Inspection on 07/02/06 for The Firs

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 found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

The Firs 13/01/09

The Firs 16/08/07

The Firs 06/09/06

The Firs 05/10/05

The Firs 25/01/05

The Firs 11/05/04

Similar services:

Claremont House

Coopers Mill Ltd

Sun Court Nursing Home

Bramley Avenue (73)

Paradise Lodge

Grangewood

Upaya Ananda

15 Bramble Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Firs Thorpe Road Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex C013 0NJ Lead Inspector Ray Finney Final Unannounced Inspection 07 February 2006 09:30 The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Firs Address Thorpe Road Kirby Cross Frinton On Sea Essex C013 0NJ 01255 862617 01255 860259 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) Mr Ahmad Fareed Kadar Mr Sheik Kemal Kadar Mr Colin Roy Denny Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (1), Physical disability (1) of places The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. Persons of either sex, under the age of 65 years, who require care by reason of a learning disability (not to exceed 8 persons) One person, under the age of 65 years, who requires care by reason of a learning disability and who also has a physical disability, whose name was provided to the Commission in July 2003 One service user, aged 65 years and over, who requires care by reason of a learning disability, whose name was made known to the Commission in July 2004 The total number of service users accommodated must not exceed 8 persons 5th October 2005 3. 4. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: The Firs is an established care home for eight younger adults with learning disabilities. The home is located in a rural setting in a large country house in its own grounds, between the villages of Kirby Cross and Thorpe-le-Soken. Local shops, post offices and schools are found in these villages. Bedroom accommodation for all eight service users is on the first floor with stairs and a passenger lift for access. Toilets, bathrooms and showers are found on the ground and first floors. Communal areas on the ground floor comprise of a lounge, dining room and kitchen/dining area. There is wheelchair access to all communal areas and there are ramps to the front, side and rear of the building. The Firs is set in extensive grounds with established gardens to the front, side and rear of the building and off-road parking to the front. Attached to the care home is a day centre offering care and facilities for service users in the community. The centre offers a range of experiences such as a spa pool, ball pool and a sensory room. In addition there is a petting farm with sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits. Service users residing in the home are able to use these facilities. Access to the centre is separate from the home. The home offers transport based on the needs of the service users. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second inspection of the inspection year 2005 to 2006 and took place on 7th February 2006 for a total of 6.5 hours. A total of 14 standards were examined during the inspection with 12 being met and 2 being partially met. During the visit the inspector looked around the home and spoke with service users and members of staff. The inspection also included observations of interactions between service users and staff and evidence gathered from samples of records. On the day of the inspection the atmosphere in the home was relaxed and welcoming and the inspector was given every assistance from the registered manager Mr Colin Denny. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Although toilets and bathrooms were clean and carpets had been cleaned, the standard of general cleaning around the home could have been better. Cleaning was carried out by care staff as part of their role and there were discussions on the day of the inspection as to whether the standard could be improved by having some staff hours dedicated specifically for cleaning. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 2 The home ensured the aspirations and needs of prospective service users were assessed. EVIDENCE: There had been no new service users admitted to the home in the past two years. At the time of the inspection, the manager was in the process of revising the pre-admission assessment tool. Service user’s records examined showed evidence of comprehensive needs assessments. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Service users’ changing needs and personal goals were reflected in their individual plans. EVIDENCE: Records examined showed that care plans were in place covering physical and mental health, social needs, communication, sensory needs, mobility and medication. The manager said that staff were involved in care reviews. On the day of the inspection a shift leaders’ meeting took place and service user issues were on the agenda. Care plans had been reviewed and sent to relatives and an advocate. Although care plans inspected covered a wide range of areas of need, they could have been more detailed to ensure carers had sufficient guidance for delivering individual care. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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): 11 and 12 The home supported service users to have opportunities for personal development. Service users were actively encouraged to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities EVIDENCE: Service users attended courses to help learn practical life skills such as cookery. The home operated a key worker system and staff encouraged individual service users to learn basic life skills within the home. All service users in the home had learning disabilities, some with multiple and complex needs. None of the service users had the capacity to obtain employment, however the home offered a programme of fulfilling activities tailored to meet individual needs. Some people took part in college courses and social activities, including ‘stories and poems’ and music. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18 The home ensured service users received personal support in the ways they wanted and needed. EVIDENCE: Records examined and staff spoken with showed that personal support for service users was provided in private. Interactions observed between members of staff and service users were appropriate and staff spoken with showed an awareness of how to treat service users with dignity and respect. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): These standards were not examined on this occasion. EVIDENCE: No evidence was examined at this inspection. However, these standards were met at the previous inspection on 5th October 2005. Evidence relating to these standards may be found in the Inspection Report for that inspection. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27, 28 and 30 Service users toilets and bathrooms provided sufficient privacy and met individual needs. Shared spaces complemented and supplemented service users individual rooms. Overall, the home was clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: During a tour of the premises bathrooms and toilets were examined. Since the last inspection new toilet seats had been installed in two of the toilets. The home had one room with en suite facilities, one bathroom and one shower room. Toilets and basins examined were clean, however the general standard of cleanliness around the home could have been better. The sealant around basins needed to be replaced and there was evidence of lime scale build up around the taps in some of the toilets. There were no offensive odours throughout the home. The laundry facilities were appropriate for the size of the home. Overall hygiene throughout the home was reasonably good. The kitchen and food preparation areas were all clean. However, general cleaning could have been improved. There was evidence of dust and grime build up in areas such as skirting boards and sides of stairs. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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, 34 and 35 Service users were supported by members of staff who were competent. The home’s recruitment practices had improved to ensure the protection of service users. Staff received appropriate training to enable them to meet the needs of service users. EVIDENCE: From information provided in a pre-inspection questionnaire, only 1 of a total of 13 care staff had completed an NVQ award. The manager said that a further 4 carers had signed up to do NVQ and that they were able to access further places in April. The home was also putting staff through Learning Disabilities Award Framework (LDAF) training; 3 staff were currently doing LDAF and another 2 were due to start on 16th February. The manager informed the inspector that the recruitment procedure had been tightened up around references. No staff started without a PoVA First check having been carried out. Staff received an induction that included Protection of Vulnerable Adults awareness. New staff were given an information booklet about PoVA and also a copy of the General Social Care Council Code of Conduct. The employee handbook and the Staff Safety Handbook were examined. The manager said The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 that staff training was organised as and when required but there was no training and development plan in place. A member of staff spoken with was very positive about the home and “loved the job”. The member of staff had received induction training, LDAF, manual handling and had completed NVQ level 2. Staff spoken with said that they felt well supported and received supervisions. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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, 39 and 42 The home was well run and service users could be confident their views were taken into account through the home’s quality assurance and monitoring system. The health, safety and welfare of service users were promoted and protected EVIDENCE: Since the last inspection the registered manager had completed NVQ level 4 units and the Registered Manager’s Award. The work had been sent off to be verified and, when finalised, confirmation of the awards was to be sent to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The manager had also completed first aid training. The Quality Assurance process had been further developed and a copy of the collated results had been sent to the commission. Records examined showed that emergency lighting had been tested regularly and fire alarms were tested weekly. The manager said that monthly fire drills were carried out. At the time of the inspection two service users were smokers. There was a dedicated area for smokers outside but under cover. Fire extinguishers examined had been recently serviced. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 3 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 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 X 25 X 26 X 27 3 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 2 33 X 34 3 35 2 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 X X X X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 X X X 3 X 3 X X 3 X The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes 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 YA35 Regulation 18(1)(c) Requirement The registered person must ensure that there is a staff training and development programme in place. Each staff member must have an individual training and development plan. This is a repeat requirement. Timescale for action 31/03/06 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 YA32 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should ensure that 50 of care staff in the home achieve NVQ Level 2 in care. The Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Colchester Local Office 1st Floor, Fairfax House Causton Road Colchester Essex CO1 1RJ 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 Firs DS0000017963.V274581.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 - 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. 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