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Inspection on 05/10/05 for The Oaks

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

This inspection was carried out on 5th October 2005.

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

The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 5 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

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

What has improved since the last inspection?

The Manager and the staff team have worked hard to address the requirements that were made at past inspections. The lounge has been refurbished and decorated to a high standard and the ground floor bathroom has had a new suite fitted and the walls tiled to match. New decoration has been chosen for the dining room and plans are in place to decorate some service users bedrooms. Records that must be held by the home have been reviewed and amended and staff have attended more training to update their knowledge and skills.

What the care home could do better:

The home must implement a quality assurance system that will let them know they are getting the service they provide right. The care plans need to contain more information for staff guidance to ensure that service users living in the home can expect to have their care needs addressed effectively. The programme of refurbishment needs to continue so that all areas of the home are made comfortable and safe for the people who live in the home.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Oaks Blaydon Bank Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE214PU Lead Inspector Mrs Eileen Hulse Announced Inspection 5th October 2005 01:30 The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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 Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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 Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Oaks Address Blaydon Bank Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE214PU 0191 414 1742 NO FAX 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) Miss Fiona Karen McCoull Mrs Kathleen McCoull Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (9), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (4) of places The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 24 May 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Oaks provides personal care and support for 9 people with learning difficulties, with an age range between 50 to 71 years of mixed genders. It is privately owned and managed by one of the proprietors. The home is situated on a steep bank in Blaydon close to local amenities, including a shopping mall, library, medical health centre, local churches and public houses. Access to public transport to the City of Newcastle, Gateshead and the Metro Centre is a short distance away and there is a bus stop close to the home. The premises itself is a converted 2 storey Victorian building offering single bedroom accommodation. The ground floor provides the communal facilities, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom fitted with an over the bath hoist. The home does not have lift facilities and there is no space available to install one, therefore the home remains unsuitable for people with physical disabilities. Internal access to the second floor level is by means of a wide staircase to further bedrooms, bathroom and WC, which are directly off the staircase onto a mezzanine level. The home has a small garden to the front and a paved area to the rear. There are plenty of on-street car parking spaces to the side of the home; parking is restricted to the front. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection took place on the 5th October 2005 by one inspector (Eileen Hulse). The date and time of the inspection was announced to people who use the service including the Manager and staff and was carried out as part of the annual inspection programme. Prior to the inspection, questionnaires were sent out to the service users and their families. Seven service users completed questionnaires with the help and support of their individual key workers and six completed questionnaires were received from relatives. Both service users and relatives feel the home provides a good standard of care. Service user comments included: • • • • • ‘I like everything about the home’ ‘I like the people I live with and the staff’ ‘I can go out by myself whenever I want to’ ‘It’s nice living here and I like the outings’ ‘Sometimes I help with the food shopping’ No relatives visited the home during the inspection. However, comments from their completed questionnaires included: • • • • ‘We are always made welcome in the home’ ‘I have never had to make a complaint about the service’ ‘I am always consulted about my relatives care’ ‘ I am very happy about the home and my relative is happy living there’ The inspection took 8hrs to complete that included 1hr 30mins to prepare for the inspection and two hours at a meeting with both proprietors a few days prior to the inspection to discuss requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection. The focus of the inspection was to gain insight into the quality of life and services received by service users who live in the home. Time was spent with service users, observing the practice of staff throughout the inspection and talking with the Manager and staff who were on duty. Some records were inspected including service user assessments, care plans, complaint’s policy and procedure and staff training and recruitment records. A tour was made of the communal and personal areas of the premises accompanied by the Manager following consultation with the service users. What the service does well: The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 The healthcare needs of service users is good and all the appropriate services such as dentists, chiropodists, opticians and medical appointments are accessed when they are required. Service users each can enjoy one to one activities with the staff and this gives service users choice at all times what they would like to do. During the inspection it was observed that service users are happy living in The oaks and have built up a good rapport with staff and clearly get on well with each other. Comments service users made during the inspection included: • • • • • • ‘I am looking forward to the Halloween disco as we get dressed up’ ‘The girls are all kind to me’ ‘I would tell the staff if I was unhappy here’ ‘I enjoy every meal I have here’ ‘We are playing bingo tonight, I love it’ I cleaned my bedroom today, I am always busy, I like to keep going’ 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 Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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 Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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 and 5 Good assessments are in place for all service users that form the basis of their care plan to ensure that all care needs can be met and each service user has a written contract that is an agreement between The Oaks proprietors and the service user. EVIDENCE: Records evidenced that all the service users living in the house have had needs assessments carried out by a Care Manager prior to their admission into the home. Each service user ‘s contract explains in detail what care they can expect to receive and what their rights are, it also details what is expected of them in relation to how much notice they must give should they wish to leave and live somewhere else. The contract also details how much they are expected to pay and how the fees are made up. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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): 6, 8, 9 and 10 Since the last inspection, the individual care plans in place have improved. However, more information needs to be included to ensure staff has the information required to ensure the care needs are met effectively. Information regarding service users is now held within the main office, this ensures that records are secure and confidential. EVIDENCE: Records evidenced that depending on service users capabilities, they are consulted and involved in the day to day routines of the home. Service users are able to take risks as part of their everyday activities and detailed risk assessments are held within the individual plans of care. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Not inspected on this occasion. EVIDENCE: The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 20 and 21 The procedure for the administration of medication to service users has improved and the policy and procedures now used, effectively guides staff to ensure that service users are given medicines safely. The staff team including the Manager are currently completing a twelve week accredited training course on ‘Safer handling of medication’ to ensure that all staff has an awareness of medicines used in the home. Service users have been given the opportunity to express their wishes in relation to death and dying and they are clearly recorded within the plans of care. EVIDENCE: The home have in place a Manrex monitored dosage system that is supplied from a local pharmacy. No service users currently living in the home administer their own medication, but there is a detailed medication policy and procedure to guide staff when they are administering medicines to service users. The medication administration recording sheets were examined and found to be well maintained with any changes required clearly marked. One of the senior care staff now has the responsibility of checking the medicine The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 administration records every two days to ensure the records are maintained correctly and that they are up to date. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 23 Appropriate systems are in place to protect vulnerable people against abuse and staff have received training in this area, this helps to keep people safe. EVIDENCE: The home has in place a policy and procedure that gives some guidance for staff regarding possible incidents or suspicion of abuse and staff have received training in this area. However, the Manager has been advised to obtain a copy of the Local Authorities Protection of Vulnerable Adults procedures so that staff can refer to information they have received training in. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24 and 30 The home is nicely furnished and improvements in the decoration of the home have taken place to a good standard. The home is odour free and systems are in place to control the spread of infection. EVIDENCE: The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 The Manager submitted to the Commission for Social Care Inspection, a programme of planned maintenance and renewal in respect of the refurbishment of the home and some of this work has been carried out to a high standard. The bathing and toilet facilities have been replaced with a new suite and the walls have been tiled. The communal lounge has been decorated and had the carpet replaced. During the inspection, the dining room was being prepared for decorating to take place. Service users were positive about the changes and their comments included: • • • • ‘We love the new bathroom and helped to pick some things for the bathroom’ ‘Isn’t our new carpet lovely, I love it’ ‘I love living here and wouldn’t live anywhere else’ ‘The house looks lovely’ The laundry facilities are sited in an area that is away from where food is prepared and cooked and recently the laundry flooring has been replaced. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.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, 34, 35 and 36 The care staff are experienced and 50 of the staff team have attained an NVQ qualification, they have a good mix of skills and this provides appropriate levels of support to service users. Personal staff files, job descriptions and a staff training and development plan were available for inspection and this included details of staff supervision. This information ensures that the performance of staff is regularly monitored by the Manager of the home. EVIDENCE: Throughout the inspection, staff were observed to communicate well with service users whilst providing necessary levels of assistance but at the same time encouraging independence. A staff supervision system is now operating and all staff receive individual supervision sessions every eight weeks. The supervision sessions are recorded and signed by both the Manager and the member of staff, one copy is held on the staff personal files and the other copy is given to the member of staff for their own records. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37 and 42 The home’s Manager, Ms Fiona McCoull has managed the home for five years, she is a Registered Learning Disability First Level Nurse and has a great deal of experience of working with this Service User group and has many valuable relevant skills. However, she does not hold the Registered Managers Award and must do so by 2005. Observation throughout the inspection showed that all staff are aware of health & safety and appear to work within guidelines at all times. EVIDENCE: The Manager understands that in order to meet the requirements specified by this Standard she must complete certain management units as part of NVQ training at Level 4. She has recently recommenced her Registered Managers Award training with a local training consultancy to ensure that this standard can be met. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 x 3 X X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score X 2 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 2 x 3 3 3 Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 X X X X X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 X 14 X 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 X 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME x PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Oaks Score 3 X 3 3 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X 2 3 3 3 3 DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? yes STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1 Standard YA6 Regulation 15 Requirement The care plans must detail sufficient information to guide the practice of staff and to ensure the care needs are met effectively. (Previous timescale of 24 May 2005 not met) The Manager must obtain a copy of the Local Authorities POVA procedures. The refurbishment plans for the home must be completed. (Previous timescale of 24 May 2005 not met) The Manager must hold an appropriate qualification in management by 2005. (Previous timescale of 24 May 2005 not met) The Manager must introduce a formal system of self monitoring upon which an annual development plan is based. (Previous timescale of 24 May 2005 not met) Timescale for action 01/01/06 2 3 YA23 YA24 10 16 01/01/06 31/03/06 4 YA37 9 31/12/05 5 YA39 24 01/01/06 The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 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 2 Refer to Standard YA5 YA6 Good Practice Recommendations The home’s contract/statement of purpose could be developed into a format suitable to the needs of the people who live there. It is recommended that individual plans drawn up with/for service users over the age of 65yrs be reviewed on a monthly basis in line with older persons standards. The Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection South of Tyne Area Office Baltic House Port of Tyne Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT 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 Oaks DS0000007434.V251565.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 - 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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