Inspection on 05/12/06 for Stonecroft

This inspection was carried out on 5th December 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 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Stonecroft 08/09/09

Stonecroft 29/09/08

Stonecroft 16/11/05

Stonecroft 23/05/04

Similar services:

Coopers Mill Ltd

Bramley Avenue (73)

Paradise Lodge

Grangewood

Upaya Ananda

Newton Court (1-2)

Kings Lane (32)

Pemdale

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Stonecroft Leywood Close Braintree Essex CM7 3NP Lead Inspector Brian Bailey Key Unannounced Inspection 5th December 2006 3:45 Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Stonecroft Address Leywood Close Braintree Essex CM7 3NP 01376 347389 01376 347389 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) Thera Trust Manager post vacant Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability (not to exceed 3 persons) 16th November 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Stonecroft is a detached bungalow situated on the outskirts of Braintree in a quiet residential area. The acting manager is Helen Wilson. The property is owned by Essex County Council and is leased to the Thera Trust to manage the service. The aim of Stonecroft is to provide care for up to three adults with learning disabilities, who stay at the home for short periods of respite care and that they will attend a local Centre during each weekday. Stonecroft is closed between 9.00am and 3.30pm each weekday but people that use the service are able to stay at the home at the weekend. The property is homely in appearance, well decorated and furnished and spacious. There are 3 single bedrooms, a bathroom, a separate toilet, lounge/dining room, kitchen, laundry room, conservatory and a large garden. Access to the property is good and parking facilities are available on the drive at the front of the house. The manager stated that fees for accommodation are dependent on the length of stay and the persons needs. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. An unannounced inspection of Stonecroft was carried out on 5th December 2006. This report is based on a range of information that has been accumulated from our inspection records, a site visit to the home, discussions and observations with service users and the manager and the records kept at the home. The manager, Helen Wilson, was on duty and provided the inspector with detailed information about the service. There were two service users at home during the inspection, which concentrated on checking the premises, care records, assessments, staff recruitment and training records, health and safety matters, finances, polices and procedures and the provision of meals. Service users were happy to give their views about Stonecroft and both had visited the home before and were therefore familiar with the facilities and routines. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users benefit from being able to visit the home to see for themselves the facilities available and to meet the staff, which helps them to be clear as to whether the home can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The home’s statement of purpose and service user guide provides a good account of the services available. Work was in progress to provide the service user guide in a format that would be suitable for service users but was still not available. The manager stated that referrals for people wanting to use this service are made through a social services learning disability team. Detailed assessments of the persons needs are provided to the manager. The majority of service users have stayed at the home previously and are therefore fully aware of the facilities available. At the time of this visit of inspection, there continues to be approximately thirty-five people that visit for respite care; some staying for one night whilst others stay for periods of up to three weeks at a time. The home has a phased programme of introduction to the home that enables prospective services users to visit the home to meet the staff and other users, to see the bedrooms and facilities, have a meal and to stay overnight. These visits enable the manager to carryout an assessment as to whether Stonecroft would be able to meet their needs. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 People that use the service are not provided with a statement of the terms and conditions. When a respite care placement has been agreed a letter of confirmation is sent that outlines what service users are expected to pay for. During the inspection, services users spoken with were clearly aware of the facilities available and knew what to expect when they had stayed at Stonecroft on several occasions in the past. Both people had made themselves at home and were relaxing in the bedroom and the lounge watching television and assisting with the preparations for the evening meal. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are supported to take risks as part of leading an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: It was again evident from discussion and observation of service users that they are encouraged to make decisions during the time they spend at Stonecroft. As users of the service generally only live at the home for short periods of time, it is a little difficult for them to be involved in the actual running of the home, but it was apparent they are consulted about their social and leisure activities and each person assists in keeping the home clean and tidy. The service users living at the home on the day of the inspection were very relaxed in the company of the manager. They were able to decide for themselves what they wanted to do and clearly felt able to come and go as they pleased. One person chose to return to their bedroom to watch a favourite programme on the television. Service users were aware of and made use of the laundry facilities. A range of risk assessments were available that enable staff to be clear about the degree of risk involved when service users undertake various tasks and routines. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Well-written detailed support plans were available for each service user that stays at Stonecroft. These showed that all aspects of service users’ needs were recorded and that these provided staff with good information. Evidence was available to show that the home reviews the information in the support plans art regular intervals. The daily records provided a good account of what service users manage to achieve during their stay. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are supported to undertake an interesting and stimulating range of activities that are appropriate to the people involved. Service users are able to move freely around the home and have access to local community facilities. A balanced varied and enjoyable diet is provided EVIDENCE: It was very apparent from discussions that service users were well aware of the facilities available in the neighbourhood and were able to make use of the. Two service user files were looked at, which showed that staff were well aware of the individual personal and health care needs and that the daily records were sufficiently detailed. The dependency levels of service users staying at Stonecroft vary considerably over the course of a year. As service users only live at Stonecroft for short breaks, they retain the services of their own health care professionals, which the home is aware of. The home has an assisted bath installed to assist service users with mobility difficulties. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 There were good food stocks available and menus showed that meals were varied. Service users said they liked the food and that they helped with the selection and preparation of meals. Fresh fruit was available. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 20. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Arrangements are in place to meet service users’ personal and health care needs and appropriate procedures for the administration of medication are in place. EVIDENCE: One of the service users staying at Stonecroft had medication, which was being looked after by the staff. The storage of medication was appropriate and records detailing when medication is administered were accurate and up to date. Some helpful guidance notes had been provided by a parent to assist staff. As service users in general only stay at the home for periods of a week, their health care arrangements remain in place. The home does however have the necessary contacts and procedures to deal with any emergencies that may arise during their stay. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home has appropriate arrangements in place to protect residents from abuse and to listen to any concerns or complaints EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is included in the statement of purpose and service user guide. The procedure includes a reference to the CSCI. No complaints had been received by the home or CSCI. Service users spoken with said they had no concerns but would speak to the staff if necessary. The home has a policy and procedure for the protection of venerable adults from abuse and a whistle blowing procedure. All staff had attended a training course on the subject of abuse. Service users staying at the home indicated that they felt safe when they stayed at Stonecroft. One service user said that staff were kind, that it was a nice place to visit and that it was possible to use the phone to speak to relatives every evening if the wanted. Service users appeared totally relaxed in their surroundings and in the company of the staff. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 – 30. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users are provided with a comfortable and safe standard of accommodation. although they would benefit from being able to access the conservatory throughout the year and not just in warm weather. EVIDENCE: Stonecroft is a detached well-maintained property that is furnished and decorated to a good standard and domestic in style. A large conservatory at the back of the bungalow has inadequate heating. The manager stated that finance was now available to upgrade the heating, which would take place in the New Year Staff have continued to ensure the home is comfortable, welcoming and homely in appearance despite the frequent change over of services, which makes it difficult to personalise the house. Service users are able to take their own possessions with them for their short stay. The service users in residence on the day of inspection said they liked their rooms and enjoyed spending time there. Both service users had spent time at the home on several occasions. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The home had appropriate lighting, heating and ventilation. Hot water taps are controlled to prevent the temperature of the water exceeding 43 degrees C. Thermostatic valves controlled radiator temperatures. A well-equipped kitchen and laundry were available. The property was clean and tidy throughout and the musty smell in the front bedroom identified at the last inspection had been eliminated. The home has a large, private and wellmaintained garden and there is ample car parking at the front of the house. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users benefit from being supported by a team of experienced and trained staff. EVIDENCE: A small team of staff managed by Helen Wilson support services users during their stay at Stonecroft. The manager is taking the Registered Managers Award, one staff member has a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 and another staff member is hoping to start a NVQ at level 2. This means that the minimum training target of 50 target of staff having a NVQ level 2 has been achieved. Records checked showed that the home was following procedures and carrying out all the necessary recruitment checks for new staff. Criminal Records Bureau disclosure checks are however retained at Thera Trust offices. To ensure evidence is available at the home to show that checks had been carried out; a form has been devised for head office to inform the home of the necessary information, such as date, level and number of the disclosure. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is managed effectively and service users can enjoy the benefits of a safe and secure setting where their views are valued. EVIDENCE: The manager is continuing with her studies to obtain the Registered Managers Award but her progress to completion is being hindered by a lack of assessors. The manager demonstrated an open, friendly and inclusive manner towards service users and they were clearly at ease in the manager’s company. An application for the manager to be registered by CSCI has been submitted for consideration. Thera Trust has a thorough Quality Assurance system in operation. An audit and survey were carried out in 2005 and again in 2006. The most recent survey had not been finalised but the feedback made available by the manager showed that relatives and service users were satisfied with the service. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Information provided by the manager in September 2006, showed that all matters relating to health and safety were being addressed at the appropriate intervals, such as the annual servicing of fire protection equipment, heating and emergency lighting. Health & Safety training has been provided to staff. The public liability insurance certificate was up to date and risk assessments were seen. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 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 3 25 3 26 3 27 3 28 2 29 3 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 2 X 3 X X 3 X Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard YA28 Regulation 23 Requirement The manager must provide additional heating in the conservatory. The manager must continue to study and obtain the RMA Qualification as soon as is possible. Timescale for action 01/03/07 2 YA37 18 01/09/07 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard YA5 Good Practice Recommendations The service user guide should be available in a language or format suitable for service users to understand. Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Colchester Local Office 1st Floor, Fairfax House Causton Road Colchester Essex CO1 1RJ National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Stonecroft DS0000062404.V322847.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. 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!