Inspection on 21/09/05 for Rubicon Rise

This inspection was carried out on 21st September 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 no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Rubicon Rise 17/05/07

Rubicon Rise 05/01/06

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 Lesley Scriven Unannounced Inspection 21st September 2005 09:30 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th January 2005 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. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over five hours on one day. Time was spent with all six of the people living at the home and discussions took place about what it is like to live at Rubicon Rise. Service Users talked about the kind of support they are offered to help them stay as independent as possible and how they are able to take part in the local community and keep in touch with family and friends. One man showed the inspector photographs of a recent holiday he had taken with a friend who also lives at the home. A lunchtime meal was taken with a small group. As part of a case-tracking exercise one service user file was read. Some staff training and supervision records and complaints records were also checked, along with minutes of consultation meetings held with users. A sample audit of the home’s system for receiving, storing, administering and disposing of medication was carried out and fire logs and the home’s fire risk analysis and emergency procedures were read. A partial tour of the premises and grounds looked at the standard of accommodation and facilities on offer and arrangements for maintaining safe living and working conditions. Four staff were asked about the running of the home and the support and training they receive to enable them to do their jobs. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? In consultation with service users, plans are being drawn up to fit a new more accessible kitchen in the home, so that people who experience difficulty with mobility or use a wheelchair can take a more active part in making drinks and snacks and planning and preparing meals. Consideration is also being given to the purchase of a suitable private vehicle, such as a ‘people carrier’, so that users may go out more often without having to rely on accessible public transport. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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): 5, because one requirement relating to this standard remains outstanding. The home met standard 3 at the last inspection and there have been no new admissions since. Standard 6 does not need to be assessed, since the home does not provide an intermediate care service. Each person who lives at Rubicon Rise has a contract, or statement of terms and conditions with the home, which is very informative. This document is not however accessible to people who have difficulty understanding the written word. EVIDENCE: All service users are provided with a contract, or statement of terms and conditions with home. This comes in the form of two booklets called ‘Agreement Between Us’ and ‘Your Home’. The booklets were produced by Social Services, together with a group of people who have learning difficulties and use residential services in Sunderland. They include lots of information about what service users can expect from the home in return for their fees and about the guidelines everyone has to follow to make sure the home is a safe and pleasant place to live. However, people who have difficulty reading the written word may not easily be able to understand the booklets, so there is a need for Social Services to Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 produce further pictorial versions, which should be supplied to everyone living at Rubicon Rise. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7, 8 and 9. Wherever possible people are given choices and encouraged to make informed decisions about the things that affect their lives. They are involved as far as they can be in the running of the home. Service users are also supported to be as independent as possible, but this can sometimes be limited in an agreed way to minimise risk of emotional or physical harm. EVIDENCE: Service users are given the support they need to enable them to take as much control as possible over their own lives, and make choices and informed decisions about the things that affect them. They are able to establish their own daily routines and make and keep links with friends they choose. They participate in preferred leisure activities, stay at holiday destinations of their choice and contribute to the way the home is run by taking part in the grocery shop for example, and planning for meals. Regular ‘tenants’ meetings also provide opportunities for consultation and a user representative is invited to take part in important discussions with the property owner, Three Rivers Housing Association to consider changes to the Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 house, such as the planned kitchen improvements. Advocacy support where needed is provided to help with this. People are encouraged to be independent in areas such as personal care, making drinks and snacks and taking part in social and leisure activities in and outside of the home. This can involve taking responsible risks, but the manager always carefully assesses the hazards involved and weighs up the benefits and pitfalls first. Clear guidelines are then put in place so that staff can give people the right amount of assistance to reduce the chances of anything going wrong. Sometimes however, if the hazards are too great, choices or freedom of access inside the home and especially outside might be restricted to ensure a person’s safety, or the safety of others around them. Where these sorts of limitations are necessary, they are only put in place after consultation with the service user and their supporter and other professionals, such as social workers. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 15 and 17. All service users are actively encouraged to maintain friendships and links with families. Consenting sexual relationships will be supported. Meals on offer at the home are prepared with each individual’s preferences in mind, and are nutritious and nicely presented. Mealtimes are structured to suit service user’s needs and people eat in homely surroundings. EVIDENCE: People living at Rubicon Rise are encouraged to keep in touch with friends and family. They are able to do this in many ways: by telephone and sending cards, or meeting up with those they like to keep contact with. Service users are able to invite friends and relatives back to the house and entertain in private if they wish, or are supported to make visits outside the home to other people’s houses, to the Nookside Centre, or to cafes or pubs where they can enjoy a meal or drink for example. The home’s staff do everything they can to assist with this and one service user spoke of how he was helped to entertain his mother to dinner at Christmas. Sexual relationships too, will be supported, as long as both parties are consenting and this is important if people are to be protected. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Service users and staff generally eat together in the home’s dining room, which is nicely decorated and furnished and provides a relaxing atmosphere. People can however choose to eat elsewhere if they prefer. Meal times are sociable and unhurried and where support is needed, this is respectfully and discreetly offered so that no-one’s dignity is undermined. Meals are varied, tasty and nicely presented and people’s special dietary needs are met. A range of choices is always available, yet users are still encouraged to adopt healthy living styles. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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): 20. Very good systems are in place to enable staff to safely assist people with medication. At the present time, no one living at the home is able to keep or administer their own medication independently, but suitable procedures are in place if needed. EVIDENCE: Properly trained staff follow sound policy and procedural guidance to make sure service users are safely assisted with medications. Medicines are carefully ordered, securely stored and appropriately administered and accurate records are kept. Assistance with medications is given discreetly, to avoid unnecessary attention or embarrassment. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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 and 23. The views of service users and their supporters are taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken to resolve concerns and complaints. The home works to satisfactory policy and procedure to ensure that people living there are protected from all types of abuse and as far as possible from self-harm. EVIDENCE: The home has a clear and easy to understand complaints procedure which service users are able to access. People’s views about life at the home are regularly sought so that the service can be improved and user’s and supporter’s concerns and complaints would always be properly looked into and resolved. No complaints have been made since the last inspection. Sunderland Social Services has a very good policy for ensuring the protection of vulnerable adults. It is known as the Multi-Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (MAPPVA) policy. Staff have received training to help them put this into practice and know what to do if any concerns about service user’s well-being or safety come to light. Proper procedures are followed by staff assisting service users to manage their money and very frequent checks are made of the records kept in this respect. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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 and 30. People who live at the home benefit from an environment which is well maintained, safe, clean and comfortable. EVIDENCE: Rubicon Rise has a homely feel and is nicely decorated with good quality furniture that suits the age and lifestyle choices of the people who live there. Bedrooms all reflect individual interests and personalities and users contribute as far as possible to keeping their own spaces clean and tidy. Staff keep the property in good order and free from infection to the benefit of everyone’s health. The gardens too are well maintained and provide pleasant additional space in the summer months. A new and more easily accessible kitchen is to be fitted within the coming months and additional outdoor lighting too, is to be installed. Where appropriate, environmental adaptations have been fitted and equipment is used to maximise people’s independence. These are regularly checked to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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, 35 and 36. The team at Rubicon Rise is sufficient in number, with the right mix of skills and experience to meet the assessed needs of the people who live there. Regular appraisal, training, supervision and support is provided for each member of staff to enable them to carry out their jobs to a good standard. EVIDENCE: The home’s manager ensures that there are always sufficient staff on duty so that service users are fully supported to meet the goals and aspirations of their individual support-plans. Team members are provided with regular training opportunities to equip them to better understand the needs of people with learning difficulties and each receives developmental support through monthly supervision and yearly appraisal sessions. Workers who were new to Rubicon Rise at the last inspection and recruited from the Social Services Department’s ‘Social Care Worker Scheme’ continue to benefit from the guidance they are given by personal mentors, and have clearly grown in confidence and ability over the last nine months. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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): 39 and 42. The views of service users and their supporters are regularly sought and listened to, and used to shape improvements in the way the home is run. The support team work effectively with the manager to ensure Rubicon Rise is a safe and pleasant place to live. EVIDENCE: Sunderland Social Services has a positive approach towards measuring the quality of its provision, which includes procedures for gathering the views of everyone who lives at the home. Service users, with advocacy support where necessary, and their relatives and supporters are able to make suggestions about how the home and service might be improved and these will be listened to and acted upon. The manager and team also take responsibility for carrying out audits of the premises and of staff practice and records to check that things are running as they should be and quickly put right anything that is wrong. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 As a result, service users are offered a very good standard of support in a safe environment, where each individual’s health and well-being is given high priority. Mrs Cruickshanks has developed warm and trusting relationships with the people who live and work at Rubicon Rise and this makes the home a pleasant and friendly place. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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 2 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score x 3 3 3 x Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 x 13 x 14 x 15 4 16 x 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 x 4 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Rubicon Rise Score x x 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x 3 x x 3 x DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 (1) 17 (2,3) 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 NOT MET The registered manager must achieve National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level IV awards in ‘management’ and ‘care’. Timescale for action 21/12/05 2 YA37 9 (2(b(1))) 31/12/05 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 YA32 Good Practice Recommendations 50 of support staff employed at the home should achieve NVQ awards in ‘care’ at Level II by December 2005. Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection South of Tyne Area Office Baltic House Port of Tyne Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT 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 Rubicon Rise DS0000032745.V258314.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. 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