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Inspection on 10/02/06 for The Liberty Of Earley House

Also see our care home review for The Liberty Of Earley House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 10th 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 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 service strives to improve systems in place that promotes staff training, quality assurance and the health, safety and well-being of the residents, providing an excellent standard of care from a staff team who receive support in their training needs, and a quality assurance system that seeks the views of the residents who live there. The home has good working relationships with health and social care professionals to ensure the health and social care needs of the residents are met, and residents feel respected by a staff team that they speak highly of.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Residents` needs assessments, care plans and risk assessments have been improved to identify their individual needs and associated risks, and ensure an action plan in place to meet those needs and minimise risk. Residents are involved in the regular review of their care plans that promotes independence and choice. A review of the homes medication procedure has improved safety within the administration of residents` medicines

CARE HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE The Liberty Of Earley House Strand Way Earley Reading Berkshire RG6 4EA Lead Inspector In Yvonne Souden Unannounced Inspection 10:00 10 February 2006 th X10015.doc Version 1.40 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 Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.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 Older People. 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 Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Liberty Of Earley House Address Strand Way Earley Reading Berkshire RG6 4EA 0118 975 1905 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) Trustees of Liberty of Earley House Mrs Penelope Anne Smith Care Home 35 Category(ies) of Old age, not falling within any other category registration, with number (35) of places The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 23rd May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Liberty of Earley House is a two-storey purpose-built residential care home owned by the Earley Charity, and as a residential care home is unique in the accommodation provided. There are 29 individual flats/bedsits, the majority are flats and accommodate up to thirty-five people aged 65 or over. There is a large communual open plan lounge with adjoining dining room on the ground floor, and a dining room on the first floor; various seating arrangements are at the end of the corridors on each floor and a lift is available to the first floor. Car parking is available at the front of the building, and to the rear is an attractive courtyard garden with raised borders filled with an array of mature plants that is accessible from patio doors within the communual areas and ground floor flats. The homes admission criteria is that on admission the service user has low dependency needs and that people from the Earley catchment area are given first priority. Public transport is available and local shops are within a five-minute drive; the towns of Reading and Wokingham are within a 20 Minute Drive. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the homes second unannounced inspection within the inspection year 2005/06. The Inspector recommends that the reader refer to the inspection report dated 23rd May 2005, to gain an overall view of the key standards assessed within this inspection year. The Inspector had opportunity to speak to staff, residents and management, and assessed systems in place that promotes the health and safety and well-being of the residents who live there. 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 Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–6) Health and Personal Care (Standards 7-11) Daily Life and Social Activities (Standards 12-15) Complaints and Protection (Standards 16-18) Environment (Standards 19-26) Staffing (Standards 27-30) Management and Administration (Standards 31-38) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 6 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Each service user has a written contract/ statement of terms and conditions with the home. No service user moves into the home without having had his/her needs assessed and been assured that these will be met. Service users and their representatives know that the home they enter will meet their needs. Prospective service users and their relatives and friends have an opportunity to visit and assess the quality, facilities and suitability of the home. Service users assessed and referred solely for intermediate care are helped to maximise their independence and return home. The Commission considers Standards 3 and 6 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 3 Prospective service users needs are assessed prior to moving into the home. EVIDENCE: The manager and staff team have made substantial improvements to the documentation they use to assess the needs of prospective service users, thus ensuring information is informative and user-friendly. Staff confirmed that the method now used is easier to work with, as they are able to identify the needs and associated risks of the service user from the documentation in place at a glance. Service users files viewed show that a multi-agency approach had taken place to assess their individual health and social care needs and that care management needs assessments had been obtained where applicable. The service users files show that their individual plan of care had been drawn from the information within their needs assessment and that those needs are regularly reviewed. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Health and Personal Care The intended outcomes for Standards 7 – 11 are: 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The service user’s health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care. Service users’ health care needs are fully met. Service users, where appropriate, are responsible for their own medication, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. Service users feel they are treated with respect and their right to privacy is upheld. Service users are assured that at the time of their death, staff will treat them and their family with care, sensitivity and respect. The Commission considers Standards 7, 8, 9 and 10 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 7,9 Service users health, personal and social care needs are set out in an individual plan of care and are protected by the homes policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. EVIDENCE: The home has met the requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection. Service users medication continues to be reviewed regularly and homely remedy medication has been reviewed by the GP. Service users independence is promoted within the administration of their medication, and where risk assessed as safe, service users are asked to sign their risk assessment in agreement, with a review date identified. Medication is kept secure and is under review for those service users who administer their own medication. Service users care plans have been reviewed and identify their individual needs and have an action plan to meet those needs and minimise associated risks. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Daily Life and Social Activities The intended outcomes for Standards 12 - 15 are: 12. 13. 14. 15. Service users find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. Service users maintain contact with family/ friends/ representatives and the local community as they wish. Service users are helped to exercise choice and control over their lives. Service users receive a wholesome appealing balanced diet in pleasing surroundings at times convenient to them. The Commission considers all of the above key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12 to 15 were not assessed. EVIDENCE: The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 16 - 18 are: 16. 17. 18. Service users and their relatives and friends are confident that their complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon. Service users’ legal rights are protected. Service users are protected from abuse. The Commission considers Standards 16 and 18 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 16,18 Service users are listened to and complaints are taken seriously and acted upon. Service users are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: Service users expressed satisfaction of the service provided and were complimentary about management and staff within the home. Service users are supported to complete a monthly quality review form that asks their opinion about the service provided, and are supported by a key worker system. Regular residents meetings enable the service user to raise any compliments/complaints that they may have about the service. The home has a complaints procedure that has been accessed by service users and the record identifies that complaints are taken seriously and have a satisfactory outcome. CSCI have received no complaints about the service provided within this inspection year. The home has an adult protection policy and procedures and staff receive training on abuse awareness to safeguard the service users. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 19 – 26 are: 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Service users live in a safe, well-maintained environment. Service users have access to safe and comfortable indoor and outdoor communal facilities. Service users have sufficient and suitable lavatories and washing facilities. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. Service users’ own rooms suit their needs. Service users live in safe, comfortable bedrooms with their own possessions around them. Service users live in safe, comfortable surroundings. The home is clean, pleasant and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 19 and 26 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 19 to 26 were not assessed. EVIDENCE: The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 27 – 30 are: 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users’ needs are met by the numbers and skill mix of staff. Service users are in safe hands at all times. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Staff are trained and competent to do their jobs. The Commission consider all the above are key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 27,28,29,30 Service users are in safe hands as they are protected by the homes recruitment policy and practices and have their needs met by trained and competent staff. EVIDENCE: Staff files identified that management follow a robust recruitment procedure to protect the service users. Although new staff follow a structured induction programme senior staff confirmed that a representative from Skills for Care is scheduled to undertake a staff training evaluation of the home that should identify the mandatory and specialist training needs of staff. Staff training certificates identify that a full training programme is in place, and records show that over 50 of staff have a National Vocational Qualification in care. Management confirmed plans to develop an annual training programme. The staff Rota identified that sufficient staff numbers are on shift to meet the individual needs of the service users. Staff were observed to be unhurried and able to respond to service users questions and offer support were needed. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Management and Administration The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 38 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Service users live in a home which is run and managed by a person who is fit to be in charge, of good character and able to discharge his or her responsibilities fully. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The home is run in the best interests of service users. Service users are safeguarded by the accounting and financial procedures of the home. Service users’ financial interests are safeguarded. Staff are appropriately supervised. 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 and staff are promoted and protected. The Commission considers Standards 31, 33, 35 and 38 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,33,35,38 Service users live in a home that is run in their best interest by an experienced and competent manager. Service users financial interests are safeguarded and their health, safety and welfare is promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has the experience and qualifications to manage the home and attends regular training to update her knowledge and skills in line with current legislation and good practice. The manager was attending training on the morning of the inspection and was available in the afternoon to discuss systems in place that promotes the health, safety and well-being of the service users. The senior staff team have delegated tasks to promote good practice and drive forward safe systems within administration of service users medicines, health and safety and training of staff. The home keeps safe a small amount of money on behalf of individual service users, and records/receipts matched money kept. Quality assurance systems seek the views of the service users and monitors health and safety procedures The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 within the home. Discussions with the manager identified the benefits of obtaining the views of the service users family and friends, and of stakeholders within the community on the service provided. Monthly regulation 26 inspections, staff communication books, and minutes of staff and residents meetings contribute to quality control monitoring of the service provided. Staff receive mandatory health and safety training, and fire records identify regular fire safety checks are undertaken. The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People 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 2 3 4 5 6 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 X 3 X X X N/A HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE Standard No Score 7 3 8 X 9 3 10 X 11 X DAILY LIFE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Standard No Score 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X COMPLAINTS AND PROTECTION Standard No Score 16 3 17 X 18 3 X X X X X X X X STAFFING Standard No Score 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Score 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Commission for Social Care Inspection Berkshire Office 2nd Floor 1015 Arlington Business Park Theale, Berks RG7 4SA National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Liberty Of Earley House DS0000011357.V282462.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!