Inspection on 07/02/06 for The Court

This inspection was carried out on 7th February 2006.

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 Court 16/12/08

The Court 10/05/07

The Court 18/07/05

The Court 20/01/05

The Court 13/07/04

The Court 03/02/04

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 Court 22 Thornholme Road Sunderland SR2 7QG Lead Inspector Miss Andrea Goodall Unannounced Inspection 7th January 2006 02:00p The Court DS0000015782.V263234.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 Court DS0000015782.V263234.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 Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Court Address 22 Thornholme Road Sunderland SR2 7QG 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) 0191 5675264 Tyne and Wear Autistic Society Mrs Christine Graham Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 18th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Court is a care home for 3 younger adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It is owned and managed by the Tyne & Wear Autistic Society (TWAS), a voluntary body, which also owns and operates specialist educational facilities for children and young adults with autism and 5 other care homes for adults in the nearby area. The house has an open hallway, off which there are a comfortable main lounge, dining room and well-equipped kitchen. There is another smaller lounge leading off from the kitchen. On the first floor there are 3 generously-sized bedrooms, a bathroom, toilet, and the small staff sleep-in room. The quality of furnishings and decoration are of a very good standard throughout the house. The house does not offer accommodation for people with mobility needs, though arrangements can be made for visitors with such needs to access the ground floor. The Court is a family-sized detached property in a quiet area near the City centre of Sunderland. It is indistinguishable from similar surrounding family houses, including the neighbouring 2 houses which are also small care homes operated by TWAS and managed by the same registered Manager. It is on the same road as the Thornbeck College that some of the residents attend. The house has a short driveway and a car porch for the home vehicle. There is a small front garden and an enclosed, private back garden. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place over one afternoon and evening in February 2006. Time was spent talking with the 3 young ladies who live here, looking at their bedrooms with them, and joining them for a tea-time meal. The rest of the time was spent discussing the progress of the home with the Manager and examining care records and health & safety records. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Of the areas that were looked at during this visit there were no requirements made. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 However, it would be useful for the Manager if she had a checklist of which checks and clearances have been received, and when, about new staff. 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 Court DS0000015782.V263234.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 Court DS0000015782.V263234.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): 1. Residents have information in a suitable format about the place that they live. This would help prospective residents (or their representatives) to make an informed choice about whether to move here. EVIDENCE: The Service Users Guide includes a brief brochure that is written in plain English, which gives specific information about the house, the service, and the activities. In this way any prospective new residents would have clear information about the house before they visited to see if it would suit them. Since the last inspection the Service Users Guide has been amended to reflect the new responsible individual who represents TWAS. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.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 & 9. Residents know that their needs and goals are written in a support plan. Residents are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: There are individual support plans for each of the young people living here. The plans set out detailed instruction to staff about the level of support each person needs with their goals. Due to their autism most people find it difficult to understand the support plans. There is now a record on each support plans that states whether the resident can understand their support plans or not. The people who live here are supported to take acceptable risks as part of an independent lifestyle. There are risk assessment records in place about activities that people carry out that might incur an element of risk, such as using a locked bathroom, keeping their own medication, and cooking. In this way staff are clear about the support people need to minimise any risk to them. These have been signed by the residents to show their involvement in the assessments. It is also good practice that these records have been sent to parents and the relevant Social Workers, and are reviewed at least annually. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.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): 13, 15 & 16. Residents can choose to be involved in the local community. Residents are supported to keep in contact with family members and have opportunities to meet others at social and leisure events. Residents rights and responsibilities are recognised and respected. EVIDENCE: The Court is a family sized home that is indistinguishable from surrounding properties in this desirable residential area. It is close to the city centre so there are plenty of local community facilities for residents to choose from. The 3 young ladies who live here enjoy a range of activities every night and at weekends including sports centres, shopping, bowling and visits to the pub, many of which are in the local area. One resident is now working at the TWAS shop in the city centre for one day a week. In this way residents can choose to be involved in the local community and also have opportunities to meet people outside of the TWAS services. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 None of the residents are from the Sunderland area so the home makes sure that they have good contact with relatives by telephone. There is a cordless telephone that residents can take into their bedrooms so that they can make and receive calls in private. Most people also have some holiday visits to the family home. Staff inform relatives of any important events about the residents. There are records of all telephone calls and correspondence sent to relatives by the home. The people who live here have information in plain language that outlines their rights and responsibilities whilst living here. Residents know that they can choose to spend time in the privacy of their own rooms whenever they are not involved in other activities. The residents are also supported to remember that it is their responsibility to behave in an acceptable manner. All the residents are fully involved in the daily household tasks within their home, with support from staff if necessary. It is evident that staff encourage and promote the residents towards improved independent living skills. One person manages all her own mail, and a key to their bedroom. The 3 residents are supported to hold House Meetings every couple of months to discuss their suggestions for menus, activities, décor to the house and so on. This encourages residents to make decisions and choices, which can be difficult for people with autism. It also demonstrates their involvement in plans for their home. The home uses occasional questionnaires to help residents make their comments about the service at this home. In the most recent questionnaire residents wrote that they like the staff, and like the meetings. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.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): 20. Residents medication is managed in an appropriate way. EVIDENCE: At this time all medication is managed by trained, designated staff. However the potential for residents to manage their own medication in the future is not ruled out. Medication is delivered to the home by a local pharmacy in suitable containers. Medication is securely stored in a locked, alarmed metal medication cupboard. Records of the administration of medication are in place and up to date. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.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): 23. Residents are protected from abuse and self-harm. Residents personal finances are safeguarded. EVIDENCE: All staff (except one newer member) have had training in the local vulnerable adult procedures to ensure that residents are protected from abuse. As with all care services for adults in the City of Sunderland, TWAS has adopted the MAPPVA (Multi-Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) policy and procedures. These are robust procedures for dealing with suspected abuse. All staff (except a newer member) are trained in CALM (Calm AggressionLimitation Management). This is a method of physical intervention that requires minimal restraint, and is used only to prevent harm to the resident or to others if residents need support to manage their behaviour. This method is approved by the BILD (British Institute of Learning Disabilities) and ensures that all staff can present a consistent approach when supporting a resident in this way. Intervention records are kept in bound books with numbered pages and clearly detail any triggers and the intervention used to support the resident. Consultant Psychiatric services are also currently involved in supporting residents with anxieties and behavioural needs. Financial records show that the personal monies of the people who live here are directly debited into their individual savings accounts. One resident manages all her own personal monies and even completes her own financial records. The other 2 residents are supported to access their monies by senior The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 staff. All records relating to their monies were seen to be up to date, and the systems used demonstrate that residents monies are safeguarded. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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. Residents live in a very good quality accommodation that is comfortable and safe. The home is clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The Court is a family house that is decorated and furnished in a modern bright style that suits the age and lifestyles of the 3 people who live here. The house is well-maintained, and over the past year has been further upgraded in a number of areas. The house provides a very comfortable and safe environment for the 3 residents. Since the last inspection 2 residents have chosen new carpets to match the colour scheme of their bedrooms. Residents said they are very pleased with their rooms, and 2 people have moved their furniture around to make their rooms how they want them. All staff have training in Infection Control. The washing machine is sited in the kitchen but there are clear protocols for managing this to make sure that laundry is not near food preparation surfaces, and this is included in a monthly health & safety audit of the house. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 The 3 young ladies are all involved in their own laundry and ironing, with staff guidance where necessary. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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): 34 & 35. Residents are protected by the homes robust recruitment practices. Residents individual and joint needs are met by well-trained, competent staff. EVIDENCE: There has been only one change to this small staff team since the last inspection. This is helpful in providing a continuity of care of the people who live here. In discussions staff are very knowledgeable about the different and individual needs of the 3 young ladies. There is clearly a very good relationship between residents and staff. In discussions one resident said, staff are great. Another resident commented that one of the best things about this home was the support they get from staff. The Provider, TWAS, operates very through recruitment and selection procedures. Staff are only employed after satisfactory references and police checks have been received, and this ensures the protection of the people who live here. All checks are currently held at the TWAS HR Department. The Manager has documentary evidence that some checks have been carried out and received in respect of her staff team, but not for all checks. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Residents have the chance to meet applicant staff during evening activities to see if they have suitable personalities and values to support young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There is a clear training and development plan for individual staff and for the team. Individual staff training records confirmed that staff have received the necessary training in health & safety matters. All staff also receive Autism Focus training, which is specific training to support them to understand the needs of the people with autism. All staff (except the new staff) have achieved the NVQ level 3 care qualification. The new member of staff will receive Induction and Foundation training before commencing NVQ training. In this way, the home ensures that all staff are suitably qualified. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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 & 42. Residents benefit from a well-managed and well-organised home. Residents health & safety is protected and promoted by the homes practices. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager has over 16 years experience of working in residential care settings for children and young adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In addition to The Court, she is responsible for the management of 2 neighbouring small homes. She has attained NVQ level 4 in Care and the Registered Managers Award, both of which are suitable qualifications that demonstrate her competency to manage this home. The Manager is supported by a Deputy Manager and experienced senior staff. There are clear lines of accountability within the TWAS organisation, and the home is visited monthly by a representative of TWAS who reports on its operations. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 A rolling programme of training is in place to ensure that all staff receive statutory training in health & safety matters including fire safety, first aid, food hygiene and Infection Control. In this way staff understand their responsibilities in terms of safe working practices. Residents and staff carry out a fire drill on a monthly basis so that residents would know what to do if the fire alarm sounded. The Deputy Manager carries out a monthly health & safety audit of the premises and risk assessments are in place for activities carried out by staff and residents that may involve a minimal risk to health, for example use of kitchen and laundry equipment. There were no health & safety hazards observed in the building during this visit. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 3 X X X X Standard No 22 23 Score X 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 X X 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 4 X X X X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X X X 3 4 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Court Score X X 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X X X X 3 X DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 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. 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 YA34 Good Practice Recommendations TWAS HR Department should provide the Registered Manager with a checklist of the satisfactory return of all clearances and checks of individual staff. The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection South of Tyne Area Office Baltic House Port of Tyne Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Court DS0000015782.V263234.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!