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Inspection on 20/01/06 for Sherrick House

Also see our care home review for Sherrick House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 20th January 2006.

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 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 very safe, supportive and comfortable space for service users on respite breaks. There is excellent continuity of care for service users, who visit regularly through the year. There is appropriate assessment of their needs and careful planning for their periods of stay. Their daily lives are subject to the minimum disruption and they have an opportunity to experience living outside the family home.

What has improved since the last inspection?

There were no requirements made at the last inspection.

What the care home could do better:

Three requirements were made at this inspection, all staffing related. All staff require regular individual supervision. While staff are generally well trained, there are some gaps and a training review must be carried out. The Registered Manager must commence the Registered Manager`s Award as soon possible.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Sherrick House 30 Church End Hendon London NW4 4JX Lead Inspector Margaret Flaws Unannounced Inspection 20th January 2006 02:00 Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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 Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Sherrick House Address 30 Church End Hendon London NW4 4JX 020 8203 4860 020 8202 6603 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) Barnet Mencap Mrs Lesley Elizabeth Snow Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 9th September 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Sherrick House is a small care home run by Barnet Mencap. It provides, at any one time, a respite service for up to three younger adults who have a learning disability. There are 35 service users registered to receive the service at times throughout the year. The majority of service users live with their parents and some with other relatives. It offers them a chance to learn what it is like to live away from the family home as well as providing a break from caring for family members. There are three bedrooms at Sherrick House. On the ground floor is a large lounge, a kitchen/dining room, one bedroom and a shower room and toilet. There is a patio area and garden to the rear. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a bathroom as well as the office and staff room. The home is close to the shops, transport links and services of Hendon. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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 over one afternoon. The inspector spoke at length to the Deputy Manager, who assisted throughout the inspection, and two other staff members. The inspector also spoke to two service users, one of whom was mainly non-verbal. No relatives visited during the inspection. A tour of the buildings and grounds, inspection of service user files, staff records, general records and policies and procedures formed the basis of the inspection. Three new requirements were made on this inspection. There were no repeated requirements from the last inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 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): 1, 2, 3, 5 Service users can feel confident that their individual needs and aspirations are fully assessed prior to each respite admission. The service users are well informed about the home and have the opportunity to build relationships with staff over time. EVIDENCE: The home has thirty two respite service users currently on its books. Two come from outside the London Borough of Barnet. The Deputy Manager said that the home has an extremely good relationship with The London Borough of Barnet, who do regular reviews of service users’ needs and who meet with the home to plan each service user’s respite care for the year. This is then documented contractually. The home keeps in close touch with parents and caregivers to ensure that the changing needs of service users are fully assessed prior to each respite admission. The Deputy Manager described the home’s respite philosophy, outlined in their statement of purpose. It centres on empowering and supporting service users and their families in the community. This was observed in practice during the inspection. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 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 and 9 All service users have an individualised care plan that reflects both their needs and personal goals. They can feel confident that any risks to them will be assessed and managed in their interests, while supporting their independence. Consultation is built into all aspects of providing support to the service users. EVIDENCE: Care plans were examined for the two service users, who came to the home on the afternoon of the inspection, and the care plan of another service user who was due that night. All care plans and daily notes were up to date, and regularly reviewed. They contained appropriate information for the nature and level of respite care provided. The Deputy Manager described how care plan objectives were put into practice with the service users and staff spoken to were knowledgeable about their needs. One recently employed agency staff member met one of the service users for the first time during the inspection. She was observed spending time with him, reading his care plan and speaking to other staff about him, in order to quickly understand his primary needs. Other staff were also observed settling the service users in and making them feel comfortable and safe. Staff meeting minutes documented in-depth discussions about the care needs of each individual service user. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Each service user has a keyworker, who is responsible for liaising with families, managing the service user files and updating care plans. The Deputy Manager showed the inspector a new section in each file, for recording telephone conversations with families and others. He said that this system supports consistent care management for the service users and is working well as a communication tool. Service users are able exercise freedom of choice, which was clear from documented consultations about their daily lives in their care plans. One service user spoken to said that she could choose her weekend activities, and was pleased she could have a ‘lie-in’ on Saturday morning. Outings and activities are determined entirely according to the service users’ preferences. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and written from an enabling perspective. Because the service users only stay at the home for short periods, the risk assessments are carefully scrutinized and reproduced for each visit. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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): 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 While Sherrick House is not the service users’ permanent home, their normal pattern of daily life, including any regular activities and contact with families, is maintained by the home during the respite period with minimal disruption. Service users eat very well at Sherrick House. EVIDENCE: Service users stay at Sherrick House for planned respite care, primarily to provide breaks for families and carers and often for weekend or overnight stays. Some service users also come for longer periods. Most service users attend day care or college during the weekdays. The service aims to provide as much continuity as possible for the service users while they receive respite care. Service users, according to their individual wishes, determine the nature and timing of activities such as going to the cinema, pub or shopping. Their interests are recorded in activity records on their files and updated with changes. The home closes for two weeks over Christmas. This year, the home is having a delayed Christmas celebration for all service users and their families in January. Jewish and Muslim service users’ cultural needs and wishes are Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 ascertained and respected. Some staff can use Maketon to communicate with those service users familiar with it. Service users assist staff with meal preparation if they are able. During the inspection, one service user began evening meal preparation with the assistance of a staff member. Individual choices are available at each meal. Menus are varied and interesting. There was a good supply of fresh and interesting food in the fridge, freezer and cupboards. The Deputy Manager said that the shopping is done every two days to ensure that the home has quality supplies available. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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, 19 and 20 Those service users with personal care needs can feel confident that these will be well met by staff and that any medication they are taking will be given safely. EVIDENCE: Procedures for providing personal care and support are set out in the care plans. Because the service only provides respite care, limited health information is kept at the care home. Their families, health professionals and social workers are responsible for their ongoing health care needs. During the inspection, two service users came to stay for the weekend. They were clearly familiar with the home and the staff. One service user required careful one to one supervision, and staff were observed putting this into practice. Medication storage facilities and policies and procedures were examined and were in order. There is a small medication fridge. Temperatures were monitored and were within range. Clear medication risk assessments are placed prominently in the front of service users’ files along with ‘at a glance’ essential dietary information. Staff were observed safely giving medication according to procedure. Two staff now sign for medication given. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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): 22 and 23 Service users can feel confident that their views will be listened to and acted upon and that staff are properly trained to ensure their protection. EVIDENCE: There have been only minor complaints and several compliments since the last inspection. The Deputy Manager said that all service users and their families have been provided with a copy of the new Mencap complaints leaflet, which uses both symbolic and text formats. Appropriate adult protection policies and procedures are in place and staff have received adult protection training. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.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, 25, 27, 28, 29 and 30 Service users can enjoy staying at Sherrick House, which is homely, safe and well maintained. EVIDENCE: On inspection, the home was very clean and tidy. All service users’ bedrooms were inspected and, while simply furnished, were comfortable for periods of respite care. A new adjustable bed has been purchased for the downstairs bedroom and the Deputy Manager said that this would enable the home to provide better care for people with physical disabilities. There is a hoist for use with those service users who require moving and handling assistance. The Deputy Manager also said that the home is also considering converting one spare bedroom to be available for respite but that this would depend on the local authorities’ need for respite beds. This bedroom is located upstairs and consideration will need to be given to the service users’ needs, because almost half of them use wheelchairs. Infection control procedures are in place. New paper towel and soap dispensers have been fitted throughout the home. The home is well maintained and maintenance requests to Barnet Council (who own the building) are quickly and effectively responded to, according to the Deputy Manager. There was a problem with the central heating, which has now been repaired. In the interim, the home purchased freestanding convector heaters. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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): 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 Service users’ needs are met by a generally stable, knowledgeable and efficient staff team, who, while well supported informally, require access to more regular supervision. EVIDENCE: This inspection focussed closely on staffing. The staff team is well established and several staff have worked at the home for a number of years. Two regular agency staff currently work at the home. A new full time staff member and a bank staff member have been employed and are due to start work in February. All appropriate pre-employment checks have been completed. The Deputy Manager described how staff rotas are determined by the service users’ needs and by Mencap’s health and safety policy, that now limits the number of hours that staff can work per week to thirty five hours. Staff are sometimes gender matched to service users requiring personal care, although this is also determined by each service user’s choice. Service users’ needs and preferences also determine the composition of the staff rota, which is well planned according respite bookings made. Training records were examined. Most staff have either completed or are completing NVQ 2 or 3. Training records revealed some gaps in statutory training and it is required that a review of this training be carried out and a copy sent to CSCI, along with a timetable of planned training. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 One recently employed agency staff member described the induction programme that she had received, which was comprehensive. Induction includes meetings, reading, and two weeks of shadowing. Staff do not commence night shifts until they have worked at the home for three months. Staff are only recruited or accepted from agencies if they have a sound background in providing care. The home managers carry out regular spot checks at any time to ensure that the standard of care is always maintained. The Deputy Manager has completed NVQ4 but the Registered Manager needs to undertake the Registered Manager’s Award and a requirement is given for this under Standard 37. Regular supervision has lapsed. While staff said that they are well supported and managed in their jobs, and that informal support is very good, the formal process of supervision needs strengthening. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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 and 42 Service users staying at the home are supported and protected in a safe and healthy environment. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager needs to complete the Registered Manager’s Award. Staff said that the home is well organised and managed, and this was also evident from the consistent record keeping, up to date files and easily accessible records. The home’s annual quality assurance questionnaire to relatives and service users was completed in October 2005. These records were inspected - the feedback received was very positive. The home’s health and safety policies and accident and incident records were inspected and were in all in order, as were all gas, electrical, fire safety, hoist and water safety certificates. Fridge and freezer temperatures are monitored daily. Infection control procedures are in place and staff training in this area is up to date for the protection of service users. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 There were no obvious hazards in the home, which has a simple, domestic layout. Fire drills are held regularly and staff receive six monthly training. The Fire Service came to the home in October 2005 and did on-site training with the staff. The home has a very good relationship with the Barnet Fire Service – the fire station is just around the corner and fire officers have said that if they have any queries, they should come and speak with them. Staff are trained in manual handling. Two senior staff from the home participate in Mencap’s health and safety work group, and are responsible for ensuring the home puts new procedures into practice and for reviewing organisational health and safety. Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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 3 3 3 X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 3 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 3 3 2 2 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Sherrick House Score 3 3 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X 3 X X 3 x DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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. 1. Standard YA35 Regulation 18(1) Requirement The Registered Manager must ensure that a training review is carried out to ensure that all staff are up to date with statutory training, and a copy of the review, along with training plans, sent to the CSCI The Registered Manager must ensure that all staff receive individual documented supervision at least six times per year. The Registered Person must ensure that the Registered Manager commences the Registered Manager’s Award as soon as possible. Timescale for action 15/03/06 2. YA36 18(2) 15/03/06 3. YA37 9(2) 15/03/06 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Southgate Area Office Solar House, 1st Floor 282 Chase Road Southgate London N14 6HA 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 Sherrick House DS0000010464.V270012.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 - 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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