Inspection on 19/06/07 for The Cornerstone

This inspection was carried out on 19th June 2007.

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.

Other inspections for this house

The Cornerstone 04/08/09

The Cornerstone 27/01/06

The Cornerstone 19/09/05

The Cornerstone 14/03/05

The Cornerstone 04/08/04

Similar services:

Larch Avenue

Alderson Road 12

Cranworth Close Registered Care Home

John Street Nursing Home

Pennine Camphill

Whitwood House

Whitwood Hall

Muston Road (70)

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Cornerstone 115 Doncaster Road Rotherham South Yorkshire S65 2BN Lead Inspector Tony Brindle Key Unannounced Inspection 19th June 2007 09:00 The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.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 Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.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 Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Cornerstone Address 115 Doncaster Road Rotherham South Yorkshire S65 2BN 01709 382855 NONE NONE 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) The House of Light Trust Mrs Rachel Devine Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. One named resident over the age of 65 shall be allowed to reside at the home. 27th January 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Cornerstone is a residential care home and provides care and accommodation for eight adults with a learning disability. The House of Light Trust, a charitable organisation that has other care homes for people with a learning disability in the area, owns it. It is situated in a residential area of Rotherham, opposite the local park and close to other community facilities such as shops and public houses. The building is a large Victorian house with a modern extension. Accommodation is provided on three floors. There is a bathroom on each floor and all the residents’ rooms are of single occupancy. Communal space is provided by the three lounges and there is a large kitchen/dining area where residents like to congregate. To the rear of the house is a garden area for use of the residents and to the front is a driveway and a small off road parking area. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. EASY READ SUMMARY The information people are given is very good. It is easy to read. People have very good care plans. People help to write their own care plans. Staff at the home talk to people about their care and support. People’s views about their care and support are listened to and acted upon. People like living at The Cornerstone. People living at The Cornerstone get to go out and take part in different activities with different people. People have their bedrooms. The bedrooms are nicely decorated. People have their own things in their own rooms. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The staff respect people’s privacy. Staff talk and listen to people living at the home. The staff respond to people living at the home properly. The Cornerstone is well managed. People say that the staff are friendly. The staff are well trained. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The staff look after people. If they are worried about someone they tell the manager. The manager makes sure that people are kept safe. The manager should make sure that there’s a way of recording the medication stock balance. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 SUMMARY This was an unannounced inspection of the care home. The inspector spoke with people living at the home, the registered manager and staff members. While at the home the inspector had a look around the home, looked at some of the paper records. Before a visit to the home took place, surveys were sent out to people living at the home, their relatives and health and social care professionals who have dealings with The Cornerstone. Several of the surveys were returned before the visit took place, and the feedback that people gave was positive. Some of things people said included: • “I like living at The Cornerstone”. – Person living at the home • “The staff are great, and I like to go out shopping and to town”. - Person living at the home • “My relative is really happy at The Cornerstone, it’s the best place he’s lived at and I’m really happy for him”. – Relative of a Person living at the home The inspector would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hospitality and assistance during this inspection visit. What the service does well: People who use the service and/or their representatives are given the information needed to decide whether the home is appropriate for them, and if the service will meet their needs. People have their needs assessed and a contract given to them which clearly tells them about the service the will receive. Individuals are involved in decisions about their lives, and play an active role in planning the care and support they receive. People who use the service are able to make choices about their life style, and are supported to develop their life skills. Social, educational, cultural and recreational activities meet people’s expectations. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. People who use the service are able to express their concerns, and have access to a robust, effective complaints procedure, are protected from abuse, and have their rights protected. The physical design and layout of the buildings and campus enables people to live in a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who use the service. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The management and administration of the home is based upon openness and respect. The manager operates effective quality assurance system. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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 Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 2 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service and/or their representatives are given the information needed to decide whether the home is appropriate for them, and if the service will meet their needs. People have their needs assessed and a contract given to them which clearly tells them about the service the will receive. EVIDENCE: The manager confirmed that all the people living in the home receive a contract. The records show that the people living at The Cornerstone have agreed this contract. The records also show that when a person does not have the capacity to agree to the contact, a discussion has been entered into with their representative, who has then agreed it on their behalf. The records show that information is given to people in a meaningful way, and the manager said that information could be out into appropriate languages and formats, or easy read if required. The manager spoke about how information is explained to them so that they can fully understand it. She added that the use of advocates to support people is promoted. Evidence of the use of advocacy services was seen within one person’s file. The records show that the manager and staff have a high quality approach to making admissions right for individuals, and they are clear when they feel the The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 home might not be able to meet the needs of a person. The manager explained that decisions are based upon a wide range of evidence and the records show that person and their relatives are kept informed and involved in the decision making process as much as possible. The records show that people are given the chance to visit the home, talk to the staff, have a look round, talk and most importantly, according to the manager, spend time with people already living in the home. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Individuals are involved in decisions about their lives, and play an active role in planning the care and support they receive. EVIDENCE: The records show that the care plans include a comprehensive risk assessment, which is regularly reviewed. One staff member who was spoken with talked about the service having a ‘can do’ attitude and he added that risks are managed positively to help people using the service to lead the life they want. The records show that any limitations on freedom, choice or facilities are always in the person’s best interests. The manager explained that the South Yorkshire Housing Association has a commitment to consulting people and involving people, which is based on the idea that the people at The Cornerstone are the experts. She added that its really important that the service plans, reviews and delivers their services alongside people and to reinforce this commitment the service has dedicated teams responsible for making sure that people have the opportunity to comment, influence and become involved in service planning and delivery. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 The manager explained that the care plans are developed with the people living in the home. The service sees care plans as belonging to the people living in the home. The records show that the plans are based on a full and up to date assessment, and the plans are written in a person centred way and focus on people’s strengths and personal preferences. One staff member spoke about how that plans set out in detail how a person is to receive positive individualised support. The records show that the manager and staff use a variety of methods such as Person Centred Planning, House Meetings and One to One discussion to find out and record people’s needs. The manager said that care plans can include photos, pictures and are written in plain language. The records confirmed this, and it was clear from looking at the details within the plans that they are an up to date and a working tool. The manager agreed that the way that the plans are set out would help someone not familiar with the person to deliver a personalised service when necessary. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service are able to make choices about their life style, and supported to develop their life skills. Social, educational, cultural and recreational activities meet people’s expectations. EVIDENCE: The records show that individuals are supported to identify their goals, and work to achieve them. The manager said that the staff in the home help people to identify opportunities to develop personal relationships, participate in their community, increase control over their own lives, and develop the skills and abilities needed to achieve these goals. She added that Person Centred Planning depends on the commitment of the whole team of staff and others involved in a person’s life. It is clear from reading some of the information held in people’s files and from talking to people, that the staff and other people take action to make sure that the ways of supporting people discussed in planning meetings are implemented. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Feedback from people living at The Cornerstone, and from the relatives who responded to our survey, indicated that people are given the opportunity to develop and maintain important personal and family relationships, and are able to access information and specialist guidance about issues such as intimate relationships. Discussion with the manager showed that individual rights and choices are promoted, and the records confirmed that people are supported to make informed choices about things such as lifestyle choices, relationships and activities. The manager explained that the service has a strong commitment to enabling people who use live at The Cornerstone to develop their skills, including social, emotional, communication, and independent living skills. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The health and personal care that people receive is based on their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: There is a policy that deals with how medication is to be received, stored and administered to people living in the home. A discussion took place with the manager about the need for there to be a system of balancing the medication in the home. The manager agreed that this would be an improvement on the current system of only balancing the stock of controlled drugs rather than all the medication held by the home on behalf of people living at The Cornerstone. The manager agreed that she would deal with this stock balancing issue. The Statement of Purpose sets out the competencies and specialisms offered at The Cornerstone and feedback from people who use the service and from feedback from people via our survey indicated that people believe the service does deliver care and support of high quality care and support based on individual needs. The records show that the manager and staff ensure that people receive effective and individualised personal and healthcare support using a person centred approach. This was supported by the views of relatives who responded to our survey. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. People who use the service are able to express their concerns, and have access to a robust, effective complaints procedure, and are protected from abuse, and have their rights protected. EVIDENCE: The home has an accessible complaints procedure. The records show that the home has not had any complaints since the last inspection. People who responded to our survey indicated that they know how to complain and who to complain to. The records show that regular training and supervision takes place to make sure staff are fully aware of the policies and procedures provided in relation to protecting and safeguarding the rights of people living at the home. Observations made on the day indicated that the views and experiences of people living at the home are valued. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The physical design and layout of the buildings and campus enables people to live in a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment, which encourages independence. EVIDENCE: Discussions with the people living at the home showed that they are happy with their house and that the living environment is appropriate for their particular lifestyle and needs. Discussions with people indicated that they are encouraged to see the home as their own. The manager explained that she and the staff ensure that the physical environment of the home provides for the individual requirements of the people who live at The Cornerstone with adaptations made to the environment as and when required. One person was happy for her room to be seen, and she took great pride in showing off her posters and furniture. The room was very nice. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. Staff in the home are trained, skilled and are provided in sufficient numbers to support the people who use the service. EVIDENCE: The records show that the service has a well-developed recruitment procedure that has the needs of people who use the service at its core. The manager explained that the recruitment of good quality staff is seen as integral to the delivery of an excellent service, and continued saying that the recruitment of the right person for the job is always seen as more important than the filling of a vacancy. She added that people who use the service are involved in the recruitment of staff. One person living at the home explained how they had been involved in interviewing staff. They said that they enjoyed this and thought it was really important to do. The manager explained that staff turn over is very low. The records confirmed this. The records show that the service is proactive rather than reactive in its staffing, recruitment and training, with planning for the needs of people taking place on a day to day basis. Observations indicate that there is a diverse staff team that has a balance of skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of people who use the service. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42 People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to the service. The management and administration of the home is based upon openness and respect. The manager operates effective quality assurance system EVIDENCE: The records show that spot checks and quality monitoring systems are in place which provide the management with evidence that systems are working and that the health and safety of people are promoted. The registered manager has the required qualifications and experience, and is highly competent to run the home. Discussions with the manager showed that she has sound knowledge of both strategic and financial planning. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 4 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 4 23 4 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 X 34 4 35 4 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 4 X 4 X 4 X X 4 X The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO 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. 1 Refer to Standard YA20 Good Practice Recommendations The manager should look into ways a stock balance system relating to all the medication held in the home can be introduced to make sure that the system operated is a safe one. The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Sheffield Area Office Ground Floor, Unit 3 Waterside Court Bold Street Sheffield S9 2LR National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Cornerstone DS0000003115.V329329.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 - 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. 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