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Inspection on 16/08/05 for The Laurels

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

This inspection was carried out on 16th August 2005.

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

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

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The home provides good care. The manager and staff work well together and are all cheerful and enthusiastic about the home. Residents were relaxed and happy in the home. The house and garden are well maintained and attractive. The manager and staff enable and support residents to try new activities and occupations e.g. working in a cattery, taking part in a life skills course. One resident`s comment was being content in the home and looking forward to new courses and work.

What has improved since the last inspection?

There has been staff training on Autism and its effects that was very useful. All of the residents have completed an in depth interview with key workers based around 10 key questions. This review is to make sure those residents aims and wishes are fully considered. In depth annual reviews including relatives, staff and care managers have started to look at residents` wishes for the future.

What the care home could do better:

Individual staff supervision sessions need to take place and formal records is kept. This ensures that staff are fully supported and receive training and development as needed. The central staff training record needs to be kept updated so that the manager and deputy can make sure that all staff receive sufficient training.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 THE LAURELS 3 Nine Mile Ride Wokingham Berks RG40 4QA Lead Inspector Susan Cledwyn-Davies Unannounced 16 August 2005, 9:30 am 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 LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Laurels Address 3 Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 4QA 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) 0118 9737110 New Support Options Ltd Ms Vicky Richards Care Home (CRH) 5 Category(ies) of Learning Disability (LD) registration, with number of places THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 1 October 2004 Brief Description of the Service: The Laurels is a small residential home, that is part of New Support Options, a large provider group and is registered for 6 people who have learning disablilties and some physical disabilities. The care needs of this group are complex. The home is a large converted bungalow, with two self contained flats with facilities within. The house is situated in a rural area at one end of a busy road. There is a large well maintained garden with a patio area and lawn. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place between 9.30am and 2pm. Included in the inspection was conversation and contact with all service users, discussion with the manager and staff, examination of records and a partial tour of the home. It was agreed with the manager that the people who lived in the home would be named as residents. 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 LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 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 LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 7 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, 2 and 5 Residents have information about the home both in the statement of purpose and individual service user guides. Each resident has a plan of care that is reviewed regularly. Residents have a written contract and statement of terms and conditions. EVIDENCE: The statement of purpose is present and up to date. Individual service user guides are kept by residents in their own rooms. The home is full and there have been no new residents in the home. Six monthly needs assessments take place and the latest review involved asking residents detailed questions about their life in the home and any aspirations. Key workers assisted residents to complete this. There is a clear view of the needs of the current residents and that the home is able to meet these needs. Each resident has a contract and an additional terms and conditions detailing their rights and responsibilities. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 8 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, 8 and 9 Residents changing needs are assessed and personal goals encouraged. Residents make decisions about their lives and are consulted on aspects of life in the home. Residents are supported to take risks. EVIDENCE: Two care plans were seen. These demonstrated that care was planned and reviewed every six months. The last six monthly reviews were based around asking ten significant questions to all residents. These questions were about the life in the home and any improvements people would like in their life. Care plans included risk assessments that were reviewed six monthly. The annual reviews are following the PATH system that includes looking at all the hopes and interests of residents with relatives, staff and the care manager. The results have been very positive for one resident whose previous interests are being promoted e.g. horse riding. These reviews are being completed for all residents. Residents are involved in the weekly planning meetings, when the menus are planned and activities arranged. During the day residents make choices e.g. food to be eaten, activities and outings. This was confirmed in records, by staff and observed during the visit. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 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) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 Residents have opportunities to develop new skills and mix with their peers. Residents are part of the local community and have appropriate leisure activities. Personal and family relationships are respected and residents’ rights recognised. Meals follow a healthy and varied diet. EVIDENCE: Residents’ individual needs and wishes are recognised and considered important. Activities include Day opportunities, college courses and going out into the local community e g shopping, for a meal. Staff support individual aims, on the day of the inspection two staff were attending a supporters course in college to help a resident starting a new course. New opportunities are looked for. Relatives visit the home and are encouraged to take an active part in residents’ life. The meals are varied and reflect residents’ choice. There is a weekly planning meeting including residents. The meal during the visit was freshly prepared and enjoyed. The record of meals prepared showed variety and use of fresh food. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 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 and 19 Residents have the personal support they require and health needs are met. EVIDENCE: Care plans reflect individual wishes and preferences. The daily routine preferred is known and supported. Health care is provided by a local surgery, residents visit the surgery for care as necessary. Other community support is provided as necessary. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 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 Residents are listened to and protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. EVIDENCE: Residents are able to make complaints either themselves or through a key worker. No complaints have been made since the last inspection. There is a good understanding of residents’ rights and staff have received training in the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. The manager has obtained the recent multi agency guidelines. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 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 and 30 Residents live in a comfortable and homely environment. The home is clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The house is very well maintained and kept. Staff have decorated some individual residents rooms. The manager advised that there is a quote being prepared to decorate the whole home apart from the rooms completed. The garden is attractive and kept maintained. The laundry room is off the main corridor. This room now has a fire release hold back in place. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 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) 33, 35 and 36 An effective staff team supports residents. Trained staff meets individual and joint needs of residents and staff supervision is given on a daily basis. EVIDENCE: The staff rota, discussion with staff and observation shows that sufficient staff are on duty. All staff noted that this was a happy home and enjoyed working there. Staff were observed to work well together. Some new appointments have been made but there are still 2.5 posts vacant. The manager continues to try and recruit staff. A recent appointment came via the care agency. Vacancies in the rota are covered by known agency staff and overtime by the permanent staff team. Staff training records were seen and available but were not completely up to date. It is important that staff are trained properly and that each member of staff has a minimum of 5 training days a year. The manager is aware of this and will be ensuring that records stay up to date. Staff supervision takes place on an informal basis and the manager is very accessible. Formal recorded supervision should be taking place a minimum of six times a year. This level was not found. All staff confirmed that they were supported and would receive support if needed. A requirement is made to ensure that the formal supervision takes place. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 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 partially 42. Residents live in a well run home with a positive and supportive management ethos. Health and safety issues are promoted. EVIDENCE: The manger has the recommended qualifications and also acts as NVQ assessor to two staff taking NVQ 3 training. Staff were very positive about the managers’ style and approach. Residents were comfortable and familiar with the manager, speaking of liking her. Their interests are promoted. The requirements from the last report have been achieved, including kitchen cleaning records, new taps at one kitchen sink, ensuring the contaminated waste bin is locked and preparing a fire risk assessment and house risk assessment. The tiling round the kitchen sink remains to be regrouted and will be completed by the decorators in the near future. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 3 3 x x 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 3 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 4 x x x x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 x 2 2 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 THE LAURELS Score 3 3 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 4 x x x 3 x H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 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 36 Regulation 18 Requirement To ensure that staff have individual supervision six times a year.r Timescale for action 1.10.05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard 35 Good Practice Recommendations To ensure that staff training records are kept accurately. THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI THE LAURELS H52-H01-S50226-The Laurels-V228020-110705Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 - 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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