Inspection on 28/02/06 for St Albans Close

This inspection was carried out on 28th February 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 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

St Albans Close 17/07/06

St Albans Close 18/07/05

St Albans Close 21/01/05

St Albans Close 27/05/04

St Albans Close 02/03/04

St Albans Close 22/01/03

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 St Albans Close 1-2 St Albans Close Northampton Northants NN3 2RJ Lead Inspector Mr Patrick Toner Unannounced Inspection 28th February 2006 08:00 St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service St Albans Close Address 1-2 St Albans Close Northampton Northants NN3 2RJ 01604 785775 NONE 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) Royal Mencap Society Vacant Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: St Albans Close is a residential care home providing personal care and support to 7 men with learning disabilities; a service provided by the national charity Mencap. It is situated on a residential estate on the outskirts of Northampton Town Centre with access to a range of community facilities. The Home comprises two semi-detached properties, which have been merged, and undergone major refurbishment to create a spacious and homely environment suited to the needs of the service users. Gardens to the rear of the house have been landscaped and provide spacious outdoor facilities. Most service users attend day activities away from the Home and there is no designated work or training focussed occupational facilities at the Home. All nursing and health care needs are met by external health care services. A small self-contained flat has been created on the first floor and is occupied by one of the service users who has a high level of independence and self-skills. Staff provide support and supervision as needed, the service user concerned is able to access all other facilities and services of the Home on an equal basis. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection began at approximately 08:00 and is the second unannounced inspection of this inspection cycle. Prior to the visit time spent reviewing the last inspection report and any other relevant documentation. At the time of the visit there was one member of staff present with seven residents accommodated in the home. Two of the residents were still in bed one was still having breakfast and the remainder were preparing for various Day Centre placements. This inspection addresses the remaining key standards, the majority of the key standards were assessed during the last visit in July 2005. During the visit records were sampled checked and it were discussions with the residents and a member of staff on duty. At the present time the managers position is vacant, however it is expected Mencap will submit an application shortly. What the service does well: The home continues to provide what is essentially a family style environment. The majority of residents have lived in the home for a number of years, they know each other well and each resident has his own established routine, which the home is able to support. The home promotes individual choice, this was evident in the lifestyles and routines each resident has adopted. All residents have been involved in the upgrading and refurbishment of the home and in particular choosing the colour schemes and furnishings for their bedrooms, in some cases this was with the help, support and guidance of staff. All residents now have ensuite bathrooms or a dedicated bathroom (in relation to the first-floor flat) there is a separate wheelchair accessible bathroom on the ground floor and the arrangement of the social spaces has improved with the addition of a conservatory and a well-designed/maintained garden. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): These standards were not assessed during this visit. EVIDENCE: St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): These standards were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): These standards were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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): In18 The home provides good personal and health care support for all residents. EVIDENCE: It was apparent from observations of the member of staffs care practice and interaction with the residents that she had a thorough understanding of their particular needs, likes and dislikes and was able to provide care in the manner they preferred. There is effective documentation of residents needs through the care planning process which enables staff to provide appropriate care. In discussions the member of staff was able to recount the specific care needs of individual residents this was verified by a sample check of records. There was evidence of sensitive and appropriate care for one particular resident, the home had fully assessed is changing needs/circumstances and the member of staff supported him in a caring and kind manner. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 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 home has a robust complaints and adult protection policy and procedure. EVIDENCE: In discussions the member of staff confirmed that all residents concerns or complaints are taken seriously, she felt staff were approachable and will act appropriately on the residents behalf. All complaints are recorded, investigated and subject to external scrutiny. External managers will speak to residents to ensure they are happy with the outcome of any complaint or concern raised either directly by the resident or on their behalf. All staff are aware of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act and the reporting procedures. They have received in-house training and are briefed periodically on the need for continuing vigilance when on shift. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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): These standards were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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): These standards were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 The home is conducted in a proper manner, there is an acting manager in post at the present time. EVIDENCE: There were discussions with several residents while they were waiting to go to day centres, they confirmed that they are properly consulted and that their views are known regarding how they feel about their lifestyles and the way in which the home provides care for them. Several residents were keen to show their bedrooms and were clearly proud of the standards of care they receive and their involvement in key decisionmaking processes. Residents clearly had a good relationship with the member of staff on duty and in discussions with her she stressed how much she personally valued working with the residents and the job satisfaction that this provides. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 x 25 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 x STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 x 33 x 34 x 35 x 36 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 x 13 x 14 x 15 x 16 x 17 x PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 x x x x x 3 x x x x St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 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 YA1 Regulation 4 Requirement The Statement of Purpose must include all information as detailed in Schedule one of the Care Homes Regulations 2001(Unmet from 30th August 2004) All service users must have a statement of Terms and Conditions including the amount and method of payment of fees and setting out the provision of services and facilities provided( Unmet from 15/03/05. A system of stock control must be put in place for medication that is not given on a regular basis. Training must be arranged for staff in Dementia care and epilepsy Timescale for action 30/09/05 2. YA5 5 30/09/05 3. YA20 13 31/07/05 4. YA35 18 31/10/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 No. 1. 2. Refer to Standard YA14 YA42 Good Practice Recommendations Records should be completed to provide evidence that service users who spend time in the house are offered opportunities of appropriate leisure activities. Fire tests should be carried out on a weekly basis St Albans Close DS0000012920.V274441.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Northamptonshire Area Office 1st Floor Newland House Campbell Square Northampton NN1 3EB National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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