Number of Places and for Whom

There are twenty one rooms for single occupancy anyone over the age of 18 and under the age of 65 is entitled to apply, although we are separately licensed to include 5 service-users over the age of 65.

One of our main aims is to help service-users retain their links with their community, family and friends and with supported living life skills, we can help and support any service user to move into independent living in the future if this is their aim.

We operate a strong diversity policy in respect of service-users and staff, and are committed to ensuring that no-one is excluded on the grounds of their gender, ethnicity, religion, culture or sexual preference. We discuss with each applicant how their individual needs can be met.

Aims & Objectives

To provide quality care services for service-users with learning difficulties in a hygienic, clean, safe, friendly & homely environment ensuring that privacy and dignity are respected at all times. to support any service user that wishes to rebuild their life skills and move back into their own flat or a house with little or no support, to treat every service user as an individual, in accordance with their equality, diversity, religious or beliefs. We have always been a family run business with an emphasis on being homely rather than institutionalised. The home has a relaxed atmosphere and is not your run of the mill residential home! "Far from that"

To give every service user the choice of how they wish to live and the freedom to take risks. To protect from all forms of abuse (standard 23) - "POVA" The emphasis placed upon rights is an integral part of the quality of care we provide, we encourage advocates, befrienders and family members to help encourage those in our care to exercise their rights, which allow them to live as normal and as full a life as possible Such rights include: To assist service-users to have as many opportunities as possible. To meet and form relationships with people other than those who are providing a service to them. All clients are given the right to make complaints and an explanation of how to do so.

Point House has an amazing and varied day services program

We have a 6 seater people carrier that is used for daily excursions all over Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and as far as London, nearly all our clients have bus passes that get them where they want for free!

Point House also has a brilliant Life Skills Programme that is extensive learning programme which is tailor made for individual clients the aim of this unique programme is a step by step learning approach assisted by staff all of the way until full potential or total independence is achieved.

3 of our clients achieved all the life skills programme and with all the help and support from our staff team have moved on to live in their own flats with either no or minimal support from staff.

We will provide each service user with a full care plan with the aim to strongly promote their independence through our full support plan programme. We will make the plans realistic, and ensure that service-users are involved in the process and that staff members assist them in understanding the plan of care and that they are agreeable to it. Service-users will be given a copy of their contract and care plan if they wish. All plans are reviewed on a monthly basis and are updated and changed when necessary with the client's agreement.

NEW to September 2009 chill- out & games room We have opened a large games room on the first floor where clients can go and play pool, darts and other games, watch T.V and DVD's. We have also provided an area to make hot and cold drinks.

We strongly encourage all our service-users to take a vital part in the running of the home, we believe that everyone should be free to have the choice to live as independently as possible, the choice of what they want to be called, choice of menu and what they want to eat (all clients chose the menu) to self medicate (if capable) and to take reasonable risks. Everyone is fully involved in decision making and service-users have their own rota for jobs that they may decide they would like to do within the home which is discussed on a weekly basis; this is displayed in the main dining area. Full risk assessments are carried out where necessary.

• We provide each service user with a key worker of their choice after the first four weeks whom they can talk to in confidence about any problems or help they need.
• We provide each service user access to medical, dental care, chiropody, optician, hairdressing, therapeutic service, education, instruction and guidance and encourage them to live in an appropriate environment of their choice.
• To provide equal opportunities, equality & diversity regardless of: gender, race, disability, age, religion or beliefs or sexual orientation.

The manager with a client choosing the weekly menu

All our clients choose their favourite foods, we all get together and put them into our 10 week menu, our entire menu's are well balanced, nutritious and varied with personal preference, diets, choice & religion all taken into account. All our clients have input into the menus as we hold regular clients meetings. Our day-service clients have food hygiene certificates and help with the cooking of the main meals. Point House has provided a kitchen area that any client can use with a cooker, microwave, fridge, and kettle a sink area to wash up; anybody is welcome to use this for making hot/cold drinks at anytime whenever they wish. A few of our clients use the kitchen to prepare and cook meals without staff assistance; (all food is supplied by Point House).

We have a small quiet area and a large room which is on the 3rd floor. Clients and their visitors can use this to discuss all personal matters with their family, friends or health care professionals in private, without any interruptions. This is also a room where staff training takes place.

One to one NVQ 2 & training sessions with staff

Staffing

(All staff are POVA checked before appointment)

All new staff receive a full induction within the first 12 weeks of appointment, ensuring they are able to meet the needs of all service-users and keep on an ongoing training programme, in order to be able to act in a professional manner at all times, to keep up to date with all regulations guidance from the QCQ.

The Organisational Structure and Qualifications of Staff

Registered Proprietors Aubrey & Carol Cropley

(HEAD OF HOME) Qualified Registered Home Manager
Miss Sarahjane Cropley
R.M.A (Registered Managers Award)
NVQ Level 4 in HSC
Management DIP (in retail and Marking)
Trained NVQ Assessor
Studied Employment law for 2 years (Open University)
29 Years experience within this industry
Manager to 15 staff & 17 service-users (at present)

Administrative Care Manager
Lisa Fordham NVQ 2 & NVQ 3 in HSC
Lisa was previously our Deputy Manager but left in 2001 to have a family
Lisa has returned again in November 2007
(10 years experience within this industry)
Lisa also is our Day-Service Co-ordinator

Senior Care Manager
Julie Newell Senior Carer
NVQ Level 2 NVQ & 3 HSC
(13 years experience in LD at Point House)

Senior Care Manager
Karen Holland Senior Carer
NVQ Level 2 NVQ & 3 HSC
(14 years experience in LD at Point House)

Cleaning & night shift supervisor
Martha Guvamombe NVQ 2 & NVQ 3 HSC

Support/care Assistants all with NVQ level 2 HSC
Rudo Kaguda, Nellia Mwenje, Locadia Madzudzo, Sheryl Barr, Rainah Ghamuhowa & Lisa Page

Care-Support staff
Gemma Wilkes

Relief & Bank Staff
Rubina Khurram PHD

Hygiene Staff
Martha Guvamombe
Paula Lawrence

Total of 15 members of staff

Admissions And Emergency Admissions (standard 2)

Point House will not accept any new service-users without a full assessment as this is a legal requirement.
Under government regulations (standard 2) all new service-users must undertake a full assessment of their needs before admittance. This will be carried out by the Manager and any other healthcare professionals involved. This is intended to provide each service-user with the best possible information on which to make an informed choice about their future and ensures that this home is able to fully meet their needs and provides information on which to base an initial plan of care.

The initial plan of care will set out whether the service user will require any additional services such as escort duties, personal care, one-to-one care or day services from our home.

At times service-users are referred to us for an emergency admission - this could be only hours before admission. During these cases the homes Manager must rely on information gathered from Social workers, CLDN's and previous homes etc to gain the information needed before admittance so that we may make a prompt decision. If the Manager feels that we are able to meet the needs of the service user then a placement will be offered subject to a 28 day trial period. During this period if the Manager feels that incomplete information was given and that as a result the home is unable to meet the service-users' needs then a termination of contract will be given - 28 days notice.

This home accepts new clients on the basis that all information relating to care needs and background history is accurate. Point House reserves the right to give 24 - 48 hours notice during the trial period to any new client whom is placed with us and has needs that we are unable to meet that we were not aware of prior to admission. This is to protect both current service users and new clients who may be at risk if we are unable to meet their needs.

We will provide prospective service-users with as much information as possible about the home to help make a decision about whether or not they want to live here. We offer the opportunity for prospective service-users to visit the home, join current service-users for a meal and stay overnight or for a weekend (standard 4) We are happy for a prospective service-user to involve their friends, family or other representatives in seeing the home and the care facilities we can provide before making the final decision about admission. If we feel the home cannot meet the needs of the service-user we will give advice on how to look for help elsewhere.

Key Contract Terms-Admission, Occupancy and Termination Of Contract

When people move in they have three months built into their occupancy agreement to decide whether "this is the place for them" This time provides an opportunity for staff to get to know the individual service-user and their families and to identify their requirements and preferred ways of living, e.g. the time they like to get up in the morning and go to bed at night.

During this period the persons care and support requirements are also assessed and discussed, and developed into an agreed plan. This will include discussion and assessment of any risks to which the service-user or staff may be exposed to as a result of making their own choices and decisions. It also includes discussion, with the agreement of the service-users, with any relatives or a representative who may be involved about the persons care needs and plans. Consultations with those in our care or professionals who may need to be involved will always be strictly in private unless specifically requested otherwise. 28 days notice is required by both parties when terminating any contracts.

Fees Charged, What They Cover, Costs of Extras (Standard 5)

Fees are from £89.80 per day / £628.60 per week (7 days) - The local authority may meet some or all of these fees:

Day-Services are charged at £44.58 per day (per person)

Fees include Care & accommodation, food and drink, heating, lighting and laundry services

Service-users are expected to pay from their personal allowance or private income for personal items such as newspapers, tapes/CDs/DVDs, books, magazines and toiletries, hairdressing and chiropody, holidays, or any deliberate damage to the home or its property.

Extra services such as staff escort duties, transport costs, day services, one to one care or any extra personal care provided by staff also incur extra charges. Fees will be reviewed every March or more often if it is necessary to make changes to the individuals' service plan.

Description Of Accommodation / Facilities And Communal Space

We have two large communal rooms one is the main dining/Lounge area large television with sky T.V, leather chairs & sofas, use of the computer and a games area. The other is the main lounge which has a large widescreen TV & sky plus leather sofa's, a quiet area with two three seater sofa's were some board games are played and soft lighting for the evenings.

The home offers service-users' the use of their own kitchen facilities and the use of the laundry room should they wish to use it. Staff will offer full assistance with the use of washing machines and driers where necessary.

Bedrooms comply with the National Minimum Standards and range from 9 sq.mtr to 21 sq.mtr. We are able to offer everyone a private single room, bedrooms will be modified and personalised to each service-users choice and arranged in order to comply with regulations. Service-users are welcome to bring to their rooms any personal items and furniture that that we can accommodate and meets with all legal requirements.

• The bed is at least 900mm wide
• The bed/linen is clean & comfortable
• Bed linen is changed daily. All rooms are cleaned on a daily basis
• All lighting is covered with a suitable shade and bulbs work
• Rooms are painted to the new service-users choice within the first year
• All rooms are checked on a weekly basis for health and safety reasons
• Curtains/blinds are of good quality
• Flooring is clean and in good condition and suitable to their circumstances
• Rugs are not permitted for trip/hazard reasons
• T.V aerial socket point
• Wardrobe / cupboard space / lockable storage space if required
• All bedrooms have locks and service-users have their own keys

The ratio of service-users to bath/shower-rooms and W.C's is better than the minimum required by law (4 bathrooms, 4 shower rooms, 10 W.C's). (Standard 27)
(Standard 26)

The Care Plan for the Service User(Standard 6)

The individual service-users agreed Plan of Care provides the basis on which Point House's care service is delivered. Each persons plan includes a description of their preferred daily routine, their likes and dislikes in relation to food and any specific dietary requirements and similar matters. It includes their preferences in respect as to how they like to be addressed and what dignity, respect and privacy means to them in terms of daily behaviour and actions. We find that it is particularly important to find this out in relation to any intimate personal care activities that staff may be expected to carry out.

The care plan contains full risk assessment and any risk management plan needed. It includes details of health care needs, medication, details of GP and any community, nursing or other therapeutic services provided or that the service-user commissions for him or herself.

Each service-user is allocated a member of the care staff to act as a key worker. Key workers are usually appointed on the day of admission, after a service user has lived in Point House for a period of one month they can chose another member of staff if they wish, this enables the service user to build a relationship with all staff and they then choose whom they would like to be their key worker as they then know whom they have formed the strongest bonds with. Key workers are responsible for monitoring and reviewing goal settings and risk assessments for their service-users and also act as a confidant to service-users as well as dealing with daily living issues and assist service-users to remain in contact with family and friends.

Social Activities, Hobbies & Leisure Interests

We try to make it possible for our service-users to live their lives as independently as possible.
We aim as part of the assessment process to encourage potential service-users to share with us as much information as possible about their social, cultural and leisure interests, as a basis for helping them during their period of residence in the home.

We try to help service-users to continue to enjoy as wide a range of individual and group activities and interests as possible both inside and outside the home, to carry on with existing hobbies, pursuits and relationships, to explore new avenues and experiences. All service-users are entitled to use the dining room, the communal lounges, other sitting and circulating areas, and the patio area & BBQ in the grounds of the home.

We have regular organised social activities by our day services co-ordinator such as coffee mornings, art/crafts, cooking skills, reading/writing, bowling, karaoke, lunches out, reminiscence, beauty therapy and hairdressing. We strongly promote independence and domestic skills.

We also welcome service-users who may only come to reside in Point House for a short term period with the aim of living independently in the community in the future. These service-users receive additional support with everyday life skills to prepare them for their future.

Point House is also registered by (NCC) to provide day services and as a part of our day services, service-users are taken out to various locations in our 6 seater people carrier.

Community Contact

Community contact is important to all our service-users and our business. Regular and varied contact with others contributes to the overall welfare of the service-users.

Community social activities may broaden the interests of our service-users and improve their quality of life. Where possible, we actively encourage service-users to be a part of the community and take part in local events and use local services. Service-users that are a part of our day services programme go out into the community on a daily basis with our staff. They are aware of their rights of access to public facilities under the disability discrimination act 1995. (Standard 13)

User Surveys and Views of the Home

We are committed to maintaining and improving the quality of our service. We have a comprehensive Quality Policies and Procedures manual, which is constantly under review and revision. All significant policies are contained here including our complaints procedure. An important part of our approach to quality assurance is to obtain the views of individual service-users and, on more general matters, through separate meetings and annual surveys with service-users and their relatives.

Privacy & Dignity

Those in our care can expect the same standards of privacy we all generally expect to enjoy. Being alone, free from intrusion or disturbance etc. are basic human rights and need to be reflected in our care practices and attitudes as pivotal to our standards of care. By nature, being cared for can make it harder to enjoy privacy than, for example, living in ones own home independently. We need to stay alert to this and sensitive to its significance. Confidentiality, trust and gossip all contribute to both the reality and perception of privacy which is another dimension of why we take such matters so seriously.

Religious Services

Service users are able to access a religious service of their choice by asking any member of staff or management. Arrangements will then be made to accommodate their needs wherever possible.

Fire Precautions and Emergency Procedures in the Home

We at Point House take fire precautions very seriously. We have a fire consultant that inspects our home annually and any recommendations are carried out immediately. PAT testing is carried out on all electrical equipment annually. Fire risk assessments and health & safety checks are carried out and reviewed regularly or as they become necessary. Fire procedures are displayed prominently in the foyer and at other various points within the building. Fire alarms are tested weekly and a full evacuation is carried out every 3 months. Service-users are periodically verbally reminded what they must do in the event of a fire they have also watched a training CD on fire.

All staff are fully trained in fire precautions and are familiar with our fire procedures.

Fire Procedure for Service Users and Visitors

In the event of the fire alarm sounding, go immediately to the car park where the assembly point sign is and await roll call.

Insurance

We are covered by "GOLD DIRECT". Client's effects are covered for £55,000.

Complaints Procedure - Information about how to contact CQC and Social Services

Complaint can arise through simple misunderstanding or genuine dissatisfaction. Usually, discussing the matter determines its cause and produces a solution that satisfies. Complaints often provide an opportunity to do something better in future and as such form part of our policy to engender a culture of continuous improvement. Therefore, we operate a "no blame" policy so that any complaint allows full, thorough and open investigation because persons involved are not "threatened" by the outcome. A separate file/record is kept of any complaint or concern which can be inspected at any reasonable time upon request as well as any relevant care plan, personal file etc that is allowable according to the Data Protection Acts. Our service standard requires an acknowledgement from us of complaints within 72 hours and resolution within 21 days through a nominated person. Should the nominated person be absent through holiday or sickness etc, then a temporary nominee will handle the matter in their absence in order that the service standard be maintained. (Registered Manager, and senior care managers)

The Registered Manager reviews complaints and concerns on a daily basis to ensure they are satisfied and that any issues upon which we can do better in the future are put into place as part of our policy of continuous improvement.

A copy of our complaints procedure is issued to every service-user, visitors, family and friends. It is also displayed in our foyer and on our website. In the event of anyone wishing to make a complaint or needing further information on the rights and standards that you can expect you may wish to contact the following organisations

The Care Quality Commission
CQC South East
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA
Tel: 03000 616161
Email: enquiries.southeast@cqc.org.uk
www.cqc.org.uk

Find out more: Go to the registration page to download the application forms and to find out more about registration.

Local Authority
Adult Social Services
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2UG
www.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=28

Copy of Inspection Report

Click here to view a copy of our last inspection report dated 01/12/2009

Contact

(Head of Home)
Registered Home Manager
Miss Sarahjane Cropley R.M.A.
Point House Residential Care Home
Sprowston Road
Norwich
NR3 4QN
Telephone / fax 01603-427249
Email: sarah@pointhouse.uk.com

Administrative Care Manager
Lisa Fordham Email: lisafordham@pointhouse.uk.com

Senior Care Management
Julie Newell & Karen Holland Email: julienewell@pointhouse.uk.com

Quality Rating Two Stars - Good Service!

Two stars "Norwich Day Services for Point House"

One of the successful day services we offer is "REBUILDING LOST LIFE SKILLS"

Point House Life Skills Programme

1. Food hygiene
2. Financial & budgeting
3. Domestic
4. All Personal Care

Ready now! January 2010 

We have 3 lovely new fully revamped rooms