Inspection on 02/06/05 for The Larkins

This inspection was carried out on 2nd June 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 Larkins 26/06/08

The Larkins 13/07/06

The Larkins 09/11/05

The Larkins 16/11/04

The Larkins 23/08/04

The Larkins 19/06/03

Similar services:

Polesworth Group Friary Road

Polesworth Group Pooley Heights

Polesworth Group 32 Station Road

Polesworth Group 70 Long Street

Breme

Polesworth Group 64 Long Street

Polesworth Group 68 Long Street

10 Whitfield Avenue

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Larkins Hill Top Brown Edge Staffordshire Moorlands Staffordshire, ST6 8TX Lead Inspector Lynne Gammon Unannounced 02 June 2005 09:30 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 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 Stationary 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 Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Larkins Address Hill Top Brown Edge Staffordshire Moorlands Staffordshire ST6 8TX 01782 504457 Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Mrs Yvonne Proctor Mrs Yvonne Proctor Care Home 3 Category(ies) of LD - 3 registration, with number of places The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 16th November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: The Larkins is a private registered home providing a residential care service for three people with a learning disability. The home is a detached dormer bungalow set in its own spacious grounds that are found to the front and rear of the property. It is of domestic design and reflects the model of service it intends to provide, which is based on ordinary life principles. The home is located in a semi-rural area in the village of Brown Edge, with the town of Biddulph in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and the city of Stoke-on-Trent, within easy driving distance. No public transport is available, but the home has its own people carrier to enable access to the wider community and its facilities. Brown Edge is a typical village and there are a number of pubs and shops providing necessities. Social life is also typical of that provided in other villages, with various fetes and a well dressing ceremony taking place during the year. The service users are well integrated into the community life of the village, and join in all of the events enjoyed by the rest of the local inhabitants. Accommodation at the Larkins is spacious and each of the three service users has their own bedroom. There is a comfortable lounge, a modern kitchen, two baths and toilets and a shower. However, the property is in the middle of a large extension programme which will increase the number of places within the home to 5. Each resident will have their own bedroom, three with en-suite facilities plus a refurbished bathroom with corner bath, a shower and two toilets. A separate dining/visitors room will also be available for the residents. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced visit was made on the 2nd June 2005 at 9.30am. The inspection was carried out using the National Minimum Standards for Adults (18 – 65) as the basis for the inspection. The total time spent for the inspection, including pre and fieldwork, amounted to 9 hours. The Larkins is a private, registered home owned by Mrs Yvonne Proctor who was present for most of the inspection. On the day of the inspection, extensive building work was taking place to create 2 extra bedrooms with en-suites, a new dining room/visitors room, a further bedroom for staff on night duty and refurbished bathroom and toilet facilities. Once the building work is completed and approved by all relevant regulators, the home will be able to offer 2 extra placements within the existing category of registration, from 3 to 5. The inspection included a tour of the home, inspection of records, observation and discussions with 2 of the service users. The third service user was on holiday with her family. Since the last inspection on 16th November 2004, no complaints nor any incidents or reports of abuse of any kind had been received and no requirements or recommendations, against the regulations or the minimum standards, were outstanding from the last inspection report. There was very good interaction and understanding between the service users and Mrs Proctor and the staff. Both service users confirmed that they were happy at the Larkins and didn’t want to leave. They appeared to be very settled and ‘at home’ at the Larkins. There were many photographs around the home of service users on outings with staff, at parties etc. looking comfortable and happy. Service users were encouraged and supported to be as independent as possible and to make choices in their day-to-day lives. Service users were involved in their own care plans which were regularly reviewed and updated to show any changes in needs. All aspects of health, personal and social care needs were met and recorded accordingly. Observations and discussions with the service users confirmed that the staff were knowledgeable about the needs of the service users. Apart from the building work, the home itself was generally well maintained and fit for purpose. It was a safe and homely environment for the service users and was clean and tidy. The fixtures and fittings were of a satisfactory standard and the bedrooms contained a range of service user’s personal items. The lounge/dining room and the kitchen were also decorated to a good The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 standard and the bathing and washing facilities were sufficient and suitable for the service users. Mrs Proctor was in the process of studying for NVQ Level 4 and the Registered Manager’s Award. She had also obtained a British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) information pack to use as a training tool for staff. The home was well managed and organised, and the service users were able to make decisions about the day-to-day activities within the home and their own choices about their lives. Satisfactory systems were in place to safeguard service user’s health, safety and welfare. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 1 and 4. Information about the home was easy to understand and provided sufficient detail to enable potential service users and their families to make a choice about the suitability of the home for them. Potential service users were also able to undertake trial visits. EVIDENCE: The statement of purpose and service user guide provided adequate information to enable the service users and their families to make a decision about the home. The format of the service user guide was excellent and was set out in a pictorial and written format and individually personalised to meet the needs of the service users. The three service users had lived at the home for quite some time but initially, were given the opportunity to have a trial period living at the home. The care manager confirmed that the ‘trial’ visit could be months where every effort is made to support the service users to settle into their new home. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 6, 7 and 9. Care planning processes in the home were well documented and each plan was regularly reviewed with the individual service users. Staff supported service users to make their own choices each day and were also encouraged to take risks and be as independent as possible. EVIDENCE: Individual plans of care were available for all three service users and clearly set out all aspects of personal, social and healthcare needs. One service user went through her plan with the inspector and explained about her goals and wishes. Considerable effort had been made by the care manager to undertake and document risk assessments for each of the service users. Some intermittent recording was seen and the care manager agreed to maintain a consistent approach. Service users had access to a range of health care specialists including the GP, dentist, and optician, and each visit was well recorded. Discussions with two of the service users confirmed that they were supported to make their own decisions about their day-to-day lives and staff were observed encouraging them to make individual choices and take risks which were acted upon on numerous occasions throughout the day. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Service users are encouraged and supported to integrate into community life and leisure activities, and to maintain family links. The daily routines and house rules promote independence and individual choice and respect service user’s individuality, dignity and privacy. EVIDENCE: One of the service users showed the inspector a large number of photographs showing days out that she and other service users had had at the seaside, at a local well dressing event, parties etc. It was clear that service users were regularly involved in community facilities and attended shops, the cinema etc. One service user informed the inspector that they were all going to see Beauty and the Beast at the theatre that month. The inspector was shown a beautiful, floral planter where the bedding plants had been raised from seeds by one of the service users. Another service user told the inspector of her love of DVD’s and music and brought a selection to see. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 Service users confirmed that they were encouraged to maintain contact with their friends and families. One service user stated that she had a ‘boyfriend’ and another had recently stayed with her sister. Staff were observed knocking on service user’s bedroom doors and obtaining permission before entering. Each service user had a key or locking device to their bedroom door and a key to the front door. Service users stated that they loved the food at the Larkins. It was observed that a choice was offered for lunch and dinner on the day of the inspection. Lunch was well presented, nutritious and balanced. The menu diary was inspected and a range of varied and nutritious meals was available for the service users. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 18, 19 and 20. Staff within the home were extremely knowledgeable about the health needs of the service users and provided personal support as appropriate to meet those needs. Good standards of care were delivered. There was a safe system for the receipt, storage, administration and disposal of medicines. EVIDENCE: Service users informed the inspector that they could wake and return to bed when it suited them. All three service users were relatively young and liked to dress accordingly. Personal support if any, was given in private, and preferences were complied with. One service user told the inspector that she did not like to be touched at all other than if she instigated it e.g. by offering her hand in greeting etc. Staff acknowledged this and made visitors aware of her needs. Care plans evidenced that regular visits to health professionals took place, such as the GP, dentist etc and were well documented and showed dates for further follow up appointments. None of the service users self medicated at the time of the inspection. All records for the administration of medication were satisfactory and correct. The ‘blister pack’ method was in use and all staff had received training from the pharmacist in its administration. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 22 and 23. Service users were well cared for in the home and felt that staff did listen to them and took action accordingly. Staff training and documentation protected service users from all aspects of abuse. EVIDENCE: No complaints had been made to the home or the Commission since the last inspection and when asked, service users said that they could complain to the staff or the inspector if they wished to at any time. The complaints procedure was in place in a format which could be understood by the service users and had been updated to show that a service user or relative, on behalf of the service user, could make a complaint directly to the Commission if they so wished. An Adult Protection procedure was in place. There had been no allegations or incidents of abuse at the home. All staff had been trained in recognising the signs of abuse and trained in the appropriate practice in the use of physical restraint. However, the care manager confirmed that restraint was not used or needed. One service user who had had problems with abuse in her life before moving into the Larkins, confirmed that she felt ‘very safe and protected’ at this home. Positive interaction was observed between staff and the service users and throughout the day of the inspection, it was noted that staff managed potentially volatile situations in a professional and sensitive manner for the benefit of the service users. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 standard(s) 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30. The home provides a safe and well-maintained environment for residents. The home was very clean, warm and tidy, and had a comfortable atmosphere. The bedrooms and communal areas were well suited for the young people who lived there. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection, the planned building extension and refurbishment programme for the home had already begun some weeks beforehand. The builders were on site throughout the day and although there was considerable disruption, staff had made every effort to maintain normality as much as possible and to ensure the safety of the service users. Areas of the home that were not affected by the building work were clean, bright and homely. Two of the service users bedrooms had been redecorated recently to a high standard. One service user showed the inspector her bedroom, which was decorated and fitted out in her choice of colour and design with a variety of photographs, posters and other personal items around the room. The second bedroom seen was decorated to meet the individual taste of the service user and also contained a selection of personal items such The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 15 as a CD player, DVD’s etc. The third bedroom seen was being used as a temporary arrangement until the building work was completed when the service user had agreed to move to one of the new bedrooms. The service user informed the inspector that she had already chosen the colour scheme and fabric for her room. There were adequate washing and toilet facilities within the home to meet individual needs and a large lounge/diner plus a kitchen with a conservatory. The communal areas were well maintained and clean. The building work was due to be completed over the next couple of months and would increase the number of places available within the home from 3 service users to 5. 3 of the 5 bedrooms will have en-suite facilities with a 6th bedroom available for staff to sleep in overnight. A new dining room/visitors room will also be created for service users and their families/friends. In addition to the en-suites, there will be a refurbished bathroom downstairs with a corner bath plus a shower with toilet and basin upstairs. Service users and staff told the inspector that the completed building work would help to improve the home and they were looking forward to seeing everything completed especially as they had all been involved in the planning of the work in the initial stages. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 34 and 35. Recruitment procedures had been correctly addressed which had contributed to the protection of service users. Staff training had been given a high priority. EVIDENCE: Staffing records were examined and recruitment issues had been handled correctly. All staff had been subject to POVA/CRB comprehensive checks, and these were seen recorded. Training had been given a high priority and all statutory training was up to date. The inspector was shown a staff training plan that outlined both training received and training planned. The care manager had recently obtained a comprehensive information pack from BILD, which incorporated a variety of key themes such as ‘positive approaches to challenging behaviour’ etc. She informed the inspector that she intended to use the BILD pack for ‘in-house’ training sessions for staff as soon as possible. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 37, 38 and 42. The home appeared to be well run and health and safety issues had been given a high priority and managed well. The manager and the staff were committed to improving the lives of the service users. EVIDENCE: The care manager was continuing to study for NVQ4 and Registered Managers Award, and the home was well managed. From observations made, discussion with service users, the manager and staff, it was evident that the home was being run in the interests of the service users. The needs of the service users and meeting those needs were seen to be paramount to the care manager and her staff. No health and safety issues were noted during this inspection, including a tour of the home. The documentation was examined and all servicing and equipment checks were correct and up to date. The manager and staff spoken to confirmed that health and safety issues were given a high priority. The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 4 x x 3 x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 4 x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x x 4 3 3 3 x Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x 3 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Larkins Score 3 4 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 x x x 3 x E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 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 Regulation NONE 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 NONE Good Practice Recommendations The Larkins E51-E09 S5106 The Larkins V228682 24.05.05 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Stafford - Dyson Court, Staffordshire Technology Park Beaconside Stafford ST18 0BR 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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