Inspection on 17/05/07 for Rubicon Rise

This inspection was carried out on 17th May 2007.

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 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

Rubicon Rise 05/01/06

Rubicon Rise 21/09/05

Rubicon Rise 20/01/05

Rubicon Rise 14/07/04

Rubicon Rise 24/02/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Rubicon Rise Badgers Close Hall Farm Doxford Park Sunderland SR3 2XF Lead Inspector Hilary Stewart Unannounced Inspection 17th May 2007 10:30 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.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. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Rubicon Rise Address Badgers Close Hall Farm Doxford Park Sunderland SR3 2XF 0191 553 4109 0191 553 4109 rubicon.rise@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk 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) Council of City of Sunderland Elaine Cruikshanks Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 5th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Rubicon Rise is a small registered care home run by the City of Sunderland Council’s Social Services Department. It provides personal care and support services for up to six men and women who have a learning disability and may also have a physical disability. Nursing care cannot be provided. The home is situated in the residential area of Doxford Park. A large supermarket and a public house are close by. The area is also well served by public transport, and people living at the home make good use of this with staff support. Accommodation is provided in a spacious, purpose-built and suitably equipped bungalow, which is decorated and furnished to a good standard. There is a pleasant large enclosed garden with ramped access to a summerhouse at the rear and ample car parking space for staff and visitors. The home currently charges £872.00p per week. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. How the inspection was carried out Before the visit: We looked at: • Information we have received since the last visit on 5 January 2006. • How the service dealt with any complaints & concerns since the last visit. • Any changes to how the home is run. • The provider’s view of how well they care for people. • The views of people who use the service and the staff . The Visit: An unannounced visit was made on 17 May 2007. During the visit we: • • • • • • Talked with people who use the service, staff and the manager. Looked at information about the people who use the service & how well their needs are met, Looked at other records which must be kept, Checked that staff had the knowledge, skills & training to meet the needs of the people they care for, Looked around the building/parts of the building to make sure it was clean, safe & comfortable, Checked what improvements had been made since the last visit . We told the manager what we found. What the service does well: The staff team at the home value the differing needs of the people who live there and make sure that they are aware of each person’s preferences. They treat the people as individuals and support them to live the life they choose as much as possible so they will have new experiences and feel that they are valued. Staff make a lot of effort to enable the people who live at the home to experience a variety of activities so they have more choice. This helps build their self-esteem and confidence. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The staff team make sure that the home is clean, warm and pleasantly furnished so the people who live at the home have a comfortable place to live. Staff work hard to enable the people who live at the home to use local services so they are part of the community. There are procedures in place at the home that make sure the people who live there are protected and kept safe from abuse. The staff are supervised and trained so they know how to provide the people who live at the home with good care. The staff make sure the people who live at the homes health care needs are met so they remain in good health. The manager is experienced and qualified. They support the staff team to meet the needs of the people who live at the home. The needs and wishes of each person who lives at the home have been assessed. This means that staff know about the needs of each person and what care and support they require. All of the people who live at the home have plans of care and risk assessments. This is so staff have the information they need to support each person and keep them safe. The home has procedures for staff for the administration and recording of medication. This is to make sure the people who live at the home receive the medication they need and are kept safe. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 If the contracts or terms and conditions for the people who live at the home were written in a way that the people could easily understand. This would assist people to make an informed choice of their prospective home. 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. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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 and 5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The needs and wishes of each person who live at the home have been assessed. This means that staff know about the needs of each person and what care and support they need. Consequently they receive the care they need. The people have a contract. However it is not written in way that they could easily understand what they should expect from the home. This does not help people make an informed choice about moving into this home. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 EVIDENCE: All service users have a pre admission assessment, carried out by the manager before taking up residence in the home. A person may only move to Rubicon Rise if the manager is certain that his or her needs can be met. Evidence of pre assessment was found in service users files that were sampled for case tracking. The people who live at the home have a contract. This describes the service the home provides. It is not written in a way that the people could easily understand what the home sets out to do or what service they will get. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. All of the people who live at the home have individual care plans. The plans provide clear guidance to staff about how to provide them with good care and ensures that this is achieved. The people who live at the home are supported to make decisions about their lives and become more independent. At the same time staff try to reduce the risks so they are kept as safe as possible. This means that they benefit from more experiences, gain more confidence and know that their opinions are valued. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 EVIDENCE: The manager and staff said that the people who live at the home have individual written care plans. They include a person centred plan. They meet with their key worker and take part in writing their own care plan as much as they can. The individual needs of the people who live at the home had been assessed. Individual plans show their hopes and wishes for the future. One person said that the staff talked to them about their plans. The manager and staff said that the people who live at the home are supported to be as independent as they can be safely. They are encouraged to make choices and decisions about what they want to do. The home has a guide with pictures called ‘enabling people to make choices and decisions’; staff use this to support people to communicate. The manager said that the people have their own meetings every month. They decide on choices of food and trips out. The manager said that some people are going out to a charity football match. One of the people who lives at the home went out to choose their own shoes. The people have chosen paint for their bedrooms and helped to choose a new dining room suite. For some of the people who don’t communicate with the spoken word staff observe facial expression and gesture to get to know their likes and dislikes. The manager said that they try to look at individual means of communicating with people. They staff are keen to look at new methods of working with the people and meet monthly with a speech therapist to look at successes and issues. All of the people who live at the home have individual passport books, which describe how they communicate. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The staff and manager said that they regularly look at the options open to the people who live at the home in relation to work, leisure and social activities. At the same time they have to be realistic about the choices. The plans identified care needs and how they would be met, individual personal goals, risk assessments and details of health related needs. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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): 12,13,15,16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff treat the people who live at the home with respect so they are shown how to treat others with respect. People take part in various social activities and regularly use a range of community facilities. This means they have new experiences and find new interests which enhance the quality of their lives. They are also part of the community they live in. People have a nutritious well balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle and this helps them to learn about food that is good for them. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The people are supported to have contact with their relatives and friends so they keep important relationships that form their identity. EVIDENCE: The manager and staff said that the people who live at the home have the same rights as everyone else to make choices but they have to look at the risks at the same time. The people who live at the home can take part in a variety of activities. They are encouraged and supported to use local services such as the Community Centre where they go to coffee mornings and Christmas parties. They go to the local shops and library. Some of the people like to go to the town to the pubs and restaurants. Records showed that the people who live at the home have visited a variety of places. On the day of the visit two of the people were out at a community centre and another person was at a day centre. Staff were observed and they said that they will always knock and ask before they enter a persons bedroom. If a person wants to be on their own they can have privacy when they want. When asked one person said that staff do knock at their bedroom door. Staff said that they work with the people who live at the home around enabling them to have appropriate relationships and behave in ways that will help them get on with people. Staff said that the people’s rights are respected. Family and friends visit the home frequently or the people visit them. The manager said if people do not have family or friends who visit they will try to get them a befriender or advocate. Records showed that a referral hade been made for one person for a befriender. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The home’s menus are based on the known likes and dislikes of the people who live at the home. Staff said that they are always trying to find new menus and to provide interesting things for them to try. The staff said that at least three meals are served to the people, which are varied and nutritious. When asked one person said, “the food is nice”. The food served during the visit looked fresh and nutritious, there were adequate stores of fresh fruit and vegetables. Records showed that the food served was being recorded. The people who live at the home are involved with the shopping and special diets can be catered for. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who live at the home have personal support when they need it so they can be as independent as possible. The staff monitor and promote the health of the people who live in the home to maintain their well-being. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 EVIDENCE: The medication records were up to date. Any discrepancies are taken very seriously. The manager and staff said that they have had training in how to administer medication. If it is thought to be safe following a risk assessment the people who live at the home can control their own medication. Details of health checks, visits to their GP and hospital appointments are recorded in each individuals file. The manager said that the health and welfare of the people who live at the home is constantly being monitored. Records showed that their health and well-being is discussed in staff meetings. If there are concerns about a person’s health appropriate action is taken. The manager and staff described and records showed how people are provided with personal support when they need it. The people who live at the home looked smart and well groomed. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Complaints are dealt with through the homes procedures which ensures that any problems are taken care of quickly which in turn helps good relationships to be maintained. Staff know about adult protection procedures, so the people who live at the home are kept safe. EVIDENCE: Staff said and records showed that they have had training in how to protect vulnerable people from abuse. They could describe the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse was made. One person who lives at the home when asked what they would do if they were worried about something said, “I would tell staff (name)”. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The home has a procedure for responding to allegations of abuse. The manager said and records showed that the home has not had any complaints or allegations since the last inspection. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Safety checks have been carried out in the home so the people who live there are safeguarded. The home is comfortable and clean so the people have a pleasant place to live in. However some repairs are needed in the bathroom. EVIDENCE: There are enough bathrooms and showers for the people who live at the home. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The downstairs shower room looks damp behind the toilet. Plaster is coming of the walls and they are discoloured. The manager said that there are plans to refurbish it. The bedrooms looked comfortable and the people who live at the home had personalised them. They had been made very individual and comfortable. One person when asked about their bedroom said that they liked their room. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 and 35 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has a recruitment procedure to vet staff which ensures that the residents are kept safe. Staff are supervised and get training. Training for staff helps to make sure they know how to give the people who live at the home good care and meet their needs. This is confirmed by their care practices. EVIDENCE: The manager said that four staff have vocational qualifications. Records show that staff have been vetted before they start to work at the home. The manager said that all staff have been CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked at an enhanced level to make sure they are suitable people to Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 work at the home and the relief staff provided by the company have been vetted as well. Sufficient staff were on duty during the inspection and the manager and staff said that enough staff work at the home although there is one vacancy . Records showed that on other days enough staff had been on duty. The manager and staff said and records showed that they get individual supervision and are supported to do their job. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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): 37,39 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The manager has the experience and vocational qualifications to run the home well so the people who live there are well cared for. This means the people who live there get the care they need and their health, safety and welfare is always promoted. The home has a quality assurance system so the service the people who live at the there get is looked at and improved. Resident’s views are sought about how the home is run as much as possible, so they know they are listened too. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 EVIDENCE: The manager said that they have the relevant experience to run the home and have a recognised vocational qualification. Records showed that checks had been carried out on the equipment in the home; such as testing electrical equipment and the servicing the central heating boiler. Fire safety risk assessments had been completed. The fire logbook showed that regular fire drills and fire instruction take place. Staff said that they have fire drills. One of the people who live at the home said that they have taken part in fire drills. Records showed that regular training is provided for staff in fire safety, food hygiene and first aid. The manager said that the home has regular monitoring visits although at the time of the visit due to a misunderstanding they could not be checked. A member of the Local authority Social Care Governance Team said that the monitoring visits were carried out every month and a copy of the report sent to the home. They provided a list of dates that the monitoring visits had taken place in the last 12 months. The manager said that the people who live at the home are asked their views about the running of the home as much as possible and the home has a yearly improvement plan. It was observed and staff said that they have a good relationship with the manager, which is based on mutual respect. They feel supported and find the manager very approachable and knowledgably. The people who live at the home were seen to approach the staff and manager in a confident manner. Routines in the home are flexible and organised to suit service users needs. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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 2 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 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 4 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 x 3 X 3 X X 3 3 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 YA5 Regulation 5 Requirement The service user contract/statement of terms and conditions requires further development in order to make it more accessible to people who difficulty understanding the written word. (timescale of April 2005 and 31/3/06 not met ) Timescale for action 01/08/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V309233.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 - 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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