Care Home: Seaton House

Similar services:

• Hillside
• Applegarth
• 122 Scorer Street
• Jubilee Villa Care Home
• Thornham Grove
• Beech Lodge
• 8 Thorndale Road (Homefield College)
• Hunter`s Lodge

What the care home does well People coming into this home receive sensitive, individual and detailed assessments. People are encouraged and supported to make choices about what they wish to do and contribute to the running of the home through the monthly resident`s meetings. The people live in comfortable, well maintained accommodation. The staff help and encourage the people to gain skills whilst, at the same time, making sure that they are safe. The people are fully involved in making decisions that affect their lives and staff listen to and respect those decisions. They are involved in work activities which help them gain independence and confidence. There are plenty of leisure activities and outings for them to enjoy. Each person is encouraged and supported to be independent and take part in meaningful activities. They are also were offered choices about what they wish to do and to make decisions about howthey spend their lives. They are encouraged and supported to have control over their lives. The people like the way the home is run, and enjoy staying at the home. Staff communicate well with them, and respect their choices and decisions. People living in the home are cared for and supported by a caring, educated and committed team of staff. They are in turn lead by an experienced manager who has extensive knowledge about the needs of people with a learning disability. There is a comprehensive programme of education and training provided for staff, which ensures that staff know how to care and support the people who live at the home. The staff feel valued by the management and feel part of a team to improve, to help and support the people living in the home. What has improved since the last inspection? As a result of the appointment of a new manager the home is more organised. They have redecorated and refurbished bedrooms which have involved each person in deciding what colour they wish to their rooms to be and the type of the furniture they want. In addition they have refurbished a small shower room, laundry room with a new domestic washing and tumble dryer and provided new flooring in the pool room and office.They have made care records more person focused with pictures to aid understanding and are introducing information using the first person "I". The manager has introduced monthly minuted resident and staff meetings. The garden has been improved with the involvement of the people living in the home and laid with new flower beds. What the care home could do better: Linkage have a well established quality assurance system and where improvements are identified they are introduced either by the staff team and manager or by Linkage. Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Seaton House 153 Eastgate Louth Lincs LN11 9AJ The quality rating for this care home is: three star excellent service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this full review a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Tobias Payne Date: 1 3 0 4 2 0 1 0 This report is a review of the quality of outcomes that people experience in this care home. We believe high quality care should:  Be safe  Have the right outcomes, including clinical outcomes  Be a good experience for the people that use it  Help prevent illness, and promote healthy, independent living  Be available to those who need it when they need it. The first part of the review gives the overall quality rating for the care home:  3 stars – excellent  2 stars – good  1 star – adequate  0 star – poor There is also a bar chart that gives a quick way of seeing the quality of care that the home provides under key areas that matter to people. 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 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 31 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 mission of the Care Quality Commission is to make care better for people by:  Regulating health and adult social care services to ensure quality and safety standards, drive improvement and stamp out bad practice  Protecting the rights of people who use services, particularly the most vulnerable and those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983  Providing accessible, trustworthy information on the quality of care and services so people can make better decisions about their care and so that commissioners and providers of services can improve services.  Providing independent public accountability on how commissioners and providers of services are improving the quality of care and providing value for money. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report Care Quality Commission General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for non-commercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. www.cqc.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 31 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Seaton House 153 Eastgate Louth Lincs LN11 9AJ 01507611071 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): glenda.chambers@linkage.org.uk Linkage Community Trust Name of registered manager (if applicable) Ms Glenda Ellen Chambers Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 9 0 care home 9 learning disability Additional conditions: Date of last inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 31 A bit about the care home Seaton House provides personal care for up to 9 people with a learning disability. It is situated on the eastern side of the market town of Louth. It is a detached property, which has been extensively altered and refurbished. The property is well maintained both internally and externally and offers people opportunities for privacy, independence and easy access to the local community. Accommodation is provided in single rooms. There is car parking space available to the front of the home. The garden of Seaton House provides a link with the sister home of Riverside. The two homes are part of a long stay project operated by the voluntary organisation Linkage Community Trust. The close unison of the homes is mainly in relation to leisure activities and transport especially as some of the people share similar interests such as swimming and football. During the week the people living in the home attend a variety of off-site activities ranging from vocational interests to work placements. Information about the day-to-day operation of the home is explained and given to each person and is available in the home for others to refer to. The statement of purpose, service users guide and a copy of the last inspection report can be obtained from the manager of the home and is at the entrance to the home in a separate folder. The fees at the inspection visit on the 13/4/2010 ranged from £453 to 562 each week. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 31 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: three star excellent 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 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 31 How we did our inspection: This is what the inspector did when they were at the care home The quality rating for this service is 3 stars. This means the people who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes. This inspection used a review of all the information available to us about the home and through making an unannounced visit to the home lasting 5 hours. The registered manager was present throughout the inspection and was given feedback at the end of the inspection. The main method of inspection used was called case tracking which involved selecting 2 people and tracking the care they receive through the checking of their records, discussion with them and the staff and where more appropriate observation of interaction between staff and the people living in the home and related care practises. We looked at a sample of care records and walked around the home to see the quality of accommodation and visited some of the bedrooms with the permission of the people living in the home. We spoke with 7 people living in the home, as well as one member of staff and the manager. An (AQAA) Annual quality assurance assessment was completed by the manager and sent to us prior to this report being completed. This is a selfassessment document completed by the Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 31 manager of the care home. It sets out evidence from the provider to demonstrate that they are meeting the Care Home Regulations.Before this inspection we also received surveys from each person in the home all of which were very positive and 5 staff surveys. The views of these surveys are contained throughout this report. Where we are us is used in this report it refers to the Care Quality Commission. What the care home does well People coming into this home receive sensitive, individual and detailed assessments. People are encouraged and supported to make choices about what they wish to do and contribute to the running of the home through the monthly residents meetings. The people live in comfortable, well maintained accommodation. The staff help and encourage the people to gain skills whilst, at the same time, making sure that they are safe. The people are fully involved in making decisions that affect their lives and staff listen to and respect those decisions. They are involved in work activities which help them gain independence and confidence. There are plenty of leisure activities and outings for them to enjoy. Each person is encouraged and supported to be independent and take part in meaningful activities. They are also were offered choices about what they wish to do and to make decisions about how Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 31 they spend their lives. They are encouraged and supported to have control over their lives. The people like the way the home is run, and enjoy staying at the home. Staff communicate well with them, and respect their choices and decisions. People living in the home are cared for and supported by a caring, educated and committed team of staff. They are in turn lead by an experienced manager who has extensive knowledge about the needs of people with a learning disability. There is a comprehensive programme of education and training provided for staff, which ensures that staff know how to care and support the people who live at the home. The staff feel valued by the management and feel part of a team to improve, to help and support the people living in the home. What has got better from the last inspection As a result of the appointment of a new manager the home is more organised. They have redecorated and refurbished bedrooms which have involved each person in deciding what colour they wish to their rooms to be and the type of the furniture they want. In addition they have refurbished a small shower room, laundry room with a new domestic washing and tumble dryer and provided new flooring in the pool room and office. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 31 They have made care records more person focused with pictures to aid understanding and are introducing information using the first person I. The manager has introduced monthly minuted resident and staff meetings. The garden has been improved with the involvement of the people living in the home and laid with new flower beds. What the care home could do better 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 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 31 please contact Tobias Payne CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB21 5XE 01223771300 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 - 0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 31 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 12 of 31 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 living at this home receive clear and detailed information to suit their needs to enable them or their relatives/advocates to make an informed choice as to whether or not they wish to live in this home. Where a person is referred to the home careful and sensitive assessments take place for each person being admitted to the home to ensure that it meets their needs. Evidence: There was a statement of purpose and a service users guide with a copy of our last inspection report and information about Linkage in a folder at the entrance to the home. Linkage had comprehensive policies relating to the admission and discharge of people. There is an established community and over the last year one person had been admitted to the home but as he was already known to Linkage it was a smooth process. The manager told us that any referral for admission is initially handled by the care services manager for Linkage who would meet each person and their family and carry out an assessment. If the person was found to be suitable then the manager would carry out a more detailed and person focused assessment and invite the person and their family to meet he people in the home, perhaps staying for a meal or for the day. The aim was to ensure that a sensitive and smooth admission took place. We spoke to one person who Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 31 Evidence: had been recently admitted and he told us everyone had made him very welcome and he was settling in the home. Records we saw showed that they contained copies of information given to them about the home. All of the questionnaires completed by the people and sent to us before our inspection visit confirmed that they had sufficient information about the home prior to moving in. Staff had a good knowledge of the needs of the people and all the people we spoke with were very positive about living at Seaton House. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There is detailed care planning which includes risk assessments. People enjoy choices about what activities they want to get involved and have a varied social programme. People are encouraged to make decisions for themselves and be independent with the support and guidance of staff Evidence: Each person had a detailed and individual care plan. The records included, personal information, their likes and dislikes, photograph, daily support plan, communication record, my health action plan, hospital passport, accident and emergency grab sheet which gave essential information in case of an emergency admission to hospital and a detailed initial assessment. From this a care plan had been produced which was clear and detailed. The care plan outlined the delivery of care needs, goals and action plan to achieve goal. Each aspect of care and support and their daily routine was very detailed and specific to each person. There was evidence of review dates and the care plan was reviewed every month with the involvement of each person. Their signatures showed that they had been involved in identifying their care and support. Care plans were individual Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 31 Evidence: and the daily records well written, factual and dated and cross referenced with the care plan. During the inspection visit we saw staff offered and respected choices and were flexible in their approach with good clear communication skills towards the people. The manager told us that staff had received training about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and a capacity assessment was included. This concerned protecting each persons rights and choices. We saw staff throughout our visit talking and communicating with the people in a kind, calm and sensitive approach respecting their views and opinions. Choice and decision making was clearly shown in the care plans. The people were given choice concerning their interests, activities and lifestyle. Staff received training to assist and support them. Each person had a key worker. This information enabled staff to understand and support each person. There were also very detailed risk assessments covering transport, outside activities and cooking or working in the kitchen. All entries were dated with signatures from staff. The manager told us that they have monthly minuted meetings at which issues such as activities, the way the home was run and meals are discussed. During the visit the people we spoke with talked about how they are supported to make decisions and choices about things like holidays, meals and activities. One person told us I am fussy about my food and they always go out of their way to find me a meal to suit my needs. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People are involved in meaningful and appropriate activities, which include educational, work and recreational activities. They enjoy varied and nutritious meals which they are involved in. Evidence: Throughout our visit we spoke with the people living in the home who told us they took part in a range of leisure, social, educational and work opportunities. Examples were working in a local hotel, local hospice shop, local shops and a local college. They told us they ware able to have and visit friends and family as they wish. They told us of holidays they had been on which included trips to London a leisure hotel in December 2009. Two of the people told us they were off to a see a snooker tournament in the very near future. The manager told us they were planning a summer holiday in Wales. All trips and ideas were discussed fully with the people living in the home. All the questionnaires completed by the people confirmed they could do what want during the day in the evening and at weekends. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 31 Evidence: At the time of our visit the people were helping in the kitchen having had breakfast before some of them went to work. Each person is involved in cooking with the assistance and guidance of staff all of whom have received food hygiene training. Several people were at home helping in the garden or around the house. The manager told us each person had an at home day during which they tidied their room, went shopping, did their laundry and developed their skills. Each person had their own timetable indicating what they wanted to do each day. We could see this was flexible as during our visit one of the people asked the manager to change an activity and this took place during our visit to suit the person. The manager also told us each person had a bicycle and several had been adapted to suit the persons needs. People we spoke with told us that they felt that they had their privacy respected, they could lock their rooms if they wished and were able to make their own decisions. They told us, I like to help around the place and the staff are very friendly and we have a good time, I am looking forward to going to the Snooker and to Wales. Other comments we received included, we have good holidays. Staff are friendly and there are good leisure activities which includes going to live shows and they allow us to choose what we want to do. People also told us thy liked the food and we saw that individual preferences and special dietary needs were catered for. Records we saw showed that their needs were monitored which included their weight to ensure their health and well-being were being met. Meals at the home were planned in consultation with the people and individual preferences were catered for as needed. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Clear care plans, created from assessments of need help to ensure that peoples health and welfare needs are fully met. Medication is safely given by staff who know what they are doing. Evidence: Care plans had information about each persons health needs and where required specialist services were available from Linkage including a psychiatrist and psychologist. The home had also established close relationships with local doctors, dentists and community nurses. Each person had an annual health review where any health issues can be identified and monitored. Each person is also assessed as to their competence before self medication took place. We saw that there were two people who chose and were assessed as safe to self medicate but we saw that very strict and careful monitoring took place in order to ensure that safe administration of medication took place. All other people needed assistance with medication to ensure it was given safely. The manager told us that staff were responsible for giving out medication and they only did this after they had been assessed as competent to administer medication by the manager. Each person also received half a day training and then supervised practise. Records we saw were well maintained with receipt and disposal records. The service receives regular pharmacy inspections the last being on the 19/3/2010. The report commented the home continues to maintain a high standard in medication issues. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 31 Evidence: Staff throughout our inspection visit showed a person focused approach to care, using a flexible, sensitive and relaxed approach. Each person had a detailed Health Action Plan, a nationally recognised health check assessment. There were also clear plans and risk management strategies in place for supporting people with behavioural needs. Each person had a nutritional assessment and their weight was monitored regularly. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 31 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. Complaints received are treated properly. Staff are recruited correctly to ensure that the people were protected from abuse. Evidence: Each person had a copy of the complaints procedure and it was also available in different forms including pictures and the manager told us that it could also be provided in other formats and languages on request. It told them what they should do if they had any complaints or concerns. This was also referred to in the service users guide. We and the home have received no complaints or safeguarding adults issues over the last year. There was an adult protection policy and all staff as part of their induction received abuse training. The home also had a copy of Lincolnshire County Councils adult protection procedures. This is covered during the induction training for new staff and in addition each person is given a green card about abuse recognition and a safeguarding vulnerable adults leaflet. We also saw that staff were recruited correctly with a check by the Criminal Records Bureau. There were procedures available on individual care plans about physical intervention to make sure people were protected properly and detailed records were kept in order to support each person with their finances. During our visit no person living in the home or staff had any concerns about the home. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 31 Evidence: The manager also told us that they had support where needed from a local advocacy service. The people told us that they were involved in residents meetings and made their views known at these if they wished. Minutes were kept of these meetings. We also saw that Linkage had various procedures in place to safeguard the people such as physical intervention and restraint, bullying, missing person and safeguarding money and valuables held on behalf of the people living in the home. We looked at how they recorded and managed the peoples money and found the storage arrangements and accounting systems satisfactory. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People live in clean, safe, well maintained and comfortable accommodation suited to their needs. Evidence: During our visit we were shown around the home by one of the people living in the home. The person showed us his room which he told us had been decorated to suit his needs and he had been involved in choosing the colours. The home was comfortably furnished, clean and well-maintained throughout. A number of rooms had been redecorated and refurbished again with the person having a say in what they wanted. There was a programme of maintenance with records being kept to report any issues that needed attention. The people told us that they helped with household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and laundry if they wished which helped to increase their independence. The home had an up to date fire risk assessment and we saw that records were kept of fire testing of equipment and fire practises to ensure the people knew what to do in case of an emergency. Risk assessments showed that any hazards to safety or the environment had been highlighted. We also saw an infection control policy and alcohol had wash was at the entrance to the home to further prevent infection. Staff comments and records checked showed that staff Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 31 Evidence: have training about infection control. There were very attractive gardens surrounding the home with access from the lounge via a patio. We saw the some of the people were involved in maintaining the gardens under supervision. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. There is a safely recruited, well-trained, established, supported staff team available who have the skills to meet the varying needs of the people living in the home. Evidence: Each person living in the home had a key worker responsible for their care and support. The manager told us she ensured that staff had the skills to support the particular needs of the the people. We saw recruitment records for the most recent member of staff recruited over the last year. These records showed they had been safely recruited with a check by the Criminal Records Bureau, application form, 2 references and proof of identity. Linkage also ensures that representatives of the people living in the home are involved in the interview process for staff and managers. The manager told us that each person was asked whether they wished to be involved in interviewing staff. Once recruited each new member of staff had a supported induction programme. Records we saw confirmed this took place. Thereafter a more detailed induction programme would take place over 6 weeks to nationally recognised standards. The manager told us that they have an annual training programme and encouraged the staff to work towards a national Vocational qualification in care. Records we saw showed that 61 of staff had obtained a an NVQ level 2. Training over the year had covered, total communication, equality and diversity (each person receives a detailed leaflet in addition to the training), fire safety, first aid, Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 31 Evidence: health and safety, moving and handling, protecting vulnerable adults, principles of care, basic food hygiene, medication administration and epilepsy. The manager told us staff also received training about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Each member of staff also received a copy of the General Social Care Councils codes of practise. The home also provides a placement for nursing students from the University of Nottingham. They also have connection with local schools to provide work placements in the home. Linkage also has received the Investors in People award in recognition of their commitment to staff training and development. Staff told us and records showed they received supervision an annual appraisal and that they felt supported to talk about their individual needs. There was an equality and diversity policy and no equality and diversity or communication issues. The staff felt they could meet the needs of the people living in the home and felt they had sufficient time. During our inspection visit we saw there was a very calm, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of laughter and staff were seen to talk to the people in a calm, kind, friendly and sensitive manner. The people told us it is fantastic here, they make sure everyone is OK. they help with learning to be independent so I can live in the training flats when I am ready. I have assistance when logging onto the computer, they make me feel safe and I am quite happy. Comments from staff included, we provide good care and understanding for both staff and service users. There is continual training for staff to keep up to date with new laws and guidelines. We provide a wide variety of leisure activities and holidays. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 26 of 31 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 excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. People and staff benefit from the positive leadership of the management team. Management record systems show that peoples health, welfare, safety and choices are promoted. Evidence: Since the last inspection we registered a new manager for the home in March 2010. This person had many years of experience in learning disability and was studying to obtain a management and care qualification. Staff had confidence in her and spoke of the improved organisation in the home, supervision and support received. Throughout our visit we saw a very relaxed and happy atmosphere in the home and staff showed knowledge about the needs of the people living in the home. Linkage has very well established systems in place to monitor quality and seeking the views of the people. Regular detailed annual questionnaires are sent out to obtain their views of the service. We looked at the results of the last survey in 2009. These were analysed by the manager and showed that the majority of comments were very positive about their experience in the home. The views of the people are also obtained through the monthly meetings. Regular monthly visits were also made by the responsible Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 31 Evidence: individual for Linkage. These were also comprehensive and looked at aspects in the home and also the views of a sample of the people living in the home. An action plan was provided as a result of these visits where issues arose and these would be followed up to see that the issues had been addressed. There is also a formal quality auditing system European Foundation for Quality Management (EQFM) which uses surveys from people receiving care and support and staff to obtain their views about the service and there is a Pointers committee. It is a committee, which is run by and for the people who use the organisations wider services. This group enable the people receiving services to influence the development of the service. A newsletter is produced from this, which is circulated to all services. Comments from questionnaires completed by the people living in the home confirmed that they were happy at the home. Records we saw throughout our visit were available, up to date and well maintained. The AQAA sent by the manager before the inspection visit was very detailed and gave us enough information about the home. People we spoke with told us it is fantastic living here and the staff are great. Staff we spoke with told us, the manager is always on the ball and the organisation is better and she knows what is going on and is actively involved in the home and I love working here. The home had a comprehensive and detailed health and safety policy together with detailed risk assessments covering all aspects of daily living activities. Linkage have a health and safety manager responsible for this. Risk assessments were in place relating to each persons safety and a safe environment. Staff training records showed that they had received training relating to health and safety issues. There were also records in place to show that health and safety matters are regularly checked and monitored for example records were available to show that the fire alarms were being tested weekly and fire evacuations monthly. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 31 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 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 29 of 31 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 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 30 of 31 Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 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. © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for non-commercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 31 of 31 - 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!