Inspection on 21/02/06 for Valdigarth

This inspection was carried out on 21st February 2006.

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

Other inspections for this house

Valdigarth 09/03/09

Valdigarth 28/03/08

Valdigarth 28/11/06

Valdigarth 09/11/05

Valdigarth 07/12/04

Valdigarth 20/05/04

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 Valdigarth Valdigarth 20 Granville Terrace Wheatley Hill Co Durham DH6 3JQ Lead Inspector Chris Winstanley-Smith Unannounced Inspection 21 February 2006 11:00 Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.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 Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.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. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Valdigarth Address Valdigarth 20 Granville Terrace Wheatley Hill Co Durham DH6 3JQ 0191 5653376 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) Watermill Properties Arthur Galloway, Mr Brian Gibson Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 7th December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Valdigarth is a care home catering to the needs of 6 adults. It is a large house set on the main street of Wheatley Hill. Sited in the north east of Durham county the home provides easy access by public transport to Durham, Sunderland and local towns of Peterlee and Hartlepool. The home provides living support for adults with learning disability and ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Accommodation is provided on ground floor and first floor. All bedrooms are single and reflect residents’ individual tastes. There is a large separate lounge and dining room and a garden to the rear of the home. At present decorative standards are poor in some areas of the home, although, major improvements are planned to begin shortly. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspector visited without staff in the home knowing he was coming. It started at 11 am and lasted 5 hours. The inspector returned a week later to talk to more people living in the home. Staff and people living in the home were spoken to. One person living in the home said, “ I like living here, I have lived here a long time” The homes records were examined, as were the staff files and information about the care being given to the people living there. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Some improvements to the physical standards of the home have begun. All windows have been replaced for double glazed PVC units. More than 50 of the staff have the required qualification level as expected within the standards. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 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. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.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 Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.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&5 • • All service users have thorough needs assessments. Each service users has a written contract. EVIDENCE: Four service users files were examined. Each showed good examples of thorough assessment of needs. The needs assessments were broken down into clearly defined areas such as personal care, dietary needs, physical well being, medical needs, mental health, mobility, education, self care, family social needs, finances and day care. All of the files that were examined contained contracts personal to each service user. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.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, 7, 8 & 9 • • • • Service users participate in their assessments and the reviews and plans reflect their goals. Service users do make decisions for themselves with guidance when needed. Service users are regularly consulted on all aspects of living in the home. Appropriate risk taking is built into assessment of needs and care plan delivery. EVIDENCE: Individual records show that service users have detailed care plans generated from thorough assessment of needs. Discussions with service users demonstrated that they participated fully in their care plan generation and the monthly reviews. One service user said “ I often sit down with xxxx (key worker) and go over my plans, where we decide what sort of things I am going to do and what I would like to do”. Another said, “I have decided I want a job and the staff are helping me sort one out” It was clear when speaking with service users that they are involved in all aspects of their care and are encouraged to make decisions for themselves. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 10 One said “ I have decided to get fit so I go to the gym 2 or 3 times each week where I go on the rowing machines and walking machines and weight machines”. The home has good records of regular meetings with service users where they are consulted on a variety of issues. Discussions with individual service users also showed that consultations occur routinely. “ I know we are going to get some building work done soon and that will be the time when I get my bedroom decorated, I have asked for my bedroom to painted white” Discussions with service users and file examples demonstrate that the service users take appropriate risks to develop independence to varying degrees depending on ability. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 11, 12, 13, 15 & 17 • • • • • Service users have opportunities for personal development. There are many activities undertaken by service users appropriate to their age and peers culture. Service users participate in local community activity. Personal relationships are encouraged and supported by staff within the home. The home provides a healthy diet, with meals that are enjoyed by the people living there. EVIDENCE: File records show that needs assessments and care plans centre on service user personal development. Opportunities for development are clearly shown. Discussions with service users demonstrate that the home supports development opportunities and a wide range of appropriate activity. One service user said, “Sometimes I go to the local club to meet my friends or meet up and go shopping with them”. Another said, “ I go to the gym, to the shops or the pictures”. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 12 All service users spoken to gave examples of where they are involved in the local community. This ranged from accessing local shops, using local sports facilities or accessing local social life. Some had friends outside of the home but within the local community. Personal relationships are identified within the assessments and care plans and are on file. These detailed family contact, contact with friends and social activity. One service user said, “I often bring a friend home for tea”. “ Another said, “I go to mums every Friday and stay over, I phone mum every night”. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 18, 19 & 20 • • • Personal care is clearly identified within care plans and supports the dignity and wishes of service users. Physical and emotional needs are met. The home operates good policies and procedures in relation to medication and health care. EVIDENCE: The service users living in the home were able to care for their own personal needs. The assessments gave clear indication of any support needed in relation to maintaining and improving their abilities. Records relating to health care needs are very good. They are extensive and show user participation. This care ranges from monitoring weight to gaining access to psychiatric support when needed. Records and discussions clearly indicate that the home is good at making sure health care needs are met. One person has extensive health care needs these are clearly documented and supported by the home. The medication records are excellent. They show clearly the clinical oversight, medication needed and why and its administration. Risk assessments are in place for people who self medicate. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 14 Staff are good at identifying further need and supporting service users accessing the health care they want and need. An example is that the home helps one service user monitor their weight in order to support an ongoing health problem. Records of this monitoring were clear and the service user participated fully in this programme and expressed their satisfaction at the support being given, “They take my weight every two days and if it starts to go up over two weeks we watch what I eat for a little while. This helps me keep my weight down so my health doesn’t get bad”. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 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 • • Staff within the home listen to service users and act upon information given. Service users are protected. EVIDENCE: The home operates good recording systems that show that service users can and do complain when they feel necessary. One service user said “ if I complain about something the staff sort it straight away” Staff personnel records were examined. All staff have undergone enhanced CRB checks and had appropriate reference and identity checks. Systems are in place to deal with any protection issues that may arise. Staff have undergone appropriate training in adult protection. There have been no serious protection concerns within the home over the preceding twelve months. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 16 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 & 30 • • • The home is safe but in urgent need of renovation Service users personal rooms are adequate but in need of renovation. Some show evidence of damp on the ceilings and walls. The home is clean and the kitchen hygienic. Dampness in bedrooms could lead to long-term health issues. EVIDENCE: The proprietors of the home have plans before the council for a major extension and renovation to the establishment. These plans include rewiring the home and redecorating throughout. There are plans to revitalise the kitchen. Some work has been done i.e. the external windows and gutters have been replaced for PVC units. This should help alleviate the dampness on some of the walls. There is an intention to get on with some of the internal work whilst waiting for clearance from the council for the more extensive work to begin. At the moment the kitchen has been passed for use by environmental health but needs revitalising. The manager operates good systems to keep the environment safe, clean and as hygienic as is possible considering the poor standard of the fabric of the building. The records in the home show that it has Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 17 regular electrical and gas safety checks, that the manager conducts safety appliance checks routinely and conducts fire drills every month and checks fire alarms weekly. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 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 staff team is competent and qualifications are good. Recruitment practices within the home are good. The staff have appropriate training. Staff are managed well and receive regular support and guidance. EVIDENCE: Staff files were examined and showed that the staff have received appropriate training for their role. The manager operates a simple and effective system to direct the training needs of the team and alert her to when certificates need renewing. More than 50 of the team has achieved the appropriate NVQ certificate. Staff personnel records were examined. All staff have undergone enhanced CRB checks and had appropriate reference and identity checks. Systems are in place to deal with any protection issues that may arise. Staff have undergone appropriate training. Staff records show that the team get regular supervisions and guidance from the manager. These are well recorded and of good structured quality. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 19 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, 39 & 42 • • • The home is well run by a competent manager. Service users views are sought in many ways and are used to develop the home. Health safety and welfare are central to the management of the home. Good systems are in place and are implemented well. EVIDENCE: Discussions and documented evidence indicate that the manager has a long history for caring for adults in this sort of home. It is evident that she has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities. The record keeping within the home is excellent with simple but easily understood policies and procedures being put into action. Service users views are sought via survey, and are evidenced in their personal files. Discussions with service users support the fact that their views are sought. They are being consulted about structural changes to the building and are contributing to the way their spaces and communal areas will look. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 The manager has good systems in place to maintain a healthy and safe environment. Records show that these systems are implemented well. Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 21 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 4 X X 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 3 3 X Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 1 1 X X X X 2 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 X 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X 4 X 3 4 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Valdigarth Score 4 4 4 3 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 X 3 X X 4 X DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 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 YA24 Regulation 24 & 25 Requirement Planned refurbishment must go ahead. The manager must send a brief note to the inspector each month to up date the commission of progress being made. Timescale for action 01/04/06 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 Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS 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 Valdigarth DS0000055219.V273309.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 - 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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