Inspection on 30/04/07 for Amber House

This inspection was carried out on 30th April 2007.

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.

Other inspections for this house

Amber House 05/09/05

Amber House 26/04/05

Amber House 08/03/05

Similar services:

Thorndene

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

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 Amber House 33 Shorncliffe Road Folkestone Kent CT20 2NQ Lead Inspector Kim Rogers Unannounced Inspection 30th April 2007 15:30 Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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 Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Amber House Address 33 Shorncliffe Road Folkestone Kent CT20 2NQ 01303 254459 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) colnswaffer@aol.com Mrs Maryanne Swaffer Mr Colin Swaffer Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 13th November 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Amber House was first registered on 26th July 2004. It provides accommodation and personal care for a maximum of 3 service users between the ages of 18 to 65 who have learning disabilities. The building is suitable to those who are physically mobile within the home environment. Situated on the Shorncliffe Road area of Folkestone, it is ideally placed for access to public transport, with rail and bus stations being approximately 10 minutes walk away. The local Adult Education Centre and South Kent College are a very short distance and the main shopping centre of Folkestone is around 15 minutes walk. Pleasant gardens and walks overlooking the sea are within easy reach. Accommodation is provided on the ground and first floor. There are two communal toilets, one communal bathroom and one, currently unregistered, bedroom has a full en-suite with shower facility. Communal space comprises of a large lounge / diner and domestic kitchen. There is an office space with laundry facilities to the side of the premises. A reasonably sized, secure rear garden with patio is accessible for all service users. The fee for the home ranges from £955 to £1300 per week. For more information about the fee and what it includes please contact the Provider. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This visit was part of the key unannounced inspection. A short visit was made to the home on a Sunday afternoon when the inspector met with and spoke to the Providers. A return visit was made on a Monday afternoon when service users were spoken to, observations made and records sampled including support plans and medication records. A service user showed the inspector around the home. Some work was done before the visit including surveying service users, care managers and relatives. The manager submitted a pre inspection questionnaire, which was analysed as was other information and notifications. Feedback about the home before the visit was positive. Service users said or indicated that they are happy at Amber House and could not think of anything to improve the home. What the service does well: There is a high level of activities available to residents and the range of choice for activities outside of the home is extensive and well supported. The house is a pleasant, well-presented detached property surrounded by its own gardens. The homely, relaxed, unrestricted atmosphere enhances service users lives. Each person has a large part in the day-to-day running and a big say in what goes on. All decisions taken are in consultation with the residents, and in the main, are led by their aspirations. Each person, on a daily basis chooses meals, and both have a great deal of involvement in the preparation of food. Foodstuff is fresh and of good quality, both persons are encouraged to shop for the household items when out and about. Personal care needs are well recorded and regularly reviewed. Achievement is recognised and celebrated leading to service users developing independent skills. Staff have individual personal development plans showing goals and actions to meet those goals. This ensures staff have the training and skills they need to support service users. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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 Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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): 1,2 Service users have the information they need to make a decision about the home and know their needs and aspirations will be assessed. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There is a service user guide produced in large print with colour photographs giving information about what the home has to offer. There is also a Statement of Purpose setting out the aims of the home. This information is given to prospective service users so they have the information they need to make an informed choice. Trial visits are encouraged by the manager to enable current residents to meet any new people and have their say about what they think. This also gives prospective residents the opportunity to meet service users and staff, have a look around and ’test out’ the home. Pre admission assessments are received from care management. The manager said she also carries out her own assessment of a person’s needs and aspirations. No one has moved in since the last inspection so there were no assessments to see. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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): 6,7,9 The individual plan does reflect the service users strengths and needs in a clear manner. Plans are person centred with risks managed so as not to restrict opportunities. Choice and decision making is well supported. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Each person has an individual support plan which is person centred. A plan was sampled and showed clearly the person’s strengths, goals and support needs. Plans have been better organised since the last inspection so the information is current and up to date. Review is regular and effective detailing any change needed to support etc. Achievement is recognised, recorded and celebrated. Risks are managed so as not to restrict people but to enable them to lead independent lives. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Clear communication guidelines are in place explaining people’s key words and phrases. Staff were observed communicating effectively with service users and supporting choice and decision making. Guidelines to manage behaviours are in place and kept under review. A detailed tool is used to record incidents including any antecedent and consequence of a behaviour. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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): 12,13,15,16,17 Service users have the lifestyle that they choose and are supported by sufficient staff to take part in a range of activities. Relationships are supported and a healthy diet enjoyed by service users. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Support was provided to residents in a positive manner that stretched communication skills and encouraged greater independence. Co-operation, sharing and mutual respect are very much encouraged. There is a real inclusive atmosphere with everyone taking part in preparing dinner and other household chores. People worked together to prepare the evening meal with staff enabling service users to do as much for themselves as possible. Fresh fruit is always available and there are no restrictions on the kitchen enabling people to come and go as they please. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Service users talked about a range of local community activities they enjoy including church, day services, clubs and shops. Records confirmed this. Staff give the support needed for people to access the community. Relationships are supported with records detailing any support needs. People maintain close contact with family and friends and this has been well supported. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.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): 18,19,20 Service users benefit from discreet and caring personal support. People are supported to get any health matters sorted out with GP etc. Medication management is safe. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Personal care needs are recorded in detail in individual plans; this ensures that people get the support they want. People are encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible and this has lead to people increasing their skills. Plans are regularly reviewed and achievement recorded. Staff were observed supporting people discreetly and appropriately. Health needs are recorded and monitored. The home has worked closely with health professionals to ensure health needs are met. Medication records and storage were looked at. Records of receipt, administration and disposal are good. Storage is adequate. Detailed information about medications and possible side effects are included in individual plans. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 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): 22,23 Service users know how to make complaints and know that they will be listened to. Staff make sure all are kept safe from harm and abuse. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home has a complaints policy and procedure. This is given to service users and available to relatives and others. Pre inspection surveys showed that people know about the procedure and who to complain to. The small experienced staff team know service users well enabling an open environment. The home has abuse policies and procedures, as well as the local authority Adult Protection protocols. Both people living at the home said that they feel safe and trust the staff. Staff have attended training in safeguarding adults and are both registered to start a National Vocational Qualification when units relating to protecting people will be covered. Robust procedures are in place to safeguard service users finances. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 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): 24,30 The premises give service users a really homely, clean place to live that they enjoy. Communal areas are a sufficient size to meet existing service users needs. Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: A service user was happy to show the inspector around the house and garden. The house was very clean and has good quality furniture and fittings and a very homely atmosphere. The garden can be accessed from doors from the lounge and is enclosed with seating and parasol. Service users have planted plants and vegetable seeds. Bedrooms are all single and are highly personalised. Both people said they are happy with their rooms and that the bathroom and toilet facilities meet their needs. A stair lift accesses the first floor. There is sufficient parking and attractive front garden. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 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): 32,34,35 Service users benefit from a small, dedicated staff team who can respond to individual support needs, and keep them safe. Training meets service users needs and robust recruitment procedures protect people. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Two staff, the provider and manager support service users. Staffing is planned around individual needs. Support is provided in a family run person centred way with all included in the day-to-day activity. Records showed that staff have the supervision, appraisals and support required. Training has been attended or planned to meet statutory requirements. New staff complete an induction which meets the requirements of the minimum standard. Each staff has a competency profile which enables checks to be made against required competencies and a personal development plan with goals and actions recorded. The manager spoke with knowledge and understanding of service users individual needs. The manager was observed supporting people effectively and respectfully. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 A staff file was sampled and showed that thorough recruitment checks are carried out to ensure service users are protected. Both staff have been registered to commence a National Vocational Qualification. Surveys showed that people think there is sufficient staff and that staff have the skills to meet the needs of residents. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 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): 37,39,42 The home is well managed and run in service users best interests. Health and safety is protected and service users views underpin the review and development of the service. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has several years experience and has a National Vocational Qualification in care at level 4. The manager was observed supporting people in an effective enabling manner and spoke with knowledge and understanding of service users needs. Each day, each person is consulted as how they will manage their day. Individuals have significant input with decision making in the home, and joint activities only take place with prior agreement. The Providers discussed their Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 future plans for the home, which could be better supported if continuous improvement is better demonstrated and evidenced to purchasers and prospective service users. All relevant documentation pertaining to health and safety is in place and a variety was sampled. Regular checks take place to ensure safety, all of which are documented. The homes fire risk assessment is in the process of review following recent changes to legislation. Accidents and incidents are recorded and the house well maintained to ensure accidents are minimised. Health and safety training for staff is planned. Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 4 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 4 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 4 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 3 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Amber House DS0000059808.V328168.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 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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