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Inspection on 05/09/06 for Woodlands Close, 1

Also see our care home review for Woodlands Close, 1 for more information

This inspection was carried out on 5th September 2006.

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.

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

The new Registered Manager and her Team are working hard to improve their communication with the service users. They have had training from a Speech Therapist and have started to put the advice into practice. Service User Guides are being re-produced by staff in the preferred communication style of the service users using music, photographs and video. The staff team are committed to improving the quality of life for the people they care for and demonstrated their knowledge of their needs and potential goals. `Targeted Ambitions` which look to identify and address the aspirations of service users have been re-introduced. The plans are individual, unique and exciting. Service users are clearly enjoying the chance to access new experiences/interests. New activities for service users are being provided and they are part of the local community such as their garden allotment. Comments from professionals and relatives are very positive and include; - `We are perfectly happy with the way X is looked after.`All five questionnaires said that people were satisfied with the overall care provided to service users. Relatives felt they were made welcome, could visit in private. Professionals felt that staff understand the needs of service users and work together in partnership.

What has improved since the last inspection?

All of the seven requirements have been addressed since the last inspection in relation to medication, premises, records and staffing. New furnishings, lighting has improved the home. There are plans to completely decorate the home starting the end of September.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Woodlands Close, 1 1 Woodlands Close Preston Village North Shields Tyne And Wear NE29 9JS Lead Inspector Deborah Haugh Key Unannounced Inspection 5th September 2006 10:00 Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Woodlands Close, 1 Address 1 Woodlands Close Preston Village North Shields Tyne And Wear NE29 9JS 0191 2966953 F/P 0191 2966953 No Email 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) Northern Life Care Limited T/A U.B.U. Mrs Jayne Bowmer Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 14th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: 1 Woodlands Close is a large bungalow which has been adapted to provide residential care for three male service users with profound learning and physical disabilities. The home is in keeping with the local community and is in close proximity to local amenities. A mini bus is providing for transporting the service users to venues of their choice. The premises are spacious and the three service users have their own bedroom. One room is provided with en suite facilities. There is ample car parking and a small garden and patio is available at the rear of the premises. The current fees charged per week are £365. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The unannounced inspection took place on 05/09/06, between 10.00am and 4.00pm. The Registered Manager Jayne Bowmer was on duty. There are 3 people who live at the home. Time was spent looking around the home to check the cleanliness, maintenance and decoration. The service users are unable to express their views about the home and at the time of the visit there were no visitors. Time was also spent observing the contact between the service users and staff. Questionnaires were sent to relatives and professional visitors and 5 were returned. Care plans for service users were examined. Staff described their approaches to caring for the service users. Activities and opportunities for service users to be consulted and access the community were examined. Arrangements for the administration and management of medication were checked. Recruitment, training, complaints and protection of vulnerable adults (POVA) were checked. What the service does well: The new Registered Manager and her Team are working hard to improve their communication with the service users. They have had training from a Speech Therapist and have started to put the advice into practice. Service User Guides are being re-produced by staff in the preferred communication style of the service users using music, photographs and video. The staff team are committed to improving the quality of life for the people they care for and demonstrated their knowledge of their needs and potential goals. ‘Targeted Ambitions’ which look to identify and address the aspirations of service users have been re-introduced. The plans are individual, unique and exciting. Service users are clearly enjoying the chance to access new experiences/interests. New activities for service users are being provided and they are part of the local community such as their garden allotment. Comments from professionals and relatives are very positive and include; - ‘We are perfectly happy with the way X is looked after.’ Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 All five questionnaires said that people were satisfied with the overall care provided to service users. Relatives felt they were made welcome, could visit in private. Professionals felt that staff understand the needs of service users and work together in partnership. What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1&2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Prospective service users have the information they need to make informed choice about where to live. The needs of service users have been assessed before they were admitted. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose has been updated to reflect the change in management and service provided. The Service User Guides are being produced by staff in the preferred communication style of the service users using music, photographs and video to ensure that they are able to make informed choices wherever possible. No one has been admitted in the home since 1999. Assessments were completed at the time, which looked at the needs and wishes of the service users. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6 -9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users have care plans, which have their needs met and enable them to fulfil their potential. Service users are being provided with ways to communicate their needs and participate in the running of the home. Risk assessments are in place, which protects service users. EVIDENCE: Care plans, Targeted ambitions and Person Future Planning (PFP) were examined. Care plans look at a wide range of needs, which include personal care, risk management, personal aspirations and activities. A Speech Therapist has provided training to staff in developing communication skills. Staff said they had had training and explained in detail the approach they are taking. Care plans reflect the approaches. Staff are clear about the way forward and enjoy working with the service users to achieve this. Service users Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 are being supported to participate in the running of the home, and making decisions. Creative approaches are being used such as staff personal identification markers where staff have an object, which they wear, produce when they engage with service users such as a mini vibrating horse key ring, a fish and fuzzy head. Scrapbooks are being used for visitors to read with service users so that they talk about what people have been doing privately without staff needing to be present. Music is being used to give information to people about what is happening in the home. An example is at meal times when ‘Food Glorious Food’ music is played to tell people that the meal is ready. One person prefers to be shaved when Billy Ocean is played. Another technique of cause and effect endorsed by the Speech Therapist about choosing ‘more’ via an indicator button. These approaches are in their early stages and will take time but the staff team are enthusiastic. One care plan and risk assessment regarding medication requires more detail (see NMS 20). One care plan needs to be reviewed regarding the use of an arm brace, as there are conflicting approaches. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11-17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users are able to fulfil their potential, participate in community activities and their rights are respected. Service users are supported to maintain relationships with relatives and other people. Service users receive wholesome nutritious food so their dietary needs are being met. EVIDENCE: Care plans, Targeted ambitions and Person Future Planning (PFP) were examined. Staff spoke of the activities they support service users to join in. As mentioned in NMS 6 service users are being supported to develop their communication using agreed techniques by the Speech Therapist. Staff understand that communication is key to all decision making and participating in situations, which affect their lives. The Manager and her team are providing Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 opportunities for service users to meet new people who do not have a learning disability such as an allotment. One service user has made friends with another allotment owner. Service users have been invited to BBQ’s with other allotment owners. People are able to go to Art and Music classes. People have interests in boats, fishing, cinema, horse riding, swimming, shopping, meals out, theatres and gardening. Service users are supported to go shopping for food, go to the bank and other household tasks such as cleaning their rooms. Relatives and friends are encouraged to visit and as mentioned previously scrapbooks are being used for visitors to read with service users so that they talk about what people have been doing privately without staff needing to be present. Service users are going on holiday to Scotland and one person has recently returned from Amsterdam. A four-week menu is available which contains enough detail to judge that people are having a nutritious diet. Service users help shop for food for the house. People have the opportunity to cook and bake with support. As mentioned music is being used to communicate meal times and an aid to indicate that ‘more’ food is wanted. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18-20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The health needs of service users are well met with multi disciplinary working taking place on a regular basis. The medication at this home is being managed but one area needs improvement. EVIDENCE: Staff respect service users possessions and rights. Service users wear their own clothes and routines in the home are arranged around the needs and wishes of the people who live there. The staff monitor service users health needs, which is recorded in the care plans. Questionnaires from professionals state that they are satisfied with the overall care being provided by the home. Physiotherapy and speech therapist advice is sought when required and action plans are in place, which reflects the advice, provided. Routine health checks are carried out and service users attend appointments with relevant health care professionals with staff. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 One service user occasionally requires liquid medication to be administered and the GP has provided permission and guidance. The District Staff Nurse has provided training to the Manager and she is competent to train her staff. The care plan must be in more detail regarding the procedure and dangers (aspiration) for staff to follow. The Manager and staff training must also be reviewed to ensure that they remain competent. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Service users or their advocates are supported to make complaints. Service users are protected from potential abuse, neglect and harm. EVIDENCE: Care plans are in place, which provide guidance on ensuring that service users are supported to sharing concerns and complaints. Pictorial formats are also available. The Registered Manager is providing relatives with information on how to make a complaint. All staff are receiving training on Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) from North Tyneside POVA team. Over half of the staff have already completed this training. The three staff on duty were aware of the home’s Whistle Blowing Policy and are clear about their duty to report poor practice. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The environment is suitable to meet the needs of service users. EVIDENCE: The premises were inspected. The home is spacious and comfortable for the service users who live there. Bedrooms are personally decorated with photographs, belongings and keepsakes. New lighting has been provided in the dining area and office. New dining chairs and table has been provided as well as new suite. At the end of September the home is due to be completely redecorated. The maintenance and cleanliness of the home is good. The cleaning and hygiene control measures are appropriate. However the home is recommended to double bag continence pads to control odours. Aids and adaptations are in place and serviced. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 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): 31-35 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. Staffing numbers are appropriate to the assessed needs of the residents, size and layout and purpose of the home but must be flexible. Service users are cared for by staff who are trained to NVQ Level 2. Recruitment systems are robust and ensure that service users are protected. EVIDENCE: The home maintains the level of staffing in accordance with previous agreements with the local authority and this reflects the size and layout of the building and the needs of the residents currently living in the home. The current levels of staffing are a minimum of 3 care staff on duty during the day and 1 waking night staff with 1 person sleeping in. However at times the staffing levels must be flexible so that service users can access activities where higher staffing levels are required such as swimming. There are 8 staff, 1 has NVQ Level III, 3 have NVQ level II and 1 person is ¾ of the way through NVQ Level II. Three staff are due to start NVQ Level II. 50 of staff are qualified to NVQ Level 2, which meets the minimum standard. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The home has an on-going training programme. Staff have received training in the Learning Disability Award, POVA, Food Hygiene, First Aid, Fire, Culture day, Medication, Communication, Key Worker and Pressure Care Management. Planned training includes Load Management, Team Leader Award, Risk Taking, Disciplinary and Grievance, Epilepsy, Working Safely, Autism and Complex Behaviour. Fire safety records show that staff have not received fire instruction at 3 monthly intervals Staff recruitment records were examined. Adequate measures are in place when recruiting staff. Checks are made including the Criminal Records Bureau and POVA checks. Two references are sought. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgment has been made from evidence gathered both during and before the visit to this service. The home is being managed effectively to safeguard residents and to fulfil their potential. The ethos in the home is open and transparent which is of benefit to service users. Quality assurance systems ensure that the service is meeting the needs of the service users. Health and safety checks and maintenance are in place, which protects service users, but one area must improve. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager is a qualified nurse for people with learning disabilities and has recently completed the Registered Managers Award. The manager’s hours are 32 hours off the staff rota (supernumery) and 8 hours working as part of the staff team on the staff rota. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The Manager communicates a clear sense of direction and leadership. Staff describe the manager as approachable and supportive. The Manager promotes innovative and creative ideas are encouraged. The atmosphere in the home is relaxed and homely. UBU has a comprehensive quality assurance system in place, which includes monthly visits and reports under Regulation 26 of the Care Homes Regulations 2001. Staff and house meetings are held regularly and minutes are recorded. Health and safety checks are maintained and equipment serviced. However staff must receive fire instruction at agreed timescales of 3 months for night staff Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 4 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 3 33 2 34 3 35 2 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 3 3 2 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 2 X 3 3 3 X X 2 X Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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 YA20 Regulation 13 Requirement The Registered person must ensure that medication issues must be addressed; Use of syringe and care plan/risk assessment and evidence of staff training and reviews of staff competence. The Registered person must ensure that the identified care plan be reviewed regarding the use of an arm brace as there are conflicting approaches. The Registered person must ensure that staffing levels are flexible and increased at times when service users want to access activities, which require more staff support such as swimming. The Registered person must ensure that staff receive fire instruction at agreed timescales of 3 months for night staff Timescale for action 30/09/06 2. YA6 15 08/09/06 3. YA33 18 30/09/06 4. YA35 18 08/09/06 Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 YA30 Good Practice Recommendations Consider double bagging continence pads for odour control. Woodlands Close, 1 DS0000000359.V296305.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cramlington Area Office Northumbria House Manor Walks Cramlington Northumberland NE23 6UR 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. 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