Inspection on 27/09/05 for Thorntree Way

This inspection was carried out on 27th September 2005.

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

The inspector 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 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Thorntree Way 21/11/07

Thorntree Way 08/01/07

Thorntree Way 13/12/05

Thorntree Way 14/01/05

Thorntree Way 17/06/04

Similar services:

22 Sandown Road

The Highlands

Dilston College Of Further Education

West View House

Prince Bishop Court

Park View (15)

Craigmore House

1 Lanark Close

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Thorntree Way 15 Thorntree Way Chase Farm Blyth Northumberland NE24 4LS Lead Inspector Hilary Stewart Unannounced Inspection 27th September 2005 12:30 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.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 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.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. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Thorntree Way Address 15 Thorntree Way Chase Farm Blyth Northumberland NE24 4LS 01670 545569 01670 545569 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) Active Care Ms Lana Mash Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (2) of places Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. All residents may also have a physical disability Date of last inspection 14th January 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Number 13 and 15 Thorntree Way are two purpose built bungalows situated on a modern housing estate on the outskirts of Blyth. It is the home of 9 residents who have a learning disability some have a physical disability as well. The properties are in close to the town centre and are conveniently situated near to a large supermarket. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection was unannounced and started at 1230hrs. It took 3 ¾ hours. Most of the residents were at home at the time of the inspection. The inspector spoke to seven of the residents, two members of staff and two senior staff. Records and the building were examined. 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. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 and 4 Residents have introductory visits before they decide to move into the home. Each resident has had their needs assessed prior to them being offered a place so the home can be sure that they can meet their needs. EVIDENCE: Senior staff said that the needs of each resident have been assessed. All of the people have a ‘Person Centred Plan’ in place. The staff said that a lot of importance is placed on enabling the householders to make their own decisions. Residents are able to have a gradual introduction by visiting and staying over night at the home before they move in. Staff said that residents and their carers are given information about the home. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7 and 8 The residents at the home have an individual plan that is reviewed regularly. People who live at the home are consulted in a variety of ways about the running of the home so that they know they are listened too. EVIDENCE: Staff said that each person who lives at the home has an individual plan. The plan is reviewed regularly. Some files were inspected and found to contain information regarding the personal, social support and healthcare needs of the residents. Staff were observed asking the residents their opinions and speaking to them in a respectful manner. The residents are supported to make decisions about their lives for example where they would like to go on holiday. One person has chosen to go Ireland. Some residents have difficulty speaking so staff said they have to use other methods to communicate with them such as watching their facial expressions or body language. This is so they can tell what they like and don’t like. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.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): 12,13,14 and 17. The people who live at the home have access to a variety of leisure activities. They use the local amenities so that they can become part of the community. The meals served at the home are varied and nutritious. EVIDENCE: Staff said that the residents are encouraged to take part in a variety of leisure activities so they can enjoy themselves and gain confidence. They are supported to pursue their own choice of leisure activities. Staff described how two staff support one person who really likes going to a Jacuzzi. The records showed that the residents had been to the pub, cafés and local shops. As stated earlier they choose their own holidays; one person has decided they want to go to Ireland with a member of staff. One resident said they really look forward to their holidays. Staff said that the residents are involved in planning the menus. There is always an alternative available and staff promote healthy eating. Records showed that the meals provided are varied and nutritious. One resident said that the food was ‘nice’. A dietician has given advice to staff for those residents with poor appetites. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 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): 19 and 20 The residents have regular health checks such as the dentist and opticians. Staff monitor the residents health and welfare continually. If the residents need to take medication the staff ensure that they receive it. The dignity and privacy of residents is respected to help them feel valued. EVIDENCE: The residents individual records kept in the home contained details of health checks, visits to their GP and hospital appointments. Staff said that all of the residents are registered with a local GP. One resident said that they had been to the dentist and had had their eyes checked and didn’t need glasses. Staff described how the health and welfare of the residents is constantly monitored. It is discussed during staff meetings and with the individuals through either observation or during conversations. Staff said that if it were appropriate residents would control their own medication staff control it at the present time. The home has a medication procedure and staff receive training so that the resident’s medication is administered properly. Staff were observed speaking with the residents in a respectful manner. The people who live at the home looked smart and well groomed. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 22 and 23 The home has a complaints procedure that is available to the people who live there. None have been made since the last inspection. Procedures are in place to protect the residents from abuse so they can feel safe. EVIDENCE: Staff said that there had not been any complaints made to the home. Senior staff said that a complaints procedure is in place at the home. Records seen were up to date. The records showed that they had not been any complaints made since the last inspection. One of the residents said he would tell staff if they were unhappy. Staff said that they have completed training in how to protect vulnerable people from abuse. They could describe the procedure to be followed if an allegation of abuse was made and they gave examples of signs they would look for. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24,25,27,28 and 30. The home is well maintained and homely in both the communal areas and the residents’ bedrooms but there is a lack of storage space and a need for some repairs to one of the bathrooms. The residents’ rooms suit their needs and promote independence. Privacy is respected in bathing and toilet areas and the home is kept clean. EVIDENCE: The home looks comfortable and pleasantly decorated. It is clean and well maintained. Staff said that there is insufficient storage for wheelchairs and portable hoists so they have to be left in rooms, which leaves less space for the residents. Adequate storage must be made available. The home has specialist baths in both bathrooms that the staff said work really well. There is also overhead tracking which makes it easier and safer to move residents in and out of the bath. Some of the bathroom tiles are missing and some are cracked. This makes them difficult to clean as well as looking unsightly. The flooring in the bathroom is split which residents and staff could trip over as well as it being difficult to clean. Staff said that since the new company’s maintenance team have taken over repairs are dealt with quickly. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 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, 33, 35 and 36 At the time of the inspection there were adequate staffing levels at the home. More staff are needed to fill vacant posts. Staff receive training that enables them to meet the needs of the residents EVIDENCE: Staff said that they did not have a full staff team. Some have left and they have found it difficult to recruit new staff. This means that staff have to work more hours than they should. One member of staff has the NVQ 2 in ‘Care’ and another 3 are doing it. Staff said that they receive the mandatory training in food hygiene, fire safety and first aid. One staff member said the training helped them work with the residents and they found it very interesting. One resident said that they were happy and they liked the staff because they helped them. Senior staff said that staff have individual supervision and appraisal regularly. One staff member spoken to confirmed this. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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): 41 and 42 The home has procedures in place to promote the health and safety of the residents. These ensure that their best interests and rights are safeguarded. EVIDENCE: Records showed that regular training is given to staff in fire safety so they are familiar with the procedures that must be followed if there is a fire. One resident said that they did fire drills. Risk assessments are done and records confirmed this in relation to fire safety. Staff said that regular checks are carried out on the equipment in the home; this includes testing electrical goods and the central heating boiler. Staff thought that the registered provider visits every month and completes a report on how the home is running. Some copies of the reports were available but some were missing. Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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 3 X Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 3 X X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 3 X 3 2 X 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 X 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 3 2 X 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Thorntree Way Score X 3 3 X Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X X X X 3 2 X DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 Yes 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) Requirement Timescale for action 01/12/05 2 3 YA28 YA33 33(2) 18 4 YA42 26 Bathroom tiles and the flooring must be repaired or replaced in the main bathroom in number15 Thorntree Way. Suitable provision must be made 01/12/05 for storage. There must be a review of the 01/12/05 current staffing arrangements to ensure there is sufficient appropriately qualified and experienced staff recruited to provide consistent cover of the rota. The registered provider must 01/12/05 visit the care home unannounced at least once a month and prepare a written report (Timescale of 28/02/05 not met). 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 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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 Thorntree Way DS0000000608.V254347.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 - 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!