Hitchin Road

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

9 Hitchin RoadStevenage

Hertfordshire, SG1 3JB

Telephone: 01438 352 395E-mail: hitchinroad@lot-uk.org.uk

Updated July 2014

INDEX

1. Introduction to Hitchin Road

2. Aims of Hitchin Road

3. The Accommodation

4. Local Amenities

5. Person Centred Planning

6. Visiting Arrangements

7. Trips Away

8. The Staff Team at Hitchin Road

9. Life Opportunities Trust C.V.

10.Management Team at Central Office

11.Inspection Reports

12.Complaints

13.User Group

14.The Community Team & Care Manager

15.Scope Day Centre

16.In Case of Emergencies

17.Fire Action

18.Philosophy at Hitchin Road

19.Practice Procedures

20.Service User Charter

21.Service User Involvement

22.Admissions & Discharge

1. INTRODUCTION TO HITCHIN ROAD

Life Opportunities Trust provides the care and management of the home.

Hitchin Road is a large two story detached house set in its own mature grounds.

Hitchin Road is registered for seven older people who have a learning disability with varying degrees of physical disability. There are 4 designed wheelchair rooms.

The home is leased by Life Opportunities Trust from Hertfordshire County Council and is furnished to reflect and promote the personal and individual choices of the service users.

2. AIMS OF HITCHIN ROAD

At Hitchin Road service users come first.

We achieve this through a committed care team at Hitchin Road offering choice, respect, dignity and promoting our service users self independence in every area of home life and personal care.

We aim to provide a secure, homely environment where service users are treated as individuals and are involved in the decisions about how the home is run.

DIGNITY

CHOICERESPECT

3. THE ACCOMODATION

The home comprises of a lounge with TV, DVD, player and karaoke music centre; Dining room, 2 single bedrooms on the ground floor, kitchen, toilet, office and bathroom. There is a lift up to the first floor, which includes 5 single bedrooms, toilet, bathroom, laundry room and sluice room.

Outside, there is a patio area at the rear with wheelchair access and a large garden, mostly laid to lawn with a sensory area. The home also has a wheelchair accessible minibus.

The home has its own safe for belongings of value and a general storage cupboard.

4. LOCAL AMENITIES

Hitchin Road is a short walk away from Stevenage Old Town which has a large range of amenities such as shops, banks, restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and supermarkets.

Also located nearby is the Lister Hospital and several GP surgeries. Stevenage Old Town and local areas have adequate amenities/facilities to meet the needs of everyday life in general.

5. PERSON CENTRED PLANNING

The home is structured around the individual needs and wishes of the service user, where each service user has their own chosen routine and activities which vary from day to day.

Each service user is supported by a key worker who takes a special interest in all aspects of their life and works together to meet all the service users needs and aspirations via Person Centred Planning.

PCP

My Plan

6. VISITING ARRANGEMENTS

Service users and staff welcome visitors to Hitchin Road and we hope that friends and family will feel free to visit and feel welcome.

Visiting times are flexible and friends and family are welcome at reasonable hours and may just turn up, though it is advisable to phone first to check that the person they want to visit is in and is willing to see them or they may be disappointed.

Hitchin Road would respect the service user’s right to refuse a visitor.

7. TRIPS AWAY

Staff at Hitchin Road can also support service user’s to go on trips:

such as to the seaside

and other trips or days out.

the countryside

8. THE STAFF TEAM AT HITCHIN ROAD

Michelle Theobald is the Home Manager. She has several years experience working in residential care and has completed her NVQ level 3 and has achieved an ‘Advanced level apprenticeship in Management’ award.

• A Home Manager• Two Seniors• Eight Support Workers • Five Night Support Worker.

There is Senior Management on call 24 hours a day.

The staff at Hitchin Road consist of:

All staff complete training in first aid, fire safety, food hygiene and other relevant courses needed to ensure a high standard of care and competence.

Mark & Rachel are the seniors at Hitchin Road. They both have NVQ level 3 in care.

9. Life Opportunities Trust C.V.

LOT homes are funded through contracts with local authorities and rents paid by service-users, based on DSS benefits.

LOT provides a service to people with learning disabilities, aged from 19 to 93 years, with a range of physical and special needs, including mental health problems.

There are a total of 15 homes based in London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire which provide support for 98 service users.

Life Opportunities Trust (LOT) is a registered charity which was established in 1989.

LOT has a small Central Management structure so that charitable donations go directly to the service users rather than office administration.

LOT has 9 Trustees acting as an unpaid Board of Management, who meet on a regular basis. They have extensive experience in developing and running services for people with learning disabilities.

Ralph Verlander is the Chief Executive of LOT. He has worked in Learning Disabilities since 1985, in both the NHS and voluntary sector.

Registered address:Hempstead House1 Hempstead Road Kings LangleyHertfordshire, WD4 8BJTel: 01923 299770

10. MANAGEMENT TEAM AT CENTRAL OFFICE

RALPH VERLANDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE

ANGELA TIERNEY DEPUTY CHIEF

EXECUTIVE

GORDON FARROW FINANCE MANAGER

JACQUI O’CALLAGHAN HUMAN RESOURCES

MANAGER

11. INSPECTION REPORT

Hitchin Road is registered with CQC for residential care and has regular inspection visits from a CQC Inspection Officer.

A copy of the Inspection Report is kept in the office at Hitchin Road.

If you wish to see a report please contact Michelle Theobald, the Home Manager.

You can also request copies of the Inspection Report from:

Care Quality CommissionCQC Eastern

CitygateGallowgate

Newcastle upon TyneNE1 4PA

Telephone: 03000 616161

12. COMPLAINTS

Life Opportunities Trust aims to maintain a high quality of care in all its Homes and to improve the service it provides.

The Trust wishes to resolve any problems in the shortest possible time.

It is hoped that any problems can be resolved through discussion with the Home Manager in the first instance then if necessary, LOT’s senior management.

MICHELLE THEOBALD HOME MANAGER

RALPH VERLANDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE

ANGELA TIERNEY DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

12. COMPLAINTS

However, if you would like to talk to someone outside LOT regarding your concern or complaint, the local office of the Care Quality Commission is given below:

Any complaint will be fully investigated and responded to within 28 days. Those making a complaint will not be victimised.

Listen

Support you

Tell you what is happening and what we are doing

Keep you informed at every stage

Whatever action is taken we will

Care Quality CommissionCQC EasternCitygateGallowgateNewcastle upon TyneNE1 4PATelephone: 03000 616161

13. USER GROUP

Hitchin Road does not provide nursing care, however we welcome input from all health care professionals.

Service users at Hitchin Road are supported to attend the church of their choice and staff are happy to accommodate/ facilitate people of all religious beliefs.

Care reviews are held regularly. They are chaired by the Care Manager and include the service user, key staff, families and advocates. The key worker will advocate the service users rights and choices during any reviews or meetings.

The service is designed for 7 adults (both males and females) with learning disabilities who may also have physical disabilities and high physical care needs. The service offers people the opportunity to make choices about their preferred lifestyle.

14. THE COMMUNITY TEAM AND CARE

MANAGER

The community team and care managers are based at the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT). CLDT can provide advice and help on:

• Social Workers

• Community Nurses

• Speech & Language Therapists

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

Their contact details are:

Community Learning Disability Team Farnham House6 Hills WayStevenageHertsSG1 2FQTel: 01438 843222

15. DAY CENTRE’S

Many of service users attend Day Centre’s, including Wisden Court and Nightingale House. Here they have programmes to suit individual interests, hobbies and life development skills.

Activities include cookery, art and crafts, gardening, music, discussion sessions, reminiscence sessions, sensory sessions and outings.

16. IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES

There is a senior manager on-call 24 hours per day.

The emergency on-call

mobile number is: 07885 978351

In the case of an emergency where a room can not be used, service users can be moved to another room at Hitchin Road or temporarily to another LOT home.

Contacts: Home Manager 01438 352395Central Office 01923 299770Care Manager (civic number) 01895 556116CQC 03000 616161

Dial 999 to call emergency services if needed.

Sewells is the nearest LOT home to Hitchin Road and can be contacted on 01707 321344.

17. FIRE ACTION

•Operate the fire alarm

•Inform staff member to call 999

•Leave the building and report to the person in charge

•USE the nearest available exit

•DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings

•DO NOT use the lift

•Wait at the front of the building away from the entrance until you are advised what to do.

•If you are unable to exit the building stay behind a closed fire door until you can be assisted out of the building.

•DO NOT go back in to the building until told it is safe to do so

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE:

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD

The principles underlining the philosophy of Hitchin Road reflect Life Opportunities Trust’s statement of purpose and the requirements of the Care Quality Commission. These principles are as follows:

a) Each person should be treated as a valued member of society.

b) Each person is an individual with needs and wishes which should be respected.

c) Each person should be enabled to make informed choices and take reasonable risks in all areas of life.

DIGNITY

CHOICERESPECT

d) Each person should have as many opportunities as possible to meet and form relationships with people who are not providing services to them.

These principles are based on the following values:

b) Service users, families and carers should be fully involved in service decisions.

c) There should be continuity of service provision.

a) Services should be on an individual basis, acknowledging the persons individual social, physical, psychological, emotional and cultural needs.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD

b) Respected in cultural differences & religious beliefs.

Staff providing services at Hitchin Road will ensure that the service users are:

c) Encouraged and supported with self help skills and independence.

a) Treated with respect and dignity.

d) Given access to all health care resources available.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD

g) Given the opportunity to socialise within the community.

Staff providing services at Hitchin Road will ensure that the service users are:

e) Respected with regards to privacy and confidentiality.

h) Making their own choices and their wishes and individual rights are respected.

f) Given access to education, training and day services.

18. THE PHILOSOPHY AT HITCHIN ROAD

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES

1. Key worker and Care PlanningThere is one key worker to each service users who takes a special interest in the person and in all aspects of their life.

3. MedicationMedication is dispensed by Boots Pharmacy mainly in Blister packs. Staff check the name, date and time before administering medication to the service user. The staff member must sign to say it has been given correctly and been taken by the service user.

2. Staff Team MeetingsStaff team meetings are held once a month, at which relevant LOT & service user issues are discussed.

4. Health and Safety

Michelle Theobald is the Health and Safety representative for Hitchin Road and is responsible for all areas of health and safety and risk assessments.

6. Service User FinancesService users are encouraged and supported as far as possible to take responsibility of their own finances. All transactions are entered in an individual book. Cash tins are checked after each transaction.

7. Visiting ArrangementsStaff within the Home hope that friends and family feel free to visit at anytime though it is advisable that they phone first.

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES

8. TransportThe Home has the use of two vehicles with ramps which are wheelchair accessible. Some staff are insured to use their own vehicles to transport service users.

9. SmokingSmoking is not allowed anywhere in the home. It is only permitted in the garden.

19. PRACTICE PROCEDURES

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER

Life Opportunities Trust is committed to providing a quality service based on the values of:

•PRIVACY

•DIGNITY

•INDEPENDENCE

We will respect an individual’s right to privacy at all times and accept that at times they may wish to be alone.

The individual’s room is their private domain and they are able to lock the door whenever they wish. No member of staff will enter the room unless invited, except in an emergency.

We will help promote the individual’s quality of life, always maintaining their dignity and respecting their wishes.

We will offer assistance with the functions of daily living to promote independence and recognise individual abilities.

•CHOICE

•RIGHTS

•FULFILMENT

We will discuss all aspects of life, care and support, listening and responding to the wishes and choices of the service user. We will complete an individual plan with the service user and review it regularly.

Each service user will be encouraged to personalise their private room.

We will encourage citizenship, total freedom of choice. Each person will have the right to vote if they should wish to do so.

We will offer a placement based on an assessment of current needs and wishes and will do our best to accommodate them though if a change of accommodation becomes necessary for any reason, we will assist in finding suitable alternatives. We will not unreasonably restrict anyone in any way and will encourage participation and the expression of opinions about the standard of support provided.

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

DIVERSITY

COMPLAINTS We will recognise and admit mistakes and try to rectify such errors. We will help service users with any complaint and advise them of the appropriate Authority whom they should contact regarding a complaint, if they so wish.

We will recognise and value differences in its broadest sense and encourage participation We welcome culture and practices that recognise, respect, value and harness difference for the benefit of service users and staff.

We respect each individual as a person, their beliefs, culture, sexuality, religion and will not discriminate against anyone on any grounds whatsoever.

20. SERVICE USERS CHARTER

21. SERVICE USERS INVOLVEMENT

Regular meetings are held where service users are able to express their views and work with staff, discussing issues and making choices regarding all aspects of life at Hitchin Road.

DÉCOR

Service users also have the opportunity to express their views through regular reviews, surveys, meetings and the complaints procedure.

HAPPY FOOD

SUPPORTDAILY LIVING

CHANGESROUTINE

22. ADMISSIONS & DISCHARGE

Moving into care is a major event and the move should be carried out sensitively and be unhurried, taking into account the individuals wishes and needs.

Reviews are held at 6 weeks after moving in, then at 3 months then annually to ensure the service users needs are being met and they are happy with the service and their life at Hitchin Road.

Referrals are made through the Care Management Team who carry out an assessment and ensure there is adequate staffing and facilities to meet the individual’s requirements.

The Home Manager will also carry out an assessment involving the service user, their friends & family and relevant professionals. They will devise a transition plan to ensure the move to Hitchin Road goes smoothly.

Brief visits and trial stays are organised to familiarise the prospective service user with the surroundings and staff.

22. ADMISSIONS & DISCHARGE

LOT recognises a service users individual needs and wishes may change to the extent that moving to alternative accommodation may be necessary.

LOT will fully support the service user through the discharge process which is led by the local Care Management Team.

Family, friends and advocates are encouraged to be involved with the liaison with the new home.

LOT will provide the service users new home with a package of the following details:

•Financial details

•Information file

•Personal effects

•DSS benefits

•Medication

•GP

•Care Plan

Central Office ContactLife Opportunities TrustHempstead House1 Hempstead RoadKings LangleyHertfordshireWD4 8BJ

Tel: 01923 299770Fax: 01923 299771HR Fax: 01923 299778

Email: info @lot-uk.org.ukWeb: www.lot-uk.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 1045150A Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales No. 3018000

For more information about Hitchin Road or Life Opportunities Trust, see the Service User Guide and the Home’s Brochure. Please contact the above address or staff at Hitchin Road for more details.