Random inspection report
Care homes for adults (18-65 years)
Name: Address: 296 Ashingdon Road 296 Ashingdon Road Rochford Essex SS4 1TR three star excellent service The quality rating for this care home is: The rating was made on: A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full review of the service. We call this review a ‘key’ inspection. This is a report of a random inspection of this care home. A random inspection is a short, focussed review of the service. Details of how to get other inspection reports for this care home, including the last key inspection report, can be found on the last page of this report. Lead inspector: Michelle Love Date: 2 7 0 4 2 0 1 0 Information about the care home
Name of care home: Address: 296 Ashingdon Road 296 Ashingdon Road Rochford Essex SS4 1TR 01702541661 F/P01702541661 H3047@mencap.org.uk www.mencap.org.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Name of registered manager (if applicable) Ms Carol Rule Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Royal Mencap Society care home 6 Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 0 learning disability Conditions of registration: 6 The maximum number of service users who can be accommodated is 6 The registered person may provide the following categories of service only: Care Home only - Code PC, to service users of the following gender: Either, whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: Learning Disability - Code LD Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home 296 Ashingdon Road is a two-storey family home in a residential street in Ashingdon, Southend. It is situated close to local shops and amenities and a bus service runs regularly past the home. A railway station is nearby. The home has three single and one double bedroom for residents on the first floor as well as the staff sleeping in
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 10 Brief description of the care home room, and a single room on the ground floor. There are sufficient bath and toilet facilities on both floors. There is a large kitchen and living/dining room. The garden is well maintained and of ample size. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in the maintenance of the garden. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 10 What we found:
This was an unannounced random inspection. The visit took place over one day by one inspector and lasted a total of 3.5 hours. The purpose of the site visit was to monitor compliance to the Outcome Groups relating to Personal Care and Healthcare, Concerns, Complaints and Protection and Conduct and Management of the Home. As part of the process a number of records relating to people who live in the home, support staff and the general running of the home were examined. Prior to the site visit, surveys for people who live at the home and support staff were requested to be sent to the home for distribution. The response was positive and we received 6 completed surveys from people who live at the home and 5 from support staff. We also looked at all the information that we have received, or asked for, since the last key inspection, including the Annual Service Reviews undertaken on 3rd April 2008 and 13th May 2009. Prior to this inspection, the manager submitted an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA). This is a self assessment document, required by law, detailing what the home does well, what could be done better and what needs improving. Information given in this document has been incorporated into this report. At the time of the site visit there were 6 people living at Ashingdon Road, 4 people were present at the home and 2 people were at their local gym. Two members of support staff were noted to be on shift and we were advised by the support worker in charge that the registered manager was on annual leave. Practices and procedures for the safe storage, handling and recording of medication were examined as part of this inspection. A medication profile for each person was in place providing a photograph of the individual, a list of their prescribed medications, name of GP and/or Consultant Psychiatrist, possible side effects, rationale for its use and review date. We looked at the Medication Administration Records (MAR) for each person. These showed that records were of a good standard with no unexplained gaps or omissions. The temperature of the medication storage area is monitored and recorded each day. Records showed that the temperature where medication is stored was within recommended guidelines. The MAR records showed that one person who lives at the home self medicates. Their support plan clearly details they are given their medication once this has been received into the home from the pharmacy and checked by a member of support staff. Their medication was observed to be held securely in a locked drawer in their room. On inspection of 2 support plans these showed that these are developed with the person using the service and/or their representative. Each support plan was seen to be person centred detailing their specific care needs and included peoples strengths, abilities and areas where they require specific staff support. The support plans included comprehensive risk assessments detailing the identified risk and actions to be taken to reduce the risk. The service has a can do attitude and risks are managed proactively so as to assist people to lead the life they want and choose. Records showed that the support plans were reviewed regularly and amended where the persons care needs had changed so as to ensure information recorded was accurate. Evidence showed that the support plans and risk assessment profiles can be easily used as a good source of
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 10 information by newly appointed staff and/or others who are not familiar with the individual person. This will enable them to deliver a personalised and consistent quality of care and support. Of 5 surveys returned to us from support staff, all confirmed they are given up to date information about the needs of the people they support. One staff survey recorded I think we all work very well as a team to support people in the best way we can for them. We are flexible in our approach to work so that this can reflect in the rota to give support at the times it is most needed and we are always trying to improve the support we give and find ways to promote peoples independence. Records showed that people have access to a range of healthcare professionals and services as and when required and these include Chiropodist, GP, Dentist, Optician, District Nurse Services and Consultant Psychiatry. People who live at the home are supported by staff to attend appointments and other healthcare checks. Each person has an individual Health Action Plan which provides an audit trail of visits to and/or by a healthcare professional. Information recorded includes the name of the healthcare professional or service, details of the visit, outcome and next appointment date where appropriate. Included within each support plan is a daily activity chart for each month. This records activities undertaken each day both in house and within the local community. Records showed that people are empowered and supported to follow their personal interests, hobbies and daytime activities of their choice. The records for one person case tracked showed that in addition to the above they have the opportunity to take part in adult education classes and to work three days a week for two national charity organisations. People who live at the home are provided with a key to their room and have unrestricted access to all communal areas and the garden to the rear of the property. Where appropriate and according to risk, people are supported to access the homes kitchen and to participate in the daily routines of the home e.g. assisting with laying the dining table, making drinks, going shopping and assisting with household chores. The AQAA confirms people are encouraged to lead a fulfilling lifestyle, whether it be accessing the community or finding work. One survey from a person who lives at the home recorded I can get out and do things. I enjoy my college courses. Information relating to how people can make a complaint or raise concerns was displayed in the office at Ashingdon Road. This needs to be amended to reflect that the contact details of the Care Quality Commission changed in August 2009. A corporate complaints procedure was also inspected, however this refers to the National Care Standards Commission and provides no information relating to the commissioning contact details for each person living at the home e.g. Essex County Council and Southend Borough Council. Each person has a copy of the homes complaints procedure in their room and this is provided in a written and pictorial format. This too needs to be amended as it refers to the National Care Standards Commission, provides the incorrect office address and named inspector details. The AQAA told us that within the last 12 months there have been no complaints. From inspection of the complaints log book and from discussion with support staff, this was confirmed. People who live in the home know how to make a complaint and to whom they would make it e.g. key worker, manager or other member of support staff. The corporate policies and procedures for safeguarding adults are available however these were noted to be dated 2002. Consideration should be made to ensure this is
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 10 updated to incorporate current legislation. The AQAA provided to us detailed there have been no safeguarding referrals. Staff working within the home have up to date SOVA training (Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults) and know how to respond in the event of an alert and to whom the alert should be raised. Mencap have strategies in place for monitoring the quality of the service provided at Ashingdon Road. This includes a member of the organisation visiting Ashingdon Road once monthly as part of its obligation to undertake Regulation 26 visits and to compile a written report. We requested records of these visits and noted that there is evidence to indicate these have not been undertaken as regularly as they should. The registered provider has a quality assurance system in place that includes obtaining the views of people who live at the home, their relatives and/or representatives and staff. We were advised that for the period 2009-2010 this was recently initiated however the results have yet to be collated and the outcomes made available. The purpose of the review is to validate service improvements and assess the service progress. Records were also available to show that regular meetings with people who live at the home and staff meetings are conducted each month. Records of routine safety checks were requested to ensure a safe environment was maintained for people who live at the home and staff. Routine safety inspection certificates were examined in relation to the homes electrical and gas installation as the AQAA showed that these were out of date. For example the homes electrical installation certificate was observed to be dated December 2003. These are generally conducted at 5 yearly intervals however the latest inspection was conducted March 2010, approximately two years after it was due. The AQAA recorded that the last gas installation certificate was dated July 2008. This was inaccurate as the last certificate held at the home was dated April 2009. The home has corporate policies and procedures and codes of practice in place and these are easily accessible for support staff. However on inspection of the folder and from information recorded within the AQAA, the majority of these were last reviewed in 2002 and 2003. Consideration should be given by the organisation to ensure these are reviewed and updated in line with current legislation. What the care home does well:
Support plans for people who live at the home are person centred, ensuring there is detailed and comprehensive information recorded about their specific care needs, identified areas of risk and provide guidelines for staff as to how their support needs are to be met. The manager and the staff team understand the principles of providing person centred care. The healthcare needs of people are well documented. The practice at the home ensures that where appropriate people are supported by staff to attend appointments but also to encourage maximum independence for those people able to manage some aspects of their own healthcare needs. Medication practices and procedures in the home are good so as to ensure peoples health and welfare. People are able to make choices and decisions about how they spend their day and are
Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 10 supported by staff to develop their life skills. People who use the service are able to express their concerns and are protected from abuse. The service has a very low incidence of complaints and safeguarding referrals. Training of staff in safeguarding is regularly arranged by the home. People who live at the home told us they are very happy living there and like the staff who provide support. Comments included I like living here, I am happy here and I like living here with my husband and my friends. People confirmed they are enabled and supported to maintain close relationships with family members and to see friends and to receive visitors. The AQAA confirms that 2 people are supported to continue their relationship with family in Spain. There is an annual quality assurance system in place. The purpsoe of the review is to validate service improvements and assess the service progress. What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 2. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 7 of 10 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements
These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 10 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection:
Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set.
No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service.
No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations 1 22 Review and update the homes complaints procedure so as to ensure the contact details of the Care Quality Commission are accurate. Ensure that Regulation 26 visits are undertaken each month and that a report is compiled and available for inspection. The organisation should consider reviewing and updating their corporate policies and procedures to ensure the information recorded remains relevant and in line with current legislation. 2 39 3 39 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 10 Reader Information
Document Purpose: Author: Audience: Further copies from: Inspection Report Care Quality Commission General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Copies of the National Minimum Standards –Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or got from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop Helpline: Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. © Care Quality Commission 2010 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any format or medium for noncommercial purposes, provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. The source should be acknowledged, by showing the publication title and © Care Quality Commission 2010. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 10 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!
