Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report
Care homes for adults (18-65 years)
Name: Address: Woodham Lodge Burn Lane Newton Aycliffe Durham DL5 4PJ The quality rating for this care home is:
two star good service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Nicola Shaw
Date: 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area.
Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. that people have said are important to them: They reflect the things This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection.
This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 28 Reader Information
Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 28 Information about the care home
Name of care home: Address: Woodham Lodge Burn Lane Newton Aycliffe Durham DL5 4PJ 01325319899 P/F Noe-mail Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Milbury Care Services Ltd Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mrs Carol Brittain Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 learning disability Additional conditions: The home may accommodate a named individual as set out in a letter to the registered person dated 30th October, 2003 which establishes the basis on which the individual`s needs will be met by the home. Where necessary the home`s Statement of Purpose shall reflect any changes in service provision required for this arrangement. This condition may not apply to anyone else, other than the named individual, who falls outside the registered category. Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Woodham Lodge is a large converted and extended bungalow, which is situated in its own grounds and is owned by Milbury Care Services Limited. The home is registered to provide care for up to 6 adults who have learning disabilities in four single and one double bedroom. The home is in the Woodham area of Newton Aycliffe, within walking distance of the town centre and local amenities. The current weekly charge per person is £1756.43. 0 Over 65 1 care home 6 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 28 Summary
This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: two star good service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home
peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: The quality rating for this service is 2 star. This means that the people who use this service experience good quality outcomes. Before the inspection visit: We looked at: Anything we have found out about the home since January 2007. How the manager has dealt with any complaints and concerns. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years)
Page 5 of 28 What the manager thinks about the home. The visit: We visited the home on the 12th January 2009. During this visit we: Looked at some of the care plans to see how well the staff meet the needs of the people who live here. Looked at other records which must be kept, like staff files. Checked that the staff have had good training to meet the needs of the people they care for. Talked to the manager, staff and service users. Spent some time watching how staff communicated and supported the service users. We told the manager what we found at the end of the inspection. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 28 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 28 Choice of home
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Service users are provided with good information about what they can expect once they have moved into this home. This ensures that their rights are protected. Good assessment processes ensure that potential service users needs can be met at Woodham Lodge. Evidence: The home has developed a picture Service User Guide which is specific about Woodham Lodge. This helps the service users to understand the specialist services Woodham lodge has to offer. The manager said that one service user uses the pictures to tell new staff about the home. The six people who live at Woodham Lodge have done so for 16 years now. The manager told us, however, should there be a vacancy in the home, then a full assessment would be obtained from the prospective service users social worker before their admission. She told us that potential service users would be given the
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 28 Evidence: opportunity for day visits, overnight stays and a settling in period. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 28 Individual needs and choices
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Service users support plans provide staff with good information about how each individuals care needs are to be met. Service users are supported to take risks and make choices in their daily lives. This enables service users to lead independent lifestyles. Evidence: The manager is in the process of introducing a new support plan format. Those we looked at have been developed based upon a detailed up-to-date assessment. They include reference to equality and diversity issues, such as cultural and spiritual needs. The support plans are person centered and focus upon the individuals strengths and personal preferences. There are clearly identified short and long term goals and these are evaluated every month. The people who live at Woodham Lodge have complex communication needs. Good
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 28 Evidence: information about each service users communication needs is included in the support plans. This is important so staff know the best way to help people to make choices for themselves. There is a decision making support plan for each service user. In these it is clearly recorded the extent to which each individual is able to make decisions for themselves and when, for example decisions about medical interventions, the completion of a best interests assessment will be required. Staff recognize that service users may make choices, for example to use the hydro pool, which have a degree of risk. In such situations detailed risk assessments have been developed. Those seen had recently been reviewed. Woodham lodge has a can do attitude. This was evident in the way the support plans are written with an emphasis upon each persons strengths and how staff should support and encourage independence. For example; in one persons plan it was clearly recorded what they are able to do for themselves when bathing and dressing. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 12 of 28 Lifestyle
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Opportunities for service users to take part in a range of activities both inside and outside the home are good. Service users are assisted to maintain links with their family and to have a community presence. This enables them to lead a full and enjoyable life. Service users are provided with a healthy, varied diet which helps to promote their general health and well being. Evidence: There is an an activities timetable for each service user which shows what each person likes to do each day. This is based upon information about each individuals likes and interests. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 28 Evidence: When we visited there were 4 staff on duty plus the manager. This meant that service users could enjoy activities of their choice. For example: two people were supported to go shopping and another service user was able to enjoy 1:1 time with staff. The home has its own transport which is paid for by the organisation. Other regular activities service users participate in include, going to the Theatre, gong out for meals or to the local pub, and for walks in the local park. The majority of service users had a holiday last year, some to Spain, others to Blackpool. When we visited staff spent time interacting with service users. Everyone sat together either in the lounge or around the dining table and service users were included in the conversation that took place. The service actively encourages and provides opportunities for service users to develop communication and social skills. For example: in one persons communication support plan, there were clear strategies in place guiding staff on how best to support this person to develop their non-verbal skills, in another social skills support plan there was clear guidance for staff of how to support this person should their behaviour become unacceptable. Service users are supported to be independent and are involved in domestic activities such as cleaning their own room, and for one person looking after their goldfish. Wherever possible contact with relatives and friends is supported. This includes helping service users to buy and send birthday cards and presents to their family members. One persons only family live abroad and staff help them by writing and reading letters with them so they can keep in touch. Each individuals food preferences, and the support they need at mealtimes, is recorded in their support plans. The meals provided are based upon this information. Service users are able to choose where to eat, alone or in company. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 28 Personal and healthcare support
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The arrangements for meeting the personal and health care needs of people using the service are good. And service users receive the support they need from staff to ensure that their personal, physical and emotional needs are met. Evidence: There is detailed guidance available in the support plans so that staff know the most appropriate way to support service users in the way they prefer. Personal health care needs, including specialist health and dietary requirements, are clearly recorded in each service users support plan. They give a comprehensive overview of each persons health needs. Currently service users have access to dentists, opticians, speech and language therapists, the posture care team and occupational therapists. On the day we visited a speech and language therapist was visiting two service users to assess if they were managing to eat food effectively. She told us that she found the staff to be very pro-active in their approach as they always contacted her if they had
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 28 Evidence: any concerns or needed advice. Where service users have complex needs, in terms of their behaviour, there are detailed behaviour care plans in place. These are regularly reviewed and up-dated involving other health care professionals. Senior staff administer medication and have been provided with training in this area. We looked at the Medication Administration Records ( MAR). These were clear with no gaps indicating that service users have received their medication as prescribed. However, on one persons MAR chart it said to give one medication 2 or 4 times daily when they are only given this as required. The MAR chart needs to be changed to reflect this so that it is clear to all staff the correct prescribed dose. Prescribed creams are kept in service users bedrooms. And although staff administer these as required they do not record this on the MAR chart. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 28 Concerns, complaints and protection
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Whilst service users communication is limited, arrangements are in place through the complaints procedure to promote their safety and offer protection. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place, supported by staff training, which ensure that service users are protected from abuse and neglect. Evidence: The homes complaints procedure provides service users and relatives with guidance about how to complain. There is an easy read version available for service users in their support plans. Relatives have also been given a copy of the complaints procedure. The manager told us that there have been no complaints in the last two years. The homes safeguarding policy provides staff with guidance about how to handle adult protection concerns. There have been no safeguarding referrals made since the last inspection. Staff said that they had been given training about safeguarding adults and that they would have no hesitation in reporting suspected or witnessed abuse. They also said that they had been given training called non-crisis intervention which is about how best to support people who have complex behvioural needs. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 28 Evidence: Records are kept of all financial transactions made on behalf of service users. Receipts are kept for all purchase made and one staff signature recorded on the transaction record. It is good practice for two staff to sign the transaction sheet. Regular audits of the service users finances are carried out by the homes operational manager. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 28 Environment
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience adequate quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Woodham Lodge provides service users with a clean, safe place to live. However, parts of the decoration, fixtures and fittings need attention to ensure a well maintained environment, which promotes the dignity of service users, is provided. Evidence: The building throughout was found to be clean with no unpleasant odours. There is a communal lounge, conservatory, dining area and kitchen/dining area. These are bright, airy comfortable places, providing service users with plenty of space to spend their time. A new kitchen, adapted bath and walk in shower have been installed since we visited two years ago. A new dining table and chairs have also been purchsed. However, despite these improvements other areas of the home need attention. For example: staff told us that at leat two service users bedrooms have not been redecorated in 12 years and the corridor in 10 years. Some of the plastering in the corridors has been repaired but these areas have not been re-decorated. The paintwork in the lounge is damaged and the carpets in the corridors and lounge are badly marked. The conservatory roof is very dirty and needs cleaning and at least three of the conservatory double glazed windows need replacing. There is also a hole in the radiator guard in the lounge. And the paintwork in one toilet is damaged where
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 28 Evidence: there used to be a soap dispenser on the wall. Service users are encouraged to personalize their bedrooms. One service user we spoke to said that they liked there room. However, this was very cold. We spoke to the manager about this who confirmed that although the heating to that part of the building was working, it was not sufficient. Consequently staff monitor the temperatures and provide additional heating with portable devices as necessary. The manager has completed risk assessments in relation to the use of these. Policies and procedures are available in relation to infection control. Sixteen staff have completed training in relation to this. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 28 Staffing
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Staffing levels are excellent and staff training good. This ensures that service users receive person centered care. The staff recruitment policies and procedures fully protect the service users. Evidence: When we arrived there were 4 staff on duty, plus the manager, which is excellent as there are only 6 people living in this home. We spoke to staff who confirmed that such good staffing levels were almost always the case. There has been a low turnover of staff, which is good or continuity of care. All but two staff have completed the NVQ level 2 qualification in care or above. Staff we spoke to said that the training was good and on-going. They said that they had completed the Learning Disability Award Framework training and all of the staff have completed induction training. Specialist training has been provided to the staff by health care professionals in order to meet the diverse needs of the service users. And although the interventions are
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 28 Evidence: written in detail in the support plans there is no written evidence of the training given to staff to enable them to undertake these specialist personal care tasks. The people living at Woodham Lodge have done so for a number of years and as such some of their care needs have changed significantly. As such the manager has identified that a training need for staff is in the needs of older people. We also recommend that staff be provided with training in relation to the needs of people with dementia as the incidence of this has been found to be higher for people who have a learning disability. The manager confirmed that all staff are provided with a detailed job description so that they clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. Although staff recruitment files are not held in the home she confirmed that recruitment policies ensure that an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check is obtained for all staff before they are able to work in the home. This includes ensuring that that the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) ) list is also checked. The POVA list is a list of people considered unsuitable to work with vulnerable adults. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 28 Conduct and management of the home
These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Service users benefit from a well-managed service. There are good quality assurance systems in place to ensure good standards of care are maintained and to assure service users and their relatives that their views are listened to. Evidence: The registered manager has completed the NVQ level 4 qualification in management and care. She is also a State Registered Nurse ( Learning disability). She has a number of years management experience. Staff said about her the manager is lovely, Carole (the manager) is very approachable. The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQQA) is the information we ask for before an inspection, and although we did not receive this before the inspection, the manager had a copy available in the home. This contained clear, relevant information that is supported by a wide range of evidence that clearly supports the claims made. The
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 28 Evidence: AQQA let us know about changes the manager has made to the home and the areas they still need to make improvements in. For example: the manager wants to make documentation more accessible for service users and intends on developing a picture menu. She also intends on exploring further training opportunities for staff to ensure service user receive person centred care. Risk assessments are completed in relation to all health and safety issues. These include risk assessments and control measures relating to activities both inside and outside the home. All staff have completed training in health and safety issues, such as first aid, fire safety and moving and handling. This training is regularly up-dated. Monthly reports required by us, known as Regulation 26 reports, are completed by the homes area manager. There is also a good quality assurance system in place. This involves an Annual Service Review completed by the operational manager. The views of service users and relatives are sought as part of this process. Appropriate records are kept of accidents and incidents. And all staff receive regular fire instructions. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 28 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements
These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 28 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection:
Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 1 24 23 The decoration in communal 31/07/2009 areas must be improved. Worn furniture must be replaced. The damaged windows in the conservatory must be replaced and the roof cleaned. The badly stained communal carpets in the lounge and corridors must be addressed. There must be a maintenance programme developed to ensure that service users bedrooms are regularly re-decorated. The damaged radiator guard must be replaced. This is to ensure service users live in a well maintained environment which promotes their dignity. Recommendations Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years)
Page 26 of 28 These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 20 The instruction on the MAR chart should reflect exactly what each service user is to be given. A record of the administration of all prescribed creams should be maintained. This is to ensure that service users receive their medication as prescribed. 2 35 It is recommended that a record of the specialist training provided to staff, so that they can meet the diverse health and personal care needs of the service users, be maintained. It is recommended that training be provided to staff on dementia and people with learning disabilities. 3 35 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 28 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 28 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!