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Inspection on 03/08/05 for Talbot Street, 72

Also see our care home review for Talbot Street, 72 for more information

This inspection was carried out on 3rd August 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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 made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

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

There was a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in the home. The manager and her staff had a very positive attitude to supporting the service users and were observed to be attentive and responsive to service users` needs. Service users appeared happy and content and one reported; "I feel well cared for by staff." Picture communication systems were used extensively, to enable service users to express their views and choices, understand daily living tasks / procedures and plan their day-to-day lives. Each service user`s needs and personal goals had been assessed and care and support plans were in place, which identified the support required from staff to meet objectives. Service users were supported to develop independent living skills and had control of their lives. A service user reported; "I choose what I want to do." Service users participated in a range of activities that they clearly enjoyed and which contributed to improving their lifestyle. Service users maintained contact with family and friends. One service user recorded; "I visit my family and friends and I go out with my dad." Meals were varied and nutritious and a service user reported; "I choose what I want to eat." Medication was very well managed by the home. There had been no complaints since the last inspection and procedures and systems were in place to enable service users and their relatives to recognise who to contact and what to do if a problem arose. Likewise, safeguards were in place to protect service users from abuse and staff spoken with understood their duty of care. Staff had access to a range of training to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to meet the needs of people with Autism. The home was safe, well maintained and clean and was suitable for the needs of the people living in the home.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The service continues to provide a progressive person-centred approach to supporting the people living in the home. At the time of the visit the home was in the process of introducing new support plans.

What the care home could do better:

A new member of staff had commenced employment at the home before the results of a Protection of Vulnerable Adults check had been obtained. Staff must be recruited correctly so that the welfare of service users is fully protected. In order to ensure the health and safety of staff and service users, the fire risk assessment should be completed in full.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 72 Talbot Street 72 Talbot Street Southport Merseyside PR8 1LX Lead Inspector Daniel Hamilton Unannounced 3 August 2005 rd 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 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 Stationary 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. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service 72 Talbot Street Address 72 Talbot Street Southport Merseyside PR8 1LX 01704 501145 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Autism Inititiatives Barbara Barker Care Home 3 Category(ies) of LD - Learning Disablility registration, with number of places 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Service users to include up to 3 LD 2. The service should at all times employ a suitable qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the CSCI. 3. The manager must complete training to achieve NVQ level IV in management. Date of last inspection 21st December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: 72, Talbot Street is a small care home that is registered to provide personal care and support for up to three adults with a learning disability. The service is provided by Autism Initiatives, a national charity specialising in the care of people with Autism and the property is owned and maintained by Liverpool Housing Trust. The home is a large detached property situated in a quiet road not too far from the centre of Southport and all its amenities, with public transport and shops close by. The property is well maintained and spacious. It comprises of four single bedrooms, two lounges and a dining / kitchen area. There is a well maintained garden at the front, incorporating a patio area and a further patio area at the rear, which is used extensively during the sumer months.. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over 7 hours. It was an unannounced inspection and conducted as part of the regulatory requirement for care homes to be inspected at least twice a year. There had been no cause for any visits to the home since the last routine inspection in December 2004. A tour of the premises took place and observations were made. A selection of care, staff and service records were also viewed. The manager and two staff were spoken with during the visit. Likewise, the three service users were encouraged to engage in the inspection process using their preferred method of communication. What the service does well: There was a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in the home. The manager and her staff had a very positive attitude to supporting the service users and were observed to be attentive and responsive to service users’ needs. Service users appeared happy and content and one reported; “I feel well cared for by staff.” Picture communication systems were used extensively, to enable service users to express their views and choices, understand daily living tasks / procedures and plan their day-to-day lives. Each service user’s needs and personal goals had been assessed and care and support plans were in place, which identified the support required from staff to meet objectives. Service users were supported to develop independent living skills and had control of their lives. A service user reported; “I choose what I want to do.” Service users participated in a range of activities that they clearly enjoyed and which contributed to improving their lifestyle. Service users maintained contact with family and friends. One service user recorded; “I visit my family and friends and I go out with my dad.” Meals were varied and nutritious and a service user reported; “I choose what I want to eat.” Medication was very well managed by the home. There had been no complaints since the last inspection and procedures and systems were in place to enable service users and their relatives to recognise who to contact and what to do if a problem arose. Likewise, safeguards were in place to protect service users from abuse and staff spoken with understood their duty of care. Staff had access to a range of training to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to meet the needs of people with Autism. The home was safe, well maintained and clean and was suitable for the needs of the people living in the home. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 2 An assessment process was in place, to enable the home to identify and respond to the individual needs of service users. EVIDENCE: The home had not admitted any new service users since the last inspection. The existing three service users had lived in the home for at least sixteen years and original assessments were not available, as they had been archived by the provider. All service users had a “What I Need” plan on their individual files which provided key information on a number of areas including: “Things that people like and admire about me”; “Communication”; “Social Interaction”; “Flexibility in Thinking and Behaviour”; “What’s important to me”; “What I enjoy or prefer”; “To be successful in supporting me”; “To be healthy and safe” and “What next.” Staff spoken with demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of service users and how to provide a person-centred service. The individual communication needs of each service user had also been assessed and recorded on an ‘Individual Communication Plan’ by the provider’s speech and language therapist. Plans outlined the most appropriate means to ensure effective communication with each service user. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 6 & 7 Plans were in place that reflected service user’s needs and personal goals. Service users were supported to control their own lives in order to maintain their independence and preferred lifestyles. EVIDENCE: Care plans detailed the individual needs, strengths and personal goals of service users. Plans had been generated using assessment information and were evaluated each month to monitor progress. Care plans covered: individual and verbal communication; daily routines; activities / day services and health and safety. Additionally, the home was in the process of introducing support plans, which identified short and long term goals, the responsibilities of service users and the support required from staff to meet objectives. A picture communication system was also utilised, to enable service users to express their views and choices, understand daily living tasks / procedures and plan their day-to-day lives. Service users were observed to use the picture communication system effectively during the visit and staff demonstrated a good understanding of how to communicate effectively with each service user and a commitment to enabling service users to take control of their lives. A service user spoken with reported; “I choose what I want to do.” 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 12, 13, 16 & 17 Service users were encouraged to lead fulfilling lives by participating in meaningful activities, engaging in community life and understanding their rights and responsibilities. Meals were varied and nutritious and service users were satisfied with the meals provided. EVIDENCE: Each service user had a weekly activity rota that showed they attended day care activities and participated in a range of activities within their local community, with support from staff. The range of activities included; attending a local social club disco, visiting local pubs, participating in local walks, swimming, using local shops and undertaking personal shopping. Housework and other personal responsibilities were also detailed on activity rotas and were agreed within individual plans. One service user was an active member of the Autism Society’s Service User Consultative Committee. Daily report books viewed confirmed that service users participated in a range of activities and had contact with family members and friends from within and outside the Autistic Society. A service user reported; “I visit my family and friends and I go out with my dad.” 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Menu plans were completed a week in advance in consultation with service users. Menus viewed showed a variety of nutritious meals were provided, which took into consideration the preferences / choices of service users. A service user reported; “I choose what I want to eat.” Meals were served in the home’s kitchen / dining area at times convenient to service users. Staff were observed supporting service users to prepare meals independently during the visit and service users were observed to enjoy their meals. One service user confirmed that he liked the food provided. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 18 & 20 Personal care was offered on an individual basis, in order to promote independence and to ensure appropriate support for service users. Medication was well managed and safeguards were in place to protect service users. EVIDENCE: Each service user had a care plan that covered different aspects of personal care, dependent on the individual needs of service users. Care plans were designed to promote independence and to identify areas were additional support was needed from staff. Records were available for personal care provided and weekly health checks were undertaken to monitor service users’ weights and nail care. A service user reported; “I feel well cared for by staff.” A medication policy was in place and the majority of staff had completed medication training. None of the service users had responsibility for managing their own medication. Records viewed were well maintained and there were suitable arrangements in place for auditing medication practice. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 22 and 23 There had been no complaints since the last inspection and service users were confident that their views would be listened to and acted on. Safeguards were in place to protect service users from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home displayed a corporate complaints procedure with leaflets available on the procedure to follow when making a complaint. The complaint record book showed that no complaints had been received since the last inspection. Each service user had a poster in their bedroom, with pictures of staff and contact details for the inspector from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), the Adult Protection Officer and their Key worker. A resident reported; “I feel the staff listen to me.” A compliment letter that had recently been received from the relative of a service user was also viewed which commended the staff team, manager and overall service provided at the home. The home had a ‘Service User Protection Document’ in place that covered all forms of abuse. Furthermore, the home had a copy of the local authority adult protection procedures, a Whistle blowing, Positive Intervention and Acceptance of Gifts Policy. Staff spoken to demonstrated a good understanding of the concept of abuse and their individual and collective responsibility to protect service users. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 24 & 30 The home was suitable for the needs of service users and was maintained to a very good standard. This ensured service users benefited from a safe, clean and comfortable environment. EVIDENCE: The building was maintained by Liverpool Housing Trust, who undertook annual property inspections to monitor the condition of the home. Likewise, Autism Initiatives Estates Department was responsible for completing emergency repair work. A repairs record book was maintained by the home to monitor work requiring attention and that had been completed. Personal bedrooms were looked after by service users and staff, who were also responsible for cleaning the home. All areas viewed were well maintained and decorated to a very good standard. A five year maintenance plan was in place, to ensure the fabric and decoration of the home was maintained and replaced as necessary. The home was clean, tidy and hygienic and service users confirmed they were responsible for cleaning their home. A service user reported; “I’m doing my room clean today.” Picture communication systems were being used to enable service users to understand the tasks associated with changing beds and general cleaning. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 34 and 35 Pre-employment checks had not been correctly completed to safeguard and protect service users. Staff received appropriate training to ensure they had the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to care for the people living in the home. EVIDENCE: The head office of Autism Initiatives coordinated recruitment and selection. Since the last inspection three staff had started to work at the home, two of which were existing employees of Autism Initiatives. Recruitment records were viewed for the new staff member. Records required under the Care Home Regulations were in place however the staff member had commenced employment at the home prior to the results of a Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) check being completed. Each member of staff had a staff training and development record. Training records and discussion with staff confirmed that staff received a corporate and in-house induction, safe practice and general and specialist training to ensure staff were appropriately trained to care for service users with Autism. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 42 Safeguards were in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of service users and staff. EVIDENCE: Training records viewed and discussion with staff confirmed that staff had access to all safe practice training. The manager monitored outstanding training needs. Service equipment certificates were available within the home. Inspection of fire records showed that the fire alarm and emergency lighting system was tested on a weekly basis. A fire risk assessment was in place however one page was incomplete. Risk assessments for the house had been completed to ensure hazards were identified and minimised. Health and safety audits of the building were undertaken on a monthly basis. All areas viewed during the visit appeared to be safe and free from hazards. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 4 x x x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x 3 3 x x 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x 2 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 72 Talbot Street Score 3 x 4 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x 3 x 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 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 29 Regulation 19 (4) Requirement New staff must only be confirmed in post if full and satisfactory information has been obtained via a POVA check. Timescale for action 3/9/2005 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. 2. Refer to Standard 42 Good Practice Recommendations The fire risk assessment should be fully completed. 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo, Liverpool L22 0LG 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 72 Talbot Street 20050803 72 Talbot X10023 UN Stage 4 S5239 V243291 F53.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 - 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!