Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 29/09/05 for The Farthings

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

This inspection was carried out on 29th September 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 places great emphasis on communication between service users and staff. Staff was observed using Makaton sign language to communicate with one service user. The staff team have put the aims and objectives of the home in symbol format on the walls of the communal areas. Staff is encouraged to learn one Makaton sign each week. Service users have individual communication boards indicating planned activities for the day and evening and a board containing staff photographs indicating staff on shift throughout the day. The homes fire evacuation plan is also completed in word and pictures (Widget). It is evident that a lot of time, work and commitment from the both the service user and staff had been spent in order to improve communications and on this occasion Standard 16 has been graded 4 Commendable.

What has improved since the last inspection?

New flooring has been laid in one service users bedroom and the bathroom and new covers have been purchased for the living room chairs. Staff and service users are involved in "The Garden Plan" flowers have been planted in new flowerbeds and service users have grown some of their own vegetables. All but one of the staff Criminal Records Bureau Checks were available in the home for inspection, this member of staff has recently been promoted and a new check has been applied for.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Farthings Geoffrey Harris House Coombe Road Croydon Surrey CR0 5RD Lead Inspector James O`Hara Unannounced Inspection 29th September 2005 09:30 The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Farthings Address Geoffrey Harris House Coombe Road Croydon Surrey CR0 5RD 020 8686 7649 020 8680 5318 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) Surrey Oaklands NHS Trust vacant Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 28th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Farthings is a residential home for up to five adults with profound learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour. It is owned, managed, and staffed by the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust, a specialist health provider for people with learning disabilities. The Farthings is in a semi-rural setting, on a “campus” style site shared by a Day Centre and other residential homes. It is close to Lloyd Park and local transport links including the Tram, which gives the home easy access to shopping and leisure facilities. The premises consist of a lounge, dining room, five bedrooms, a small office and bathroom facilities. The home has a garden to the front and rear of the building. The home provides respite care for a regular group of service users. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The home was inspected under the National Minimum Standards. This unannounced inspection started at 09.10 am and finished at 11.00 am on a Thursday morning. The home manager was not present however two members of staff on shift Paula and Christine ably supported the inspection process. Methods of inspection included previous inspection experience of the home, a tour of the premises observation of contact between staff and service users, discussion with staff. Records examined included complaints, fire records, health and safety records, menus and service user activity plans. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: There was one requirement and two recommendations set at the last inspection, this requirement has been met. As the home manager was not available on the day of the inspection the recommendations were not discussed. The recommendation has been amended. As a result of this inspection there are four requirements and one recommendation. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 Staff would benefit from an annual appraisal that includes an individual training and development assessment and programme that would in turn inform the home of individual staff training required in order to meet the needs of the service users. Service users bedrooms were generally well decorated and personalised to their wishes. However one service users bedroom is in need of redecoration. The flooring in the toilet is badly marked and needs to be repaired or replaced. The inspector would like to thank the service users and the staff for their support in the inspection process. 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 Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 and 5. Information available to prospective service users is good. No new service user has moved to the home since the last inspection however all the procedures are in place should they be needed. EVIDENCE: The home has a Statement of Purpose and Service Users Guide that includes a detailed list of charges to service users for extra services such as hairdressing, leisure activities, newspapers, holidays and clothing is included in the Statement of Purpose. All service users have service user contracts drawn up by the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust using Standard 5 of the National Minimum Standards as guidance. One contract was examined and had been signed by the registered manager and the service users representative. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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): 7 and 10. Service users are offered opportunities to contribute to the running of the home. The homes procedures on confidentiality could be compromised unless steps are taken to secure service user and staffing information. EVIDENCE: Service user meetings are held on a regular monthly basis. Minutes of these meetings are completed in words and pictures for the benefit of the service users and indicate that service users are offered opportunities to participate in the day-to-day running of the home. The home has a confidentiality policy and procedure. New shelving has been installed in the office however it was noted that a large number of working files some of which includes information on staff and service users is located in a cabinet in the dining area. The registered manager must ensure that all service user and staffing information is stored in a secure area. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 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, 16 and 17. Social and leisure opportunities for service users to engage in both inside the home and in the wider community are well managed, age appropriate, and provide the service users with daily variety and stimulation. Dietary needs are well catered for and well-balanced, nutritional meals, based on personal preferences are being prepared and eaten by the service users. EVIDENCE: The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 On the day of the inspection one of service users was attending a day service at Heavers Farm and another service user went to visit his parents as part of his regular weekly routine. One service user weekly activities plan included aromatherapy, trampoline, swimming, visiting friends, meals out, facial and nail treatments as well as domestic activities such as cooking and keeping their home tidy. There is great emphasis within the home on communication between service users and staff. It was noted that staff treated service users with respect, staff was observed using Makaton sign language to communicate with one service user. The staff team have put the aims and objectives of the home in symbol format on the walls of the communal areas. One member of staff said that all staff is encouraged to learn one Makaton sign each week. Service users have individual communication boards indicating planned activities for the day and evening and a board containing staff photographs indicating staff on shift throughout the day. The homes fire evacuation plan is also completed in word and pictures (Widget). It is evident that a lot of time, work and commitment from the both the service user and staff had been spent in order to improve communications and on this occasion Standard 16 has been graded 4 Commendable. The homes menus seemed varied and nutritious in content, are based on a four-week rota and are checked by a dietician for nutritional balance. The. Service users are offered an alternative to the main meal on offer. Two service users have bicycles and are able to ride around the Geoffrey Harris House site in relative safety. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 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): 21. The wishes of the service users upon illness and death have been sought and this information is recorded in the service user files. EVIDENCE: One service user file was examined. Their wishes in the event of illness and death had been discussed at the Person Centred Plan review and this information is recorded in the service user files. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 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. The home has appropriate complaints procedure in place. The home has suitable vulnerable adult protection and abuse prevention measures in place to ensure the service users are so far as reasonable practicable protected from abuse, neglect and/or harm. EVIDENCE: Both standards assessed as met at previous inspection. There have been no complaints made to the home since the last inspection. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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): 25, 26, 27, 28 and 30. The overall impression when visiting this home is that it is homely, clean and hygienic and the staff promotes an environment that contributes to the service users health and emotional wellbeing. EVIDENCE: The home has five bedrooms, a lounge, dining room and kitchen as well as a bathroom. Five service users share the bathroom. The home manager and Surrey and Borders NHS Trust should discuss the previous recommendations that the home should consider adding a second bathroom. There are many “homely” touches around the unit such as service user artwork on the walls and photographs of family and friends. Maintenance for the home is provided on an as required basis by The Surrey and Borders NHS Trust works dept. New flooring has been laid in one service users bedroom and the bathroom and new covers have been purchased for the living room chairs. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Service users bedrooms were generally well decorated and personalised to their wishes. However one service users bedroom walls have been stripped and the room is in need of redecoration. The registered manager must ensure that the service users bedroom is redecorated. The flooring in the toilet is badly marked and is coming away from the walls. The home manager must ensure that toilet floor is repaired or replaced. Staff and service users are involved in “The Garden Plan” flowers have been planted in new flowerbeds and service users have grown some of their own vegetables. The home was clean and free of offensive odours throughout on the day of the inspection. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 and 36. Staff would benefit from an annual appraisal that includes an individual training and development assessment and programme that would in turn inform the home of individual staff training required in order to meet the needs of the service users. The home has a well-supported staff and management team who receive the level of regular supervision required so that the service users benefit from having a consistent approach to their needs. EVIDENCE: An appointment had been arranged for the day after the inspection to check staff Criminal Records Bureau Checks. All but one of the staff Criminal Records Bureau Checks were available in the home for inspection, this member of staff has recently been promoted and a new check has been applied for. One member of staff said that she has not had an appraisal this year and is not aware that any other members of staff have had one. The registered manager must ensure that all members of staff receive an annual appraisal. One member of staff produced a supervision matrix indicating dates when staff received supervision. Two members of staff on shift said that they had regular supervision and that the matrix reflected when they had supervision. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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): 39 and 42. In general the home appears to be well run and well managed. The management approach of the home creates an open, positive and inclusive atmosphere. EVIDENCE: The home has self-monitoring systems in place such as internal audits and regulation 26 visits. Service users hold regular meetings and it was evident from the minutes that service users are given an opportunity to express their wishes and concerns at these meetings. Evidence was provided for Portable Appliance Testing 26/05/05, Landlords Gas Safety Certificate 28/04/05 and Legionella Testing 06/08/04. The Surrey and Borders NHS Trust Fire Officer checks fire Equipment on a quarterly basis. All staff attends an annual fire lecture. Weekly fire alarm and fire door checks carried out by staff are up to date. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The home has a Fire Risk Assessment that is reviewed annually and Fire Procedures are located in appropriate areas of the home and are also completed in word and picture formats for the benefit of the service users and staff. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 x ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X 3 X X 2 Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score X 2 3 2 3 N/A 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 4 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X X X 3 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Farthings Score X X X 3 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X 3 X X 3 X DS0000025848.V254724.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. 1. Standard 10. Regulation 17 (1) b. Requirement The registered manager must ensure that all service user and staffing information is stored in a secure area. The registered manager must ensure that the service users bedroom is redecorated. The home manager must ensure that toilet floor is repaired or replaced. The registered manager must ensure that all members of staff receive an annual appraisal. Timescale for action 31/12/05 2. 3. 4. 25. 27. 35. 23 (2) d. 23 (2) d. 18 (1) i. 31/12/05 31/12/05 31/12/05 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 27. Good Practice Recommendations The home manager and Surrey and Borders NHS Trust should discuss the previous recommendations that the home should consider adding a second bath/shower and consider adding a conservatory or extension that could be utilised for extra space. The Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Croydon, Sutton & Kingston Office 8th Floor Grosvenor House 125 High Street Croydon CR0 9XP 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 Farthings DS0000025848.V254724.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!