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Inspection on 07/02/06 for 37 Spenser Road

Also see our care home review for 37 Spenser Road for more information

This inspection was carried out on 7th February 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 made no statutory requirements on the home as a result of this inspection and there were no outstanding actions from the previous inspection report.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The following was noted from the comment cards completed by relatives:"...very satisfied with the level of care...significant improvement in recent years..." "...we are very happy with the level of care...we receive excellent help and support from the staff...". These comments were written on behalf of residents in response to the question `What`s good about living here?` :"...being with friends...going out a lot...homely atmosphere..." "...very clean...staff are caring and approachable...".

What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection in August and the previous inspection in March the home has improved the service user guide and appointed an acting manager. They have provided an action plan as requested subsequent to the announced inspection in March. A new clinical waste bin has been purchased and the dining room has new furniture.

What the care home could do better:

The company should continue to review and update its policies and procedures. It would be useful if a more detailed record of training completed and training planned (a matrix) was in place. More work could be done to share information about how they monitor the care they provide.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 37 Spenser Road 37 Spenser Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 5QP Lead Inspector Christine Lawrence Announced Inspection 7 and 9 February 2006 10:00 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service 37 Spenser Road Address 37 Spenser Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 5QP 01227 741114 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) fchltd.fch2@virgin.net fchltd.headoffice@virgin.net Family Care Homes Limited Vacant Care Home 9 Category(ies) of Learning disability (9) registration, with number of places 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 4 August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: 37 Spenser Road is a care Home providing personal care and accommodation for nine people with learning disabilities. It is owned by Family Care Homes Limited who also own other Homes in the area. The Home is located in a residential part of Herne Bay. There are some local amenities, including bus and train links, and the town centre and sea front are not far away. The Home has been opened for more than 10 years and consists of an extended bungalow style house. There are 7 single rooms and 1 shared room. There are gardens to the rear (including a patio area), sides and front of the house. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an announced inspection which took place over two days. The inspector spoke with Vivienne Moore, acting manager and observed other staff interacting with residents. Various records were viewed and a tour of parts of the building was undertaken. Anthony Harrison, the representative of the company visited briefly and also provided information. Four comment cards were received from family/visitors and these have also been used to inform this inspection. Three comment cards were completed by family on behalf of three residents. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? 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. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 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 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 1 and 2 Prospective residents and their representatives have the information they need to decide if the home is right for them. Residents have their wishes and needs assessed to ensure they can be met. EVIDENCE: Adjustments and updates have been made to the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. The records for the most recently admitted resident showed that the process of assessing whether the home can meet someone’s needs is detailed and takes into account the needs and wishes of prospective residents. Information from family especially, as well as the placing authority was included within the folder. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7 and 9 Residents know that their needs and goals will be included in their individual plan and that they will be helped and supported to make decisions about their lives, including sometimes taking risks. EVIDENCE: The care plans seen for this inspection included a pen picture and family details. A copy of the organisation’s charter of rights for the most recently admitted resident (and planned for future admissions) was ‘signed off’ by the acting manager to indicate that she has read the document to the resident. There is a checklist used to monitor reviews and changes to care plan objectives and risk assessments. The care plan format recognises small steps that an individual might take. The care plan format generally is detailed and contains information relevant to providing care for individuals. Risk assessments for a variety of aspects relating to individuals’ care needs are included within the care planning process. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13, 15 and 17 Residents take part in appropriate activities, including using local facilities. They are supported in their personal relationships and have their rights and responsibilities respected in their daily lives at the home. Residents are offered a healthy diet and encouraged to enjoy their mealtimes. EVIDENCE: Residents take part in various activities and leisure pursuits. A musician visits the home and there are also sensory sessions, beauty therapy, cooking, arts and crafts and reflexology sessions. Residents also take part in daily tasks within their own rooms or the home generally but this is very dependent on their abilities. Residents also use facilities in the community and this includes sensory sessions, bowling, swimming, shopping, going to pubs or restaurants and walks in the local park. Other outings take place when the weather is warmer. Local transport (bus and train) is accessible and the home has its own transport. Family and friends are made welcome in the home and this was confirmed by all four relatives who completed a comment card. Examples were noted of 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 staff supporting residents to maintain contact with friend and/or relatives for instance by taking people to visit family, supporting a pen pal friendship etc. The menu indicated a variety of meals that were based on good practice relating to nutrition, including special diets if and when appropriate. The dining area now has different furniture and thus a new atmosphere has been created. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18, 19 and 20 Residents’ wishes regarding personal care and support are responded to. Physical and emotional needs are identified to ensure that they are met. The homes policies, procedures and practices regarding medication protect residents. EVIDENCE: A keyworker system is in operation at the home. The care plan seen during this inspection contained information about individuals’ preferred routine and is considered an important source of information regarding consistency of care when individuals cannot easily communicate their preferences. Examples were noted of specialist health care professionals being involved, either currently or in the recent past, in residents’ care, for example, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Staff spoken to confirmed that privacy and dignity were very important aspects of the personal care provided within the home. The inspector observed staff with a particular resident and it was clear that they were going at her pace. Aids and equipment have been provided. The daily records seen during this inspection showed that residents’ health care needs are identified and responded to. A chiropodist visits every six weeks and residents attend for dental check ups and treatment every 6 months. An optician visits the 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 home annually. Community nurses and general practitioners are accessed as required. Nine staff have completed training for safe handling of medications and six are currently undertaking this course. Medication is reviewed at least annually but examples were noted of this also happening as required. Nobody in the home self medicates. The medication administration record sheets were appropriately completed. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 and 23 Residents can be confident that their views will be listened to and responded to. The policies, procedures and practices ensure that residents are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: There have been no complaints in the last 12 months. The organisation has an appropriate complaints policy and procedure. The keyworker system within the home, alongside the care planning process, is used to help residents’ wishes and concerns to be shared/expressed as residents differ in their abilities to communicate. Staff spoken to were very clear about their responsibilities relating to protecting residents. There are policies and procedures in place which include whistle blowing and systems relating to protecting residents’ finances. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30 A homely and comfortable environment has been created which is also clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The building is well maintained (the company employs a handyman for its homes) and the decor and furnishings are domestic and the building is in keeping with the local community. The home was clean and free from offensive odours at the time of the inspection. The laundry facilities are adequate but the organisation has plans to improve them. There are appropriate policies and procedures in place. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 32, 34 and 35 Residents’ needs are met by staff who competent and appropriately trained. Residents are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment procedures. EVIDENCE: The acting manager said that the staff group was very stable. There have not been many changes and some of the staff have worked at the home for many years. Staff spoken to felt that they knew the people living in the home well and this was important for providing good care. One relative described the staff as “…approachable…”. Staff members that the inspector spoke with were knowledgeable about learning disability. The inspector was informed that approximately 60 of the staff have national vocational qualifications. The individual records indicated that staff have opportunities for training subsequent to their induction training and this was confirmed by staff spoken to. It would be useful for assessing the training needs for the whole team if a detailed matrix, reflecting training completed (including dates for updating training where necessary) and planned was in place. Three staff records were examined and they showed that the recruitment procedures include references, application forms, interviews, terms and conditions of employment and a probationary period. Staff are given copies of the General Social Care Council’s code of practice. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37, 39 and 42 Residents benefit from living in a home which is well run. Further work needs to be done to ensure the outcomes for Standard 33 are realised. The health and safety of residents and staff are promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The acting manager has just begun a national vocational qualification level 4 (care and management) course. She is applying for registration. She has also demonstrated that she is keen to update her knowledge through attending recent training sessions (eg dementia awareness, and supervision and development). There was no current job description available for inspection for her role as acting manager. The organisation has a Client Care Department which is very much involved in the ongoing monitoring of the care provided. Feedback about the home and the care provided is sought through contact with residents through meetings and key worker/individual contact. There are regular reviews of individuals’ care which will involve representatives of the placing authority. Residents are told about planned inspections. The 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 organisation maintains a large number of policies and procedures which are filed in different sections according to whether they apply to staff, management, health and safety etc. The inspector was informed that policies and procedures are currently being reviewed as part of an ongoing plan. Some more work needs to be undertaken to ensure that the outcome for standard 39 is fully achieved. A range of training relating to health and safety is part of the programme of training which all staff undertake. This is an ongoing programme to ensure that all staff have these opportunities. There are policies and procedures in place and a spot check on maintenance and service records showed that they were appropriate and up to date. The acting manager is aware of her responsibilities regarding reporting accidents and notifying the Commission for Social Care Inspection about adverse incidents. The fire safety logbook showed that relevant checks and tests are appropriately recorded. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 3 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 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 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 X 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 2 X X 3 X 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 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. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1 Refer to Standard YA39 Good Practice Recommendations Further work to be done regarding consultation as part of the quality monitoring process. The outcome for this Standard should be achieved and Regulation 24 met. 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Kent and Medway Area Office 11th Floor International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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 37 Spenser Road DS0000023268.V273518.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 - 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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