Inspection on 18/04/07 for Victoria House Residential Home

This inspection was carried out on 18th April 2007.

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

Other inspections for this house

Victoria House Residential Home 12/10/05

Victoria House Residential Home 09/06/05

Victoria House Residential Home 24/01/05

Victoria House Residential Home 07/09/04

Victoria House Residential Home 02/03/04

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 Victoria House Residential Home Victoria House 30 - 31 Victoria Embankment Darlington Durham DL1 5JR Lead Inspector Jean Pegg Unannounced Inspection 18th April 2007 10:00 Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Victoria House Residential Home Address Victoria House 30 - 31 Victoria Embankment Darlington Durham DL1 5JR 01325 244960 01325 244961 amandaatkins@castlebeck.com 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) Castlebeck Care (Teesdale) Limited Ms Amanda Atkins Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 12th October 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Victoria House is owned by Castlebeck Care (Teesdale Limited) Group. The home is registered to provide residential accommodation for six people with a learning disability. From the outside the home looks like two terraced houses but inside alterations have taken place that connect the two houses so that they are as one home. Victoria House is located in a residential area that is within walking distance of the town centre and all local transport links. The home has it’s own transport which can be used for social outings. Inside the house there are six single bedrooms, each bedroom has a wash hand basin. There are also two lounges, two kitchen diners, three toilets, one shower and one bathroom and a staff bedroom. Outside there are small paved gardens to the front of the house and a yard area at the back of the house. At the time of writing this report, the fees for this home range from £839:09 to £1698:93 per week. These fees do not include hairdressing, chiropody and some social activities and personal items. A full list of current charges can be obtained from the manager. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place over two days and lasted for eight hours. Lots of people helped with the inspection including all of the people who live at the home who talked to us and filled in questionnaires. Four relatives returned questionnaires and one relative spoke to us over the phone. Five staff spoke to us and questionnaires were sent to six care managers who have contact with the people who live at the home. At the time of writing this report no questionnaires had been returned by the care managers. Some of the things that people said about the home will be included in the report. The manager also sent in a pre inspection questionnaire, which gave us information about the home before we visited. As well as talking to people we looked at lots of different documents and files to help us decide if the home was being managed properly. What the service does well: The home can provide people with information that will help them to decide if the home is right for them to live in. Everyone who is admitted into Victoria House has had his or her needs assessed by Castlebeck Care staff before they are offered a place. Everyone is given a contract that describes the rules of living at the home and who is responsible for paying the fees and what those fees do and do not include. One person said “I knew about Victoria House because I had visited lots of times before. I knew which bedroom I would have and chose my paper.” Everyone who lives at the home has a very detailed care plan in place as well as a person centred plan that helps them to achieve personal goals in their lives. People are encouraged to make decisions and risk assessments are used to help people manage risks safely and to take part in a range of different daily activities. People are given opportunities to help in the running of the home. One person said “I choose what I do and ask about other things to do I was asked what I would like to do.” A relative said “My relative’s needs are always met to an extremely high standard, my relative has real choice with regard to their life. Extremely happy.” The people who live at Victoria House are given lots of encouragement and opportunities to live the lifestyle that they want. This is what one person said. “I can do what I like and I like the company of staff and friends when I go out to the pub to play pool or going for coffee.” People are also helped to meet their personal and their health care needs in ways that help them to be as independent as possible. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 People are helped to make complaints and these complaints are listened to. “I go to a member of staff or Amanda and my key worker helps me to understand how to make a complaint. It is also on the board for me to read.” People are kept safe and are protected by staff who have been trained in doing the right things at the right time. The home is in a good location being very close to all the local facilities. It is clean and homely and very well looked after. As one person said “ I am happy living at Victoria House and prefer living here than any where else. I like it here.” There are plenty of trained staff on duty to look after the needs of the people who live at the home. One relative said “ Staff are trained to a high standard and are always accessing further training.” These staff are supervised regularly so that they know what is expected of them. The home is managed in the best interests of the people who live there. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2 & 5. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home can provide people with information that will help them to decide if the home is right for them. Everyone who is admitted into Victoria House has had his or her needs assessed before they are offered a place. Everyone is given a contract that describes the rules of living at the home and who is responsible for paying the fees and what those fees do and do not include. EVIDENCE: The manager gave us copies of the updated Statement of Purpose and Service User’s Guide. These were reviewed in March 2007 to reflect the reduction in registered numbers and the new Responsible Individual. The content of the guides’ covers all of the areas identified by the Care Homes Regulations and the National Minimum Standards. The Service User’s Guide is printed in larger print and is written in plain English. It also includes some pictures of the home and talks about the results of the latest published Service Users’ Survey. The Statement of Purpose includes a section that describes how individual’s civil rights will be maintained and respected in the home. All six people who live at the home and who had returned questionnaires said that they had been given enough information about Victoria House before agreeing to move there. Everyone has signed to say that they have received a copy of the Service Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Users Guide. When the Guides are next reviewed, some consideration should be given as to how the people who live at the home could be involved in writing parts of the guide and selecting photographs that could be used to make it more interesting for new people who might be thinking about moving into the home in the future. All admissions to Victoria House are from existing Castlebeck Units. Pre placement assessment visits are made to meet with new people being referred. After these visits and assessments have taken place a Multi Disciplinary Team meeting is held and an offer of placement is made to the person concerned and their social worker. (Information taken from the Statement of Purpose 5th edition reviewed and reprinted March 2007) This was confirmed by some of the people who returned questionnaires. Some people gave examples of pre admission visits taking place for example one person said ““I came to Victoria House for a look around before I moved.” And another said “I knew about Victoria House because I had visited lots of times before. I knew which bedroom I would have and chose my paper.” The home has very detailed assessments on file for the people who live there. These assessments cover all of the areas identified in the national minimum standards including cultural and faith needs and individual likes and dislikes. These assessments are regularly updated. There are copies of signed contracts on individual people’s files. The contract identifies who is responsible for paying fees and other terms and conditions of residency. The contract also identifies what is and is not included in the fees. A copy of the contract used is in the Service User’s Guide and Statement Of Purpose. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6,7,8 & 9 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Everyone who lives at the home has a very detailed care plan in place as well as a person centred plan that helps them to achieve goals in their lives. People are encouraged to make decisions and risk assessments are used to help people manage risks safely allowing them to take part in a range of different daily activities. People are given opportunities to participate in the running of the home. EVIDENCE: The manager talked about how they are moving towards a way of writing care plans that takes into account issues arising from ‘The Human Rights Act’. A Human Rights checklist is used that promotes social inclusion by examining any possible constraints that may exist as a result of the way the care plan has been written. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 One individual care plan was looked at in detail. The plan was very detailed and included a description of the staff skills needed to manage certain situations. Some of the staff skills identified included the need for discussion, negotiation and respect for the individual. There were also detailed instructions for the management of crisis interventions where areas of risk had been identified. During the inspection visit, a difficult situation arose and we noticed staff implementing some of these management techniques, in particular, following the guidance given. The person involved was also able to talk about how they used the coping strategies that had been agreed with them via the care planning process. Both the person concerned and their key worker review the plans every month. Both people sign to say that the review is accurate. There was also evidence of more formal reviews being held with care managers and family members being present. As well as a care plan, everyone has a Person Centred Plan that focuses more on working towards meeting individual wants and aspirations for example special visits abroad, flying in a helicopter and staying overnight in a hotel. One relative told us “My relative’s needs are always met to an extremely high standard, my relative has real choice with regard to their life. Extremely happy.” The individual care plans identify the point at which individuals are able to make decisions. This varies according to individual’s abilities and needs. Throughout the inspection we saw care staff talking to different individuals, giving them guidance and advice to help them make lots of different decisions. One person who lives at the home said, “ I help to decide what I do and I go to the shop for veg. and food.” Another said “I choose what I do and ask about other things to do I was asked what I would like to do.” Everyone has their own bank accounts and daily reports showed that they were able to visit the bank regularly. A new member of staff talked about how some of the people whose home it was, had been involved in their recruitment interview. They had asked questions of the interviewee and the manager had observed how they had responded to those questions. A house meeting is held every Friday where the menu for the following week is discussed. New staff are also introduced to everyone at this meeting and people are encouraged to ask them questions to get to know them. Satisfaction surveys are carried out each year involving everyone who lives at the home and an action plan is drawn up describing how improvements will be made. A copy of the latest published survey was given to us. Risk assessments are completed if they are needed and are kept in individual files. The steps to minimise these risks are identified. Each person has been given coping and tolerance strategies (CAT), which they are encouraged to practice. During the visit people were seen taking responsible risks as part of every day living. The people who live there were seen to be encouraged to lead very active lives that took into account the balance of risk and responsibility whilst recognising individual needs and aspirations. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11,12,13,14,15,16 &17. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The people who live at Victoria House are given lots of encouragement and opportunities to live the lifestyle that they want. EVIDENCE: Victoria House is in a well-established part of the town. It is close to the main shopping centre, leisure facilities, local buses and the train station. During the visit we saw that a lot of things were going on in the home for example, some people had been out to the bowling alley and swimming pool, another person had gone to the local bakery to order freshly made sandwiches for lunch and the ladies in the house had spent time painting their nails. There was something going on all the time but not as a large group, more on an individual basis. The home also has its own vehicle, which means that activities are not just restricted to the local area. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 From talking to the staff and the people who live at the home we found out the following information about activities. This list includes some of the things that people have chosen to do. Going shopping on their own, going to the bingo, watching soap operas on TV, bike riding and art lessons. One person is on the waiting list to start on a course at the local college. These are some of the comments that were made by individuals. “I enjoy going out through the day and at the weekend and relaxing in the lounge watching T.V. on a night.” “I can do what I like and I like the company of staff and friends when I go out to the pub to play pool or going for coffee.” Some of the people who live there are members of a local environmental group called CREATE. This group works towards clearing and recovering areas of the natural environment for the public to enjoy. Victoria House also has an allotment. It is planned to grown fresh vegetables to eat. Care staff try to match their skills and interests with the skills and interests of the people they look after. The people who live at Victoria House enjoy regular holidays. Some of these holidays are spent in small groups and some might be on a one to one basis depending upon individual choice. There is also an annual trip to Blackpool which all of the people who live there seem to enjoy and save up for each week. We were given lots of evidence to show that family links are maintained. For example relatives wrote comments like “myself and my relative speak twice a week. X rings me on a Wednesday and I ring X on a Saturday and X writes on a regular basis.” And “Yes we keep in touch over the phone, they always bring X down once or twice a year to visit me which we all enjoy.” A list of family contact is kept in each persons file including significant dates like family birthdays etc. We were allowed into the house by one of the people who live there. This person made us feel welcome and let the other people in the house know that we were there. Each person has a key to their bedroom door and the care staff were seen asking permission before entering bedrooms. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the daily housekeeping duties. On the back of each bedroom door there are individual prompts to follow reminding people about their personal appearance and hygiene and house keeping duties. These are some of the comments that were made. “The home is always clean and ourselves and staff work hard to keep it that way.” “ I help to keep my home clean all the time.” and “The house is always clean and tidy and we all try hard to keep it like that.” Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Menus are agreed each Friday during the weekly house meeting. One person plans their own individual menu for the week. The menus take into account individual likes and dislikes. These menus are not ‘set in stone’ and can be altered to suit individual needs and wishes. Advice and guidance is offered about making sure that nutritional needs are met and that a balanced diet is followed, however, staff will not insist or force people to eat things they do not want. Drinks and snacks are available all day long and people were seen helping themselves from the kitchen throughout the visit. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19 & 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People are helped to meet their personal and their health care needs in ways that help them to be as independent as possible. EVIDENCE: Each person has prompts on the back of their bedroom door that help them to maintain personal hygiene. These prompts are written in a format that is easy for the person to follow. Individual care plans describe the level of support that should be offered by staff but in the main, people are encouraged to be as independent as possible. As far as possible, both male and female staff are available every shift so that if people want help from someone of the same gender, then they can have it. It was clear that routines in the home are very flexible and no unnecessary rules are imposed on anyone. As Victoria House is registered to provide personal care only, specialist health care practitioners who work in the local community health services or directly for Castlebeck Care provide any specialist nursing or medical care that is needed. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 There are records of regular health checks being made For example; GP visits, dental visits, optician and hospital visits. The manager described how they were working with a funding authority to find an advocate who was needed to work with someone. This person needed to make some decisions about their future health care. Arrangements are in place for the safe keeping of medicines. Everyone is encouraged to be responsible for taking their own medication. People are encouraged to remember when medication is due and care staff observe tablets being taken from the boxes. Care staff make sure that each person takes the correct tablet and that the person knows what it is they are taking and why. Care staff then sign to say that all medication has been taken as prescribed. Only staffs trained in the Safe Handling of Medication are allowed to help people take their medication. Two people were seen taking their medication this way. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People are helped to make complaints and these complaints are listened to. People are kept safe and are protected by staff who have been trained in doing the right things. EVIDENCE: There is a pictorial version of the complaints procedure on display in the house. There is also a copy in the Service User’s Guide. When asked about how to make complaint, people who returned questionnaires said things like “I go to a member of staff or Amanda and my key worker helps me to understand how to make a complaint. It is also on the board for me read.” “I am told how to make a complaint and my key worker reminds me. I have to tell staff and write it down.” And “ My key worker reminds me of this on a monthly basis and the staff support me with this.” One relative who was spoken to said, “I have never had the need to complain or have any cause for concern” A copy of Adult Protection procedure was given to us. The procedure makes reference to the local Interagency Adult Protection Procedures, which is what we would expect. The home trains staff in MAYBO techniques. These techniques are about keeping safe and managing conflict in a safe manner. All staff are trained in the use of these techniques. Money held in the home on behalf of the people who live there and money kept for daily household expenses are checked every time a new set of staff come on duty. We saw Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 staff making these checks during the visit. All of the money checked was correct. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 & 30. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is in a good location being very close to all local facilities. It is clean and homely and very well looked after. EVIDENCE: The home has recently had some work done so that now everyone has a single bedroom. New furniture and carpets have been bought for the house. The people who live there chose them. A new bathroom suite has been fitted and a wet room created. There is a record in everyone’s file noting what furniture each person owns. All of the bedrooms seen showed that people were encouraged to give it their own ‘personal stamp’ to make it theirs. As stated earlier, this home has very good access to all the local community facilities. One person said “ I am happy living at Victoria House and prefer living here than any where else. I like it here.” We asked members of staff about the home and they said things like “It has a lovely warm feeling, the residents are Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 settled and (when I first visited) it seemed like their home – different to where I had worked before.” And “the residents and staff make it homely.” The standards of cleanliness in the house are very good. We saw staff using cleaning equipment properly and wearing protective clothing when it was needed. Although the house was clean and tidy it also looked lived in. People said things like “The home is always clean and ourselves and staff work hard to keep it that way.” “The home is beautiful.” Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32,33,34,35 & 36 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. There are plenty of trained staff on duty to look after the needs of the people who live at the home. These staff are supervised regularly so that they know what is expected of them. EVIDENCE: As stated earlier, individual care plans describe the skills and qualities needed to deal with different people’s behaviour. The members of staff seen showed that they were able to communicate in a calm and considered way when speaking to people in the home. 66 of care staff have already got a National Vocational Qualification (N.V.Q.) in Care at level two. The care staff talked about how they discuss what skills they have and match them to the needs of the people they care for. To make sure that people can take part in the activities they want, the manager will organise duties so that if additional staff are needed then this will be organised. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 Extra staffing can also be brought in if people are in need of more support, this might be for a number of different reasons. The home employs both male and female staff and rotas are organised so that as far as possible male and female staff are on duty. This is good for those people who might prefer to have help from people of the same sex. Three files were checked and they were all in good order. All the relevant checks had been made including a Criminal Records Bureau check and references. We were told about how the people who live at the home are involved in staff interviews. New staff are supervised and are provided with a proper induction programme to help them understand their role and what is expected of them. The training for staff at Victoria House is organised by a central training department. When asked, staff said that they are offered training and that training is planned in advance. There is a computer in the lounge that staff can use to access e. learning. Staff were able to tell us what training they have had and what is planned for them. The manager told us about a number of different courses that are on offer including Equality and Diversity training and the Learning Disability Award Framework (LDAF) training. All staff are due to receive training in the impact of The Human Rights Act on care plans. The staff said things like “Excellent, good induction.” One relative also said “ Staff are trained to a high standard and are always accessing further training.” All staff have signed an agreement that says that they will take part in supervision sessions at least six times a year. There is a programme of supervision planned for the year and staff confirmed that they got regular staff supervision and appraisals. The records kept also show that supervision is ongoing. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is managed in the best interests of the people who live there. EVIDENCE: The manager has a lot of experience of working in the care sector and is a qualified Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities. (RNLD). She also has a management qualification. She is currently doing some work for the Health Care Commission taking part in a national audit of services for people with a learning disability. From comments made by staff it is clear that she takes her management responsibilities seriously and she is well respected as the manager for the home. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 The home carries out a lot of different activities to monitor the quality of the service they provide. We were given a copy of the service user survey and resulting action plan, which was completed in March 2006. This survey has been completed again in March 2007 but the results have not yet been fully analysed. The comments made by people who completed the survey are very positive and the action plan has addressed the concerns that were raised. Periodic Service Reviews (PSR) are carried out on a range of different topics for example care plans, environment, buildings maintenance etc. Daily checks are carried out on lighting and heating to make sure that everything is working o.k. Weekly house meetings are held every Friday where people can discuss a variety of things. Key workers go through the person’s care plan with them every month and ask them if they have any concerns. Staff also said that the manager welcomed any suggestions for improvements to the service. A person from head office also visits the home at least once a month to talk to the people who live there and to check that everything is being done properly. We saw daily safety checks being completed during the inspection visit. The manager gave us a copy of the training plan that showed that Health and Safety training is in place. All staff are trained in First Aid. Individual fire plans and escape routes have been produced in a way that individuals can understand them. These plans are on the back of each person’s bedroom door. The manager had filled in a questionnaire stating when all safety checks had been carried out. Some of these were checked again during the visit and were found to be in order. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 4 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 3 4 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 4 13 4 14 4 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 4 X 4 X 4 X X 3 X Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 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. Standard Regulation 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 YA1 Good Practice Recommendations The people who live at the home should be more involved in helping to write the Service User’s Guide and choosing photographs that could be used to make it more interesting for people who might want to live there in the future. Victoria House Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 Commission for Social Care Inspection Darlington Area Office No. 1 Hopetown Studios Brinkburn Road Darlington DL3 6DS National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 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 Residential Home DS0000000817.V335574.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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. 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