Inspection on 10/02/06 for Portland Avenue 35-37

This inspection was carried out on 10th February 2006.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Portland Avenue 35-37 12/06/07

Portland Avenue 35-37 18/11/05

Portland Avenue 35-37 21/10/04

Portland Avenue 35-37 29/06/04

Portland Avenue 35-37 09/12/03

Portland Avenue 35-37 20/08/03

Portland Avenue 35-37 06/11/02

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Portland Avenue 35/37 35 Portland Avenue Seaham Durham SR7 8AL Lead Inspector Chris Winstanley-Smith Unannounced Inspection 10 February 2006 09:30 Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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 Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Portland Avenue 35/37 Address 35 Portland Avenue Seaham Durham SR7 8AL 0191 5810741 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) European Services for People with Autism Limited Mr Jason Carroll Care Home 4 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4) registration, with number of places Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 21st November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Portland Avenue is a care setting for 4 Adults in need of supported care in the community. The amount of support given is dependant on need. Some people living there live almost independent lives whilst others have much greater support. The service is provided in two separate bungalows sharing the same garden. It is situated close to the centre of Seaham and gives easy access to public transport to the major northeast cities. The home is fully supported by an experienced staff team one of whom sleeps over each night. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspector visited without staff in the home knowing he was coming. It started at 11 am and lasted 5 hours. Staff, visitors and people living in the home were spoken to. The homes records were examined, as were the staff files and information about the care being given to the people living there. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: This is an excellent service, which continuously develops the care it gives. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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 Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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&5 • • Users have good needs assessments All service users have individual contracts about their living in the home. EVIDENCE: There is good evidence on file that shows the home undertake a rigorous assessment of needs. There are clear records that show that the home review these records on a regular basis. One parent spoken to said that the organisation “continually think of new things for their son to try, some he likes and some he doesn’t, but he gets lots of chances and choice” Every service user has an appropriate contract on file that details the care provided by the home. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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): 6,7,8 & 9 • • • • The home is good at assessing needs and continuously reassesses personal goals. The home is good at helping users of the service make decisions for themselves. The home consults with service users about many functions within the home. Acceptable risk taking is encouraged and supported by staff within the home EVIDENCE: File records show very thorough assessments are done. The assessments take many forms from development needs, health care needs and professional assessment of the difficulties some service user face. There is good evidence of regular reviews of needs and involvement by many concerned people. Records, observations and discussions with staff, parents and service users, show clearly that personal decision making is an integral part of life within the home. This ranges from choices about clothing, food and meals, to what people want to do in their spare time. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Records show that service users are often consulted on life within the home. This can be choice of furniture in personal spaces, décor in living areas to building a spare toilet to make life easier for all. Regular formal “house” meetings occur where a range of things are discussed and decided upon by all who live and work in the home. Observations, discussions and file records show that careful risk taking is included as part of assessment, care planning and delivery. An example would be, one person has been guided through being able to use public transport in a gradual way well within their capability once confidence and structure has been built up. He said “I get the bus to Newcastle on my own, I have to get a ticket but want a pass”. Parents of one user said that their son had “greater opportunity to try different things, and be successful and enjoy them, much more than they could have provided”. One service user said, “I do lots of new things”. An indication as to how far the home will take acceptable risks to improve lifestyle is the fact that they have had two foreign holidays, which went very well, and everyone (staff and service users) had new goals and positive experiences. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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): 11, 12 & 17 • • • The home encourages and provides many opportunities for personal development Many activities are supported by the home that are age, peer and culturally appropriate Meals are good and diet gets close attention. EVIDENCE: Records and discussions give clear evidence that personal development receives good attention within the home. One parent said “he can do much more for himself now” and “he likes the independence he has here”. There are a wide range of activities being undertaken by the service users. Some of these are fully supported whilst others are done with minimal supervision. These range from simple things like shopping for themselves, to going abroad on holiday. All service users are involved to greater and lesser degrees in planning, preparing and buying for meals depending on personal ability. Some service users were observed planning and preparing their own meals whilst others Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 where consulted and helped to prepare their own food. Menus show that attention is given to ensure that healthy balanced diets are had. Records show plenty of preparation, planning and guidance for the week ahead. Careful consideration of healthy lifestyle is evident in other records. This can be monitoring weight to ensure weight gain or loss is not a problem, or careful attention and guidance to make sure variety is planned in. . Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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): 19 & 20 • • Physical and emotional needs are met Medication procedures are appropriate and safe. EVIDENCE: Records show that physical and emotional needs are assessed thoroughly. There are many records that give good detail about how these needs are met. Self-administration of medicines is risk assessed and happens where appropriate. Administration of medicines is well thought out, and there are good levels of recording. The home has safe procedures in regard to medication. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 22 • Staff at the home seek the views of service users and their families and act upon information gained. EVIDENCE: There was good evidence that staff within the home use a variety of communication methods to gain service user opinion. Regular one to one meetings happen, as do whole house meetings. These are well documented. There were good records that showed that service users and their families opinions where actively sought and acted upon for a wide range of matters that affected the lives of those living in the home. Records show that these are sought during key worker sessions, satisfactions surveys, and meetings with involved others. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24, 25, 27 & 30 • • • • The home is comfortable and kept safe. Personal spaces are suitable for the needs of the service users. Toilets and bathing facilities are excellent. The home is kept clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The living areas are well furnished and nicely decorated. There is plenty of space for privacy and communal living. Service users have been involved in choosing furnishings and décor. Personal spaces are a good size and comfortably furnished. Service users personalise their spaces as they want and influence what goes into their rooms One service user recently wanted to change their seating and commented “I chose this”. There are 2 well-appointed bathrooms and a separate toilet across the two houses. An example of the positive way the service responds to the needs of the people living there is shown by the way they added a separate toilet to one of the houses to improve the facilities available and reduce the potential for conflict. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Records show that the home has a good set of risk assessments to ensure hygiene is maintained in the home. The home was observed to be very clean and tidy during the inspection. It is clear that the staff and people living there all participate in keeping the home clean. One service user commented” yes I clean and Hoover”, whilst a parent commented that their son “will often clean when he comes home to visit and does a better job than me” Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.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 & 36 • The team is effective. • Staff receive regular good quality guidance from the manager. EVIDENCE: Staff, service user files and other records give clear evidence of effective working practices in the home. Individual needs assessments are good, actions against the assessments are recorded, individual support and developmental work are well recorded. Safe care practices permeate throughout the homes day to day functions. Staff records show that regular good quality supervision happen in a planned way. Staff meetings occur regularly as do meetings with people living in the home. There are excellent training records that show good investment in the team. The culture within the home is open and staff feel safe to challenge each other and help each other develop and keep the safe care of the service users central to their work. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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, 41 & 43 • • • • The home is well run by a team committed to the work they do. The culture within the home is developmental and open with a competent manager who demonstrates effective leadership. Policies and procedures are good and recording is excellent. The manager is competent and held to account. EVIDENCE: The team operate in an efficient and effective way. Records, discussions and feedback show that the service users benefit greatly form their experiences in the home, routine and non-routine tasks are given good attention. Discussions and observations give good indications that the culture in the home is positive for all. Training and development is strongly supported, involvement and mutual care and consideration are key to interactions and staff and service users are happy to be there. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 All of the policies and procedures examined were of a high standard. Records show that the procedures are effective and useable. Recording is good. Observations, records and discussions with staff, service users and parents give a good indication that the manager has a clear understanding of the service users needs, what the staff need to do to deliver good quality care and his responsibilities. The records of external management monitoring are regular thorough and of a high standard. They reflect a home that is functioning at a very good level. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 4 X X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 4 X ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 4 4 4 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 4 X 4 X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 4 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X X 3 X X 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Portland Avenue 35/37 Score X 4 X x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X X 4 X 4 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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. Standard Regulation Requirement 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 2 Refer to Standard YA 33 YA 37 Good Practice Recommendations 50 of the care staff should achieve NVQ 2 in care The Manager should achieve NVQ 4 in management and care. ESPA should review its arrangements for supporting managers to achieve this. Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 Portland Avenue 35/37 DS0000007564.V269575.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 - 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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