Inspection on 12/01/07 for The Acorns

This inspection was carried out on 12th January 2007.

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 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

The Acorns 05/12/08

The Acorns 21/12/05

The Acorns 21/10/05

The Acorns 02/02/05

The Acorns 24/11/04

Similar services:

Larch Avenue

Alderson Road 12

Cranworth Close Registered Care Home

The Cornerstone

John Street Nursing Home

Pennine Camphill

Muston Road (70)

Grayling

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Acorns 77 Clifton Avenue Stanley Wakefield West Yorks WF3 4HB Lead Inspector Tony Railton Key Unannounced Inspection 12th January 2007 16:15 The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.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 The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.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. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Acorns Address 77 Clifton Avenue Stanley Wakefield West Yorks WF3 4HB 01924 824094 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) office@alternativecarelimited.co.uk Mrs Gaynor J Hodgson Mrs Gaynor J Hodgson Care Home 2 Category(ies) of Learning disability (2) registration, with number of places The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2 Residents may also have a mental health problem and/or physical disability 21st December 2005 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Acorns continues to provide personal care and accommodation for two people who have a learning disability and who may also have mental health problems. This large detached house is situated in a residential area of Stanley on the outskirts of Wakefield. The home is decorated and maintained to a good standard and all accommodation offered is single. There is parking to the front of the home and a large walled garden to the rear. Access to the garden is through a large conservatory to the rear of the home. There is a domestic type kitchen/dining room and a large television lounge to the front. The care provided by the home is underpinned by ordinary living principles and there is an expectation that service users do as much for themselves as possible. Service users are also encouraged and assisted to take advantage of ordinary community based health and leisure services. There are some local shops nearby and a public house. The home is close to a main bus route, however, the home provides transport for service users. The M62 motorway is nearby with link roads to the M1/A1. On the 12th January the providers gave the fees for living in the home as £340.00 per week. Extra was charged for hairdressing (from £5.00) and for holidays (charge varies depending on choice of holiday). Information regarding the fees and services provided can be obtained from the home or by e-mailing office@alternativecarelimited.co.uk The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The judgments in this report are made after considering evidence gathered before and during this visit to the home. This visit commenced at 16.15 and ended at 17.45. There was the opportunity to speak to both service users and the registered manager. There was also the opportunity to look at service users assessments, care plans, reviews, and to check their medicines and finances. Two support workers files were also looked at and included references, police and POVA checks, supervision notes and training and development plans. Quite a lot of improvements to the home were noted, and it was found that the home continues to meet all statutory requirements and good practice recommendations. This was a very good visit and the inspector would like to thank service users and the manager for their warm welcome, hospitality and help throughout this visit to the service. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Since the previous visit, there have been a lot of improvements to the home. There is a newly decorated lounge with new floor covering and furniture including three piece suites, flat screen wall mounted television, computer, and lighting system. The hallway has been decorated and has a new floor covering. There is a new kitchen / dining room which include a breakfast bar/ dining table, new chairs, cooker, refrigerator, and dishwasher. The kitchen also has a new floor covering. The conservatory has been decorated and has new furniture and floor covering and widescreen wall mounted television, DVD and sound system. These improvements to the home are to be commended and both service users said that they liked the changes to their home. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standard looked at is 2. All service users have a comprehensive assessment of their personal and healthcare needs before they are admitted to the home. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Two service users records have comprehensive assessments of their personal and healthcare needs. Records show that they have Care Management Assessments completed by Social Services and more recent up to date assessments completed by Alternative Care Limited. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.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): Standards looked at are 6, 7 and 9. Service users assessed and changing needs are reflected in their individual plans. Service users are consulted and participated in every aspect of live in the home. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Both service users assessments and care plans and reviews show and reflect their changing personal and healthcare needs. The manager said that both service users have recently had a diagnosis of Dementia. She said that this has restricted and reduced their ability to participate fully in the running of the home. However, descriptive words are used in the daily records to reflect their choices and preferences. Risk assessments show and reflect service users reduced ability to make decisions about their daily lives. The staff training records show that support workers have had Dementia training and are sympathetic and aware of the needs of people with learning disabilities who also have Dementia. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 12,13,15,16 and 17. Service users are encouraged and supported to use ordinary community based leisure services. Service users benefit from having a healthy diet. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The daily records show that service users live a full and active life. The manager said that despite recent failing mental health service users still enjoy going out and doing all the things they like doing. There was evidence of service users going out to the shops, public houses, clubs, cinema and holidays at the coast. One service user said that he had enjoyed a holiday to Blackpool and in particular a visit to the Circus. Another aid that she had enjoyed going to the Advocacy Group and that she had ‘put her hand up’ to be part of the ‘committee’. She went on to say that she had been sewing and enjoyed going to see her ‘boyfriend’ at his house. She went on to say that she had a nice Christmas and enjoyed going to the Pantomime and in particular shouting “he’s behind you”. Both service users were very happy and spoke freely about their lives. The daily records are good and use descriptive words to reflect and show service users choices, preferences , likes and dislikes. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 18,19 and 20. Service users receive support in a way they prefer and require, and are protected by the way medicines are given and recorded. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users care plans and in particular medical records show that they are supported to use ordinary community based healthcare services. However, one service user has recently attended the specialist clinic on a regular basis. Recently diagnosed with Dementia one service user has been having a lot of tests and has also been taking prescribed medication. This medication was checked and found to be administered correctly and appropriately recorded. Staff records show that they receive training in the administration of medicines and have recently had Dementia training. The registered manager said that the Medicine Administration Policy and Procedure has recently been reviewed and updated to reflect the guidance issued by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 22 & 23. Service users views are listened to and acted upon and they are also\protected from abuse, neglect and self harm. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The service history shows that the home has not received any complaints or been the subject of a Safeguarding referral. This was confirmed by the manager who said that the home has never had any complaints. The manager went on to say that the complaints procedure is still provided using simple words and pictures and is available on audio tape. The homes returned quality assurance questionnaires, two from social workers, four from support workers and one from a relative shows that people are happy with the quality of care provided and never had reason to complain. Two staff training records seen, show that they receive Adult Protection Training run by Wakefield Local Authority. Induction training records show that complaints and abuse for part of the induction of new staff. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 24,25,26,27,28,29 and 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment which suits their lifestyles and needs. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The improvements to the environment in the home are impressive. The main lounge has been completely re-decorated and has a new floor covering, new three piece suite, new widescreen television on the wall. The hallway leading to the kitchen has been re-decorated and has a new floor covering. The kitchen/ dining room has a new dining room table / bar and new chairs. There is a new cooker, refrigerator, dishwasher and sink unit, and floor covering. The conservatory has been re-decorated, has a new three piece suite, new floor covering and wall mounted widescreen television and sound system. Service users bedrooms have been re-decorated and provided with new furniture and floor covering. The garden has a patio and garden furniture and garden lighting. Service users said that they like the changes to their home. All areas of the home present very well indeed and are maintained to a very good standard. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 32, 34 and 35. Service users are supported by experienced, competent and qualified staff. They are also protected by the staff selection and recruitment process and practices. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Examination of two support workers records and discussion with the manager found that all support workers in the home have a National Vocational Qualification Level 2 or above. The two staff records seen have NVQ Level 4 which is to be commended as it is over above the recommended standard. Staff records contain application forms, references, CRB and POVA checks and training and development records. Records also contain certificates of training in First Aid, Food Hygiene, Moving and Handling and Adult Abuse training. The manager also said that support workers have also attended Dementia training which is specific to the home and the healthcare needs of service users. The manager said that care and support is offered on a 24 hour needs led basis. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards looked at are 37,39 and 42. Service users benefit from living in a well run home, were what they say is listened to and acted upon. Service users views underpin all self- monitoring, review and development in the home. The health, safety and welfare of service users and their support workers is promoted and protected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service users daily records show that they make choices and decisions about how they live their lives on a day-to-day basis. The minutes of the service users and staff meetings show that they have the opportunity to comment on the running of the home. Staff training records show that training is provided in response to service users changing personal and healthcare needs and that health and safety training is also provided. The homes quality assurance report shows that service users, their relatives, and social workers are happy with the care provided by the service. The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 3 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 4 25 4 26 4 27 4 28 4 29 4 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 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 3 X 3 X X 3 x The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? N/A 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Acorns DS0000006245.V326218.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Team First Floor St Pauls House 23 Park Square Leeds LS1 2ND 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. 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