Inspection on 03/10/07 for 351 Maidstone Road

This inspection was carried out on 3rd October 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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 3 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

351 Maidstone Road 11/08/08

351 Maidstone Road 31/05/06

351 Maidstone Road 16/12/05

Similar services:

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Thorndene

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Dovedale Court

Lyncol House

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 351 Maidstone Road 351 Maidstone Road Wigmore Gillingham Kent ME8 0HU Lead Inspector Mark Hemmings Key Unannounced Inspection 3rd October 2007 09:00 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.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 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.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. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service 351 Maidstone Road Address 351 Maidstone Road Wigmore Gillingham Kent ME8 0HU 01225 444596 01634 388513 maidstone.road@robinia.co.uk Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of Acting Manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) The Robinia Care Group Ltd Mr Wayne Cooksey Care Home 7 Category(ies) of Learning disability (7) registration, with number of places 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 31st May 2006 Brief Description of the Service: 351 Maidstone Road (the Service) is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to seven people who have a learning disability. In practice, most of the people in residence experience particular issues associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The premises are a detached house. The accommodation is arranged on both the ground and the first floor. All of the bedrooms are for single occupancy. Each of them has a private wash hand basin, toilet and shower. There is an additional bedroom that is used by members of staff who sleep-in. The premises are located in a residential area and are a mile or so from Rainham town centre. There is ready access to public transport. The Service has its own vehicle. The Registered Provider gives a variety of information to prospective people who might want to live in the Service. There is a Service Users’ Guide. This is a brochure that outlines the principal features of the facilities and services available in the Service. There is another document called the Statement of Purpose. This gives a more detailed account than does the Guide. Also, the Registered Provider ensures that a copy of the most recent Inspection Report from the Commission, is available for reference. The fee range for this service is £1,900 to £2,200 per week. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This Report is based upon a number of sources of evidence. These include a review of the correspondence in relation to the Service received by the Commission since the last inspection. Another source of evidence involves any written information received from the people who use the Service users, from their relatives and from social workers (care managers). Also, the Inspector completed an unannounced site visit to the Service. This took about six hours to complete. During this time, the Inspector spoke with three of the people in residence. The Inspector spoke with the Acting Manager and with four of the workers. The Inspector examined various parts of the accommodation and he reviewed a selection of the key records and documents. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 Various minor improvements have been made to the premises and to the accommodation. Support workers have attended a number of relevant training courses. What they could do better: 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. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 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 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 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): Standard 2. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. Prospective people who might want to move into the Service, have their needs assessed and their wishes acknowledged. EVIDENCE: The Acting Manager says that the Registered Provider has an established arrangement to assist people who might want to move into the Service. He says that in consultation with the person concerned, an assessment of his or her needs for support will be completed. This will be done before a decision is made about whether or not the Service is a suitable place for the person’s residence. He says that as part of this process, the person concerned is asked to explain their preferences and wishes about their everyday live. Support workers say that the arrangement works well, in that they are informed in plenty of time about what assistance they will need to provide. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 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): Standards 6, 7, 9 and 10. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. The health and personal care which people receive, is based upon their individual needs. People are actively involved in making decisions about things that affect them. Sensible provision is made to promote an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: The people who use the Service say that the support workers offer them all the assistance they need and that this is provided in a reliable and consistent manner. There is a written plan of support for each service user. These are important documents. This is because they form one of the means by which people who use the Service can be informed about and can agree to the 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 assistance they will receive. Also, the plans constitute a source of reference information for support workers. People are assisted to make decisions about their own lives. This means that they can be as independent as they want to be. When extra help is required, this is delivered in an appropriate manner. For example, people are assisted to manage aspects of the personal spending monies. Sensible arrangements are in place to help the people in residence to lead normal lives, without taking unreasonable risks to their wellbeing. This is not done in an intrusive manner and the result is not overly cautious. Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure that confidential information about the people in residence is safeguarded. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): Standard 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. The people who use the Service can choose to become involved in a range of social and vocational activities. They are helped to keep in touch with members of their families. Good quality meals are served. EVIDENCE: The people who use the Service are free to choose what to do each day. The pace of daily life is relaxed. There are no unnecessary rules or routines to disrupt the experience of a normal domestic setting. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 The people who use the Service consider themselves to be suitably occupied. An appropriate balance has been struck between people being engaged in activities and having time to themselves. The people who use the Service are assisted to keep in touch with family and friends. People can receive visitors at any reasonable hour. They can meet with their visitors in the privacy of their bedroom, if they wish to do so. The Acting Manager in consultation with the people in residence, keeps in touch with relatives so that they know how things are going. Relatives are said to appreciate the involvement this gives them. The people who use the Service say that they receive good quality meals and they always have enough to eat. The menu indicates that a normally varied diet is provided. People are actively engaged in deciding what dishes to prepare. They help both to do the shopping and to cook meals. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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): Standards 18, 19 and 20. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. People are supported in accordance with their wishes. They are assisted to promote their physical health. Suitable arrangements are in place to manage medication. EVIDENCE: The people who use the Service say that the support workers are kind and considerate. They are relaxed in the company of the support workers. There is a family atmosphere. At the same time, there are definite and appropriate expectations about how people have to go about living together. The people who use the Service are assisted to maintain their physical health. Support workers keep a tactful eye open, so that medical attention is sought promptly should the need arise. Since the last inspection visit, family 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 practitioners and various other hospital-based medical services have been involved in supporting the care provided in the Service. Suitable arrangements are in place to enable medication to be stored securely and to be administered in accordance with the doctors’ instructions. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): Standards 22 and 23. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. There is an effective system for dealing with complaints. The wellbeing of the people who use the Service is safeguarded. EVIDENCE: The Registered Provider is aware of the need to ensure that complaints about the Service are investigated thoroughly and resolved promptly. Since the last inspection, neither the Registered Provider nor the Commission has received any formal complaints relating to the Service. The support workers have a sound understanding of what constitutes good care practice. As part of this, they are aware of the need to be alert to instances in which the well being of people who use the Service might become jeopardised. The people who use the Service say that they feel themselves able to approach members of staff if there is something on their mind. They say that they feel safe living in 351 Maidstone Road. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): Standards 24 and 30. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. The people who use the Service are provided with a generally homely setting that promotes their independence. EVIDENCE: The Service provides a suitably domestic setting in which the people in residence can make their home. They say that they are comfortable living in 351 Maidstone Road. The Registered Provider is planning to relocate one of the offices that currently is in the vestibule. This is a good idea. It feels very offputting to have to walk into an office area immediately upon entering the Service. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 The kitchen is clean and well organised. Good food hygiene practices are in use. The local Department of Environmental Health has not recommended any improvements that remain outstanding The Registered Provider has completed an organised assessment of the adequacy of the fire safety provisions in the Service. This assessment has not indicated the need for any additional measures to be introduced. The Acting Manager is going to check that the assessment has been submitted to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service. This is so that its adequacy can be confirmed. The Acting Manager will action this matter by 1 December 2007. Suitable facilities are in place to assist the people in residence to do their laundry. Steps have been taken to ensure that used water does not leak back into the Service’s main pipe-work. The Acting Manager is going to check that the adequacy of the provision in place, has been confirmed by the local water supply company. This will be completed by 1 December 2007. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): Standards 33, 34 and 35. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. There are enough members of staff on duty. Security checks are completed in relation to new employees. Support workers know what they are doing. EVIDENCE: There are at least three support workers on duty during the day and the evening. At night time, there are two support workers on duty. The people who use the Service say that support workers are always around and willing to help whenever they need them. Support workers think that the Service is adequately staffed. The Acting Manager says that he is aware of the need to keep this matter under careful review. This is so that the number of people on duty can be increased, should the need arise. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The Registered Provider completes a number of security checks for new support workers. This is done to ensure that they are suitable people to have unsupervised access to the people who use the Service. All new support workers receive introductory training. This is designed to ensure that they have the basic knowledge and skills they need in order to be able to work without direct supervision. This is important because the quality of care delivered in the Service, depends largely upon the adequacy of the competencies support workers have to hand. In addition to the introductory training, existing support workers undertake a number of training courses. These are designed to further develop their skills. The Acting Manager is going to add to this arrangement. This will be done by him double-checking with each support worker that they do indeed have all of the skills and knowledge they need. This is a very good idea because omissions can occur. This exercise is going to be completed by 1 April 2008. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): Standards 37, 39 and 42. Quality in this outcome area is adequate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to the Service. The Service is well managed. There is a quality assurance system. Various measures are in place to safeguard health and safety. EVIDENCE: The Acting Manager has only recently taken up his post. However, he has developed a good knowledge of the Service and he is experienced in the management of residential care provision. It is understood that the Registered Provider is about to propose him to become the Registered Manager for the 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Service. The Acting Manager says that he intends to complete both of the formal qualifications that are required by the Regulations. The people who use the Service are invited to comment informally about how things are going. In addition to this, there is a more organised system that enables them and their relatives to make suggestions about how the Service might be improved further. The Registered Provider will need to develop this arrangement further. This will entail preparing an annual quality report that relates to the Service. This will need to summarise what people have said and it will need to explain what improvements are going to be made. The Acting Manager says that the first such report will be prepared by 1 February 2008. The Registered Provider’s Area Manager calls to the Service regularly to see how things are going and to supervise the work of the Acting Manager. The Acting Manager says that the Registered Provider ensures that all items of equipment in use in the Service remain in good working order. However, the Inspector was not able to confirm this account in full because some of the necessary paperwork was not to hand. There are Required Developments in relation to this matter at the end of this Report. The Service is fitted with a modern fire detection and fire management system. The operation of this system is checked regularly. There are regular fire drills. The Registered Provider intends that all of the support workers should attend an annual fire safety training course. This arrangement will need to be strengthened. In particular, not everyone attended the last course and in any case the tuition is not being convened frequently enough. There is a Required Development in relation to this matter at the end of this Report. There have not been any significant untoward events in the Service since the last inspection that require special management. The Registered Provider checks the building and the accommodation to ensure that potential environmental hazards to health and safety are addressed. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 3 3 X 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 X 30 2 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 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 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 3 X 2 X 2 X X 2 X 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No 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 OP23 Regulation 13 Requirement The Registered Provider should submit to the Commission written confirmation that the safe-worthiness of the gas appliances in use in the Service has been inspected in the course of the past year and that it has been certified as being satisfactory. Timescale for action 01/12/07 2. OP38 23 3. OP38 23 The Registered Provider should 01/12/07 submit to the Commission written confirmation that the safe-worthiness of the electrical installation in use in the Service has been inspected in the course of the past five years and that it has been certified as being satisfactory. The Registered Provider should 01/12/07 ensure that all members of staff are included within a system that ensures their competency to reliably operate the Service’s fire safety procedure. 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 351 Maidstone Road DS0000061864.V352468.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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. 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