Inspection on 20/12/05 for The Firs

This inspection was carried out on 20th December 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

Other inspections for this house

The Firs 22/05/07

The Firs 30/06/05

The Firs 18/01/05

The Firs 01/11/04

Similar services:

Flint House

Hillview Farm

Dalewood Respite Care

Orchard,The

REACH Upton Court Road

The Cotswold Home

Fairways

Treloar College

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Firs Ravenswood Village Nine Mile Ride Crowthorne Berkshire RG45 6BQ Lead Inspector Stewart Mynott Unannounced Inspection 20th December 2005 11:15 The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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 Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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 Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Firs Address Ravenswood Village Nine Mile Ride Crowthorne Berkshire RG45 6BQ 0181 954 455 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) Norwood Ravenswood T/A Norwood Mr Ernesto Paulo Pantaleao Cartaxo Care Home 11 Category(ies) of Learning disability (11), Physical disability (11) registration, with number of places The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 29th June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Firs is part of Ravenswood Village and is registered to provide support and care for eleven adults with learning disabilities. The Jewish faith is central to the daily life of the village. The home is a spacious purpose built, two-storey building which includes a two bed roomed self-contained flat. All the home’s bedrooms are single. The aims and objectives of the home is to provide a secure and comfortable home; encourage and support residents to make decisions and choices in their lives; support and assist service users to make and maintain satisfying relationships; assist service users to develop their skills; and enable service users to engage in valued day time occupation and use the community facilities. The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection during the day lasting for 4½ hours in duration. The purpose of this inspection was to concentrate on the lifestyle provided for service users and to look at the management and staffing arrangements at the home. Time was spent with the registered manager in discussion to assess standards within the home. About half of this inspection was spent talking to several service users who were at home during the inspection and all of the staff on duty to gain their views about the service provided. Records relating to the running of the home were examined to evidence observations and discussions made during this positive inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection. All standards assessed were met during this inspection. The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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 Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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): Standards 1 to 5 were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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): Standards 6 to 10 were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 Service users have the opportunity to choose from an extensive range of appropriate activities to suit their needs and preferences with staff support. The lifestyle and daily routines experienced by service users are inclusive with their rights and responsibilities respected by the staff team. The menu is appropriate to individual choice, dietary and cultural needs. EVIDENCE: A senior team member discussed the arrangements for activities and leisure for service users. The village now has two “lifestyle opportunity managers” who have produced information about activities and pursuits both within the village and the Thames Valley region. This information was available in the home and provides an extensive list to provide a wide range of choice and opportunity. The senior team member (with the key workers) has the responsibility of assisting service users to choose an activity that they prefer and enjoy. Service users nominate their chosen activity on an application form, which the registered manager passes to the lifestyle managers, who check availability and book places as required. Three service users confirmed that they were The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 assisted to choose their activities and where very happy with their individual timetables. The timetable for service users was seen in the office and is available in service users bedrooms. Some service users have paid employment within the village. One service user works in the coffee shop and describes this as a positive experience. During the inspection service users were seen to have unrestricted access around the home and service users spoken to confirmed they respect each other personal bedrooms. Staff assisted service users to attend activities and provided support as needed. Interactions observed between staff and service users were warm and friendly and staff explained information to service users to ensure they were able to make appropriate and independent decisions. Service users choose their housekeeping responsibilities each week during their meeting which further evidences the inclusive approach at the home. Two service users confirmed that they are able to see their family and staff support and encourage contact with family members. Service users choose their menu for the following week ahead as part of their weekly meeting. Service users confirm that they can choose an alternative if they prefer. The menu for the current week was on display in the hallway. The main choices plus individual alternative requests were clearly marked on the menu. The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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): Standards 18 to 21 were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.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): Standards 22 and 23 were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 24 to 30 were not assessed during this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 Service users are supported by a competent, effective, supervised and trained staff team that have a good understanding and knowledge of each service users needs. The home has a thorough recruitment procedure, which is protective of service users. EVIDENCE: The rotas for the past four weeks were viewed and staffing levels were found to be constant to provide four members of staff during the morning, three during the evening and one waking and one sleep in member of staff at night. Service users spoken to always felt there were sufficient staff to attend to their needs. Service users spoken to confirm that the staff are friendly and approachable and that they were able to provide them with all the support needed. Observations and discussions revealed staff to have a good understanding and knowledge of service users needs. The registered manager and a senior team member monitor the training needs of staff at the home. There is an organised system, which involves information being received from a training coordinator that identifies staff training progress. The training folder was examined that contained each individual staff training details. This included an “individual staff member training plan” to list The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 future training aims for the next year as well as all training undertaken with copies of certificates. Six staff members training records were examined in detail which revealed that mandatory sessions had been completed together with more specialist training specific to service users needs. Staff spoken to felt that there were good training opportunities available. The registered manager confirmed that more than 50 of the staff team had achieved at least an NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification. Staff spoken to on duty confirmed this. There is a coordinated approach to the recruitment of staff at the village, which involves utilizing a recruitment officer and the home managers. The registered manager described that there are monthly recruitment/assessment days for potential new staff of which managers participate on a rolling basis. From this staff are selected and all necessary recruitment checks are collected by the recruitment officer and stored centrally within the village. The registered manager confirmed that access to these can be made available during the inspection process. Four senior team members and the registered manager are responsible for the supervision of all staff at the home. Both staff and the records seen confirmed that supervision has occurred on a regular basis during this year. A sample of supervision records were viewed and found to be detailed and thorough which further demonstrates the senior staff competence to support staff. The registered manager confirmed that all staff have now undergone a “staff appraisal and development” session this year. The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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, 38, 39 and 42 The registered manager is competent and experienced to run the home and service users benefit from a good approach to the leadership and management style of the home. Service users views are sought through a variety of methods, which are used to monitor and review the aims of the home. The registered manager ensures that the home operates effective systems to ensure the health, safety and welfare of service users are protected. EVIDENCE: The registered manager advised that he will complete the registered managers award in the very near future and is currently waiting for some final evidence to be verified. The registered manager has continued to ensure his own knowledge remains up to date. Service users spoken to were very positive about the registered manager and stated that he is friendly, approachable and helpful, and always takes the time to present information and explanation to enable understanding and choice. This approach was clearly observed during the inspection. Staff describe the The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 manager as approachable, a good leader, supportive and inclusive in his approach for staff and service users when making decisions. The registered manager explained some of the methods used within the home to seek service users views to measure the aims of the home and monitor the homes operating systems. Service users attend weekly meetings to discuss issues and events in the home. Service users also benefit from regular meeting with their key workers. Two service users spoken to confirmed their attendance and felt that their comments were listened to and acted upon. The home is monitored by unannounced “lay monitor visits”. The last visit was made in July and the report arising from this was viewed and demonstrated a wide scope in assessing the quality of the home and service provided. The registered manager confirmed that regulation 26 visits are unannounced and conducted by the service manager. The registered manager regularly monitors the records and systems within the home. This is often done through supervision sessions with senior team members to assess delegated responsibilities. Evidence of this was seen in selected supervision records. The registered manager and a deputy take responsibility for monitoring health and safety within the home. Some of the homes records relating to this were examined. These included fire records, food hygiene records, gas and electrical safety certificates, risk assessments for the environment and service user activities. These had been monitored and kept up to date to evidence safe systems of operation within the home. Staff spoken to understood their responsibility to maintain safe working practises within the home. The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 Score X X ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X X X X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score X X X X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 4 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 3 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Firs Score X X X X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 X X 3 X DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Firs DS0000033978.V254595.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA 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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