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Inspection on 04/05/05 for Victoria House

Also see our care home review for Victoria House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 4th May 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 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

Services users were positive in their comments on the care they receive. They said that staff are caring and help them to be independent. Any worries or concerns they have are shared with staff who listen and offer advice and guidance. A number of staff, including the manager, have worked in the home for a number of years and are able to attend training courses to further develop their caring skills. The pre-admission procedure, including visits and an overnight stay, ensures service users know the home will be able to meet their care needs. According to the service user most recently admitted he has been made to feel welcome and ``likes the staff who help him when he asks``. Care plans are in place which shows that service users are encouraged to make decisions on daily living tasks. Service users confirmed that they are consulted on all aspects of life in the home. Services users are offered opportunities to attend community based activities such as college, work placements and are able to use local shops, pubs and churches. The service users said they are able to choose their meals, this was confirmed by the menu. Care plans showed the level of support service users require with their personal and healthcare. Two service users were able to show their care plans to the inspector. Service users said they are able to go to the doctor, dentist and other medical services as required. The complaints procedure has been provided in picture format for ease of use by service users. Bedrooms, lounges and dining area are welcoming and homely. The environment is well maintained and comfortable.

What has improved since the last inspection?

What the care home could do better:

The staffing levels at the weekend could be improved so as to allow staff greater flexible to support service users.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 VICTORIA HOUSE 63 Victoria House Chester Cheshire CH2 2AX Lead Inspector Val Flannery Unannounced 4 May 2005 14:50 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. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Victoria House Address 63 Victoria Road Chester Chshire CH2 2AX 01244 382897 01244 381773 www.macintyre-care.org MacIntyre Care 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) William Parker Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1 This home is registered for a maximum of 6 service users in the category LD (Learning disability) 2 The registered provider must, at all times, employ a suitably qualified and experienced manager who is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection 3 Staffing must be provided to meet the dependency needs of the service users at all times and must comply with any quidance which may be issued through the Commission for Social Care Inspection Date of last inspection 12/10/04 Brief Description of the Service: Victoria House is a large two-storey detached building with a passenger lift to the first floor. The home can care for six adults with a learning disability. Located in Chester the home is within walking distence of the city centre and other local amenities. All the service users are physically able and can move about the home without mobility aids. The bedrooms are single, five of them are on the second floor of the main building. An adjacent building has been adapted to provide a self contained flat for one service user. Two of the bedrooms have en-suite toilet and bathing facilities. The home provides a communal bathroom and toilet on the ground floor and two toilets, a bathroom and shower on the second floor. Staff are on duty twenty four hours a day to deliver care to service users. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place over four and half hours. One hour was also spent planning the inspection, this included reading previous inspection reports and reviewing the service history for the home. During the visit the service users, and staff on duty, were spoken with. A former service user who was visiting the home was also spoken with as was an independent advocate. A partial tour of the building took place, two service user care files and other records were inspected. What the service does well: Services users were positive in their comments on the care they receive. They said that staff are caring and help them to be independent. Any worries or concerns they have are shared with staff who listen and offer advice and guidance. A number of staff, including the manager, have worked in the home for a number of years and are able to attend training courses to further develop their caring skills. The pre-admission procedure, including visits and an overnight stay, ensures service users know the home will be able to meet their care needs. According to the service user most recently admitted he has been made to feel welcome and ‘‘likes the staff who help him when he asks’’. Care plans are in place which shows that service users are encouraged to make decisions on daily living tasks. Service users confirmed that they are consulted on all aspects of life in the home. Services users are offered opportunities to attend community based activities such as college, work placements and are able to use local shops, pubs and churches. The service users said they are able to choose their meals, this was confirmed by the menu. Care plans showed the level of support service users require with their personal and healthcare. Two service users were able to show their care plans to the inspector. Service users said they are able to go to the doctor, dentist and other medical services as required. The complaints procedure has been provided in picture format for ease of use by service users. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 Bedrooms, lounges and dining area are welcoming and homely. The environment is well maintained and comfortable. 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. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 1/2/3/4/ The admission process ensures service users have the information to decide whether the home can meet their needs. The pre-admission assessment information ensures the service user care needs are identified. EVIDENCE: The statement of purpose and service users’ guide to the home are available, these set out the services offered by the home. A pre-admission assessment, carried out by senior staff, showed that service users’ care needs are identified prior to moving in. The service user recently admitted to the home said he had visited the home before making a decision about moving in. Included in the visits was an overnight stay and having meals with the other service users. He also said that he was given information about the home. Care plans showed that service users are consulted about their daily lives and their involvement in community-based activities. Plans also included the level of staff support needed to maintain service users independence. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 6/7/8/9 Service users’ plans of care reflect their assessed needs. This ensures service users are able to make decisions about their lives and take responsible risks. Service users are fully involved in the decision making about the overall running of the home. This will encourage them to be as independent as possible. EVIDENCE: Service users spoken with confirmed that their individual needs are discussed with them. They also said that staff sit down with them and discuss how their personal goals can be met. This can include attendance at college, day centre and work placements. Person centred plans and essential lifestyle plans showed that service users are consulted on issues that affect the overall running of the home. Included were meals, household chores, holidays and attendance at medical appointments. During the visit staff were observed talking with service users and responding to their requests for assistance with personal and social care tasks. Services users are encouraged and supported to take responsible risks, for example, using community facilities without staff supervision, helping with meals, managing their finances. Staff said that central to helping service users be independent is to encourage them to take VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 10 such risks. During the inspection service users were able to read their own care plans and discuss them with the inspector. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 11/12/13/14/15/16 Service users are able to further their personal development by taking part in a range of community-based activities. They are also encouraged by staff to take responsibilities with regard to their daily living. EVIDENCE: A number of service users said that they are encouraged and supported with regard to personal development. A former service user said that he is now living in a flat by himself and is, with help from staff, doing things for himself that he always wanted to do. Other service users said that they are able to choose from a range of activities including attendance at college, work experience opportunities, and using theatre/cinema and restaurants. During the inspection two service users were observed using community facilities, one with help from an independent advocate and one by themselves. One service user is involved in a personal relationship, care plans showed that advice and guidance was offered by staff and other professionals. The plans of care showed that service users are able to exercise choice on their lifestyle, for example, what they wear, when they go to bed and whom they mix with socially. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 Service users were observed preparing their evening meal with staff assistance. The menus showed that choices are available on a daily basis. Service users have individual cupboard space in the kitchen where they can store their own provisions. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 18/19/20 The service users’ health and other care needs are set out in the plans of care. Service users’ health and social needs are being met. Services users are enabled to manage their personal and healthcare needs. EVIDENCE: Service users spoken with said they receive help and support from staff in a manner which respects their dignity and privacy. This can include help with bathing, preparing meals, shopping and attendance at doctors/hospital/dentists. The level of support can range from providing transport to appointments, emotional support when meeting with other people and offering guidance with financial matters. Plans of care showed that service users’ health care needs are addressed, which can involve visits to the medical centre/hospital or home visits by the doctor/district nurses. One service user confirmed that she has an appointment to see the dentist and that staff will support her. The record of medication administered to service users was seen. The record was signed by staff and showed that service users are given their medication as prescribed. Satisfactory arrangements were observed for the administration of medication to service users by staff. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 22/23 Satisfactory arrangements are in place to respond to complaints and adult protection issues. The procedure enables service users, relatives and others to raise concerns with the manager and staff. EVIDENCE: Services users and the independent advocate spoken with said they know how to raise concerns with the manager and staff. They also said that any complaints/issues raised are taken seriously and acted upon by the home. During the visit service users were observed sharing worries and concerns with staff. Since the last inspection two complaints have been received by the home. MacIntyre Care are in the process of addressing the issues raised. CSCI have not received any complaints about the home. The complaints procedure includes details on how to contact CSCI. MacIntyre Care have provided an adult protection procedure which includes the government guidelines ‘No Secrets’. Copies of these are kept in the home. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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) 24/25/26/27/28/30 The home provides a safe and comfortable standard of accommodation for the service users. Service users are accommodated in single bedrooms. The layout of the home allows service users to maximise their independence. EVIDENCE: The home provides service users with a homely and comfortable environment. Decoration and furnishings are of a high standard, maintenance issues are addressed promptly. The new units have improved the appearance of the kitchen. Service users said they are satisfied with the appearance of the home – both inside and out. Two bedrooms were seen, these were individually decorated and furnished. Services users, including the most recent admission, said they had been involved in choosing the décor and furniture in the rooms. Service users were seen moving freely between their bedrooms and communal area. All the service users have keys to their bedrooms. This helps promote their independence. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 The home provides a comfortable lounge and separate lounge/dining room, these are located on the ground floor. Beside the two en-suite bathing and toilet facilities a bathroom and toilet is provided on the ground floor and a bathroom/shower/toilet on the first floor. The self-contained flat provides bathing and toilet facilities. Service users are able to use the well-maintained gardens to the front and rear of the home. The home was clean and free from offensive odours. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31/32/33/35 Staff are aware of their responsibilities with regard to caring for service users. Staff receive training and supervision which enables them to support service users. EVIDENCE: The staffing rota showed that there are normally two staff on duty during the day and one staff sleeping in during the night Monday to Friday. Normally there is one member of staff on duty during the day and one staff sleeping in Saturday and Sunday. A number of service users have, because of their assessed care needs, been allocated additional staff hours. The manager said that recruiting staff to fill these posts can be difficult. Staff have achieved or are in the process of completing NVQ training in care. A list was seen of training opportunities provided for staff including fire safety, moving/handling and caring for service users. Staff confirmed they receive individual supervision and support from the manager. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 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) 37/38/39/42/ The home is managed efficiently and is run in the best interest of service users. Staff are supervised and receive guidance to ensure the safety and well being of service users. EVIDENCE: The manager has been in post for a number of years and has received training on the day to day operation of a care home. Service users and staff said that they have confidence in the way the home is run. They said that their views and concerns are listened to and that they are consulted about the daily running of the home. Staff are supervised in their delivery of care to service users. A tour of the building showed that health and safety issues are addressed. VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 3 3 3 3 x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 4 4 3 4 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 4 3 3 3 x x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 4 3 3 x 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x 3 3 x 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 VICTORIA HOUSE Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 4 x x 3 x F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 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 Regulation None Requirement Timescale for action 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 None Good Practice Recommendations VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Unit D, Off Rudheath Way Gadbrook Park Northwich CW9 7LT 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 VICTORIA HOUSE F51 F01 S6548 Victoria House V224275 030505 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 22 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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!