Inspection on 09/11/05 for The Larkins

This inspection was carried out on 9th November 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 02/06/05

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 Announced Inspection 9th November 2005 09:30 The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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 Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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 Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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) Mrs Yvonne Proctor Mrs Yvonne Proctor Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 2nd June 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Larkins is a private, registered home providing a residential care service for up to five 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 residents 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 three of the five bedrooms have an en-suite facility and there is one bathroom and one shower room also available. There is a comfortable lounge, a modern kitchen, a dining room/visitors room, an office and a staff room. The property has recently been extended to increase the number of places within the home from 3 to 5. This extension has been carried out to a high standard and complies with all regulatory requirements. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This announced visit was made on the 9th November 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 8 hours. The inspection included a tour of the home, inspection of records, observation and discussions with the residents and staff. Since the last inspection on 2nd June 2005, 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. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The large extension to the home had been completed and had increased the number of places within the home from 3 to 5. This work had been carried out to a high standard and was complemented by good quality fixtures and fittings and colour co-ordinated accessories. In addition to this, the domestic, homely character of the home had been maintained for the benefit of the residents. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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 DS0000005106.V259084.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 Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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): 2, 3 and 5. The home had undertaken the necessary assessments to ensure that the needs of the residents could be met. Each resident had an individual contract with the home. EVIDENCE: The funding authority and the home had completed assessments to identify individual needs and to ensure that the Larkins could meet those needs. The assessments covered all aspects of health, personal care, social, educational and leisure interests as well as family contacts and any behavioural issues. Each resident had a written agreement between themselves and the home and it is recommended that this contract includes all elements as set out in Standard 5 of the National Minimum Standards for Adults aged 18 to 65. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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): 8 and 10. The staff supported and encouraged residents to make decisions and to participate in the running of the home, thereby enabling residents to have choices and control over their lives. Residents knew that the information about them was handled securely and confidentially. EVIDENCE: The small number of residents living in the home enabled staff to consult with them on a daily basis regarding all aspects of daily living. Residents were encouraged to make decisions over their lives including where they wanted to go for a day out, what to eat, when to get up etc. The records showed that residents had been consulted about their satisfaction of living in the home, behaviour patterns and about the potential extension and were asked for their comments on the proposals. Residents had all agreed that the work should take place and were kept informed throughout the process. Formal residents meetings had been postponed recently due to the on-going building work and disruption, however, the registered care manager confirmed that these would be resurrected and informal discussions took place every day. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Information about the residents was handled appropriately and safely. The inspector viewed the home’s confidentiality policy and staff confirmed that they were clear about the need to maintain confidentiality in the best interests of the resident and to report any issues of confidentiality to the registered care manager. One resident showed the inspector a copy of her file and confirmed that she knew where it was kept and who looked after it for her. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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): 11 and 12. Residents had opportunities for development and were able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities to meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The day-to-day activities within the home were governed by the wishes and needs of the residents. This involved a number of activities such as: going for a walk, pool, drawing, dominoes, cards, discos, participating in an annual production of a show, visits to: a pub, a youth club, Bridgemere Gardens, Stapely Water Gardens, Chester Zoo, Southport, Castleton and Hartington, cooking and baking, housework, preparing food etc. Other activities included: craft sessions, collages, dominoes (to improve numerical skills), jigsaws (for concentration and co-ordination), basic sums and educational toys. During the inspection, the residents made biscuits and fairy cakes with staff members and the inspector was offered to try them and found them to be delicious. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 Residents also had their hair done by a qualified hairdresser within the home. One resident used an Assist advocate, facilitated by the registered care manager. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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 residents living in the home were young and felt unable to communicate their needs in terms of illness and dying at this time. EVIDENCE: The ages of the residents within the home ranged from 23 to 38 and the inspector acknowledged the reason why their requirements re ageing, illness and death had not been discussed with them. It was agreed with the care manager that these could be talked about with the residents and family members as the need arose. All other standards within this section were inspected at the previous inspection in June 2005. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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 and 23. Residents were listened to and their views and opinions taken into account. Policies, procedures and staff training ensured that residents were protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. EVIDENCE: No complaints and no allegations of abuse or neglect had been received by the home or the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The inspector was told by a resident about how awful she had been to a member of staff and didn’t know why. The inspector was satisfied that the staff were aware that this happened from time to time due to the resident’s behaviour and were adept at handling the situation. The resident told the inspector that she liked the member of staff and they were friends. The inspector was impressed with the way that staff handled various challenges throughout the inspection and the level of skill and patience that was shown to the residents. It was clear that the welfare of the residents remained the priority of the service and everything was done to ensure that their needs were met. One relative made comments in a written questionnaire, which was sent directly to the Commission for Social Care Inspection as follows: “My daughter has received excellent care during her 3.5 years at the Larkins. Her personal needs are met every day. My thanks go out to all members of staff who look after and care for my daughter”. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.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): 28 and 29. Shared spaces were homely, bright, comfortable and very clean. No specialist equipment was needed to maximise independence for the residents living in the home at the current time. EVIDENCE: The new extension had been completed and included a new dining room/ visitor’s room/quiet room. This had provided much more available space within the lounge and a room for residents to use other than their bedrooms if they wished to spend time quietly alone or with their visitors. The dining room was due to be redecorated but was more than adequate in providing room for dining and relaxing. The two refurbished bathrooms were decorated to a high standard with colour co-ordinated fixtures, fittings and accessories. As stated previously, the residents within the home did not have any need for specialist equipment at the present time to maximise their independence. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 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): 31, 32, 33 and 36. Staff were competent, qualified and knowledgeable about the aims and values of the home and they received formal supervision sessions on a regular basis for the benefit of the residents. EVIDENCE: Documentation and observation evidenced that staff were knowledgeable about the needs of the residents and worked hard to develop positive relationships with those they supported. Staff job descriptions were not available at the time of the inspection but staff told the inspector that they had copies of their job descriptions, which detailed their roles and responsibilities. These will be examined at the next inspection to ensure that they link to the goals set within each individual resident’s care plan. All staff within the home had achieved NVQ Level II and the management and staff should be commended for their commitment to providing qualified staff within the home. Two staff had also gained the Certificate in Care Practice. To improve staff knowledge, the registered care manager had obtained a British Institute of Learning Disability (BILD) training pack and the first unit had been completed by one member of staff. Two members of staff had also been booked onto a course to develop the skills to work with GP’s, social workers, nurses and therapists. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 A higher level course for Food Hygiene and Safety had been completed by a member of staff and the registered care manager was in the process of completing the Registered Manager’s Award plus NVQ Level 4. She confirmed that 7 modules had been completed and 5 were remaining. Other training which had taken place was: Health and Safety May 2005, Recognising Adult Abuse July 2004 and next due in January 2006 and Fire training completed in September 2005. Staff were observed to be interested, motivated and committed to meeting the needs of the residents and were approachable to numerous demands throughout the day. Staff attendance levels were excellent with virtually no sickness recorded. Formal staff meetings did not take place and the registered care manager confirmed that these would be instigated and carried out quarterly. Supervision records evidenced that all required elements were addressed and were well documented and comprehensive. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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, 40 and 41. Effective quality assurance processes were in place to measure success of the service provided within the home. Policies, procedures and other records safeguarded the rights and interests of residents. EVIDENCE: In addition to regular consultation with residents, the Larkins had also designed a questionnaire for relatives to determine their satisfaction of the service provided to their family member. The inspector examined a number of these and was impressed by the design and content which covered all aspects of the service. One completed by a relative on 9th September 2005 showed a high level of satisfaction of the service. The care manager also sent a copy of each inspection report to one family to ensure that they stayed up to date with the findings. It was clear that every effort was made to monitor the quality of the service and to take appropriate action to rectify any problems if raised. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 The policies and procedure documentation within the home was examined and evidenced compliance with all relevant topics as set out in Appendix 3 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. The registered care manager confirmed that although only one resident was really interested, all residents had access to their individual care plans and records. Individual records were explained to the residents and kept securely and up to date. The Larkins DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 3 3 X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score X X 4 X 3 Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score X X X X 3 N/A X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 3 X X 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Larkins Score X X X N/A Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X 3 3 3 X X DS0000005106.V259084.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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. 1 Refer to Standard YA5 Good Practice Recommendations For the contract between the resident and the home to include all elements as set out in Standard 5 of the National Minimum Standards for Adults aged 18 to 65. 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