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Inspection on 16/07/05 for Wheatridge Court

Also see our care home review for Wheatridge Court for more information

This inspection was carried out on 16th July 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

Care planning and risk assessments are of a good standard. They are regularly reviewed involving people using the service. People staying on the unit confirmed this. Access to the home`s occupational therapist ensures that people wishing to stay at the home have access to a range of specialist adaptations and equipment. People staying at the unit have use of pleasantly decorated and stylish accommodation. They are encouraged to be as independent as possible. People staying for respite indicated that staff support was available if they should need help. Staff have access to a comprehensive training programme providing them with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support people using the service.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Another activity co-ordinator has been provided increasing the opportunity for people staying on the unit to access social and recreational activities both within the home and in the local community.New monitoring systems are being put in place to ensure the regular review of care plans.

What the care home could do better:

People must not be admitted outside of the category of registration. A warning letter was sent to the responsible individual expressing concerns that a person had been admitted to the home who did not have a physical disability. The validation of new staff must include written verification of why they left any positions previously held in the care of children or vulnerable adults. This will ensure the protection of people living at the home.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Wheatridge Court 40 Shergar Court Abbeydale Gloucester GL4 9FD Lead Inspector Lynne Bennett Unannounced 16 July 2005 11:00 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. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Wheatridge Court Address 40 Shergar Court Abbeydale Gloucester GL4 9FD 01452 500669 01452 410448 sheather@gloscc.gov.uk Gloucestershire County Council 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) Mrs Lesley Gamm Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Physical Disability (6) registration, with number of places Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 09/02/05 Brief Description of the Service: Wheatridge Court is a purpose built home owned by Gloucestershire County Council for people with a physical disability. The home provides two services, a registered respite unit for up to six service users and a supported living project. The respite unit provides accommodation in six bed-sits, each with its own front door. They have a bedroom, sitting area and en suite facilities. There are additional bath and shower facilities nearby. People staying at the unit share a lounge and dining room with a small kitchenette. They can also use the central forum, which has a television and pool table, as well as the quadrangle providing a patio area with gardens and seating. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place on a Saturday morning in July 2005 and lasted for about three hours. There were two people staying for respite at the home. Both were spoken to in addition to two members of staff. The registered manager was present during the inspection. A tour of the home was conducted and all rooms were inspected. Records examined included files for new admissions, staff records, and minutes of meetings, complaints records and communication/handover books. The care of the two people staying at the unit was case tracked this involved examining their care plans, other personal records, medication records and spending time with them. An immediate requirement was issued because a person had been admitted to the home without a physical disability, in breach of their category of registration. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Another activity co-ordinator has been provided increasing the opportunity for people staying on the unit to access social and recreational activities both within the home and in the local community. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 New monitoring systems are being put in place to ensure the regular review of care plans. 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. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users’ know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 1,2,3,4 and 5. The Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide give people staying at the home and people wishing to use the service information about the services provided enabling them to make an informed decision about staying for respite care. The home has a comprehensive admissions process that must be followed to ensure the protection of people using the service. People outside of the category of registration must not be admitted to the home. EVIDENCE: The registered manager regularly reviews the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Updates are forwarded to the Commission. Copies of these documents are accessible to people staying for respite care along with a copy of the last inspection report. People staying at the unit also have a statement of terms and conditions in place. Records for three new admissions to the service were examined. This included an emergency admission. The records for two of the people admitted showed that people have the opportunity to visit the home prior to making up their mind whether or not they wish to use the service. Care needs assessments are obtained from their placing authority and information is provided from previous placements. The home’s occupational therapist also visits prospective service users to make an assessment of their needs and to determine whether any additional specialist equipment needs to be provided before they stay at Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 9 the home. The home keeps records of all initial enquiries and visits. This is good practice. Records for one person’s trial stay indicated concerns by staff about provision of personal care. Arrangements were made prior to the next visit for the parents to discuss with staff the best ways to provide this to ensure continuity and consistency of approach. The records for the emergency admission to the unit indicated that the deputy manager had expressed concerns that the admission was inappropriate, because the person did not have a physical disability. The registered manager said that she reiterated this when she was made aware of the admission. The person was admitted for a week and records detail the problems encountered by other people living at the home, staff and the emergency admission. Staff confirmed this. Throughout this placement the registered manager strove to find an appropriate placement for the person. An immediate requirement was issued stating that the home had committed an offence by admitting a person outside of its category of registration and in contravention to its Statement of Purpose. This must not happen again. A warning letter was also sent to the Responsible Individual. Admission information for the emergency referral was provided to the home after four days at the home, despite their efforts to obtain an assessment. The initial referral form with brief information was faxed to the home on the day of admission. Within 36 hours of staying at the home staff had identified that additional staffing would be required in order to protect other people living at the home. The home must not be put in this position again. Any further breaches of the home’s category of registration will result in action being taken by the Commission. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 6,7 and 9. Care planning in the home is generally good promoting the development of skills and independence. Risk assessments encourage and support people staying at the home to challenge and deal with problem areas in their lives. People staying at the home are supported to make decisions about aspects of their daily living enabling them to live an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: The care of two people staying at the home was case tracked and other files were sampled. It was evident that reviews are being held every six months and annually with the placing authority. Care plans and personal records are written in the first person and being reviewed six monthly. This is good practice. Action plans are being put in place for some people indicating when these are being monitored or completed. A new front sheet has been developed recording review dates and also providing the opportunity for people using the service to express whether they agree to information being shared with other professionals. Daily notes are kept for each person’s stay. When there have been incidents or accidents, new risk assessments have been put in place. On one occasion a referral was made to the occupational therapist for a re-assessment and new Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 equipment was provided for the person by the time of their next stay. Risk assessments and a change to the care plan were also put in place. All people have a moving and handling risk assessment in place that is regularly reviewed by the occupational therapist. These are stored in a general risk assessment file in addition to risk assessments for people who have epilepsy, who self medicate and for the use of the shower. People staying for respite indicated that they are provided with information to make decisions about their day-to-day lives whilst staying on the unit. They said that staff support is required should they need it and they use the call system to access staff for personal care needs and help with preparing meals or shopping. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 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) 12,13,14,15,16 and 17. People staying at the home are enabled to live a fully inclusive lifestyle accessing a range of local community facilities and activities. Contact with family and friends are supported. The rights and responsibilities of people staying at the home are respected enabling them to be self-determining about activities of daily living. EVIDENCE: People staying at the home are supported to continue to attend educational, social and leisure activities they would access whilst living at home. Two activity co-ordinators provide a range of activities for people to participate in whilst staying at the unit. On the day of the inspection one person had visited Gloucester Docks. Regular activities include lunch at a local pub, an art workshop and luncheon club. Information is provided about functions taking place locally such as a music festival. Both people indicated that they are supported to take part in social activities if they wish. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 13 People using the service bring with them televisions, radio or any other equipment they may need. One person was being provided with a daily newspaper. They can access the television in the communal lounge and also in the central lobby. There is a pool table here for their use. People staying at the unit have a front door to their room, providing private access to the home for entertaining guests. People are supported to make decisions about activities of daily living. Support is provided for meal preparation. Each person is responsible for providing their own groceries and has separate storage facilities including a fridge. Due to the temporary closure of the neighbouring supermarket, people staying for respite are being reminded to bring in sufficient groceries for their stay. Regular trips are organised to other supermarkets throughout the week should they need anything. People indicated that this had not been a problem. As people are largely responsible for their own meal preparation, meals are not recorded. It was evident that the dietary needs of people staying there are however being monitored. Concerns were raised about the diet of one person and support was given to encourage a healthy and nutritional regime. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 14 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 and 20. The way in which the people staying at the home would like to be supported is clearly recorded and managed ensuring that staff are able to meet their personal needs. People using the service have access to healthcare professionals and to a satisfactory medication system, making certain that their healthcare needs are being met. EVIDENCE: The way in which people using the service would like to be supported is clearly identified in their records. People staying at the unit indicated that they receive support from staff as and when they require it. Staff appeared to have a good understanding of their needs. Some people are in receipt of domiciliary care and this service continues whilst staying at the home. If people need to access healthcare professionals during their stay then this can be arranged. In cases of an emergency a local surgery has agreed to be available for consultation. All people staying at the home have a lockable medicine cabinet in their rooms. Many are self-medicating and have risk assessments in place. People bring in medication with them in the prescribed containers. A recent medication error was reported to the Commission and the medication procedure was changed as Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 15 a result. Medication is checked in by one member of staff and countersigned by a second staff member. The registered manager said that this had been overlooked for a person staying on the unit upon admission but that this had been identified on the next shift and action would be taken to rectify this. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 16 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 The home has a satisfactory complaints system in place with some evidence that people staying at the home feel they are listened to. EVIDENCE: The home has a robust complaints policy and procedure. A recent complaint about a medication error was fully investigated by the registered manager to the satisfaction of the complainant. Action was taken to minimise the risk of this occurring again. The home has a log book in which people may write concerns or complaints in addition to the complaints procedures. Action taken is recorded. No comments have been logged for some time, although it is evident that staff are checking this book. People staying at the home indicated that if they have concerns they would speak to the manager whom they felt would immediately address any issues. A recent complaint by a person using the service has been resolved. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 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) 24,25,26,27,28,29 and 30. The environment is homely and comfortably furnished. There is an ongoing maintenance and refurbishment programme in place making sure that the home continues to meet the needs of the people staying there. EVIDENCE: Wheatridge Court provides comfortable and stylish accommodation that is pleasantly decorated and furnished throughout. Each person staying at the unit has their own room, with private access to the front of the property. Rooms have an en-suite with access to nearby bath and shower rooms. Each person has cupboard and fridge/freezer space in the newly designed kitchen. This has high/low surfaces enabling access to people who use wheelchairs. The unit has a lounge and small dining area. People are also able to use the central forum. A range of specialist adaptations and equipment is provided for people staying at the home after assessment with the home’s occupational therapist. People are also encouraged to bring any specialist equipment they may need from home. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 At the time of the inspection the unit was clean and tidy. A general maintenance programme ensures that the décor is well maintained. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 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) 34, 35 and 36. There needs to be a slight improvement in the validation of new staff working in the home to ensure the protection of people using the service. Staff have access to a training programme enabling them to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support people using the service. Staff are supervised through a variety of ways ensuring that their practice is monitored. EVIDENCE: Three new members of relief staff have been appointed since the last inspection. Their files plus a file for a domestic care assistant working on the respite team that could not be found at the last inspection were examined. These contain: • • • • • Copies of two references confirmation of a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check proof of identification and a photograph copies of certificates an occupational health assessment. The registered manager confirmed that the application form requests a full employment history. The reference request forms however do not request the Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 20 written reason for leaving from referees. The registered persons must obtain from any care positions held by the applicant written confirmation of the reason for leaving, where practicable. Staff working at the home have access to Gloucestershire County Council’s training programme, which begins with induction, attendance at mandatory training courses and a NVQ Programme. The home meets the standard for 50 of staff having a NVQ award. Specialist training is provided where needed. Discussions with staff confirmed that they have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to support people using the respite service. Staff acknowledged that they did not have the necessary training or knowledge needed to meet the needs of the recent emergency admission. Staff have regular team building days and are scheduled for regular supervision sessions. There was evidence on the files examined that staff have completed their annual Performance Assessment review for 2005. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 21 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 The registered manager is supported well by the respite team, providing a service that benefits people staying at the unit. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has completed a Registered Managers Award at Level 4. Certificates of insurance and registration were displayed correctly at the time of the inspection. The registered manager has shown a willingness to work with the Commission, meeting with requirements issued at previous inspections. At the last inspection no requirements were issued. The registered manager was open and transparent about recent breaches of the regulations. Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 22 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 1 3 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x 3 x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 x 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x 2 2 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Wheatridge Court Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 x x x x x x D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 23 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 3 Regulation 4,43 Requirement The registered persons must not admit people outside of the homes category of registration and in line with the homes Statement of Purpose. The registered persons must otain written verification of the reason a person left former care positions wherever practicable. Timescale for action 16 July 2005 2. 34 19 Sch 2.4 16 August 2005 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 Good Practice Recommendations Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection 1210 Lansdowne Court Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4AB 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 Wheatridge Court D51_36389_236940_ WheatridgeCourt_160705_Stage4.doc Version 1.40 Page 25 - 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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