Inspection on 15/09/06 for 18 Marine Parade

This inspection was carried out on 15th September 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

18 Marine Parade 14/08/07

18 Marine Parade 15/01/06

18 Marine Parade 01/06/05

18 Marine Parade 25/01/05

18 Marine Parade 01/07/04

Similar services:

Three Gables

Aldwick House

49 Glendale

The Springs Community

Crossways Community

Belle Vue Country House

1 Marten Road

Daubeney House

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 08/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 18 Marine Parade Tankerton Whitstable Kent CT5 2BG Lead Inspector Mark Hemmings Unannounced Inspection 15th September 2006 10:00 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.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 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.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. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service 18 Marine Parade Address Tankerton Whitstable Kent CT5 2BG 01227 772824 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) MCCH Society Limited Mrs Patricia Ellen Rose Westbury Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Mental disorder, excluding learning disability or registration, with number dementia (7), Mental Disorder, excluding of places learning disability or dementia - over 65 years of age (7) 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Residents shall be 35 years of age and over Date of last inspection 15th January 2006 Brief Description of the Service: The company MCCH runs 18 Marine Parade. The home is registered to provide personal care and support to up to 7 adults with mental health needs. The home is detached and spacious with lounge, dining room, kitchen, office, 7 single rooms and two bathrooms, two shower rooms and toilets. Bedrooms have television points and wash hand basins. Accommodation is on two floors with the first floor accessed by stairs. The home has a large back garden with patio and seating area. The home is situated on the sea front at Whitstable with views from the front of the property overlooking the sea. The home has off road parking with further parking on the road. There are local shops, cafes and a bus stop nearby. The Registered Provider supplies information to prospective service users through a variety of routes. These include the provision of a Service Users’ Guide. This is a brochure which outlines the principal features of the facilities and services available in the Home. Also, there is another more detailed document called a Statement of Purpose, to which service users can refer if they wish to do so. The Registered Provider ensures that a copy of the most recent Inspection Report from the Commission is available for reference in the Home, if requested. The Registered Provider has informed the Commission that the current fee it charges for each of the service users’ residence in 18 Marine Parade, is £747.00 per week. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This Report has been based upon a number of sources of evidence. These included a review of the correspondence in relation to the Home received by the Commission since the last inspection visit. Another source of evidence involved any written information received from service users, from their relatives and from social workers (care managers). Also, the Inspector completed an unannounced site visit to the Home. This took about six hours to complete. During this time, the Inspector spoke in some detail with three of the service users. Some of these discussions were in private. The Inspector spoke with the Registered Manager, with the Senior Support Worker and with three of the support workers. The Inspector examined various parts of the accommodation and he reviewed a selection of the key records and documents. The Inspector concludes that the Registered Provider generally operates the Home so as to provide the service users in residence with access to the resources they need to enable them to lead normal everyday lives. However, several items were noted which now need to be clarified, or which need to be addressed. There is one Required Development at the end of this Report. With respect to this and with reference to other matters raised in this Report, the Registered Provider should submit to the Commission a written Action Plan. This should state what has been done and what will be done to ensure that the Registered Provider complies fully with the items identified. The Commission should receive this Action Plan by 1 November 2006. What the service does well: Service users said that the Home provides them with a relaxed and comfortable setting within which to make their home. They observed that they receive all the assistance they need. Also, they said that the support workers are attentive and kind in their manner. The Inspector thinks that the Home is administered so as to enable service users’ needs for support to be met. He noted the confident informality which characterised the interactions he observed between the support workers and the service users. The service users are assisted to receive promptly any medical attention which might be needed. Also, they are provided with adequate and varied meals. The Inspector was pleased to observe how the support workers had helped one of 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 the service users to re-establish contact with a family member who had been out of touch for some while. The Registered Provider operates a quality assurance system in the Home. This is designed to enable service users to say what they think about their home. This is very important because it is the service users who are the experts on what it is like to live in 18 Marine Parade What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The Registered Provider needs to clarify the degree of its compliance with various regulations relating to aspects of how it manages the building. These include the need to confirm with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service the acceptability of the current fire risk assessment. This is important because the assessment should form one of the bases used by the Service to determine the sufficiency of the fire safety equipment present in the Home. Another matter requiring clarification, is the adequacy of the arrangements in place to ensure the purity of drinking water supplied in the Home. This is important because experience has shown that used water can leak back into pipe-work, hence the new regulations which have been introduced to help prevent this occurrence. The Registered Provider should develop further the way in which the completion of fire drills is recorded. This is important because at the moment it is not that clear when they have been held and who has taken part in each. This means that the Inspector is not able to be sure that these important practice events are taking place in the manner recommended by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 The Registered Provider should strengthen aspects of how it confirms that all members of staff are competent to operate the Home’s fire safety regime. This is important because the level of protection enjoyed by the service users depends largely upon the appropriateness of the actions taken by staff. 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. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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): 2and 3 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. There are systems in place to ensure that prospective service users and their representatives are informed about the Home and that they have their needs assessed. EVIDENCE: In the absence of any new admissions since the last inspection visit, the Inspector was not able to examine how in practice the Registered Provider ensures that the Home is a suitable place for everyone who is admitted. However, he noted that the Registered Manager is aware of the need to give this matter careful consideration. This is so that a new service user’s needs for support, can be met reliably from the start of his or her period of residence. The Registered Manager was observed to be familiar with the principal subjects to be considered and it was noted that the Registered Provider has prepared a form which has been designed to guide and to record the process. The Registered Manager said that she informs support workers about the needs of new service users by asking them to read the information she has collected. Also, they are asked to review information received from the relevant care manager (social worker). In addition to this, she said that she 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 briefs support workers orally. This is done so that they can clarify any points of detail as may be necessary. The support workers confirmed this account and they said that they consider themselves to have been informed adequately about the needs of service users admitted in the past. The Inspector asked one of the service users about this aspect of the arrangements made when he moved into the Home. He considered that his needs for assistance had been met from the start and that this provision had been in line with his expectations. The Registered Manager said that she is confident that the current team of support workers based in the Home, has the range of skills and knowledge necessary for it to support the service users in residence. The Inspector noted evidence which was consistent with this account. The Registered Manager was noted to be aware of the various sources external to the Home from which specialist advice can be sought. The Inspector reviewed evidence which showed that some of this advice had been accessed by the Registered Manager in a timely manner since the last inspection visit. The Commission has not received since the last inspection visit, any expressions of concern from the various local mental health services about any aspect of their working relationships with the Home. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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 health and personal care which service users receive, is based upon their individual needs. The principles of respect, dignity and privacy are put into practice. EVIDENCE: The Inspector noted there to be various systems in place to enable each service user to liaise with support workers in order to identify and to plan for the provision of the assistance they need. These measures include the preparation for each person, of a written individual plan of care. The service users said that they had been involved adequately in the preparation of their individual plans and also that they had been invited to contribute to their periodic review. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The Inspector examined selected elements of two of the plans to see if particular items had been considered in adequate detail. The items sample checked were found to be adequate. The Inspector noted that the support workers keep diary records of how things are going in the Home. These records are important because they can reveal patterns in how someone is doing which can be useful both for the person concerned and for support workers. The Inspector spoke with support workers about various elements of the support provided for some of the service users. They were noted to have an adequate knowledge of the material in question. The Inspector observed episodes when they assisted some of the service users. Their practice was noted to be appropriate and to be consistent broadly with the Registered Provider’s assessment of the needs to be met. The Inspector was informed that none of the service users are assisted directly by the Registered Provider to manage their financial affairs. What assistance they do receive, is provided by family and by advocates. It is a good idea to keep these functions separate. This is because registered providers should not get involved in more areas of a service user’s life than is absolutely necessary. The Inspector noted that the support workers retain some of the service users’ personal spending allowance and disburse it to them on request. This is done to help them budget for the week ahead. The service users said that they were satisfied with this arrangement. The Inspector noted that there were suitable records in place of the various transactions involved. The Registered Provider is responsible for assisting the service users to avoid undue risks to their wellbeing. The Inspector noted that the Registered Provider uses a system which involves each service user liaising with support workers in order to identify potential risks so that they can be managed effectively. The Inspector examined a selection of the written records which summarise this process. They were found to describe an adequate arrangement. This, in that particular risk situations were identified and in that basic information was given about the response to be provided. Not everything needs to be written down about day to day life in a residential care home. There is a balance to be struck and the Inspector thinks that the Registered Provider has got it about right in the Home. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.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): 12,13,14,15,16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement is made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. Service users are able to choose their life style, social activities and to keep in touch with family and friends. Service users receive a healthy and varied diet according to their requirements and choice. EVIDENCE: All of the service users undertake a range of activities each week, some of which have an explicit vocational element. The service users who spoke with the Inspector about this matter, said that they are satisfied with their respective calendars of activities. The Inspector noted that the Registered Provider operates a system whereby members of staff who are not based in its residential care homes, visit them in order to undertake vocational and social activities with the service users. Given the complex needs of the service users 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 involved, the Inspector was not surprised to hear that on occasions this arrangement has not worked smoothly. This in that visitors on some occasions, appear to have not had the detailed knowledge of the service user in question to enable the activity to be completed in the manner intended. This is an important matter for the Registered Provider to resolve. The Inspector notes that the Registered Manager intends to address the problem as soon as possible. The Inspector will check to see what has been done in relation to this matter when he calls next to the Home. The Inspector noted that most of the service users leave the Home regularly in order to do various things such as going to shops and visiting friends. The service users said that they are satisfied with the degree to which they can access the local community if they wish to do so. Part of the calendars referred to above, identifies the everyday household activities and leisure pursuits undertaken by each of the service users. The service users said that they are satisfied with the way they undertake these activities. The Registered Manager said that if requested the support workers assist the service users to maintain contacts with members of their families. The Inspector reviewed the circumstances of one of the service users who support workers have assisted to get back in contact with a close relative, after some years when there has not been any contact. The Inspector considers this to be an important example of good care practice for which the support workers should be commended. The service users said that the pace of daily life in the Home is relaxed without there being any unnecessary rules to disturb their experience of a normal domestic setting. They observed that within reason, they can decide on the pattern of their day. They spoke about things such as them being free to decide when to retire to their bedroom and choosing what clothes to wear. The service users said that they are provided with suitable meals. The Registered Manager said that the Registered Provider gives the Home sufficient funds to purchase supplies and the Inspector noted the larder to be adequately stocked. The record of food provided in the Home was consistent with the Registered Manager’s account, to the effect that the service users are offered the opportunity to have a normally balanced diet. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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. Service users’ emotional, physical and health care needs are met. Service users generally are assisted to take medicines in the correct manner. EVIDENCE: The service users said that the support workers are kind and approachable in their manner. Also, they observed that support workers are not intrusive and that they respect their needs for private space. During the course of the site visit, the Inspector had the opportunity to observe a number of instances when support workers interacted with service users. He noted these events to be characterised by a quiet but confident informality, in that the support workers provided a measure of structure which was significant without being obvious. The Inspector recognises this to be an expression of good care practice. This is because it acknowledges service users’ simultaneous needs for both independence and support. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 The Registered Manager said that the support workers keep a tactful eye open so that service users can be assisted to seek and to follow medical advice should it be needed. The Inspector reviewed the arrangements which had been implemented since the last site visit, to assist one of the service users to access medical attention. He noted that suitable provision had been made available to ensure that the person concerned received the attention he needed. Also noted, was the way in which support workers had continued to monitor discreetly his health in between times. The Inspector noted that the Commission has not received since the last inspection visit, any expressions of concern from the local primary health care team about any aspects of its working relationship with the Home. The Inspector noted that most of the service users have elected to have support workers retain and dispense their medication. The Inspector thinks that this is a reasonable arrangement given the interests of the service users in residence. The Inspector examined a selection of the administrative arrangements operated by the Registered Provider in relation to this task. They were noted to work sensibly, so as to ensure that service users take medicines in the manner intended. One of the service users has chosen to manage aspects of his medication himself. The Inspector is satisfied that suitable provision has been made to support him in relation to this practice. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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. Service users have an effective complaints procedure and they are systems which are designed to protect them from abuse. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure which explains how service users and other stakeholders can make a complaint about any aspect of the facilities and services provided in the Home. Service users said that they are confident that any matter they raise will receive serious attention and that if possible they will be addressed. The Registered Manager said that the Registered Provider operates various systems which should enable all complaints to be investigated promptly and fully. The Inspector noted that several concerns had been raised with the Registered Manager since the last inspection visit. He concluded that these had been investigated properly and that they had been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. The support workers were noted to have a good understanding of what constitutes good care practice. As part of this, they were aware of the need to be alert to instances which might jeopardise the well-being of a service user. None of them said that they had witnessed anything in the Home which had given them cause for concern. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The service users said that they feel safe living in 18 Marine Parade. They observed that they are confident that support workers will act in their best interests. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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, 29 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. The physical layout of the Home enables service users to live in a generally well-maintained and comfortable environment, which promotes independence. EVIDENCE: Service users said that they are comfortable living in 18 Marine Parade. The Inspector noted that in general the accommodation is welcoming and pleasant. The Inspector noted that the Registered Provider’s landlord is undertaking some improvements to the exterior of the building, including the fitment of new gutters. Just before the day of the site visit, there was a serious leak in the loft and this brought down part of the ceiling in one of the bedrooms. The Registered Manager had made alternative arrangements for the service user concerned. She said that the landlord had been asked to complete the 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 necessary repairs as soon as possible. The Inspector has asked the Registered Manager to inform him as soon as this has been done. The Registered Provider has prepared a current assessment of the possible risks to fire safety in the Home and how they can best be managed. However, the Registered Manager was not sure that this document had been submitted to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. This next step is important because the assessment and management plan, should enable the Kent Fire and Rescue Service to update its evaluation of the adequacy of the fire safety regime operated in the Home. The Registered Manager said that the matter would be clarified. Also, that as necessary the required submission would be made as soon as possible. The Inspector noted that the Home complies currently with the principal requirements of the local Department of Environmental Health. This means that the kitchen is equipped and used appropriately. The Inspector examined parts of the kitchen, which he noted to be clean and organised. He observed people preparing food and he thought that this was done with a sensible emphasis upon good hygiene. The Registered Manager said that none of the service users experience significant difficulty when getting around the building. The service users confirmed this account. The support workers said that they have all the equipment they need to help people get into and out of the bath. The service users said that support workers assist them to put their clothes in the washing machine, to dry them and to iron them. The Inspector noted that the service users were dressed appropriately in clean clothes of their own choice. The Inspector understands that the laundry is equipped adequately. All residential care homes now need to comply with revised regulations which have been introduced to help better ensure the purity of drinking water. In particular, the new provisions are intended to prevent used water from leaking back from items such as washing machines into the main pipe-work. The Registered Manager was not sure if the necessary provisions were in place in the Home. She said that the matter would be clarified and that any necessary work would be completed as soon as possible. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): 23,33,34 and 35 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. Service users are assisted by sufficient members of staff who are appropriate people and who are skilled suitably. EVIDENCE: The Inspector noted that there are at least two support workers on duty from early in the morning until the night cover arrangements start. The service users said that there are enough support workers around to enable them to receive the assistance they need. The support workers said that the Home is staffed adequately. The Inspector generally agrees with this assessment. The Inspector noted that various systems are used effectively in the Home to ensure that support workers assist service users in a coordinated and consistent manner. This is very important because service users need to experience a reliable and predictable response to their needs for support. The Registered Provider is responsible for ensuring that all members of staff are trustworthy people who are suitable to have unsupervised access to service 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 users who may be vulnerable. One of the ways this is done is by completing various security checks in relation to prospective new employees. The Registered Manager said that the Registered Provider completes all of the checks specified in the Regulations. However, the Inspector could only partly verify this statement. This was because not all of the records relating to the only new appointment made since the last inspection visit, were in the Home. Those records which were present indicated that one key category of checks had indeed been completed in the manner described by the Registered Manager. The Inspector has informed the Registered Manager that he will need to see evidence to confirm the completion of all of the checks in question when next he calls to the Home. The Registered Provider is responsible for ensuring that all support workers are confirmed as having the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to support effectively the service users currently in residence. The Registered Manager said that all new support workers receive introductory training. This is designed to ensure that they have the basic competencies necessary to enable them to work without direct supervision. Naturally, this is important because it affects directly the quality of the care they are able to provide for the service users. The Inspector noted that the Registered Provider has developed a new written form which is used to guide and to record this process. This is based upon a model which is recognised by the Commission to constitute good practice. However, in the absence of any new appointments who had been through the new exercise, the Inspector could not examine the adequacy of how the model will be used in practice. He will review the progress made towards its implementation at the time of the next site visit to the Home. In addition to the introductory training, existing support workers undertake a number of training courses. These are designed to develop further their capacity to deliver care. The Inspector sample checked some of the subjects covered and he noted them to be relevant to the care provided for the service users currently in residence. The Inspector noted that a suitable number of the support workers have acquired a particular formal qualification. The Commission recognises this to be a useful way in which to consolidate and to extend good practice in the provision of residential care services. The Registered Manager said that she considers each of the support workers to have the knowledge and the skills they need in order to able to respond to the present service users’ needs for assistance. The Inspector did not identify any practical evidence which contradicted this account. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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): 37,39 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this Service. The management of the Home generally is effective. There is a quality assurance system. EVIDENCE: The Registered Manager was noted to have established a number of systems to enable her to oversee effectively the day to day running on the Home. Plainly, she knows what is going on in the Home. She has acquired both of the formal qualifications which the Commission recognises to be useful for confirming good practice in the management of residential care provision. As noted earlier in this Report, the service users said that the support workers consult them about various aspects of the day to day running of the Home. The Inspector was pleased to note that the Registered Manager complements 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 this largely informal arrangement, by asking service users to complete an annual questionnaire. Also, that the results of the consultation exercise are summarised in a Quality Report which is then used to consult further with the service users. The Registered Manager said that she is aware of the need to keep this process under careful review. This is to be done so that undue reliance does not need to be placed upon the filling out questionnaires, which some people might not want to do. For these people, other methods of consultation may be more appropriate. The Inspector was informed that none of the service users are assisted directly by the Registered Provider to manage their financial affairs. What assistance they do receive, is provided by family and by advocates. It is a good idea to keep these functions separate. This is because registered providers should not get involved in more areas of a service user’s life than is absolutely necessary. The Inspector noted that the support workers retain some of the service users’ personal spending allowance and disburse it to them on request. This is done to help them budget for the week ahead. The service users said that they were satisfied with this arrangement. The Inspector noted that there were suitable records in place of the various transactions involved. The Inspector noted that the support workers had completed the various ongoing checks which have to be made to ensure the continued serviceability of the Home’s fire safety equipment. The Inspector noted there to be some confusion about the date when the last unannounced fire was held. The Registered Manager said that a new record would be established which would resolve this problem. The Registered Provider does make additional provision to help to ensure that all members of staff are competent to operate the Home’s fire safety regime. However, this now needs to be strengthened so that it is confirmed more regularly that support workers know what to do in the event of a fire safety emergency. The Registered Provider should address this matter within the timescale established in the relevant Required Development listed at the end of this Report. The Registered Manager said that she reviews regularly the premises so that any potential significant hazards which might cause someone to have an accident are identified and addressed. She said that no such problems were outstanding. The Inspector did not notice any obvious hazards when he was about the place. 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 X 2 X 3 3 4 X 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 2 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 3 30 X STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 3 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 3 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 2 X 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 No 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. 1 Standard YA42 Regulation 23 Requirement The Registered Provider should ensure that suitable provision is made to confirm that all members of staff know how best to avoid the occurrence of a fire safety emergency and that they know what to do should one occur. Timescale for action 01/11/06 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 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI 18 Marine Parade DS0000023716.V312537.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 - 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. 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