Inspection on 22/06/05 for The Avenue

This inspection was carried out on 22nd June 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.

Other inspections for this house

The Avenue 12/04/07

The Avenue 16/02/06

The Avenue 15/12/04

The Avenue 03/06/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Avenue 72 Bates Avenue Cockerton Darlington DL3 0TU Lead Inspector Rachel Dean Unannounced 22 June 2005 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. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Avenue Address 72 Bates Avenue Cockerton Darlington Durham DL3 0TU 01325 240452 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) Mr John Michael Leitch Miss Sharon Elizabeth Keelan CRH 3 Category(ies) of LD Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 15 December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: The Avenue is a care home that provides personal care and accommodation for three adults who are aged between eighteen and sixty-five years old and have learning disabilities. The Avenue is privately owned and is run by Mr. John Leitch & Ms. Sharon Keelan. The home is a semi-detached property that is located in a residential area of the Cockerton district, Darlington. Each service user has their own spacious bedroom and communal space includes a large combined lounge and dining room, a kitchen diner, upstairs bathroom and staff office, car parking in front of the property and a small courtyard garden at the back. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection that took place on 22nd June 2005. During the inspection the inspector looked around the home and spent time with all three service users, two members of staff and the home’s manager. A selection of the home’s records were also inspected. This inspection focused on how the home protects the people who live there, the accommodation provided at the home, how staff are recruited and trained, how the home makes sure it is providing a good service and how the people living and working in the home are kept safe. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Some minor developments are needed to the homes policies and procedures covering the areas of abuse, disciplinary action and fire safety. These are only small amendments and are needed to make sure that the home’s policies and procedures are absolutely clear and reflect the way things are done at The Avenue. The home is also looking at how it can develop the way the views of service users and other people (like doctors, social workers, family and friends) can be collected and used to make the service provided at The Avenue better. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 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 Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.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 The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.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) These areas were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.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) These areas were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.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) These areas were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) These areas were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 23 Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and harm by clear policies and procedures and well trained staff. EVIDENCE: During this inspection the home’s policies and procedures for protecting people from abuse were looked at. These were found to be appropriate and included locally agreed procedures developed by the local authority and police. A whistle blowing policy and procedure were also in place, along with copies of relevant guidance like ‘No Secrets’ and the Department of Health’s guidance on the implementation of the POVA list. However, to avoid confusion and make sure that the home’s policies and procedures are absolutely clear it is recommended that the disciplinary and abuse procedures are cross-referenced with the POVA list guidance. This is to ensure that any appropriate staff are referred to the list properly. All staff had received ‘No Secrets’ training and the home’s policies and procedures were covered during the induction training completed by all new staff. In addition to this training, staff confirmed that they covered abuse during NVQ training and through training video’s purchased by the home. Staff spoken to during the inspection showed that they were aware of the procedures and how to report any concerns that they had appropriately. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24 & 30 Service users at The Avenue live in a homely and comfortable environment that is well maintained, safe and nice to live in. Policies, procedures and staff training make sure that The Avenue is kept clean and hygienic, making sure that service users and staff have a nice place to live and work. EVIDENCE: The home’s aim is to provide a ‘normal’ domestic environment for the three people living there and The Avenue looks just like any other house located in the street. During the inspection the home was observed to be clean, tidy and there were no unpleasant smells. The communal areas of the home were well maintained and homely in character. The service users bedrooms were individually decorated and had been personalised with each person’s own possessions, including photographs of family and friends. Bathroom facilities were located upstairs and included a bath and separate shower. On the day of this inspection new carpets were being fitted in the kitchen and office. Since the last inspection a new industrial style washing machine has been installed in the laundry and staff reported that this was being very effective. Appropriate arrangements were in place for the storage and disposal of clinical The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 waste, with a weekly collection service. Discussions with staff and the inspection of training records confirmed that training in ‘Infection Control’ had been provided. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.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) 33, 34 & 35 Service users at The Avenue are supported by a committed staff team with staffing levels and rotas being provided flexibly so that the needs and wishes of each individual service users can be catered for. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the staff working at The Avenue are the right people for the job. This makes sure that service users are protected from people who should not be working with vulnerable adults. Staff at The Avenue have access to appropriate training, ensuring that they have the skills they need to do a good job and provide service users with a good service. EVIDENCE: During this inspection discussions with staff and the inspection of staff rotas indicated that staffing levels are maintained flexibly, so that the individual needs and wishes of service users can be accommodated. For example, extra staff are provided for outings and during the days when service users are not attending day placements so that activities can be provided. The staff team is relatively small and stable, with many of the staff having worked at the home for a number of years and developed close relationships with the service users. Staff described the atmosphere at The Avenue as homely and relaxed with comments made like; ‘we all get on well, a good bunch of staff, we all help The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 each other out, its not like staff and residents, its like a normal house, which is good’. The staff files kept on three staff members were inspected. These were well organised and showed that a thorough recruitment process had been followed, including checks to make sure that staff were suitable to work with vulnerable adults. Staff spoken to confirmed that they had access to regular training, including an appropriate induction process. Staff training and development plans for the year were available and had been developed during yearly appraisals. Records of staff training and certificates showed that staff had received a range of inhouse and external training, including fire awareness, infection control, health and safety, safe handling of medication and NVQs. The home’s manager has achieved the Registered Managers Award and is completing ‘top-up’ modules to achieve NVQ 4 in Care. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 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) 39 & 42 The Avenue has in place a number of systems to monitor quality and involve service users in the development of the home. However, some development is needed to ensure that service user views underpin all self-monitoring and development at The Avenue. Policies, procedures, regular maintenance checks and staff training help to make sure that The Avenue provides a safe place for service users to live and that service users are protected from unnecessary risks. EVIDENCE: The Avenue has in place ways of monitoring its own performance and making sure the home is providing a good service. This includes checks that are done in the home on a regular basis and regular house meetings were staff and service users can voice their opinions. However, during the last inspection it was recommended that the home consider developing formal ways of gathering the views of service users, family, friends, advocates and other professionals (e.g. GP’s and social workers) and building these into the homes The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 yearly quality assurance system. The manager confirmed that work has started on developing this, but that this is still work in progress. Suitable arrangements, including policies and procedures and staff training, are in place at The Avenue to help keep staff and service users safe. However, some minor development of the homes fire procedures is recommended and these were discussed with the manager during the inspection. Maintenance records were available and show that regular maintenance checks are completed, for example, monthly health and safety audits, regular fire alarm checks, water temperature checks and portable appliance testing. COSHH and RIDDOR files were available and records of accidents and incidents were kept. The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 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 x x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score x 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score x x 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 x x x x x x Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 3 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Avenue Score x x x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x 3 x x 3 x B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 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 Regulation None 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. 1. Refer to Standard 23 Good Practice Recommendations It is recommended that the ‘Disciplinary’ and ‘Abuse’ procedures are cross-referenced with the Dpartment of Healths POVA list guidance, to ensure that any appropriate staff are referred to the list properly. It is recommended that the home considers developing formal ways of ascertaining the views of service users, family, friends, advocates and other professionals (e.g. GP’s and social workers) and building these into the homes yearly quality assurance system. Some minor development of the homes fire procedures is recommended to ensure that they are fully completed and reflect the practice in the home. 2. 39 3. 42 The Avenue B54 S783 The Avenue V227598 220605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection No 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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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