies with him and had been out with his keyworker to visit a model railway, as this is a long-standing hobby of his. Another person’s records showed that her Mum had explained she wanted to go out to the pub during her stay and to follow a low fat diet and that staff had supported her with both of these things. Records showed that people receive a lot of support to get out and about both in the local community and to leisure facilities. For example one person who Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 had been staying for five days had been to the pub, out for lunch, out for a walk, bowling, to the zoo and shopping to the supermarket. Indoors she had spent time chatting, watching TV and music videos and reading. Records also showed that routines are flexible within the Poplars with people choosing the times they want to get up and go to bed. Two of the people staying explained they had been out bowling. They were spending time watching music videos and chatting with staff, who were using brochures to support the conversation about holidays and clothes shopping. They explained that they were planning to go out again later that evening. Relatives of people who stay said that they are kept informed of important issues, with one explaining, “I telephone every evening to check he is okay. Staff are always keen to communicate his condition to me and I feel content with this update”. The Poplars provides a mini bus however this is not accessible for people who use a wheelchair. The Manager explained that the use of the mini bus is free for people who can use it. For people who use a wheelchair they are supported to walk to local facilities, or to use a wheelchair accessible taxi for which they pay half the fee. In addition the service hires an accessible mini bus and driver approximately once a month to go for days out. The issue of lack of accessible transport was raised by staff working at the Poplars and by relatives and a social worker who completed a survey form. One relative commented, “ability to take ‘wheelchair clients’ out into the community appears a problem – inadequate transport. Can this be sorted ASAP. Thanks.” Another relative explained, “perhaps if they had access to a disabled bus for their use. (Our relative) is in a wheelchair and cannot go out unless pushed as they do not have a bus to take him. A Social Worker expressed the opinion that the service “requires appropriate transport for wheelchair users to access wider community resources”. A member of staff explained that they are aware the issue of transport is an inequality in the service they provide. Currently people who can use the mini bus have more freedom to get out and about easily and do not contribute costs. People who need an accessible vehicle are dependant to some extent on the weather, the availability of mini bus hire or taxi and the cost of the trip. There is a cook in the main building who provides meals for the people staying there, in addition there is a small kitchen were the people staying can make drinks and snacks. In the bungalow there is a domestic style kitchen were meals are prepared. Menus showed that a variety of meals are offered and diet requests are met. Staff were seen to discuss with people what they wanted to eat at lunchtime and to respond positively to requests for drinks. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Drinks and fruit are available at all times in the dining room and staff sit and eat with people at mealtimes, which helps to ensure that people get the support they need and that mealtimes are sociable occasions. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is Excellent This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people staying at the Poplars receive individual support with their personal and health care, in a way that meets their needs and choices and supports them to be as independent as possible. EVIDENCE: Relatives of people staying at the Poplars said the service always provides their relative with the care and support they need and expect with one explaining, “The small group means that (my relatives) needs can be individually met according to how he is on any particular day”. It was evident in meeting the people staying at the Poplars that they had received a good level of support with their personal care and in maintaining their appearance. Care plans provide a good level of detail for staff to follow and ensure they are meeting people’s health and social care needs and their choices. For example one plan identified that the person has a visual disability and advises staff the person, “needs help with stepping up and down i.e. if path colour changes”. It also advises, “shield eyes with flannel before washing hair”. This level of Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 information ensures that staff know how to provide support for people in a way they are comfortable with, whilst helping them to be as independent as possible and meet their needs. Discussions with staff showed that they have a good understanding of how to support people with their health and personal care needs whilst ensuring this is provided in a way that supports the person to be independent and retain their dignity. For example a member of staff explained they have to stay in the bathroom with one person for safety reasons but once they have supported them to get into the bath they turn away to provide them with privacy. Another member of staff explained that when one person stays, they need to spend long periods of time in bed. However staff support him with this by sitting with him, reading the paper to him and discussing his interests. This personal level of support helps to ensure the person gets the support they need with their physical health whilst not becoming withdrawn and bored. Records and storage of medication for two of the people staying at the Poplars were looked at and were in order. Staff record the amount of medication people bring with them and record when it has been given. Two staff spoken with who deal with peoples medication had had training in this area. These practices help to lessen the risk of mistakes being made with medication. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is Good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who stay at the Poplars and their relatives are confident that any concerns they have will be listened to and acted upon. However this information is not always provided to them in a suitable format. EVIDENCE: The people who stay at the Poplars and their relatives all said that they know who to speak to if they are unhappy about anything and how to use the complaints procedure. One relative explained, “I’d contact the manager in the first instance. She has dealt effectively with all issues in the past” and another that, “we’ve never had to use this procedure. We are extremely pleased with the care (our relative) receives at the Poplars”. Clear procedures and polices are in place for dealing with any complaints or concerns that arise and three members of staff spoken with were able to explain the action they would take if this occurred to ensure the persons concerns are dealt with effectively. No complaints have been made about the Poplars since the last key inspection, however a recording system is in place for staff to follow to ensure that any complaints are dealt with effectively and as quickly as possible. Information about how to make a complaint is available to people via the services guide. However this is not made available in an easy to understand format. The lack of information in a format that people may find easier to Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 understand could lead to some people not being as aware of their rights as they could be. The manager was aware of this and explained it is something she and the organisation intend to look at improving. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24,29 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The Poplars provides a comfortable environment with plenty of space and adaptations to support people with their mobility. EVIDENCE: Since the last key inspection of the Poplars the service has increased to provide accommodation for eight people, instead of the previous five. The extra three places are provided in a Bungalow located to the side of the main Poplars building. The Poplars itself is a purpose built, single story building. On one side of the building are the rooms used to provide a day service and on the other the rooms used for people staying. The Bungalow is self contained, providing three single bedrooms, a shower room, bathroom, utility room, living areas and kitchen, with a small side garden people can sit it. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Accommodation in the main building is provided in five single bedrooms, a large living room and dining room, small kitchen and adapted bathrooms. People staying at the Poplars can use the facilities provided by the day service if they wish. This includes a snoozlem and art and craft rooms. Outside there is a large enclosed back garden, that provides seating, a swing accessible for people in a wheelchair and greenhouse people can access with support. A relative of one of the people who stay at the Poplars said it “provides a relaxing comfortable environment “ and survey comments said it is always fresh and clean. The décor and fittings in the bungalow are all new and provide a bright, homely environment for people to stay in. Some of the décor in the main building is looking shabby, with wallpaper ripped in some bedrooms. Overall however living accommodation is welcoming and clean. A variety of aids and adaptations are in place to support people with disabilities. These include, ramps, grab rails, adapted baths and showers, specialist mattresses and hoists. In addition door handles are colour coordinated and light switches lowered to make them easier for people to use. There is plenty of space throughout for people to get around easily and choose where to spend their time. Both living areas have laundry rooms available and equipment is provided to help prevent any spread of infection. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,34, & 35 Quality in this outcome area is Good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people staying at the Poplars are supported by an experienced staff team, who can meet their needs and choices and in whom they have confidence. EVIDENCE: A relative of one of the people who stay at the Poplars described staff as “keen and dedicated” whilst another expressed the opinion that they are, “caring”. It was evident throughout the site visit that the people staying at the Poplars liked the staff team and enjoyed their company. The inspector observed two people who were watching TV. When new staff arrived for work the body language of both people made it very clear that they were pleased to see them. Both became very animated and chatty, laughing and joking with staff. Staff were seen to spend plenty of time with the people who were staying, engaging in activities with them and talking about their interests and hobbies. Staff consistently used methods of communication with people that met their needs. They used appropriate spoken and body language accompanied by sign language when needed and gave people plenty of time to respond to questions and express their views. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Over 50 of the staff team hold a qualification in care and in discussions with them it was evident that they have a good understanding of their role in supporting people to feel safe and comfortable and enjoy their time at the Poplars, as well as meeting their personal care needs. There are separate staff teams working at the bungalow and main building, with many of the staff working at the bungalow having moved there with the people using the service when a previous facility closed. This provides consistency for people staying and ensures there are staff who are familiar to them. Staffing levels are arranged to meet the needs and number of people who are staying at any one time. For example if someone who needs extra support with their healthcare is staying then a Team Leader will sleep overnight on the premises. At other times there will be wakeful care staff with a Team Leader identified as on call. The organisation has polices in place to ensure that good recruitment practices are followed before appointing new staff. Three staff files were examined during the visit. All contained evidence that checks on the person’s suitability, including references and Criminal Records Bureau Checks (CRB) had been obtained. These checks help to ensure new staff are suitable to work with people who can be vulnerable. Records for staff showed that they had received recent training in basic areas of care, including obtaining a care qualification, dealing with adult protection issues, 1st aid and food hygiene. The pre inspection questionnaire completed by the manager identified training planned for the forthcoming year in, communication methods, working with people with multiple disabilities and autism. However not all staff have had up to date training in moving and handling people. As many of the people who stay at the Poplars needs support with their mobility and use aids and adaptations, it is important that staff regularly attend this course to keep them up to date in practices that will keep themselves and the person safe. Many of the people who stay at the Poplars have specialist support needs such as the use of oxygen or support to have food and medication via a tube. Some but not all staff have received training in these areas. For example senior staff have had training in the use of stomach tubes and have passed this knowledge to some care staff who also support people with this. However no record of the training or assessment of competency has been carried out. This could lead to staff supporting people in areas in which they have not received sufficient training. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 38, 39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Systems are in place to ensure the Poplars operates effectively and for the benefit of the people living there. However these are not always followed in a timely fashion that ensures peoples safety. EVIDENCE: Ms Pauline Rimmer is the registered manager of the Poplars. She holds qualifications in management and working with people with learning disabilities and is an experienced manager of services for adults with learning disabilities. In discussion with the manager and senior staff it was evident that they are knowledgeable about the overall service provided and also about the individual needs of the people who stay there. Throughout the site visit senior staff were observed to spend time with the people staying there and in discussions it was evident that they are motivated to continue to improve the service. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 There are several systems in place to check and plan to improve the quality of the service. A recent survey of the people who use the service and their relatives produced positive responses but little comments. To improve on this staff have begun the process of producing surveys in an easy to understand format for people who use the service, with a separate survey for their relatives or main carer. The manager explained that they plan to ask other professionals who work with the person to help them complete their survey. This is good practice as people will be able to express their views via different communication methods and separate from the views of their main carer. A business plan is in place for the organisation and a team plan for the Poplars. These identity strengths and areas for improvement and provide a way to identity and measure planned improvements for the service. Records and certificates generally showed that regular checks are carried out to ensure the Poplars is a safe place to live. For example the fire system and electrical goods had been tested regularly. However a gas test for the main building had last been carried out in August 2004 and stated it was satisfactory for one year. No further check had been carried out in the nearly two years since to ensure the gas supply did not pose a risk to the health and safety of anyone in the building. During the site visit this was discussed with the manager who had previously raised the issue with the organisations maintenance department. Following discussions between the manager and a senior manager for the organisation the work was arranged and a satisfactory certificate obtained the day after the site visit. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 3 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 4 34 3 35 2 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 2 14 4 15 3 16 4 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 4 4 3 X X 2 X Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Are there any outst11anding 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 Standard YA35 Regulation 18(1)(a) Requirement All staff who work with people using the service must have up to date training in moving and handling people. This will ensure they are fully aware of how to keep the people they support and themselves safe. Timescale for action 30/09/07 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. Refer to Standard YA13 Good Practice Recommendations An accessible vehicle should be provided for use by everyone who stays at the Poplars. This will enable people to get out and about more and ensure there is an equal service provided to everyone regardless of their disability. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 2. YA22 Information provided to people using the service should be made available in different formats. This will ensure that everyone has access to as much information about the service as possible 3. YA24 A schedule should be drawn up and implemented for decoration of the building. This will help to ensure people have a comfortable and homely place to stay. 4. YA35 A training plan based on the specific needs of the peoples who stay at the Poplars should be drawn up and implemented. This will ensure that people are always supported by competent staff who can meet their needs and choices. Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Knowsley Local Office 2nd Floor, South Wing Burlington House Crosby Road North Liverpool L22 0LG 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 Poplars Resource Centre DS0000069966.V340845.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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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