LAHA (support) Support Service
26 Gracemount Drive Liberton
Edinburgh EH16 6RN
Inspected by: Roy Young
(Care Commission Officer)
Type of inspection: Announced
Inspection completed on: 29 May 2006
Service Number CS2003050734
Service name LAHA (support) Service address
26 Gracemount Drive Liberton
Edinburgh EH16 6RN
dummy Provider Number
SP2004005241
Provider Name
Liberton Area Handicapped Association
dummy Inspected By
Roy Young
Care Commission Officer dummy
Inspection Type Announced
Inspection Completed 29 May 2006
Period since last inspection
dummy
Local Office Address
Stuart House Eskmills Musselburgh EH21 7PB dummy
Introduction
Liberton and Area Handicapped Association, known as LAHA, was registered with the Care Commission in July 2004. It provides a day care service for older people, older people with dementia and people with learning or physical disabilities in the Gracemount area of
Edinburgh. The aim of LAHA "is to enable individuals to live an independent and fulfilling life by:
"Offering quality Care through the provision of a variety of services both in house and on an outreach basis.
Offering choice on all aspects of the services we provide".
Basis of Report
Before the visit the service completed and returned to the Care Commission a Pre Inspection Return containing information about the service. The service also sent a self-evaluation form.
The Care Commission wrote to the Home telling them when the visit would take place.
During the visit which took place on 29th May 2006, the Care Commission Officer spoke with:
The Manager 5 service users 2 members of staff 1 volunteer
The Care Commission Officer also looked at a range of policies, procedures and records including the following:
Complaints policy Equal Opportunities Vulnerable Persons Restraint policy
Accident and Incident records Personal Plans of service users
and spent time observing the environment and interaction of staff and residents.
The Care Commission Officer took all of the above into account and reported on whether the service was meeting the following National Care Standards support services:
2 Management and Staffing 5 Your Environment
9 Supporting Communication 12 Expressing Your Views 15 Eating Well
Action taken on requirements in last Inspection Report
Comments on Self-Evaluation
The purpose of the self-evaluation form is to assist the provider of a service judge the quality of their service against the National Care Standards being inspected.
The self evaluation was completed comprehensively and has been utilised extensively to help compile this report.
View of Service Users
The service users who were interviewed were unanimous in praise of the service. They commented that "They (the staff) can't do enough for you. "They are very kind". The service users also commented that they enjoyed the food that was provided and that there were alternatives should they so desire.
View of Carers
There were no carers interviewed at this inspection.
Regulations / Principles National Care Standards
National Care Standard Number 2: Support Services - Management and Staffing Arrangements
Strengths
There was a mixture of skills, abilities and knowledge within the staff group which were used to enhance the quality of support and experience of the service user.
The policies and procedures in use included those for complaints, health and safety, whistle blowing, managing risk, volunteers and induction of staff.
Policies were available to staff and any new policies or alterations were discussed at staff meetings.
Disclosure Scotland checks were undertaken for staff.
There was a robust system in place for recruitment and selection of staff.
There was a record of staff training. A yearly training plan for staff has been formulated and implemented.
Areas for Development
There were no areas for development arising from this inspection
National Care Standard Number 5: Support Services - Your Environment Strengths
The Support Service is delivered in a new build property which has been purpose built.
The property has been designed to best meet the needs of the service users, as an example all toilets are very spacious, alarmed and are designed to allow people with right or left handed weaknesses to make best use of them.
Smoking facilities are clearly explained and adhered to.
There is a wide range of facilities offered. These include alternative therapies, arts and crafts, bingo and movement to music.
National Care Standard Number 9: Support Services - Supporting Communication Strengths
There was evidence of good information in the form a leaflet and a welcome pack which would help prospective service users decide whether the service might meet their needs and preferences.
It was observed from personal plans that there were several individuals who had
communication difficulties. It was also observed that measures had been put in place to assist the service users.
It was observed that the staff at the service employed different communication techniques when interacting with the service users. This was apparent from several activities which included the use of enlarged bingo books.
Observation of the staff team showed that the staff showed patience and professionalism when working with the service users. It was apparent that the service users wishes were adhered to and that the staff tried their best to accommodate them
Areas for Development
There are no areas for development.
National Care Standard Number 12: Support Services - Expressing Your Views Strengths
LAHA support service provides the opportunity for service users to express their views in a variety of ways;
There is a service users forum which all service users can access.
Two service users are currently sitting on LAHA's board as directors.
There is an advocacy service located within the building.
Areas for Development
It was observed that the organisations complaints procedure did not include reference to the Care Commission.
National Care Standard Number 15: Support Services - Eating Well where the support service provides meals
Strengths
LAHA support service provides a rolling menu which is changed on an 8 weekly basis.
The service provides a wide variety of food which includes home made soups plus fresh vegetables.
The service will always provide an alternative choice of meals to meet service user needs.
The service records in each of the service users personal plans their preferences and any special requirements which arise from age or any medical condition.
All staff involved in food preparation are fully qualified.
Areas for Development
There are no areas for development arising from this inspection.
Enforcement
There has been no enforcement action taken against this service in the last 12 months.
Other Information
Requirements
It is required that Liberton Area Handicapped Association amend their complaints procedure to Include reference to the Care Commission. This must include a statement which informs service users that they can complain to the Care Commission at the same time as going through the services own complaints procedure.
SSI 114 25 (6) (a) Recommendations
Roy Young
Care Commission Officer
