Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 30/09/05 for The Thimbles

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

This inspection was carried out on 30th September 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Poor. 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

All aspects of the home and care provision are resident focussed. Residents are supported and enabled to make their own decisions. A variety of educational and leisure opportunities are available for residents. Staff have a good awareness and understanding of individual resident needs. Relationships between staff and residents are relaxed, friendly, supportive and appropriate.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Residents continue to develop their independent living skills.

What the care home could do better:

Care plans should be updated to ensure that all current needs are recorded. The Registered Manager post is vacant. As the Commission had not been notified of this the Registered Providers must ensure that a Registered Manager is appointed and confirm to the Commission what arrangements have been put into place to manage the home in the interim period.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Thimbles 80, Barnham Road Barnham Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 0ES Lead Inspector Mrs Lynne ODonnell Unannounced Friday, 30 September 2005. V246189 th 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 Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Thimbles Address 80, Barnham Road, Barnham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 0ES 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) 01243 555808 Mr T Jones Miss D M Thomson Care Home (CRH) 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (LD) - 3 registration, with number of places The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 06 January 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Thimbles is a care home registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to three resdients with a Learning Disability, aged between eighteen and sixty-five. The home is a detached cottage located within the village of Barnham, near to local amenities and public transport. The Registered Providers of the service are United Response. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an Unannounced Inspection which took place over 2 ½ hours. One resident was present throughout the inspection with a second returning home half way through. The resident at home participated fully throughout the inspection and the Inspector would like to thank him for his assistance. In addition the Inspector spoke with staff members on duty and to a visiting relative. Lifestyle choices and opportunities formed the focus of the inspection and the inspector was able to speak at length with the resident about these. It was clear throughout the inspection that the residents form the focus of all activities within the home and that the staff team work towards ensuring positive outcomes for residents who live at the home. 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 Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) As no new residents have moved into the home during the last 12 months these standards were not assessed at this inspection. EVIDENCE: The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 6, 8, 9 Each resident has a care plan in place, which reflects their individual needs. Residents are enabled to take a full and active role in the day-to-day running of the home. Residents are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: The care plan of one resident was reviewed at this inspection. This was done with the resident who confirmed and discussed different aspects of the care plan. The care plan contained information as to the personal, health, educational and social care needs of the resident. A personal planning book is used with residents to provide personal information, likes and dislikes, daily routines. Goals are agreed with the resident as part of the care plan review process. However it was clear that the care plan was in need of updating and this was acknowledged by the member of staff present. It is therefore recommended that all care plans are reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that all of the information contained within the care plan is accurate and up to date and reflects the current lifestyle and needs of the residents. It was clear through discussions with the resident that they are supported and enabled to make their own decisions about their lives. All three residents have a full and active role in the day-to-day running of the home. It was very clear The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 through discussions with staff and residents and observations made during the inspection that the residents form the focus of all activities within the home. Regular weekly meetings are held by the residents with a staff member, in which decisions are taken as to menus, activities, roles and responsibilities within the home. Risk assessments were seen within the care plans. Any risk identified is assessed and action is then taken accordingly to minimise the risk, including training for residents. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 15, 16, 17 11, 12, 13, 14, All residents have the opportunity to develop independent living skills. Residents are enabled to participate in educational activities. Residents are able to access the local community and take advantage of local amenities. Residents are able to access leisure activities of their choice. Residents are supported to maintain personal and family relationships. The daily routines within the home promote independence A range of healthy and balanced meals are cooked within the home. EVIDENCE: Through records seen and discussions with the residents and staff member it was clear that all residents have opportunities for personal development. This is achieved through activities at the home and/or through training courses at college. Residents can access a variety of educational activities through local colleges. One resident who arrived home during the inspection advised that he had enjoyed photography and gardening at college that day. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 The resident present during the whole inspection spoke of using the local shops and going to the pub and cafes. In addition they also go shopping at local supermarkets. He also spoke of his forthcoming holiday which he is looking forward to. It was clear that the daily routines within the home promote individual choice and freedom of movement. Residents were observed to choose themselves where and how they wished to spend their time within the home. Staff respect the privacy of residents and were observed only to access communal rooms and other areas by first asking the residents if this was ok. Staff were observed to communicate effectively with the residents and had obviously developed relaxed, appropriate and effective relationships with them. A relative arrived during the inspection and was welcomed into the home. They were very happy with the care provision and spoke positively about the staff team at the home. Menus are decided on a weekly basis by the residents who also shop for the food and prepare and cook the meals. One resident now has her own food budget which she spends with support from staff as necessary enabling her full choice and control over her meals and shopping. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19 The physical and emotional health care needs of residents are met. EVIDENCE: It was clear through speaking with both staff and the resident that health care needs were assessed, monitored and met with referrals to doctors and other health professionals as required. Whilst it is considered that this standard is met it is recommended that staff ensure that all pertinent information with regards to residents health care is recorded and kept up to date within their care plans. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 22 Residents feel that their views are listened to and acted upon. EVIDENCE: There is a clear complaints procedure in place which residents are able to access and use. One resident spoke about a complaint he had had to make recently. He had spoken with a member of staff who had assisted him in recording this on a complaints form. The issue had then been dealt with by a senior member of staff and the resident was happy that the matter had been dealt with properly and quickly. Residents are also able to voice any concerns or issues during the weekly meetings, or at other times on a one to one basis with staff on duty. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 28, 30 Shared spaces complement and supplement residents individual rooms. The home is clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: There is large open plan kitchen/dining area with a suitably sized dining table at which residents choose to eat their meals. There is also a well furnished lounge which the residents made good use of during the inspection. A separate staff room is also provided. The home was clean and tidy and the residents play an active part in this. Cleaning tasks and jobs are discussed at the weekly meetings and the resident spoken with confirmed that they each now have their own agreed designated job. All residents wash their own clothes with support from staff as required. Laundry facilities are provided and are sited separately from the kitchen and food storage/preparation areas. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 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 Residents are supported by an effective staff team. Staff at the home receive appropriate training to meet the needs of the residents. EVIDENCE: There is a core staff team at the home. The duty rota showed that there is one member of staff on duty at all times. As all residents attend college throughout the week, this allows one to one support for each resident on the weekday that they are at home. The staff member on duty during the inspection demonstrated a good awareness and understanding of the residents needs and was able to communicate effectively with the residents. Relationships between staff and residents were observed to be relaxed, friendly, supportive and appropriate. The staff member on duty advised that training for staff is overseen by the service manager for the Registered Providers. She confirmed that she had attended a variety of training courses. She also confirmed that the Registered Providers supported NVQ training for staff. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 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 There is currently no Registered Manager in post at the home. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager has left the home since the last inspection, however as the Commission had not been formally notified of this her name still appears within the registration details. An immediate requirement was made to the Registered Providers to address this as a matter of urgency and the Commission has requested written confirmation from them as to the current situation and the arrangements they are to put in place for the management of the home. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 x x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 2 x 3 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score x x x x 3 x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x 3 x 3 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 The Thimbles Score x 3 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 1 x x x x x x H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 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 YA 37 Regulation 38 (1 b, 2) and 39 (a,b). Requirement Where the Registered Manager proposes to be absent from the care home for 28 days or more the registered person shall give written notice to the Commission, this notice shall specify the length and reason for the absence and arrangements which have been made for the running of the care home during that absence. The Registered Person shall give written notice if a person other than the registered person manages the care home and if a person ceases to manage the care home. Timescale for action 07/10/05 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 YA6 Good Practice Recommendations Care plans for residents should be updated to reflect current and any changing needs. The Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection 2nd Floor Ridgeworth House Liverpool Gardens Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1RY 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 Thimbles H60-H11 S14793 The Thimbles V246189 300905 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 - 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!