Inspection on 05/12/05 for Whitmore Vale House

This inspection was carried out on 5th December 2005.

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

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Whitmore Vale House 31/10/06

Whitmore Vale House 17/12/04

Whitmore Vale House 24/09/04

Similar services:

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Thorndene

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Dovedale Court

1 Marten Road

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Whitmore Vale House Whitmore Vale House Churt Road Hindhead Surrey GU26 6NL Lead Inspector Pauline Long Unannounced Inspection 5th December 2005 01:00 Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Whitmore Vale House Address Whitmore Vale House Churt Road Hindhead Surrey GU26 6NL 01428 604477 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) felicia@whitmorevale.co.uk Whitmore Vale Housing Association Ms Felicia H Yarborough Care Home 20 Category(ies) of Learning disability (20), Learning disability over registration, with number 65 years of age (12), Mental disorder, excluding of places learning disability or dementia (4) Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 3. Up to four of the residents may be within category LD/MD (Learning Disability/Mental Disorder). The age range of the persons to be accommodated will be: Up to twelve service users may be LD(E) Seven residents will be accommodated in `Treetops`, six in `Rose Flat` and seven in `Wishing Well Cottage`. 17th December 2004 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Whitmore Vale House is owned and managed by Whitmore Vale Housing Association. Their main office is situated on one floor of the original building. Whitmore Vale House is a care home divided into three self-contained living areas. These are Rose Flat, Wishing Well Cottage and Treetops and together, provide living areas for twenty people with learning disabilities. A small number of residents with a high level of need live in Rose Flat. This flat has six bedrooms. Wishing Well and Treetops have seven bedrooms each. Each living area has kitchen, laundry, lounge and dining rooms. Rose Flat and Treetops are located in the original building and Wishing Well Cottage is a detached bungalow built in the grounds at the side of the original house and linked by a service corridor. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second Inspection of the CSCI year April 2005- March 2006 and was unannounced. The inspection was carried out by two inspectors and lasted for three hours. On the day the service had a homely and welcoming atmosphere. All but two of the residents were out at day services. Discussions were held with the manager, deputy manager and the two residents who were at home. Documents sampled, included service users files, care plans, staff records, policies and procedures, feed back from a number of service user satisfaction questionnaires. A full tour of the home took place. CSCI would like to thank the residents, manager and staff for their hospitality and co-operation during the inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? The requirements made following the last inspection have been met. The improvements to the shower room and the general redecoration to the exterior of the building have been completed. The homes medication policy has been reviewed and further developed. A new policy in respect of stress at work has been developed and at the time of inspection was in draft format. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2,4,5 Service users needs are well met in respect of this area of provision. Prospective service users had the opportunity to “Test Drive” the home. Service users are routinely issued with a contract of care service provided. EVIDENCE: The home has not had any admissions for some time. The manager explained the admission procedure that would be followed in the event of a referral from either Social Services of a privately funded service user. Following a referral and receipt of the relevant paperwork, the manager or deputy would visit the service user at their home in order to carry out a care needs assessment. The service user would then be invited to the home on several occasions in order that they could make an informed decision as to whether or not the home could meet their needs. Two of the service users at home on the day were happy to show the inspector their contracts of care service provided. It was pleasing to note that the service users had signed their contracts. Work continues at the home to ensure that all service users have the opportunity to sign their contracts. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 9 Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 6,7,8,10 All of the service users had care plans. Service users were observed being enabled to make decisions and were consulted on aspects of life in the home on the day. Service users records were not stored confidentially. EVIDENCE: The staff on duty on the day had a good understanding of the service user’s personal care needs. This was evident from the discussions between the manager and deputy manager and the well-being of the service users on the day. Care plans were comprehensive and included all aspects of personal support and health care needs. Risk assessments were in place and had been reviewed. It was disappointing to note that a service user’s care record file was left unattended in one of the homes sitting rooms. This was discussed with the manager, who explained that due the a service users particular care needs and the need to ensure that every interaction is recorded, it was appropriate to keep the file within easy access, she agreed that it was unacceptable for the records to be left unattended. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 11 A requirement has been made in respect of storage of records and service user confidentiality. Please refer to page 25 of this report. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 12,13,15,16, The Manager and staff enable the service users to maintain fulfilling lifestyles in and outside the home. The home promotes contact with family, friends and the local community. Service users rights and responsibilities are a priority in this home. EVIDENCE: On the day of inspection, all but two of the service users were out at their day services activities. The manager explained that one of the resident’s who had gone out to a day service activity, had decided that he did not want to stay at the day service centre, he therefore made is way back to the home. The service user discussed this with the inspector, he commented that it was his right to come and go as he pleases. The routines in the home were determined only by the timings of the visits to and from the day services and to other appointments. The Manager stated, that service users are encouraged to help out with the cooking and domestic tasks around the home. She also described some of the leisure activities the service users take part in, for example, bingo, football, visits to the cinema, Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 13 theatre and the local pubs. They have recently attended a Christmas fair at one of the local day centres. The home is committed to ensuring that the residents maintain their relationships with their family and friends. Some of the residents receive regular visitors. Many of the families keep contact by phone and where possible visit the home on special occasions. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 18,19,20,21 The manager and staff have a good understanding of the residents personal, physical and emotional support needs. A review of medication handling was undertaken by a CSCI pharmacist inspector. The systems for the administration of medicines are good with clear and comprehensive arrangements in place to ensure service users’ needs are met. . EVIDENCE: Care plans included clear guidelines on any support each resident required with personal and health care. Physical and emotional needs of the residents were also detailed in the care plans and daily records, which included visits to the doctor, dietician, dentist and reviews of care. There were records with regard to the activities and care being given. The inspector sampled one service users daily observations and incident records, which were comprehensive and well written, and provided a holistic view of the service users day. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 15 The Commission for Social Care Inspection have received a number of notifications of medication related incidents in the last three months. These were discussed with the manager and all were being dealt with appropriately. Medication stocks and records were sampled and showed that service users were receiving their medication as intended by their doctors. Service users who held and administered any of their own medicines had the risks of this activity assessed. Most medicines were administered by named care staff who had received up to date medication handling training. Clear records were kept of all medication received into the home, administered to service users and returned to the pharmacy for disposal and all medication was stored securely for the protection of service users. Detailed procedures on the safe handling of medicines were available for the staff. Discussions were had around how the home approached ageing, illness and death. The manager stated that 70 of the service users had been approached on this subject. Some work has been done in collaboration with the local Vicar and the Community Learning and Disability team. Visual aids are used in the discussions with the service users. The majority of the service users have pre-paid funeral plans and preferences are recorded in service users care plans. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 22,23 The home has satisfactory policies and procedures in place for dealing with concerns, complaints and the protection of the service users. EVIDENCE: CSCI have received no complaints about this home since the last inspection. The manager has informed the commission about a complaint from a service user. This complaint is being investigated under the home’s complaints procedures and is ongoing. It was pleasing to note that policies and procedures in respect of the complaints had been developed in both written and pictorial format. The manager and deputy have attended the Surrey Multi Agency Abuse training. One new member of staff is on the waiting list for the next available course. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 the following standard(s): 24,30 The standard of the environment within this home is good and meets the needs of the residents, providing an attractive and homely place to live. One bathroom requires attention. The home is clean and free from offensive odours EVIDENCE: The communal sitting rooms were comfortable and homely and domestic in design. The standard of decoration was satisfactory. There is an ongoing programme of redecoration at the home. The bathrooms and toilet’s were bright and clean. Areas of the tiling in one of the upstairs bathrooms requires attention, the tiles were broken at the tap end of the bath and below the washbasin. The resident’s smoking room appeared not to have been cleaned for some time. This was discussed with the manager, who stated that the night staff were responsible for cleaning this room and that it would be discussed with them. Environmental improvement works were being carried out in respect of new roofing tiles, appropriate and comprehensive risk assessments had been completed. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 18 Requirements have been made in these areas. Please refer to page 25 of this report. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 34,35,36 The recruitment practices in this home are good. Staffing arrangements in place on the day of inspection were sufficient to meet the needs of the service users. Staff training is given a high priority. EVIDENCE: The home has clear policies and procedures for staff recruitment. One new member of staff has been recruited since the last inspection. Staff files seen on the day demonstrated thorough recruitment and selection practice. All staff had satisfactory references and Criminal Records Bureau and POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults checks). The manager stated that 4 members of staff had resigned since the last inspection. Recruitment is on going, and there was a good response from the latest recruitment drive, the manager was hopeful in respect of staff recruitment. The manager and deputy manager were on duty on the morning shift. With only two residents in the home during the inspection these levels were appropriate. However three members of staff had called in sick for the afternoon shift, whilst the manager was trying to ensure that agency staff could be brought in to cover, she was not hopeful that this would happen and was resigned to working a long day. Staff training is given a high priority in this home, and training records demonstrate many statutory and current good practice training had been undertaken since the last inspection. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 20 There is a formal staff supervision programme in the home. The deputy manager stated that the home has weekly staff meetings in which goals are set and activities planned. The whole staff team also meet as group on a monthly basis, the last one being on the 9/11/05. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 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 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39,41,42 The home is well run. Policies and Procedures were in place to safeguard the service users and the standard of record keeping was good. The Manager is experienced and qualified to run the home. Health and safety checks are routinely carried out at the home. EVIDENCE: The manager has been in post for several years. On the day of inspection she demonstrated an open approach and management style. She had an in-depth knowledge of the service users care needs. From observation of her interactions with one the resident’s and staff it was clear that there was an atmosphere of openness and respect. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in the home. Service users and staff can access them when they wish. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 22 Health and safety checks are routinely carried out at the home. All equipment in use on the day of inspection was properly maintained. Records sampled, evidenced that routine health and safety checks are carried out. It was noted that all of the bathrooms and toilets had liquid soaps. There was no evidence to indicate that risk assessments had been carried out on these. This was discussed with the manager, who stated that she would discuss this issue with the service users at their next meeting. The home holds regular service user meetings in which service users have an opportunity to express their views, the most recent one being 14/11/05. A service user questionnaire has been developed in pictorial and written format and is circulated to service users, families and other professionals. Comments received as a result of these were positive, for example, good support is offered to the clients with attention paid to their needs, every thing about the service is excellent Throughout this inspection the home’s records were accessed. The recordkeeping was of a high standard. As discussed earlier in this report a service user’s records were not stored appropriately or confidentially. Requirements have been made in these areas. Please refer to page 26 of this report. Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 23 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score X 3 3 3 3 Standard No 22 23 Score 3 3 ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 3 3 3 X 2 Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 X X 3 X X 2 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 X 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score X X 3 3 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Whitmore Vale House Score 3 3 3 3 Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score X 3 3 3 3 3 X DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 24 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 YA10 Regulation 12(4)(a) Requirement Timescale for action 05/12/05 2 3 YA30 YA24 4 YA42 The registered person(s) must ensure that information held on service users is handled appropriately and confidentially. Service users files must not be left unattended. 23(2)(d) The registered person(s) must 06/12/05 ensure that the smoking room is kept clean. 23(2)(b)(d) The registered person(s) must 05/02/06 ensure that the broken tiles in the top floor bathroom are replaced. 12(1(a The registered person(s) must 05/01/06 13(3(a(b ensure that documented risk (c assessments are carried on the liquid soaps in the communal bathrooms and toilets. RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Surrey Area Office The Wharf Abbey Mill Business Park Eashing Surrey GU7 2QN 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 Whitmore Vale House DS0000013830.V263443.R01.S.doc Version 5.0 Page 26 - 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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