Care Home: The Poplars

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What the care home does well There was detailed written information about the needs of the people that lived that enabled the staff to provide the help and support that each individual required. The home promoted equality and diversity and its routines were flexible. Individuals were developing life and social skills with the encouragement and support of the home`s staff team. They were also supported to make choices for themselves and use the amenities in the local community. The building was comfortable, well furnished and decorated.The home`s registered manager was perceived as knowledgeable and experienced. Staff working in the home and social care professionals expressed confidence in the home`s manager. There was a commitment to staff support, training and development to ensure that they were able to fulfil their roles and responsibilities and meet the complex and diverse needs of people living in the home. What has improved since the last inspection? There were no concerns identified as a result of the last key inspection of the home on 1st November 2006. CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Poplars 347 Salisbury Road Totton Hampshire SO40 3NF Lead Inspector Tim Inkson Unannounced Inspection 1st November 2007 08:55 The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.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 The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.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. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Poplars Address 347 Salisbury Road Totton Hampshire SO40 3NF 023 8043 4269 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) Starfish Enterprise Limited Janice Elizabeth Billson Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 1st November 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The Poplars is a large Edwardian building set off the main road. It has six bedrooms for service users, a lounge, a conservatory and a kitchen/dining room. Outside there is a large garden. The home caters for younger adults with learning difficulties and aims to support people to develop the skills they need in order to move on to more independent living. Arrangement for people interested in living in the home are always made through the adults services department of a local authority or a specialist National Health Service Partnership Trust. The individual concerned and their representative is provided with a Service Users Guide that provides information about the home’s services and facilities in a format using symbols and pictures that is easy to understand. A copy of the report of the last inspection of a service carried out by us is made available by the home to interested parties and they are referred to our website where reports can be viewed. At the time of a site visit to the home on 1st November 2007 its fees started at £1250 per week. This did not include the cost of hairdressing, personal items and toiletries and some of the cost of an annual holiday. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This site visit was part of the process of a key inspection of the home. It was unannounced and took place on 1st November 2007, starting at 08:55 and finishing at 15:35 hours. During the visit accommodation was viewed including bedrooms, communal/shared areas and the home’s kitchen and laundry. Documents and records were examined and staff working practice was observed where this was possible without being intrusive. Two of the three people living in the home at the time of the site visit were spoken to about what they did and what it was like to live in the home. Three support workers were spoken to during the site visit in order to obtain their views about what it was like working in the home Questionnaires were used to canvass relatives/representatives of people living in the home and staff about their views of service that the home provided. Social care professionals were contacted by telephone to obtain their views about the management of the home and the service that it provided for the people whose admission to the service/establishment they had arranged. At the time of the inspection the home was accommodating 3 people, 2 males and 1 female and their ages ranged 20 to 24 years, none was from a minority ethnic group. The responsible individual/managing director representing the company that owned the home was present throughout most of the site visit and was able to provide information and help when required. Other matters that influenced this report included: An Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) completed by the registered manager in which he set out how he believed the home met and planned to exceed the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Care Homes for Adults (18 –65) and evidence to support this. A “dataset” containing information about the home’s staff team, and some of its managements systems and procedures. Information that “the Commission” had received such as statutory notices about incidents/accidents that had occurred in the time since that had elapsed since the last key inspection of the home had been completed. What the service does well: There was detailed written information about the needs of the people that lived that enabled the staff to provide the help and support that each individual required. The home promoted equality and diversity and its routines were flexible. Individuals were developing life and social skills with the encouragement and support of the home’s staff team. They were also supported to make choices for themselves and use the amenities in the local community. The building was comfortable, well furnished and decorated. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The home’s registered manager was perceived as knowledgeable and experienced. Staff working in the home and social care professionals expressed confidence in the home’s manager. There was a commitment to staff support, training and development to ensure that they were able to fulfil their roles and responsibilities and meet the complex and diverse needs of people living in the home. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.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 The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1, 2, 4 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The help that people needed was identified before they moved into the home to ensure that the home could properly provide it. EVIDENCE: The records that the home kept for the three people living in the home at the time of the site visit were examined. Particularly those documents that contained information about them and that had been obtained before they actually moved into the home. It was apparent from; the documentation examined; discussion with staff; information obtained from questionnaires returned by relatives/representatives of people living in the home; and from discussion with social care professionals. The admission of people into the home was very carefully planned and included the following elements. The home gave clear information to people about the specialist services it could provide set out in a brochure /guide and also an annual report and development plan. These included photographs and symbols as well as comments from people that had an interest in the home, such as relatives, social care professionals and people living in the home. The brochure/guide was produced in a simple format and provided details about the accommodation, activities people could get involved in, the type of food they might get, how the staff team could support them, what their rights and The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 responsibilities were and how they could complain if they were unhappy. A copy of the guide was also given to every one living in the home. No person had moved into the home until the type of support and help that they required had clearly been identified as a result of the home’s registered manager and deputy manager visiting the person concerned where they were living in order to obtain this. This ensured that the individual and their family or representative, where appropriate, were involved. Everyone that had moved into the home had done so through care management arrangements (i.e. through a local authority adults service department) and consequently the home had obtained comprehensive assessments of the individuals’ needs identified by the relevant authority and also specialist health care professionals. The process was designed to help people choose whether or not they wished to live at the home also as well as enable the home to assess whether the home could meet the persons needs. It required individuals to visit the home several times. Initially individuals visited with support of representatives from where they were living or another advocate and then “unsupported”. These visits included the opportunity to share meals and join in activities, sleep at the home and meet with the other people living in the home and the staff team. One social care professionals spoken to about the process said that as a result of such a thorough assessment her client had “settled in” and their “needs were being met”. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home had systems and procedures in place for planning and providing the level and type of support that people required. Individuals were supported to exercise choices about day-to-day life. The potential of harm to individuals was identified and plans were put in place to promote responsible risk taking. EVIDENCE: Documents examined during the site visit indicated that the home’s staff had ready access to comprehensive information setting out how the help and support each person living in the home required was to be provided. These were known as “essential life plans” and they were focussed on the choices and wishes of the individual, demonstrating that “person centred planning” was the principle upon which they were based. This was illustrated by examples of details in the plans: • “X does not like to be woken up, he will get up by himself at around 9:30 am … he likes to buy drinks from the supermarket to go with his picnic lunch … he will make a clear choice about what he would like for lunch but will need to be reminded of healthy options … “. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 • “Y makes clear choices and may not wish to participate in activity that is offered and should be supported I an alternative … ensure that he is consulted about decisions affecting him …”. Two support workers described the home’s approach/value system: • “It is all about individuals needs and choice … they choose what college courses they want to do and if X wants to work what sort of work it will be, it will be something that he wants to do …”. • “It’s a needs led service, based on each individual and not mass production”. It was clear from documentation signed by (i.e. written and signed “laundry agreement”) and discussion with people living in the home that they were involved in developing the plans and were aware of their contents. • “I have a key-worker meeting and we talk about my life plan”. The home used picture cards and information in a simple format to help people independently complete everyday living skills/tasks, such as preparing snacks doing laundry or maintaining personal hygiene A special form of communication i.e. “Makaton” was used to some extent by at least one of the people living in the home who was also able to communicate well normally. Some staff had received training in this subject and there was a proposal that the person concerned would also teach otrher people to use the method for communication. During the site visit staff were seen giving individuals the opportunity to make choices about a range of things including, meals and activities. The plans of care and support were supplemented by among other things, daily notes. These were recorded after discussion with the individual concerned, in a diary specifically for them. Other supporting records included when required monitoring charts for recording dietary intake, or participation in activities. The former was used to ensure that a person avoided foodstuffs that could cause behavioural problems and the latter to indicate the state of a person’s psychological well-being. There was evidence that care plans were reviewed at least monthly at keyworker meetings and formal reviews were organised with social care professionals from the authorities that were financially supporting the individuals. A range of assessments of potential harm to each person had been completed and informed the plans of care that consequently included strategies about how these risks would be managed. The risks identified included among other things the following: • Bowling The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 • • • • Sexual relationships Swimming Unfamiliar surroundings Boat trip It was also clear in the process of looking at the potential for an individual to suffer some harm, the possible outcome was balanced against the potential benefits to the person from pursuing the activity.Such as their right to exercise choice, or maintain their dignity and independence. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home promoted the right of people living in the home to live ordinary and meaningful lives. They were supported to take part in social and recreational activities and to develop life skills. The food provided by the home was varied, nutritious and according to individuals’ needs and choices. EVIDENCE: It was apparent from discussion with people living in the home, observation and an examination of relevant records that individuals were able to pursue their own particular interests and these were noted in their plans of care. Daily notes and individual weekly activity plans indicated that individuals were also supported to use amenities in the local community such as colleges. Leisure centres, cinemas, shops, cafes, and pubs. People living in the home had also been on holidays to destinations that they had chosen. The home was attempting to arrange employment for one individual. Individuals were encouraged to participate in everyday household tasks and in accordance with an agreed schedule to ensure that they were shared equally. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Comments from people living in the home about these matters indicating that they had opportunities to use amenities in the local community and develop essential life skills included the following: • “I do drama at college ... I like cooking and I cook beef curry .. we do things like clean the home … I watch my telly and I go to the cinema .. we go to the pub … I go swimming and shopping in Totton … we had a Halloween party yesterday … I go to bed when I want at half past ten …”. • “I use the toaster and I make porridge with no help … I am going to Hounsdown college to do numbers … I see my friends at college … I had a holiday … I like going swimming … we go to the Megabowl … I go shopping in Morrison’s … I am taking my lunch to college and I made it myself … I had too much to drink at the party last night … “. Contact was maintained between people living in the home and their relatives and some individuals had regular visits from them. Responses in questionnaires completed by relatives indicated that the home always helped people living in the home keep in touch with them and that the home “usually” kept them up to date with important issues affecting the person concerned. The reason for the latter response was illustrated by a comment from a relative that indicated that the home promoted confidentiality and individuals’ rights. • “I am not always aware of important issues affecting my son. But this may be because they might be of a personal nature and my son does not want me to know”. Everyone had their own single bedroom that had been personalised with their own belongings and style of décor. Single rooms helped to promote their right to privacy and staff were clearly expected to knock on bedroom doors and seek permission to enter them. Records of food provided, menus that were examined and discussion with people living in the home indicated that their diet was varied, nutritious and based on their preferences and choices. The responsible individual representing the company that owned the home said that menus were planned with people living in the home, pictures of meals were used and recipes discussed in order to decided the menus each month. The home promoted healthy eating using a meat substitute i.e. Quorn or Soya was used in some meals. As a result of careful monitoring it had been established that certain foodstuffs seriously affected the behaviour of one individual and subsequently certain items were not used in the home. The range and type of meals eaten in the home is illustrated by the following: • • • Jacket/baked potato with Tuna mayonnaise and salad Fish pie and broccoli Creamy mushroom stroganoff DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The Poplars • • • • Cauliflower cheese and bacon Creamy ham and leek lasagne Home made kebabs Beef curry The home had a monthly “around the world” themed meal to introduce people to things from other cultures and on these occasions materials were used to make the occasion “festive”. Such meals had included, Chinese. Mexican and Greek cuisine. All meals were freshly prepared with fresh and as often as possible organic ingredients and people living in the home who were spoken to said they enjoyed the food. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The health and personal care that people required was based on their individual needs and their medication was managed safely. EVIDENCE: Plans of care examined set out in detail how the help and support an individual needed was to be provided (see also section “Individual Needs and Choices” above). At the time of the site visit no one living in the home needed physical help with his or her intimate personal care needs. All did however require some degree of prompting or reminding, ranging from the use of signs to verbal intervention. Care plans indicated how the privacy of individuals was to be promoted when they were managing their personal hygiene e.g. • “Knock on Z’s door and do not enter until she responds – she usually has a bath first thing … she should be left alone to do her personal care … she is capable of washing and dressing … only enter to test the water temperature of the bath” Records examined and discussion with the people living in the home indicated that individuals were supported to visit healthcare professionals when The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 necessary e.g. dentists, general practitioners. Also that specialist advice and help was obtained when necessary e.g. as speech and language therapy. Questionnaires completed by relatives indicated that all thought that the home met the needs of the individual to whom they were related and provided the support that their relative expected. Comments included the following: • “They have researched my son’s diet regime to help with behaviour management. They encourage service users to dress appropriately and exercise good personal hygiene. They take service users out into the community regularly”. “They meet my sons needs at the moment”. • Social care professionals spoken to about the service the home provided were all very positive. Their comments indicated that with the support of the home’s staff and management team, people living in the home had among other things developed new skills and experienced opportunities that would help them become more independent. • “She has settled in and her needs are being met and she had developed really well … she has an individual care plan … her last review went really well she has a lot of choice and is involved, she feels that it is her home and she is attending college which is a huge step forward”. “Overall I am delighted with the home they have managed to engage him and his days are filled with activities”. “I have seen an improvement with him since he has been eating more healthily”. • • The home had clear written policies and procedures about the management of medication. Medicines were kept in locked cupboard and the home used a monitored dosage system with most prescribed medicines put into packs for a period of 7 days by a local pharmacist. The home was supplied with enough packs for a period of 28 days. Medication not put into such packs were those items that would deteriorate when removed from their containers, or liquids. Records that were kept of the receipt into the home, administration (giving out) and disposal of unwanted medicines were accurate and up to date. There were clear instructions for the use of medications that were prescribed for use on occasions that it was required (PRN). The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Before any member of staff was able to give out medication they had to complete relevant training and be assessed as competent by the home’s registered manager. This required among other things for them to be observed carrying out the task safely. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home had access to a complaints procedure that would enable the home to address their concerns and independent advocacy services could be used to represent the concerns of people if necessary. There was a system in place in the home to protect vulnerable adults from harm. EVIDENCE: Every person living in the home had been given a copy of the home’s complaints procedure in a format that included pictures and symbols to explain to individuals their rights in as simple a way as possible. People living in the home who were spoken to indicated that they knew what to do if they were unhappy about anything. They both felt confident about letting the registered manager know about any concerns that they might have. The home had a system for recording complaints and how they were dealt with but it had received no complaints in the previous 12 months. We (i.e. “the Commission”) had received no complaints about the home during the same period. All relatives that completed questionnaires indicated that they knew how to make a complaint. The responsible individual representing the company that owned the home said that a local advocacy service would be asked to work with people in the home if necessary to ensure that individuals could obtain independent advice and support. There were written procedures readily available in the home for the guidance of staff, about safeguarding vulnerable adults. These included a copy of the local authority’s adult protection procedures. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 All staff spoken to knew what to do if they suspected or knew that a person living in the home had been abused. The home had been proactive in reporting to the appropriate authority concerns about the actions of a member of staff working at the home who had subsequently resigned. People living in the home were supported by staff to manage their financial affairs. Individual savings accounts had been arranged for people in banks/building societies. Their benefits were paid directly into their accounts and staff helped them withdraw cash when it was required. The home kept some money on behalf of the individuals living there and accurate records were kept of all incomings and outgoings. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home’s environment was comfortable safe, and well maintained for the benefit of the people living and working in it. EVIDENCE: At the time of the visit the exterior and interior of the home was in good decorative order and its furnishings and fittings were generally in good repair. The building was clean and there were no adverse odours. All people living in the home occupied single bedrooms and all had either an en-suite shower or bath and WC. Individuals were encouraged to personalise their rooms. The responsible individual representing the company that owned the home said that the admission of a new person was being planned and the individual concerned would be able to choose the colour scheme/décor for the bedroom that they would occupy. The communal space comprised a kitchen diner, lounge and sunroom/diner/activities area, laundry room and WC on the ground floor and a bathroom on the first floor. The latter was provided to enable individuals with en-suite showers in their bedrooms to enjoy a bath if they wanted. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Although bedrooms and other rooms used by people living in the home were fitted with alarm/call points, everyone living in the home at the time was mobile and there was no one with a physical disability. The responsible individual (see above) said that if someone moved into the home with special needs the necessary adaptations would be made to the accommodation to ensure that their needs could be fully met. The home’s laundry room was appropriately sited and equipped and the home had systems in place to ensure that the risk of infection was controlled, including the use of liquid soap and paper towels in communal WCs. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34, and 35 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The recruitment, training, deployment level and skill mix of staff ensured the needs of people living in the home were met and their safety was promoted. EVIDENCE: At the time of the site visit the home’s staff team comprised 8 including the registered manager and of these 5 (i.e.63 ) had obtained a relevant qualification (i.e. National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)) to at least level 2. The other 3 were registered to or had started working towards such qualifications. All staff working in the home were involved in domestic tasks as well providing the help and support that the people living there required to ensure that their needs were properly met. The basic minimum rota was as follows: 07:30 to 08:00 1 08:00 to 15:30 2 15:30 to 22:30 2 22:30 to 07:30 1 sleeping The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 The home’s registered manager was often supernumerary and sometimes was additional to the minimum numbers of staff on the rota. Staff spoken to during the site visit indicated that the level of staff and the mix of experience and knowledge among the staff on duty at all times enabled them to meet the assessed needs of people living in the home. The home had robust employment procedures that precluded someone from working in the home until all the necessary checks into the suitability of a person to work with vulnerable adults had been completed. The record of a recently employed member of staff was examined. It was apparent that all the necessary pre-employment checks had been completed before they started work in the home. Staff canvassed for their views about the home before the site visit took place indicated in their responses in questionnaires that they were unable to start work in the home until all the necessary pre-employment checks had been completed. Staff spoken to were enthusiastic about the opportunities they had to develop their careers and to obtain formal qualifications. Responses in questionnaires completed by staff indicated that they all believed that they had received induction and other training that equipped them with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the people living in the home. A number of home’s staff group had experience from working in other services for adults with needs the same as or similar to people living at The Poplars. • “I started in June but I worked in another home for a couple of years … I have started on NVQ. At the other home I completed the Learning Disability Award Framework (LDAF) induction training. • “I recently started my NVQ at Brockenhurst College and will have my first observation tonight ... I have been in the business a number of years but I have never had formal training … I was a senior support worker in another home for adults with learning disabilities …”. The home was working in partnership with a care advisory service to provide individual development plans and a workforce development plan for the home. The service helped identify learning and training needs for staff in the home and access the most appropriate training provision to meet these needs, as well as help access public funds for the training where available. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home’s registered manager provided effective leadership There were systems and procedures in place for monitoring and maintaining the quality of the service provided and also for promoting the safety and welfare of everyone living and working in the home. EVIDENCE: The home’s registered manager was not available at the time of the site visit. The report from the last key inspection of the establishment however noted that the manager had many years of experience managing services for people with learning disabilities and that she demonstrated good knowledge of the needs of people living in the home. Comments about her abilities and qualities were very positive. She had obtained a formal qualification considered appropriate to demonstrate suitability to manage a care home i.e. National Vocational Qualification at level 4. Staff spoken to during the visit said the following things about the manager: • “Jan is very hands on, down to earth and extremely clever”. DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 The Poplars • “If you ask her a question she always has an answer”. Responses in questionnaires returned by staff whose views were canvassed before the site visit took place indicated that they all felt that they received adequate support from the home’s manager. Comments about the manager from social care professionals spoken to who had arranged for people to live in the home included: • • “Jan has a wealth of knowledge” “I have found her amenable, flexible and she is a strong character which is necessary with my client as he will take advantage of any weakness”. There was an open management style in the home and regular staff and house meetings were held at which individuals could readily voice their opinions about the way the home was managed. In the AQQA sent into us before the site visit took place the home indicated that in response to views expressed at such meetings menus had been adjusted to accommodate individuals preferences and choices and house hold task were carried out through negotiation and agreement. The home had a system in place for monitoring the quality of the service that it provided that included the meetings referred to above as well as regular visits to the home by a person representing the company that owned the home in accordance with relevant regulations. Feedback was also sought from interested parties such as families and friends, and social and health care professionals. The home produced an annual report and development plan. It set out how it achieved its aims and objectives over a 12-month period and included details of comments from all interested parties. This information was used as the basis for the development plan for the next 12-months. There was some discussion with the representative of the company that owned the home about a methodology developed by The British Institute for Learning Disability” (BILD) for assessing the quality of life for people living in care homes. The home had a range of policies and procedures available that were readily accessible to staff and informed their working practice. They included the following: • Professional Boundaries • Supervision • Health and safety – risk assessments • Recruitment The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 • • • • And • Managing service users accounts – updated January 2007 Medication Visitors Sexuality Equality and diversity The representative representing the company that owned the home illustrated how the home promoted equality and diversity. She said that if a person was going to move into the home and they had a physical impairment that the environment would be adapted to meet the person’s specific needs. She added that if it was felt that a people needed independent advice that the home would arrange to use an independent advocacy services for them. Records seen and discussion with staff indicated that safe working practices were promoted in the home. Up to date certificates were available demonstrating that that gas and electrical systems were safe. Records and discussion also indicated that the safety of the building was regularly checked as were the hot water outlets and fire safety systems and equipment were checked and monitored and staff had received fire and other health and safety training. The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 3 2 4 3 X 4 4 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 4 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 X 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 4 X X 3 X The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 N/A 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Poplars DS0000063927.V349460.R02.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 30 Commission for Social Care Inspection National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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