Inspection on 28/01/09 for Southside House

This inspection was carried out on 28th January 2009.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Good service.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

Southside House 27/03/08

Southside House 26/03/07

Southside House 15/12/05

Southside House 24/08/05

Southside House 18/03/05

Southside House 30/12/04

Similar services:

2 Perhaver Park

The Vicarage

St George`s

5 Seafield Road

Credence House

Radfords

Honeybourne House

32 Beaumont Way

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 20/03/2009.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Southside House 44 Severn Road Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 1DP     The quality rating for this care home is:   two star good service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Paula Cordell     Date: 2 8 0 1 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. the things that people have said are important to them: They reflect This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 30 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 30 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Southside House 44 Severn Road Weston Super Mare North Somerset BS23 1DP 01934626540 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Type of registration: Number of places registered: Mr Lal Gunaratne care home 6 Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 learning disability Additional conditions: May accommodate up to 6 persons with learning difficulties, aged 18 - 64 years, requiring personal care only. The Manager to gain a formal LDAF qualification by June 2006 Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Southside House provides support for up to six people with learning disabilities who spend most of their day away from the house. It contains two double bedrooms and two single ones. The emphasis of the service is on a homely approach, and it aims to provide opportunities for more able people to learn independence skills. The home is located close to the local shops, parks and seafront. It is about a mile away from the town centre. It is also located a short walk away from its sister home (Charlton House), with which it shares the manager. The current scale of charges ranges from £350 to £550. 6 Over 65 0 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 30 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: two star good service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: This was an announced visit as part of a key inspection process. The people living in the home are out during the day so the home is not staffed Monday to Friday hence why the home was given notice of the forthcoming visit. The purpose of the visit was to review the requirements and recommendations from the visit in March 2008 and monitor the quality of the service provided to the six individuals living at Southside. The home is fully occupied. There have been no additional visits in the period since March 2008. There have been no complaints raised in the home or to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 30 The visit was conducted over 5 hours. During the visit an opportunity was taken to review the record keeping relating to the running of a care home, a full tour of the home was conducted and feedback sought from individuals living in Southside, the staff and the registered manager. Three individuals were visited at Charlton House as they had chosen to continue with their day care and time was spent with them in the activity room. They comments are included in this report. Prior to the visit some time was spent examining documentation accumulated since the previous inspection, including correspondence. The home did not send in their Annual Quality Assurance Assessment prior to the visit. However, this was received within the agreed extended time period. The document provided evidence that the home was completing quality initiatives to improve the service for the people who live in Southside. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 30 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 30 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals have sufficent information about the service being provided at Southside House. A comprehensive assessment is completed ensuring that the needs of the individual will be met. Evidence: The home has a statement of purpose and a service user guide. This had recently been reviewed and updated taking into consideration the comments from the visit in March 2008. The staffing arrangements are clearly described in the statement of purpose. A member of staff stated that they have been allocated the responsibility to make this more accessible including photographs and a copy available in a DVD format. This was confirmed by the manager. This will be followed up at the next visit. It was suggested that the home could expand on the information relatin to the needs of the people that they intend to support. Presently this briefly describes the age range and that the home supports people with learning disabilities. This covers a wide spectrum of people with varying needs. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 30 Evidence: Presently the home supports people within a wide age range with the youngest person being in their early twenties to someone who is in their seventies. It was noted during the visit in March 2008 that the two older people had moved from Charlton House to Southside and that the home was not registered to support individuals over the age of 65 years of age. The manager stated that it is the intention for the home to move to supporting younger people and the two older people are being offered a move to Charlton House (the sister home of Southside). One of the younger individuals stated that they did not like living with the two older people and was very derogatory towards them in their presence. This was discussed with the manager who said that this often discussed with the individual, but agrees that a move for the two older people could be beneficial. The manager confirmed that this will be in consultation with the individual and their social worker. The home had identified in their annual quality assurance assessment that teh wide age range and the gradual deteriation as being a barrier to how the home can implement improvements. If the two individuals move this could have implications for the home in respect of how many people they can support. As presently the two individuals share a room. The manager is aware that shared rooms are not the way forward in respect of the National Minimum Standards and that it does not promote privacy. The manager stated that the provider has to be consulted and as yet a decision has not been reached. The home has an admission policy that guides staff on the process. This is included in the statement of purpose. Individuals are supported to visit the home and stay over night as part of an ongoing assessment completed by the home and to ensure that the individual is happy with the care provided. In addition it gives an opportunity for the existing people living in the home an opportunity to feed into the process. Four of the individuals have been living in the home for many years. Two individuals have been admitted in the last two years. An opportunity was taken to review the information in respect of the homes assessment process for the most recent admission. The home had obtained a copy of the placing authoritys assessment and care plan in addtion to completing thier own assessment. Information was informative and had infomred the homes care planning processes. Contracts were reviewed and again it was noted that the fees were not included. The Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 30 Evidence: manager stated that the fees are included in the statement of purpose and has agreed to transfer this to the individuals contract. It was noted that individuals where possible have signed their contract. The statement of purpose details what is not included in the fees. Chiropody and hair cutting services are not included. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 30 Individual needs and choices These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals can be confident that their care needs are being met encouraging people to be as independent as possible. People are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Evidence: Two care plans were looked at as a means of determining the processes the home goes through to support the individuals living at Southside House. Care plans detailed the support needs of the individuals focusing on life skills and personal care. It is evident that these had been devised based on the assessment and care plan drawn up by the placing social worker and the homes assessment process. Care files were being reviewed on a monthly basis and an annual basis with the local placing authority, the individual and their relatives. Plans of care demonstrated that individuals are encouraged to be as independent as Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 12 of 30 Evidence: possible in all aspects of daily living. Individuals had been consulted and involved in the planning of their care. Care documentation included signatures where possible of the individual. Staff stated that individuals are supported to read their care plans and what has been written about them. The home has responded to a requirement to ensure that there are care plans for individuals that can be verbally aggressive. This included the triggers and how staff should support the individual. From talking with a member of staff it was evident that these episodes have been reduced and from reading the daily diaries for the individual. Risk assessments were seen and covered a wide range of activities both in the home and the community. These had been kept under review and updated. One person has been assessed as having the skills to spend time in the home without staff support. This had been agreed with the individuals social worker with the agreement that this person has a front door key. The home is not staffed from Monday to Friday as all the individuals are taking part in activities in the community or at their day centres. This will be discussed later in this report. Three individuals were spoken to about the care their received. All stated that they liked the staff and support offered to them. One person said they wanted to live with a younger group of people. It was evident from reading care documentation that the service is tailored to the individuals and strives to meet the diverse needs of the people living in Southside House. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 30 Lifestyle These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals are supported to lead active lifestyles based on choice. Individuals are encouraged to maintain contact with friends and family. Evidence: There is a vast age difference with the youngest being in their twenties and the eldest aged over seventy years of age. From talking with staff and the manager it was evident that activities were varied to suit the individuals living in the home. However, there was some emphasis that activities would be completed as a group for example trips to places of interest, holidays and social evenings. This is in the main because there is only one member of staff working in the home. The staff and the manager gave reassurances, that where four out of the five people wanted to go and the fifth wanted to remain in the home this would be Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 30 Evidence: accommodated. The manager stated that a member of staff would be taken from Charlton House or a member of staff would work a bank shift. This would be the same process if a person living in the home were ill and unable to attend their structured day care. The home is not staffed during the day as all the people living in the home have a five day structured activity plan. Individuals described full and interesting lives. Several people have some sort of work, and some go to college and day placements. All the individuals are encouraged to spend time at Charlton House where a small activity centre has been set up. From talking with staff it was evident that the individuals day activities are reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate. The home is working with a day care provider exploring options for work experience for the person who has recently been admitted to the home. Because most of the individuals are fairly able people, they tend to arrange their own social lifes with a minimum of support from staff. However, the two older people require a little more support and encouragement. One persons placement is being reviewed in light of the staffing levels and the increase in support that is required for the individual. Staff were able to give examples of how routines are designed around individuals preferences. Weekdays all the individuals are out, and weekends are for relaxing around the home. Some of the individuals attend church or visit friends, whilst others may relax around the home or go shopping. A member of staff stated that all the individuals could choose when to go to bed and get up. This was confirmed in conversations with the individuals living in the home. Some of the individuals go to college or clubs in the evenings. Individuals stated that generally they were happy with the activities available to them. Although one person said they did not always want to go to Charlton House for their activities as the some of the people were old. However, it was noted that this person had built a special relationship with one of the individuals living in Charlton House and was keen to introduce the inspector to their friend. In addition they said they could go and visit friends for coffee but often did not feel like it. An opportunity was taken to visit the activity room at Charlton House to meet the individuals living at Southside. It was noted that staff were in the main house having a handover and individuals were left on their own. One person said that this happens regularly and they are expected to call for staff if there is an incident. The manager stated that staff have a handover and this is the time that the activity room is not staffed. It is advisable that a risk assessment is developed in respect of this to ensure Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 30 Evidence: that this is acceptable. It was noted that one member of staff used an individuals bedroom as a means of accessing the main house as their have patio doors to the rear garden. The manager stated that this has been discussed with staff previously as this is not acceptable and will follow this up. A member of staff stated the individuals are involved in the menu planning and their views are sought at house meetings on what they would like to eat. The menu was viewed and this provided evidence that a varied and healthy diet was provided. The three individuals spoken with during the visit said the food was good and one person said it was alright. One person said that the individuals can be involved in the preparation of food if they wanted. They did say that staff do not always sit with them during the meal time as they are busy in the kitchen. Good practice would be for staff to be present in the dining room when all the individuals are at home. The individuals have agreed a chores list, and an easy read rota has been put in the kitchen. Most individuals do their own washing and ironing with support from staff as necessary. Most people buy their own clothing, but staff will give support with this if it is wanted. Contact with friends and family is actively encouraged. Individuals are welcome to invite their friends over. The home provides transport so that people can go to evening clubs and social events this is shared with the sister home Charlton House. One individual confirmed that they can maintain contact with friends and family and this was very important to them. They liked to stay with family for weekends and visit friends. Individuals are encouraged to participate in the running of the home. House meetings are now being held monthly and cover a range of topics from menu planning, activities, staffing and other matters relating to the running of the home. Records are maintained of the meetings. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 30 Personal and healthcare support These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals personal and health care needs are being met. Individuals are protected by the homes medication systems and practices. Evidence: There was information in care plans that detailed how individuals would like to be supported with their personal and health care. Systems for monitoring an individuals wellbeing were in place and concerns about health were quickly addressed. Individuals had access to other health professionals including a GP, opticians, chiropody, dentist and the community learning disability team. District Nurses are involved as and when. There were clear records detailing the personal care support needs of the individual and a daily record of care given. Individuals preferences for showers and baths are accommodated. Weight is regularly monitored for those it has been assessed as being an area of need. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 30 Evidence: One person has regularly gained weight since moving to the home. The individual is supported to see a dietician. Staff stated that the individual is offered healthier options when in the home including sugar free snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables. However, the individual leads a very independent lifestyle which means that their dietary intake cannot always be monitored. The home should consider discussing this with other professionals as part of best interest meeting to discuss the concerns relating to the health of the individual. A risk assessment is in place relating to healthy eating. The home has robust procedures and practices on the administration of medication. The member of staff on duty stated they had completed training on medication with they last employer and this had been covered in the homes induction. Training records confirmed that all three members of staff have had some training in medication. The manager stated that all staff involved in medication administration would shortly be completing an update with the local pharmacist as part of a refresher course. Whilst standard 21 was not inspected during this visit. The manager stated that end of life plans are being developed which will include consultation with the individual and their families. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 30 Concerns, complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals can be confident that the staff will listen to their concerns. Good systems are in place ensuring that individuals are protected from abuse. Evidence: The home has a complaints procedure. It has been identifed through the annual quality assurance assessment that this is going to be made into a more accessible format. The complaint procedure demonstrated that all complaints would be listened too and responded to within 28 days. The home maintains a record of complaints. There have been no complaints since the last visit in March 2008. Individuals spoken with said they would let staff know if they were unhappy and that they would respond appropriately. One individual said that not all the individuals get on all the time but that is part of shared living. They said they would normally talk to staff or go to their bedroom to watch television. The three main staff who work in the home have completed a course on safeguarding within the last two years. Policies and procedures for safeguarding and whistle blowing were accessible to staff. The staff on duty had a good awareness of what constitutes abuse and what they should do if abuse is suspected. Finances were checked for a random group of people. People have a financial care plan Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 30 Evidence: which describes the level of support and the control the individual has in respect of their finances. People are given some element of control with their personal allowance with varying amounts being given to the person. Records were maintained which included signature of the staff and the person living in Southside. Individuals have a lockable storage facility in their bedroom to keep their finances safe. Whilst the individuals have access to their personal allowance, bank records and surplus cash for individuals is kept at Charlton House. This will be inspected at the next visit to Charlton House. The member of staff stated that if individuals request additional money then the manager could accommodate this. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 30 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience adequate quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals benefit from a homely, safe and clean environment which is accessible to the facilities in Weston Super Mare. However, this is being compromised due to the two shared rooms in relation to access to private space in the home. Evidence: Southside is a residential property in keeping with the local neighbourhood, close to the town centre and the seafront. There is a large lounge and separate dining room, both of which have a TV and comfortable seating. Areas were decorated to a good standard and were homely in appearance. There is an upstairs bathroom and a downstairs shower room. There were sufficient hand washing facilities including soap and paper towels. Doors were lockable but staff in the event of an emergency could override these. It was noted at the last visit that radiators throughout the home were not covered and could potentially put individuals at risk from scalds. This has been addressed and many of the radiators have now been covered. The home has demonstrated compliance to a Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 30 Evidence: requirement from the visit in March 2008. Similarly it was noted that the water was not temperature controlled, as evidenced with the weekly temperatures that were being taken which exceeded the recommended temperature of 43c. The manager stated that this is being addressed with the temperatures being controlled and a contractor will be completing this within the next two weeks. Presently all individuals are supervised when running a bath with temperature records being maintained. This will be followed up at the next visit. A member of staff stated that two of the individuals have keys to their bedrooms and one person has a front door key. Staff said that it has been difficult as two of the bedrooms are shared rooms. The manager stated that they were exploring ways in which they might be able to reduce the number of double bedrooms. This has been discussed at the last three visits to the home and remains an outstanding recommendation. Visiting professionals in completed surveys at the last visit commented on the concerns that they had about the shared rooms. Given the wide range of needs currently being accommodated, it is even more important that the people living in Southside have their own space. Two of the individuals were consulted on whether they were happy about sharing both said it was alright. The other two were not consulted as they were out at day care but on a previous visit they said they were not happy. However, staff and the manager said that when they went on holiday they actively made a choice to share a bedroom even though single rooms were available. Staff said that one of the individuals were offered a single room but they declined stating that they liked to share. There was no documentation to support this and could not be verified with the individuals concerned. It was noted that fire doors between the lounge, kitchen and dining room were wedged open during the last visit. This has been addressed and all fire doors have been fitted with automatic door closures. The home has demonstrated compliance. All areas of the home were clean and free from odour. The home employs a member of staff to assist with the cleaning. In addition individuals confirmed their involvement and participation in the household cleaning. The home has had an Environmental Health inspection in March 2008 and has gained a four star rating. The kitchen was well organised with good procedures being adopted to ensure safe food handling as evidenced through the records maintained, discussion with staff and observation. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 30 Evidence: The home has infection control policies. Staff confirmed that they had received training in this area as evidenced in training files. Staff stated that there is a good stock of gloves and aprons which assist in the prevention of infection. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 30 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals are supported by a competent staff team. The home is staffed on a minimal basis, this should be kept under review as needs change. Evidence: Southside House has minimal staffing and is only staffed when the individuals are at home. The individuals go out to day centres, work experience and the activity room at Charlton House which is situated 5 minutes walk away during the week. There is one member of staff working in the mornings and returns at about 3.30 pm. One member of staff works in the home and provides sleep in cover. There are three main staff that support the individuals with a core group of relief staff covering holidays and sickness. Recruitment information is held at Charlton House in the main office. From talking with staff it was evident that they had worked for the provider in excess of three years and that only staff that would be competent in working alone would be employed to work at Southside House. One member of staff stated that generally the staffing was sufficient to meet the needs of the people living in the home, however concerns were raised in relation to one individual who due to the ageing process was becoming more dependent on staff. The Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 30 Evidence: manager stated that this is being closely monitored, with this individual moving to Charlton House, where there are additional staff to support the person better. The two staff who mainly work in the home have time rostered together at the weekend. This helps to ensure adequate communication and provides an opportunity for individuals to go out in smaller groups. There are good systems in place to assist the three staff with communication ensuring a consistent approach including a message book and a daily written handover. Training records were viewed for the three staff that predominately work in the home. Good evidence was provided that there is an ongoing training which is relevant to the needs of the people living in the home. However, there was no evidence that staff had attended training in diabetes, supporting individuals that are getting older and epilepsy and these may be beneficial. The manager said they were looking to purchase some videos on this topic. It may be beneficial to approach the diabetic nurse who may be happy to offer some training to the staff team. A member of staff stated that there is a commitment from the manager to ensure staff have training made available to them. All three of the staff have a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification in care and one of them has completed a Level 3 National Vocational Award. A member of staff stated that they receive supervision every two months but there is always good communication with the manager. A member of staff stated that meetings are held once a month at Charlton House. Minutes of some of the meetings were available at Southside House. The home has a policy on Equal Opportunities and those relating to employment including a disciplinary procedures. Individuals said they liked the staff that worked in the home and sometimes extra staff work so that they can go out or they go with staff from Charlton House. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 30 Conduct and management of the home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Individuals benefit from a well managed service which includes seeking their views on the quality of the service being provided. Southside House provides a safe place for people to live. Evidence: Mrs Veronica Bishop is an experienced manager and holds the Registered Managers Award. She is registered as manager of both this home and Charlton House, which is 5 minute walk away. She spends most of the day in the sister home but visits Southside House on a regular basis. This was confirmed in conversations with the people who use the service and the staff on duty. The owner also visits regularly and spends time talking with people who use the service and staff. People who live in Southside House and the member of staff described a happy atmosphere with approachable management staff. Staff felt that they get a good combination of support and autonomy. Staff stated that the manager has an open door approach to management and is always available by telephone. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 26 of 30 Evidence: Individuals are consulted about the service during care reviews and monthly house meetings. Individuals are given a questionnaire to complete. The member of staff was not sure of the frequency as this has only recently been implemented. The home completed the annual quality assurance assessment that was required of them by the Commission for Social Care Inspection. This identified areas where improvement has been noted and an action plan to improve further. It was noted that the home is reviewing practices in the home to ensure there is more involvement of the individuals in the planning of their care and making information more accessible. Health and safety checks are done regularly. The maintenance book shows that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly. The home shares a maintenance person with Charlton House. Fire records provided evidence that routine checks are completed on the equipment and that staff take part in regular drills. All staff had recently completed fire training. Policies and procedures were accessible to staff. It was noted that some of the policies and procedures were not dated so it was difficult to determine whether the policies were current and had been formally reviewed. The manager stated that they had reviewed about four of the policies and procedures but this work was still ongoing. It was noted that the policy on admissions made reference to the Community Mental Handicap Team this has now been replaced with the Community Learning Disability Team. It was also noted that the smoking policy made reference to smoking in the conservatory but now individuals smoke outside, this was amended during the visit. It was evident that the safety of the individuals was being maintained with checks on electrical appliances, gas and fire equipment was routinely being completed. Certificates were seen confirming the checks. Accident records were made available during the visit. There have been no accidents or reportable incidents for a significant period of time. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 30 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 30 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 26 Individuals who share a room should be given an opportunity to have a single bedroom where a single room becomes vacant. Where one person leaves the home from a shared room then this bed should be de-registered enabling the bedroom to have single occupancy. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 29 of 30 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 30 of 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!