Inspection on 01/09/06 for The Oaks Russell Lane, 42

This inspection was carried out on 1st September 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

The Oaks Russell Lane, 42 10/01/06

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Russell Lane, 42 Whetstone London N20 0AE Lead Inspector Tom McKervey Key Unannounced Inspection 1st September 2006 09:30 Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Russell Lane, 42 Address Whetstone London N20 0AE 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) 020 8361 6500 020 8368 6704 CareTech Community Services (No.2) Ltd Mrs Jackie Kit-Chun White Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 10th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: 42 Russell Lane, also known as The Oaks, is a registered residential care home for six adults with a learning disability. The home was opened in 1998 by CareTech Community Services Limited, a company that also owns other residential care homes in Barnet. The home is divided into two units: a ground floor flat and a first floor flat. Each flat has three bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, quiet room, a separate toilet and bath and a toilet and shower. The front garden is paved and used for parking, and there is a back garden which is extended around both sides of the premises. The home has its own 7-seater vehicle for taking the residents out on trips and appointments. The home is located on a busy road, with easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants and public houses. At the time of this inspection, all residents were males. The fees for the service are £1177 per week. A copy of this report and the home’s Statement of Purpose can be obtained from the manager of the home. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection, which took place over a period of three hours, was carried out as part of the Commission’s inspection programme and to check compliance with the key standards. The registered manager was present throughout the inspection and fully cooperated in the process. The inspection process consisted of a tour of the premises, including visiting the residents’ bedrooms. The residents’ case files, staff records and documents relating to the running of the home were examined. The inspector spoke to two residents who had verbal skills and met one other service user. A member of staff was also spoken to. What the service does well: The home is well managed, and the registered manager, sets high standards when selecting staff to work in the home. Each resident has an individual activity programme, which is varied and stimulating, and there is an emphasis on fully accessing amenities in the community The residents who were spoken to, said that they liked the staff and the activities provided. A copy of the newsletter that is periodically sent to all registered services from the Commission, is placed in each resident’s bedroom. This is excellent practice and informs residents about the work of the Commission and changes in regulations and standards. The staff display a good knowledge of the residents’ needs and they communicate very well with them, particularly those who are unable to communicate verbally. All records pertaining to residents and the running of the home are well structured and easy to understand. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Thorough assessments had been made of the residents’ needs at the time of admission and annual reviews are carried out to ensure that their needs continue to be met. The home is designed to meet the individual needs of all the residents. EVIDENCE: No new service users have been admitted to the home this year. Two residents’ files were examined. There was evidence that thorough needs’ assessments and annual reviews of their care had been carried out by their social workers and the manager of the home. The assessments reflect individual’s likes and dislikes, for example; “I like to bath twice a day. I like the bath to be hot and I like to test it before I get in”. Feedback questionnaires from relatives were very positive about the home and the quality of the care provided. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The layout of the home is designed to provide two virtually separate units. The downstairs level contains three bedrooms and a security-coded entrance protects the upstairs level, where three residents who are more independent live. The home has its own vehicle for taking the service users out on trips and appointments. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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, 7, 8 & 9 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Two care plans were sampled. They were tailored to meet the individual’s needs in a person-centred way and they provided detailed objectives of care. There was guidance for staff about the actions required to achieve the goals. The care plans were reviewed six monthly and an annual review was held with the resident’s social worker and relatives to ensure that their needs continued to be met. The residents are dependent on staff support to varying degrees, but there are good risk assessments in place to ensure that reasonable risks are taken to allow residents to be as independent as possible. This was particularly notable if a resident displayed challenging behaviours when out in the community, where very good guidelines were documented for staff to follow. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Two residents showed the inspector their rooms, the décor of which, they said that they had chosen themselves. They also said they chose their meals and activities. These choices were recorded in their daily records and minutes of meetings. In a written comment, a resident said; “ I like my room because I chose the colours”. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The service enables residents to maximise their potential by supporting them to access a range of educational and leisure activities. Activities in the home and the community provide stimulation and interest. Meals are nutritious and provide a varied diet. EVIDENCE: There was evidence that the staff support residents to clean their own rooms, do the weekly shopping and to cook. Three residents attend day centres and colleges to develop life skills. There were various certificates of achievement attained at these facilities. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Each resident has an individual activity programme and there were daily records showing that they spent significant time accessing amenities in the community, for example; pubs and restaurants, going for walks and going to the bank. There were records of residents being supported to attend religious services. All residents had holidays this year, some of which were in Spain and France. There were photographs of these holidays in residents’ rooms. Two residents said that they had a lot of contact with their families, including overnight stays and weekends. When relatives visited the home, this was recorded in the visitors’ book. The menus showed a good variety of food, and there was evidence of choice. There was fresh fruit in both kitchens. Some residents are supported to cook their own meals when they are not at their day centre or college. Both dining rooms were clean and nicely decorated. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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): 18, 19 & 20 The quality in this outcome group is good. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Residents’ wishes about how their personal care is provided is respected. The residents’ healthcare needs are being met and medication is stored and administered safely. EVIDENCE: Most of the residents are able to provide their own personal support with nominal encouragement from the staff. The residents’ individual wishes were documented about how they liked their support to be provided. The residents said that when required, the staff always act with discretion and sensitivity when supporting them in their personal care . Service users also stated that staff always knock on their bedroom door before being invited to enter their room. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The case files of two residents were examined. They contained records of appointments with the G.P and a range of health professionals. One resident had recently been in hospital for investigation and treatment. There was evidence that the manager played a key role in ensuring that the resident’s health had been regularly monitored by the G.P. This resident was now fully recovered and was in good health at the time of the inspection. A complimentary letter was sent from this residents’ relatives. It stated, “We want you to know that we are very grateful to the manager and staff in the way they handled this threatening situation and to their continued devotion to our son while he was in hospital and since his return home”. All residents have a review by the G.P and an “O.K health check” each year by the Community Learning Disability Team, to which relatives are invited. There were monitoring charts for incidents of epilepsy, and residents were regularly weighed. Accident records were kept up to date and appropriately completed. No residents are able to self-medicate. Medication was appropriately stored and the records showed that medication was administered safely. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 & 23 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There is a high level of satisfaction expressed by residents and their residents about the care provided. Good practice and staff training safeguard the residents’ interests and welfare. EVIDENCE: The complaints procedure is in pictorial format for the benefit of the residents, and a copy of each was seen in the residents’ files, which is good practice. The last recorded complaint was in 2002. The residents spoken to said they were happy, well cared for and liked all their carers. Typical written comments to the inspector prior to the inspection from residents were; “ Staff always listen to me”, and “Staff treat me well”. A relative commented; “I am very happy with the care and attention my brother receives”. The manager is an accredited trainer in adult protection procedures and staff records showed that they had all attended training in this subject. Two staff who were interviewed were able to demonstrate a good knowledge and awareness of issues about abuse. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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, 25, 28 & 30 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The residents live in a home that promotes their independence in small groups. The bedrooms reflect service users’ preferences with their own personal possessions. The home is attractively decorated, well maintained and clean. EVIDENCE: The design of the home enables small group living and promotes a noninstitutional environment. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home is structured in two flats, each accommodating three residents in self-contained units. Three residents who require more intensive support, live downstairs, and the other three, who are more independent, live in the upstairs flat, which they enter via a coded entry pad. Residents have keys to their rooms. A tour of the home was carried out. All residents’ bedrooms were redecorated this year and a new kitchen was installed in the upstairs flat. The furniture and fittings throughout the home are of a good quality. New furniture had been purchased for the downstairs lounge, which looked attractive and welcoming. The dining furniture in both flats was in good condition. Both lounges and dining areas were spacious and had a good standard of decoration. The wallpaper in the upstairs corridor was peeling in several places and a requirement is made for this area to be redecorated. The paving around the rear of the premises had been re-laid, however, the grass was long and more plants would enhance the appearance of the garden. A recommendation is made about this issue. Two residents invited the inspector to visit their bedrooms. They were spacious and very attractively decorated and there were many personal items to reflect their interests. The residents stated that they had chosen the colour schemes for their rooms. The home was very clean and tidy, and free from offensive odours. Cleaning materials were stored safely. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): 32, 34, 35 & 36 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. There is sufficient staff on duty at all times to meet the residents’ needs. Care staff are well trained and supervised, and there are thorough systems in place for recruiting and screening new staff. Staff receive regular supervision to support them in meeting residents’ needs. EVIDENCE: The rotas showed that there were always sufficient numbers of staff on duty to meet residents’ needs, including supporting them on outings. At the time of the inspection, a resident was receiving one-to-one staffing to meet his current needs. Staff are allocated to individual residents as their key-workers. One staff who was interviewed, displayed a thorough knowledge of the residents and their role as a carer. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The inspector observed staff interacting with residents. They were warm and caring in the manner they approached the residents, who appeared to have a very good relationship with them. The manager stated that there were currently three staff vacancies. She described her approach to recruitment as being very rigorous in ensuring that the right people are employed to care for the residents. Successful interviews had been held to fill the vacancies, but the manager was waiting for Criminal Records Bureau clearances before the staff could start work. In the meantime, a bank of regular staff was used to cover shifts and agency staff were never employed. The staff records showed that proper checks had been carried out on new staff, including CRBs. All staff had undergone an extensive written induction programme. The manager showed the inspector an up to date training and development programme confirming that they had received training in all areas relevant to the care of service users. The manager is an assessor for the National Vocational Qualifications programme, and four staff have attained NVQ level 2. There were records confirming that all staff have formal supervision every month, at which their work performance and training needs are discussed. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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, 38, 39, 41 & 42 The quality in this outcome group is excellent. This judgement has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The manager is appropriately qualified and experienced and manages the home very effectively. Residents and staff are consulted in the running of the home and records are consistently of a high standard. There are good systems in place to safeguard the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors. EVIDENCE: Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 The registered manager has been in post since the home opened in 1998. She has achieved the Registered Manager Award at NVQ level 4 and is an assessor for the National Vocational Qualification programme. The manager is also an accredited trainer in adult protection procedures. All records pertaining to the residents, staff and the running of the home were well structured and up to date. Through observation of and discussion with the manager, residents and staff, the inspector was satisfied that the home is well managed. This was also confirmed in the letters and other written comments from relatives. Senior managers from Caretech carry out monthly unannounced visits to the home for the purpose of quality assurance and copies of the reports are sent to the Commission for Social Care Inspection. These also confirm that the home is well run. The staff stated said that there was a good team spirit and their morale was high. This was obvious to the inspector during this visit. Residents and staff meetings to discuss the running of the home are held monthly and were recorded in minutes. An audit of the quality of the service was carried out this year. Residents and relatives had been consulted during this audit. The outcome showed a high level of satisfaction with the service. It was pleasing to see that a copy of the Commission for Social Care Inspection’s newsletter was placed in each resident’s room, which shows a commitment to keep residents informed about changes to regulations and standards. The records of a resident’s financial transactions were examined. The amount of cash in the resident’s cash tin, reconciled with the recorded balance. There were certificates of safety for fire, gas, electric and water installations in the home. Fire alarms were tested weekly and regular fire drills were held. A fire risk assessment for the home was seen. A visit in April 06 by an environmental health officer found no health and safety issues. Potentially hazardous materials were safely stored and a current employer’s liability insurance certificate was on display. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 3 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 3 26 X 27 X 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 4 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 4 3 3 X 3 3 X Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 YA24 Regulation 23(2)(d) Timescale for action The registered person must 31/12/06 ensure that the upstairs corridor is redecorated. Requirement 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 YA24 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should provide more plants and have the grass cut to improve the appearance of the garden. Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Southgate Area Office Solar House, 1st Floor 282 Chase Road Southgate London N14 6HA 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 Russell Lane, 42 DS0000065437.V308912.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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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