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Inspection on 21/12/05 for The Acorns

Also see our care home review for The Acorns for more information

This inspection was carried out on 21st December 2005.

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.

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

The home continues to use a person centred approach to care planning. The assessments, including risk assessments, are good and care plans are implemented and reviewed on a regular basis. Service users continue to be encouraged and assisted to use ordinary community based healthcare and leisure services and to participate in peer, age and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are safeguarded and protected by the staff selection and recruitment policies, procedures and practices. Service users continue to be supported by trained and qualified staff. The home is decorated and maintained to a good standard and service users` bedrooms are personalised, homely and comfortable.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Upon inspection, a number of improvements were noted to the physical environment and, in particular, the main lounge which has been completely redecorated and provided with new furniture. The conservatory is currently being altered and decorated as is the main hallway. The drive at the front of the house has been extended and block paved.It was also noted that all staff working in the home have a National Vocational Qualification Level 4. This standard of training for staff is to be commended.

What the care home could do better:

The home continues to meet all statutory requirements and minimum standards.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Acorns 77 Clifton Avenue Stanley Wakefield West Yorks WF3 4HB Lead Inspector Tony Railton Unannounced Inspection 21st December 2005 12:30 The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2 Residents may also have a mental health problem and/or physical disability 21st October 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. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was a short unannounced inspection as most of the core standards were assessed at the previous inspection. There was the opportunity to speak to the registered manager/owner, the care manager, a support worker and to examine a service user’s case file, including assessments, care plans, reviews, health and daily records. The registered manager/owner informed the inspector that, following multidisciplinary reviews, alternative placements have been found for both service users. One service user’s move from the home to alternative accommodation is imminent and other service user’s move is pending. The registered manager/owner informed the inspector of her intention to cease operation as a residential care home once the moves have taken place. It was noted that the home continues to meet all statutory requirements and minimum standards. The documentation provided continues to be maintained to a good standard. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Upon inspection, a number of improvements were noted to the physical environment and, in particular, the main lounge which has been completely redecorated and provided with new furniture. The conservatory is currently being altered and decorated as is the main hallway. The drive at the front of the house has been extended and block paved. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 It was also noted that all staff working in the home have a National Vocational Qualification Level 4. This standard of training for staff is to be commended. 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 Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 2 Service users’ care needs are assessed before they are admitted. EVIDENCE: Service user records show that their care needs were assessed before they were admitted to the home. Records also show that service users were admitted with an Integrated Care Management Plan provided and completed by the local authority. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 6,7 & 9 Service users’ assessed and changing needs are reflected in their individual plans and they are assisted to make decisions about their own lives. EVIDENCE: Through examination of service users’ assessments, care plans, medical and daily records and discussion with the registered manager and care manager, it was established that care is planned and reviewed on a regular basis. Assessments, including risk assessments, are also reviewed and amended to reflect any changes in the needs of service users. The daily records show that service users are encouraged and supported to make decisions about how they live their daily lives. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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): 12,13,15,16 & 17 Service users have opportunities to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities and to be part of their local community. EVIDENCE: Service users’ assessments, care plans and daily records and reviews show that they are encouraged and supported to use ordinary community based leisure services. Records also show that service users are part of their local community and take advantage of local shops, clubs and public houses and restaurants. There was also evidence of holidays abroad and outings to the coast and theme parks. There is also evidence of service users’ relatives’ involvement in planning their care and in the reviewing processes in the home. Positive relationships with relatives are openly encouraged. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Discussion with the care manager and examination of the daily records show that service users are consulted on a daily basis about their menu and what they would like to eat. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 18,19 & 20 Service users receive personal support in a way they like and prefer and their healthcare needs are met. EVIDENCE: Through discussion with the registered manager/owner and examination of service users’ medical records, it was established that service users currently are not on any prescribed medication. Service users’ care plans and multidisciplinary reviews show that service users, their families and other healthcare professionals are happy with the care and support provided by the home. Service users’ records also indicate that they are supported and encouraged to use ordinary community based healthcare services. However, there is specialist advice available from the Community Learning Disability Team and Specialist Social Workers if required. Service user records indicate that their medical needs are also monitored by hospital based consultants. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self harm and know that their views will be listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: The inspector was pleased to note that the home has a copy of the Wakefield Social Services and Health Multidisciplinary Adult Abuse and Protection Policy and Procedure and that this forms part of the training for all staff. The registered manager said that the home has not received any complaints since the last inspection. The home has a complaints policy and procedure which is available and accessible. It is also produced in alternative formats, for example on audio tape for those who have difficulties reading or seeing. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24 & 30 Service users live in a home which is safe, homely and comfortable and have bedrooms which promotes their independence. EVIDENCE: A number of improvements to the home were noted. The drive to the front of the home has been extended and block paved to accommodate parking. The main lounge has been completely re-decorated and new furniture provided. This room presents very well indeed. The main hall is currently been redecorated along with the conservatory. These improvements to the home are to be commended. On the day of the inspection all areas ion the home were clean , hygienic and free from any unpleasant odours. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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): 32,34 & 35 Service users are protected by the staff selection process and are cared for by qualified and competent staff. EVIDENCE: Staff training records and discussion with the registered manager show that all staff working in the home have a National Vocational Qualification Level 4. This good standard is to be commended. The home has not employed any new staff since the last inspection when it was noted that appropriate checks including CRB and POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults List) are carried out before they are employed. Records show that staff receive induction training and that all mandatory training such as Moving and Handling, First Aid, Basic Food Hygiene and Health and Safety training are provided by the local authority. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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): 37,39 & 42 Service users benefit from living in a home which is open and inclusive and where they are treated with dignity and respect at all times. EVIDENCE: Records show that the manager of the home is very experienced, qualified and competent. The multidisciplinary Person Centred Reviews form part of the quality assurance monitoring system and all parties are given the opportunity to comment on the quality of care provided by the home. The policies and procedures, staff training records, fire safety officer’s report and fire safety testing records show that the health, safety and welfare of service users and staff are promoted and protected. The Acorns DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 2 X X X X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x X X X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 X 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 4 X 3 3 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Acorns Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X 3 X X 3 x DS0000006245.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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.V265667.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection Brighouse Area Office Park View House Woodvale Office Park Woodvale Road Brighouse HD6 4AB 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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