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Inspection on 18/11/05 for Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road

Also see our care home review for Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road for more information

This inspection was carried out on 18th November 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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 3 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

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 home provides a comprehensive package of induction and foundation training for staff, which covers training in safe working practices and training specific to the needs of the client group. New staff felt supported by their colleagues and managers. There is a relaxed and friendly rapport between residents and staff and although some residents are unable to communicate verbally they like to stay close to members of staff and enjoy their company. Staff respect the residents and ensure that their dignity is protected.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The exterior of the home has been greatly improved. The home was required to make good and redecorate the paintwork on the front door and porch area. Instead double glazed units have replaced all the windows at the front of the house, the porch area and front door and this has given a new look to the property. The new units have still retained the character of the house and are in keeping with neighbouring properties. The garden at the back of the house had been tidied and the weeds removed from the patio area. Inside the home a new television has been purchased for the lounge and new furniture has been provided for the lounge and for the entrance hall. (Theentrance hall is a very large area and in 3 sections, the last of which contains a settee which some residents enjoy using).

What the care home could do better:

The lounge carpet needs cleaning to remove some stains and minor repairs/redecoration are needed to the kitchen door and to the wall in the dining room, adjacent to the kitchen door. Staff need to complete their NVQ training and the manager needs to complete her RMA training. The timescales of the 31 December 2005 for completion of these training courses have not been met.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road 96 Harrowdene Road Wembley Middlesex HA0 2JF Lead Inspector Julie Schofield Unannounced Inspection 09:05 18 November 2005 th Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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 Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road Address 96 Harrowdene Road Wembley Middlesex HA0 2JF 020 8904 3543 020 8904 3543 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) Real Life Options Ms Kylie Miles Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (4), Physical disability (2) registration, with number of places Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: 96 Harrowdene Road is a care home providing personal care for 6 adults with learning disabilities, including up to two service users who may also have physical disabilities and who are accommodated on the ground floor. At the time of the unannounced inspection there were 2 vacancies in the home. The home is situated on a busy road that links East Lane with the Harrow Road. The nearest underground tube station is North Wembley. There are also bus routes along the two main roads. The property has off street parking and there is a separate entrance and exit. However there is also parking available in the street outside the house. The house consists of two floors. There is a seating area in the very large entrance hall, a lounge, conservatory, dining room, kitchen, laundry and two service users bedrooms on the ground floor. One bedroom has an ensuite shower and toilet and the other bedroom is adjacent to a bathroom and there is a door between the bedroom and the bathroom and a door between the bathroom and the hallway. This enables the bathroom to be used either as a communal facility or as an ensuite facility. There is a bathroom, separate toilet, office and 4 service users bedrooms on the first floor. It has been agreed that while there is a vacancy in the home the vacant room on the first floor can be used as the office/sleeping in facility as it is a larger room than the designated office. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place on a Friday morning in November 2005. It started at 9.05 am and finished at 10.40 am. The manager was off duty. During the inspection 3 of the 4 residents living in the home left for the day centre. Only 1 resident is able to give comments to the Inspector and this resident was present in the home. A second visit took place to the home on the 7th December, when the manager was on duty. The Inspector would like to thank the manager, staff and resident who took part in the inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The exterior of the home has been greatly improved. The home was required to make good and redecorate the paintwork on the front door and porch area. Instead double glazed units have replaced all the windows at the front of the house, the porch area and front door and this has given a new look to the property. The new units have still retained the character of the house and are in keeping with neighbouring properties. The garden at the back of the house had been tidied and the weeds removed from the patio area. Inside the home a new television has been purchased for the lounge and new furniture has been provided for the lounge and for the entrance hall. (The Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 entrance hall is a very large area and in 3 sections, the last of which contains a settee which some residents enjoy using). 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. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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 Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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): Standard 2 was inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: No new residents have been admitted to the home since the previous inspection. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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): 7 Residents exercise their right to make decisions within their day-to-day living although they may need assistance by members of staff to achieve this. Residents who are unable to communicate verbally would benefit from the support of advocacy services. Standards 6 and 9 were inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: Three of the residents are unable to communicate verbally and staff study the resident’s body language or facial expressions to determine the wishes of the residents. They encourage residents to exercise their right of choice and it was noted that a resident came to the kitchen and communicated their wish to have a drink by bringing the member of staff to the kettle. Staff responded to another resident’s request for the television to be switched on. Residents may push something away from them if it is not the item that they wish to have. All residents require assistance with their finances. Advocacy services have been arranged for the residents. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 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): 16 The residents’ right to privacy, choice and independence are respected and promoted by staff. Standards 12, 13, 15 and 17 were inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: Staff said that before entering a room they must always knock on the door. If a resident is unable to speak the member of staff speaks to them and asks whether they want to be alone or whether they would like to go with the member of staff to the lounge. Their wishes are then respected. It was observed that there was a friendly rapport between residents and staff and during the inspection, when work was being carried out in the porch area the member of staff continued to reassure the resident who was present, as the change to the routine in the home was causing some wariness. It was observed that residents had access to all communal areas in the home and to the kitchen, under supervision if necessary. Residents are encouraged to help as much as possible and although with some residents the involvement may be Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 limited the member of staff said that it was valued and that by taking small steps slowly a resident can acquire new skills. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18 Residents receive assistance with or prompting with personal care in a manner, which respects their dignity. Standards 19 and 20 were inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: The member of staff said that doors must be closed when assisting residents with personal care tasks to ensure the privacy of the resident. They said that it was important to make the resident feel comfortable and at ease. By talking to the resident the member of staff could make the resident feel more relaxed. They said that assistance is given with personal care and with oral hygiene. The member of staff was a key worker for one of the residents. It was observed during the inspection that attention was paid to the appearance of the residents and that support was offered in a discreet manner. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): Standards 22 and 23 were inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: No complaints or allegations or incidents of abuse have been recorded since the previous inspection in May 2005. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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 Residents have a comfortable environment in which they can relax. Some minor work is needed as part of the maintenance programme for the home. Standard 30 was inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: During the previous inspection in May 2005 a statutory requirement was identified that the paintwork on the front door and surrounding porch area be made good and redecorated. It was noted that double glazed units had replaced all the windows at the front of the house, the porch and the front door and this enhanced the appearance of the home. During the previous inspection in May 2005 a statutory requirement was identified that work be carried out on the garden i.e. mowing the lawn and clearing weeds from between the patio paving. It was noted that this had been attended to although some re-growth between the patio paving can be expected in the spring. It was noted that new settees have been provided in the lounge and in the entrance hall area. There is a new 4 seater settee and a new 3 seater settee in the lounge and a new 2 seater settee in the entrance hall. A new television has been purchased for the lounge. There were marks on the lounge carpet. The kitchen door needed some repainting and the handle had gouged a hole in the wall of the dining room. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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, 35 NVQ training enhances the quality of care provided to residents and the home needs to ensure that staff complete their studies. Residents’ needs are recognised and responded to by staff that receive training to assist them in carrying out their duties. Standard 34 was inspected during the previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: During the previous inspection in May 2005 a statutory requirement was identified that 50 of the staff team achieves an NVQ level 2 or 3 qualification by 31 December 2005. The manager reviewed the staff team’s progress and said that all the members of staff, with the exception of the newest member, have been registered for NVQ training. Two members of staff have completed their LDAF training and are starting the level 2. One member of staff has completed their level 2 and the remaining staff are still studying. She said that as the staff team would not complete their studies by the end of 2005 the home would not achieve a target of 50 of the staff team having an NVQ level 2 qualification by this date. One of the members of staff on duty had worked in the home for approximately 5 months. They said that they had completed their induction and foundation training work book and felt that they had learned a lot during this period. They said that they were hoping to start their NVQ training soon. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 During their first 5 months with the company they had undertaken a number of training courses, which included training in safe working practices. They had taken health and safety, fire safety, food hygiene, infection control and manual handling training. Training relevant to the role of support worker had included medication training and protection of vulnerable adults training. Training relevant to the client group had included epilepsy and challenging behaviour training. They had exceeded a good practice recommendation of 5 training days per year. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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, 39 The registered manager continues to develop her knowledge through further training and this contributes towards understanding the needs of residents and staff. There is a commitment to complete the NVQ level 4 training. Quality assurance systems identify satisfaction with current services and changes in the needs and expectations of residents. This information shapes the development of the service as it is incorporated into business planning. Standard 42 was inspected during a previous inspection in May 2005. EVIDENCE: During the previous inspection in May 2005 a statutory requirement was identified that the registered manager achieves an NVQ level 4 qualification in management and care by 31 December 2005. The manager said that although she had successfully completed the D32 and D33 (which were equivalent to 2 modules of the RMA) she would not complete the remainder of her studies by the end of 2005. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 The manager acknowledged that the potential for direct feedback from the residents on the quality of care received was limited. She said that the company conducts a family satisfaction survey on an annual basis and the information is collated on a regional basis. The home is part of the London region. The information is presented in a booklet and this is now ready for distribution. Managers in the region attend a briefing session. The information gained during the survey is incorporated into planning the development of the service. The company does not extend this survey to professional visitors to the home e.g. representatives from the placing authority. Brent Advocacy Services has agreed to provide advocacy services for the residents in the home and an advocate has made 2 visits to the home. Most feedback from residents is obtained on a 1 to 1 basis. The home has a business plan, which is produced by the company, and certain sections are relevant to the London region rather than just the home. The plan includes a quality assurance/development section. Policies and procedures are reviewed at head office and the home receives regular amendments to their policies and procedures file. Each document is dated and there includes a date for review. Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.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 X X X X Standard No 22 23 Score X X ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X 3 X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 X X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 2 X X 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 X X X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X 3 X X X X Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 YES 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 YA24 Regulation 23.2 Requirement That the lounge carpet is cleaned. That the kitchen door is made good and repainted. That the gouge in the wall in the dining room is made good and redecorated. That 50 of carers achieve an NVQ level 2 or 3 qualification. (Previous timescale of 31 December 2005 not met). That the registered manager achieves an NVQ level 4 qualification in management and care. (Previous timescale of 31 December 2005 not met). Timescale for action 01/01/06 2 YA32 18.1 30/06/06 3 YA37 9.2 30/06/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 2 Refer to Standard YA24 YA24 Good Practice Recommendations That a door stopper is fitted to the skirting board of the wall in the dining room where the door handle has gouged a hole in the plasterwork. That any regrowth of weeds between the patio paving is DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road removed in the spring Real Life Options 96 Harrowdene Road DS0000017454.V262238.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Harrow Area office Fourth Floor Aspect Gate 166 College Road Harrow HA1 1BH 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. 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