Care Home: 124 Pasley Street

Similar services:

• 2 Perhaver Park
• The Vicarage
• St George`s
• 5 Seafield Road
• Radfords
• Trevaylor Manor
• Honeybourne House

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: 124 Pasley Street 124 Pasley Street Stoke Plymouth Devon PL2 1DS two star good service The quality rating for this care home is: 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: Antonia Reynolds Date: 1 9 0 2 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. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: 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. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 03000 616161 (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. Internet address www.cqc.org.uk Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: 124 Pasley Street 124 Pasley Street Stoke Plymouth Devon PL2 1DS 01752319370 01752310530 info@michaelbattfoundation.org Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Michael Batt Foundation (Valued Life Projects) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : care home 3 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 3 3 0 0 learning disability mental disorder, excluding learning disability or dementia Additional conditions: Learning disabled adults some of whom may have a mental disorder Age 18-50 yrs Date of last inspection 2 1 0 2 2 0 0 7 A bit about the care home 124 Pasley Street is owned by the Michael Batt Foundation (Valued Life Projects) and has been a care home since 2000. There is parking space at the front of the house in the street. Information about the home and copies of inspection reports can be obtained from the head office at Third Floor, Poseidon House, Neptune Business Park, Cattedown, Plymouth, PL4 OSJ, telephone number 01752 310531. The house is the same as the other houses on either side. Two people lived at the home at the time of inspection. The house is close to shops. There are lounge and dining rooms as well as a kitchen for people to use. Each person has their own bedroom. No-one has to share a bedroom There is a bathroom, a shower room and separate toilets. The home has a small garden at the front of the house and a back yard. There is a bus stop near the home where people can take buses into the city centre or other places. People can use trains and taxis to go to other places. If staff use their cars to take people somewhere, there is a charge of 30p per mile. In February 2009 the average fees were 1700 pounds per week for 24 hour 1:1 support but may change depending on people’s needs. 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 How we did our inspection: This is what the inspector did when they were at the care home This inspection was carried out by one inspector who visited the home without telling anyone she was going to come. She was there from 9.45am to 12.45pm on Thursday, 19th February 2009. She also visited the organisation’s head office on 25th February 2009. Throughout this report, the term we will be used as the report is written on behalf of the Care Quality Commission. We talked to one person who lived in the home but the other person did not want to talk to us. Both people had filled in survey forms before the inspection took place. We talked to one staff member and the manager. We received survey forms from two relatives. We did not receive any survey forms from staff. We looked all round the home. We looked at the care records of one person who lived in the home. We looked at other records that told us about how the home is run. This included staff records and health and safety records. Before the inspection an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) was completed by the manager. What the care home does well The management culture of the home is open, positive and inclusive. 124 Pasley Street is comfortable, clean and homely. Peoples rights and different interests are supported and respected. People feel safe living in the home. Where restrictions on choice or liberty are imposed, due to peoples specific needs, they are aware of the reasons. Each person has a support plan that contains very detailed information about care and support needs. People are involved in making these plans and know what they contain. Meetings take place with the people who live in the home so that they are consulted about every aspect of their lives. The staff team support people to take part in various activities in the community. People go to college and are helped to find a job. People are supported to learn skills so that they can become more independent. People are supported to use buses and other public transport. It is easy to get into the city centre. Some information, such as how to make a complaint and keeping people safe, have been produced using easy words, pictures, symbols and photographs to help people understand what they say. The organisation has a staff member who arranges staff training to make sure that all staff are properly trained to support the people who live in the home. The organisation produces quality assurance reports for each home and for the organisation. Copies of these can be obtained from the head office. What has got better from the last inspection The manager and staff can participate in additional training courses, specifically designed for working with people with learning disabilities, so that they can do their jobs better. People who live in the home are supported to attend a course where they can learn about living more independently. More information has been produced using pictures, symbols and photographs to help people understand what they say. Some rooms have been re-decorated. The bathroom has been refurbished with new fittings and easy clean wall coverings. What the care home could do better The Statement of Purpose needs to be updated. The staff team should be more proactive in referring people to community services, for example occupational or speech and language therapy. Support staff should be more proactive in supporting people to access community activities to improve people’s health and social well-being. The manager needs to apply to be registered with the Care Quality Commission and complete a management qualification. The manager should find out if the electrical wiring in the home has been tested to make sure it is safe. If you want to read the full report of our inspection please ask the person in charge of the care home If you want to speak to the inspector please contact Antonia Reynolds Care Quality Commission Colston 33 33 Colston Avenue Bristol BS1 4UA 0117 930 7110 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.cqc.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@cqc.org.uk or by telephoning our order line - 03000 616161 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 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 . People who choose to live in the home can be confident that their support needs are assessed prior to admission and they will have opportunities to visit the home to meet the other people who live there and the staff team. Evidence: There were two men living in the home at the time of this inspection both of whom had lived there for a few years. One person declined to talk to us. Discussion with the manager confirmed that the organisation has procedures in place to ensure that any people who are considering coming to live in the home are assessed prior to admission so that their needs are clearly identified. This process is also to ensure that the staff team have the skills and competence to meet those needs. Discussion with the manager confirmed that this includes meeting and consulting with the person concerned, their relatives or representatives and any other professionals involved in the persons care, such as social and learning disability services. This assessment is so that people coming to live in the home can be confident that their needs will be met and helps the manager make an informed decision about whether the home is suitable. People are invited to visit the home before admission to have a look round and meet the other people who live there as well as the staff. The home has a Statement of Purpose, although it was out of date, and a Service User Guide called Welcome to My Home for people and their relatives/representatives to help them decide whether this home is suitable for them and to inform them of what services and opportunities they can expect when living there. This guide has been produced using pictures and photographs so that it is easier for people to understand what it says. 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 . The people who live in the home are actively involved in devising their own support and care plans and are enabled to participate in, and make decisions about, all aspects of their lives. Evidence: A discussion with one person who lives in the home, as well as information in surveys from both people, showed that the running of the home, and all routines and activities, are organised around the wishes, choices and needs of the people who live there. The staff team encourage, enable and support people to make their own decisions, choices and be as independent as possible. If required, independent advocates are used to help people make decisions. One person described his various activities during the week and one person said in a survey form: I have support for certain hours of the day. If I want to go somewhere special support is arranged for me. Each person has a written plan that details the type of support and help they need on a day to day basis. This has been devised with the person concerned and, as well as providing information about daily support needs, it also includes wishes and aspirations. Activities that people participate in are assessed for possible risks, to make sure that they are kept safe from harm. Any restrictions on choice or freedom have been agreed with the person concerned, as well as other professionals involved in the persons care. These restrictions were made to protect peoples health and safety and recognise responsibilities towards others. Discussion with a person living in the home, as well as information in a survey, confirmed that they were aware of these agreements and knew why they were in place. The person spoken with said that the staff team are aware of the way in which his learning disability and mental health needs affect him and take these into account when supporting him to make decisions and choices. The Evidence: plan also contains information about what staff must do to keep people safe, based on risk assessments that are regularly reviewed. Discussions with the people who live in the home, as well as the manager, confirmed that staff are fully aware of the needs of each person. Discussion with one person living in the home, as well as observation and discussion with the manager, showed that people participate in all aspects of the day to day running of the home such as cleaning, shopping, cooking and laundry, and staff support and assist where required. People are encouraged to look after their own money, including managing bank accounts and budgeting, and staff will assist if necessary. In addition to people receiving their own personal monies, the organisation provides the home with additional money for each person so that they can participate in more leisure activities and buy any clothing they need. The people living in the home are expected to pay for personal items, for example toiletries, hairdressing and public transport including bus fares for staff when they are escorted away from the home on a 1:1 basis with staff. People are expected to make a contribution of 30 pence per mile towards the cost of fuel if staff cars are used. 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 . People who live in the home are supported to lead active lives, learn life skills and attend work placements. They participate in community and leisure activities, choose their own daily routines and maintain regular contact with their families. Evidence: Discussions with a person living in the home and the manager, as well as observation and information contained in personal files, showed that people are enabled to live as full a life as they wish to. One survey from a healthcare professional said that the staff at the home interact with my client on a personal level [and] show concern for his dignity and wishes. People have opportunities for personal development, risk taking and decision making. The ethos of the home is based on promoting individual opportunities to broaden experiences, support people to develop socially and emotionally and to understand responsible risk taking. People are encouraged to participate in all the domestic activities in the home and to take part in leisure activities of their choice. One person, describing his week, said he goes out for bike rides, walking, plays snooker and bowls, uses his computer and goes out to the pub or for meals occasionally. He also said he works on three days a week in a bike shop. One person showed us his domestic routine that had been produced using pictures and photographs so that it was easier for him to understand what tasks he needed to do each day. The manager said that the Michael Batt Foundation has set up a social committee, involving all the people who receive care and support from the organisation, so that people can choose and arrange various social activities. Staff will help people arrange these and support them to get to the venue and participate if this Evidence: assistance is required. As the home supports young adults, the staff team assist people to find and keep paid or voluntary employment, and participate in educational opportunities, in the local community. Discussion with one person living in the home, as well as information in personal files, showed that people have opportunities to attend local colleges if they wish to. One person is doing a course about learning to live independently. It was evident from observation and discussion that the people who live in the home go out on most days to places of their choice, college courses or jobs. Participating in various leisure activities is also enhanced by the additional money that the organisation provides for leisure and clothing. The manager said that individual holidays are being planned for each person and they are both involved in saving money towards paying for the holiday. The manager confirmed that, where a holiday is organised by the staff, the costs will be shared between the people who live in the home and the organisation. However information from a healthcare professional commented that, although there has been some improvement in involving people in community activities, the support staff may not actively involve my client in enough community (out of home) activities because they are respecting his wishes not to participate. Therefore this may not be good for his health and social well being. The home does not provide transport, although staff cars are used occasionally, as people are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. Discussion with a person living in the home, as well as information received from two relatives, confirmed that contact with, and visits to, relatives and friends is encouraged and promoted. People participate in menu planning, do the shopping with staff support and help to prepare and cook meals at a time of their choice. Privacy is respected, bathroom and bedroom doors have locks (if this is not assessed as a risk for the person) and the people who live in the home have keys to their own bedrooms and the front door. At the time of inspection, one person did not have a lock on his bedroom door because the manager said this would not be suitable because of his healthcare needs. Information obtained from discussions and surveys showed that neither of the people who lived in the home had any particular faith or religion and did not wish to attend a church or any other place of worship. The manager confirmed that, if people wished to attend a church or other place of worship, this would be facilitated by the staff team. 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 . People who live in the home can be confident that personal support is provided in the way, and at the time, that they want and need. Health care needs are addressed as soon as they are identified. Evidence: A discussion with one person living in the home confirmed that people receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Each person has a support plan that provides information about personal, social, emotional and health care needs. These plans were written clearly and described peoples goals and aspirations and how staff should support them to achieve these aims. This means that the staff team are fully aware of each persons specific needs and will respond in a consistent manner. Information in personal files, as well as information in a survey from a healthcare professional showed that people have contact with representatives from Social Services, learning disability services, doctors, dentists and various other healthcare professionals and consultants. Information contained within personal files, as well as discussion with the manager confirmed that external professional advice and guidance is sought when necessary from local health care professionals or social services. However information in a survey from a healthcare professional said that the staff could be more proactive in referring people for assessment and assistance, for example for occupational or speech and language therapy and that the staff should follow up referrals to make sure people receive the support they need. One person living in the home said that they decide what time they get up and go to bed, have meals, bathe and go out during the day or evening. Through discussion and observation it was clear that timings are flexible and the choice of the people who live in the home. None of the people who live in the home administer their own medication because they are not safe to do so, or do not feel confident in doing so, therefore this Evidence: is done by staff. Medication was locked away safely and regular medication reviews with health professionals take place. Records pertaining to the administration of medication were up to date and the practice of administering medication, described by a staff member, was found to be safe. Discussion with a staff member showed that he knew what to do in the event of someone refusing their medication and that unused or contaminated medication has to be returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal. Information contained in staff files showed that each staff member receives training on how to administer medication and the manager confirmed that no staff member administers medication unless she believes they are competent, and they feel confident, in doing this. 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 . People who live in the home are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. People can be confident that any concerns or complaints will be listened to, taken seriously and acted upon immediately. Evidence: Discussion with one person who lives in the home, as well as observation, showed that people feel safe, they trust the staff to sort out any problems and would tell the manager if they had a problem or concern. These discussions, as well as discussions with a staff member and the manager, demonstrated that the open culture of the home and the recognition of peoples rights, ensure that people are protected from harm. All staff have undertaken in-house training in safeguarding adults and discussion with the manager confirmed that she knew what action to take should she suspect that any person in the home was being abused or not treated respectfully. There was also written guidance in the home for the staff to follow should they need to. This guidance was also available in a format using photographs, pictures and symbols to make it easier to understand for the people who live in the home. The home has a complaints procedure and one person said that, if he had a complaint he would tell the manager and she would sort it out. Each person has regular meetings with the manager where any issues can be raised and dealt with immediately, although it was also clear from observation that people may raise any issue at any time with the staff and manager. Information in a survey from one relative said that they were aware of the complaints procedure but the other relative said they did not know how, or to whom, to make a complaint. 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 good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . The standard of the environment and decor within this home is good, providing people with a comfortable and homely place to live. Evidence: Discussion with one person living in the home, as well as observation of the other person, showed that they liked living there. The home was also found to be safe, clean and well maintained, providing a homely environment for the people who live there. The house is no different from any other house in the area therefore blends into the neighbourhood because there is nothing to distinguish it as a residential home. Each person has a single bedroom on the 1st floor, none of which have en suite facilities or wash hand basins. Bedrooms are individually furnished and decorated, containing many personal possessions. The people who live in the home said that they choose the decor and furnishings for their bedrooms. One bedroom door was fitted with an appropriate lock and the person whose bedroom it was had his own key to his bedroom, as well as to the front door of the home. The other bedroom occupied at the time of inspection did not have a lock fitted because the manager said this may be dangerous because of the persons specific health needs. The home has a bathroom on the 1st floor consisting of a bath with a wash hand basin and a separate toilet beside it. There is also a separate shower and toilet on the ground floor at the back of the kitchen. Hot water is not thermostatically regulated but this has been risk assessed and both people living in the home are deemed to be aware of the risks of hot water. Both people are able to modify the water temperature of the shower or bath if required. The bathroom and toilet doors are fitted with locks that afford sufficient privacy but staff can gain access in an emergency. The shared rooms in the house are on the ground floor and consist of a lounge room, dining room and kitchen. All the rooms in the house are homely, well furnished and clean. There is a sleeping in room for staff on the 1st floor. The home has a no Evidence: smoking policy. A washing machine is contained in a separate cupboard just inside the kitchen door so soiled laundry is not carried through areas where food is prepared and cooked. People are encouraged and supported to do their own laundry. There were no concerns at this inspection about the risk of any cross infection, based on the needs of the people living in the home. 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 . Recruitment procedures are robust and people who live in the home benefit from a well supported and supervised staff team. Evidence: Discussion with one person living in the home, as well as both direct and indirect observation of people communicating with staff, showed that the people who lived in the home liked the staff. During the inspection one person experienced an incident with a dog whilst going to the local shop which clearly distressed him. The staff and manager handled this situation with understanding and compassion and spent time reassuring and calming the person concerned. The person spoken with said the staff are always there to help them if they need it, they always listen to them, but they also leave people alone if they want to be private. Discussion with the manager, as well as information in the AQAA and staff rotas, confirmed that there is a small staff team, most of whom are men because the home only accommodated men at the time of inspection. Two staff files were inspected at the head office of the organisation and these contained all the required information such as written references and criminal record bureau checks. Discussion with the manager, as well as staff rotas, showed that there are always at least two staff members on duty during the day and evening when both people are at home and one staff member sleeps in the home at night. The manager is usually additional to the staff team. Staff meetings and individual 1:1 supervision sessions between the manager and staff are held regularly. These meetings address the principles and values of the organisation, staff performance and training and development needs, as well as day-to-day support issues. The organisation operates an on call system, where members of the management team are available both in and out of office hours to support the staff on duty. The organisation has a designated staff member to coordinate and arrange training Evidence: and discussion with a staff member, as well as training records, showed that staff are expected to attend a variety of training relevant to their roles including qualifications in working with people with learning disabilities. These courses include a comprehensive six week induction course that covers topics such as first aid, health and safety and food hygiene. Staff are also expected to undertake training in manual handling and person centred planning, social role valorisation, including equality and diversity issues, conflict management and awareness of epilepsy. The AQAA said that two out of five staff members have completed a nationally recognised qualification in providing care and support to people with learning disabilities. 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 . The management approach is open, inclusive and positive, providing clear leadership and guidance. Empowerment and enablement of people is the focus of the organisation. Peoples rights, health, safety and welfare are protected and promoted. Evidence: The manager has been managing this home since May 2008 and has previous experience of working with people with mental health needs and learning disabilities. She said she has a relevant qualification in care, namely a level 4 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), and intends to complete a management qualification in due course. She is also the manager of another care home within the organisation. One person living in the home said that he liked the manager and that he could talk to her about anything. Observation also showed that both men living in the home trusted the manager, felt able to speak to her about sensitive issues, and she listened to and respected their wishes. Discussion with one person, as well as observation, confirmed that the ethos of the home is excellent because the management approach is open and inclusive with the home being organised to meet the needs and aspirations of the people who live there. Lines of accountability are clear and the organisation has a management structure that enables it to cover absences when required, and provide an effective on call system to support staff. The organisation has a quality assurance system in place which includes consultation with the people who live in the home as well as their relatives and representatives. The home receives a visit once a month from the organisations Quality Assurance officer who talks to the people who live in the home, the staff and the manager as well as checking that documentation is up-to-date and finding out if the home needs any maintenance or decorative work. Records of these visits are available in the home so Evidence: that the manager can see what needs to be done to improve the service. The Quality Assurance officer collates all the information received and produces an annual report for each care home, that is very specific to the people who live in those homes, as well as a general report for the whole organisation. Copies of these reports are available, on request, from the head office of the the Michael Batt Foundation. Health and safety checks, including fire equipment and gas safety are carried out regularly. There was documentation showing that portable electrical appliances had been checked in November 2008 to make sure they were safe. The manager could not find a record showing that the electrical wiring in the home had been inspected to make sure it was safe. Fire safety training is carried out with both staff and the people who live in the home. The fire procedure is available in a format using photographs, pictures and symbols to make it easier to understand for the people who live in the home. One person who lives in the home described what he would do in the event of a fire, that is, alert everyone else in the home that there was a fire and leave the home as quickly as possible. Discussion with the manager, as well as staff training records, confirmed that all staff complete training in emergency first aid, health and safety and food hygiene. This means that staff have the knowledge and skills to deal with emergencies. The use of hot water has been risk assessed and the manager does not consider that thermostatically controlled valves, to regulate the temperature, need to be installed. All accidents and incidents are recorded and the manager monitors these to look at the cirumstances of each incident and look for any patterns that may emerge so that the staff team can take action to prevent a recurrence. Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes  No  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 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 Description 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 Description Timescale for action Recommendations 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 1 The Statement of Purpose should be updated to reflect the present management and staffing arrangements in the home. Support staff should be more proactive in supporting people to access community activities to improve people’s health and social well-being. The staff team should be more proactive in referring people for assessment and assistance, for example for occupational or speech and language therapy. Referrals should be followed up to make sure people receive the support they need. The manager should apply to be registered with the Care Quality Commission and complete a formal qualification in management. This is to confirm that she is qualified, competent and experienced to run the home. The manager should establish whether the electrical wiring in the home has been checked by a competent person. This is to ensure that the electrical system in the home is 2 13 3 19 4 37 5 42 maintained properly to protect the safety of the people who live there. Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 or Textphone : or Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.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. - 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!