Inspection on 15/08/05 for Ashlea House

This inspection was carried out on 15th August 2005.

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

Ashlea House 19/03/09

Ashlea House 04/09/08

Ashlea House 13/06/06

Ashlea House 27/02/06

Ashlea House 20/12/04

Ashlea House 25/05/04

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Ashlea House Bockhanger Lane Kennington Ashford, Kent TN24 9BP Lead Inspector Lois Tozer Unannounced 15 August 2005 10:30 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 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 Stationary 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. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ashlea House Address Bockhanger Lane, Kennington, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9BP Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 01233 643635 Nexus Direct Judy Briggs Care home only 3 Category(ies) of Learning Disabilities x 3 registration, with number of places Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 20th December 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Ashlea House is situated in a quiet part of Kennington, Ashford, in a semi-rural setting, but only minutes walk away from local amenities. A public bus service is available a short walk away, but the home has a dedicated car for service user use. Access to town is a short drive away. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for a maximum of 3 people aged between 18 and 65. It is owned by Nexus Direct and is managed on a day-to-day basis by Judy Briggs. The service is set up to be of benefit to younger adults who wish to move into greater independence, and therefore the aims of the service are to provide a great deal of opportunities for responsibility taking and personal development. The home works closely with other Nexus Direct establishments and acts as a home that people aspire to live in. The property is a large, detached, building set in its own grounds. Bedrooms are situated on the first floor, as is the staff sleep in room,workspace, and the bathroom with shower cubicle and wc facility. The ground floor offers a separate wc, kitchen, dining room, large lounge. Access to the large, secluded, rear garden is via the kitchen door or lounge patio door. The garden features a pond. There is parking for a maximum of 3 vehicles to the front of the house. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This statutory unannounced inspection took place between 10:30am and 12:05pm on 15th August 2005. The manager, Judy Briggs, was on annual leave at the time, but staff encouraged the two service users who were at home to assist throughout. All were welcoming and supportive of the inspection process, and the placements manager arrived during the inspection, to offer further support. The home is fully accommodated, but one service user was away for the week visiting relatives. The aim of this visit was to enable the inspector to introduce herself to the service users and staff and get an impression, from the service user point of view, of what life was like at Ashlea House. Both people living at the home, who were keen to show off their house and explain their responsibilities and the development they felt they had made, conducted the majority of the inspection. A great deal of information was gathered from their input and it was clear that the objectives of the home were being met. Documents seen included full care needs assessments, care plans, risk assessments, review notes, action plans and daily notes. What the service does well: Both people living at the home were keen to say how much living at Ashlea House meant to them, and that they were very pleased with the support and help they got. The staffing level is kept to a risk assessed minimum to enable residents to have as much input as possible. Decisions regarding the running of the home are largely down to the people living there, with staff support as required. Both people stated that they all have their turns in doing practical things, like cooking, cleaning, looking after the pond, shopping and making decisions about things that go on, such as group outings. Lots of consultation was evident as taking place, in the individual plan, between the home manager, care manager, relatives, and other people meaningful to the person living at Ashlea House. Where risk assessments had any limiting effect on an individual, evidence was in place that the person it affected had ‘signed up’ to it. It was clear that restrictions were minimal and that every person is encouraged to be responsible and think about the outcome of actions. Development of real life skills, practical, coping and negotiating, is very well supported. One person who had only recently moved to the home was very complementary and was able to say exactly how much Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 6 life in a small home meant – much more independence and a chance to practice skills every day. One staff member was present during the inspection, and although relatively new to the organisation, was qualified to NVQ3 and demonstrated a clear understanding of the supporting role required. The inspector was really impressed at the ‘back seat’ the staff member took, who remained on the edge of the inspection at all times and only offered support when it was requested by an individual. 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. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 2 People’s needs are stringently assessed and aspirations for a more independent lifestyle is well supported. EVIDENCE: People living at the home said that they knew that their life had improved from living at the home and that they were able to have a greater level in developing themselves. Assessment documentation included extensive input from care management and other professionals who had previously known the individual. Risk assessments to enable the placement to be a success had been implemented and reduced accordingly as the individual felt more confident. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Service users benefit from support and development plans that are reflective of individual needs and aspirations. Responsible decisions are actively encouraged, as is participation in all aspects of home life. Risk assessments are in place to enable greater independence within an assessed, safer framework. Service users know that sensitive information is kept safe and confidential. EVIDENCE: Care, goal and support plans were very well documented and were being reviewed on a regular basis. People are involved in the development of their goals and are aware of the content of support plans and the behaviour agreements they have signed up to. Decisions that have a positive outcome for the individual are actively encouraged. Both persons living at the home said they were fully involved in the day to day running of the home, and both gave a verbal account of chore sharing and turn taking. Risk assessments are in place as required and are reviewed with an aim of reducing limitations. The reviewing system of all documentation above was efficient and effective and had input from a range of professionals concerned with individual persons development and wellbeing. The storage of information was safe and secure and access to sensitive information was on a need to know basis. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 10 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 standard(s) 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Personal development and greater independence is the main aim of the service; plans and outcomes demonstrate this is effective. Educational development is also very well supported, both within and external to the home. Links with the community are good and offer a wider experience of life to the service users. People are encouraged to choose what they do with their leisure time. People are supported to maintain links with family and friends, with the support that they individually need. Rights and responsibilities are a strong feature in the ethos of the home, offering an opportunity to promote their independence further. People are supported to plan and prepare healthy meals. EVIDENCE: Both people were keen to say how much they had gained from living at the home. One individual said that even though they recently moved in, other residents and staff had helped them become really involved in the home. During term time, community educational resources are attended and enjoyed. Staff offer assistance to increase skills in domestic and social areas. One person said that they like the freedom to go to the shops without support, and the security of a mobile phone, knowing staff were there if needed. A holiday Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 11 has been planned, and is being greatly looked forward to. Relationships of all sorts are well supported and additional support is given from appropriate sources as required. As a small house share, people living at the home negotiate the daily routines with each other and staff. A resident said that if a person could not do their chores because they were ill, staff were very good and would always help out. Both people at the home were proud to say that all residents take turns to cook and do it on a rotational basis. A fridge full of fresh produce had been purchased and a debate was taking place during the inspection over what to have for lunch. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 12 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 standard(s) 18, 19, Personal support is offered in the way the individual requires it, with the main emphasis on self care. Individual physical and emotional health needs are supported as required and action is taken speedily, when required. EVIDENCE: Very little direct personal care is required; therefore staff are acting in an advisory capacity. Both people said that they were happy with the level of support they receive and staff were always around to give help, if needed. Healthcare needs are well supported, documentation indicated that a range of professionals were made available for regular consultation as needed. Everyday healthcare needs are supported as required and any follow up action is taken. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 23 Service users said they felt safe and happy in the home and with the staff. EVIDENCE: Both people expressed clear views that they felt safe in the home and that they had the biggest say in their life. The said that they trusted the staff and knew who to let know if they had a problem. The staff member on duty confirmed that a Criminal Records disclosure and POVA check had taken place prior to commencement of employment. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 standard(s) 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 The home is comfortable and safe with a homely atmosphere. Bedrooms meet individual needs and lifestyles and promote independence. There are sufficient toilets and bathrooms. Sufficient shared space freely is available. No resident requires specialist adaptations. The home is clean and hygienic. EVIDENCE: The home is well maintained and very attractive, inside and out. The people living at the home do a very good job keeping it clean and tidy. The two bedrooms seen were personalised and both people said that, at this moment in time, they didn’t want to change anything and liked their rooms very much. The communal furniture was of good quality and both people said they liked it. Both were very proud of the fishpond and took an interest in keeping it clean. There are two toilets, the people living at the home have designated one as a visitors loo (downstairs), and use the bathroom themselves. At the time, the shower was out of action; the residents said it hadn’t been broken long, they had a bath and a maintenance person was going to fix it soon. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 31 The staff member on duty understood their role and responsibility to the people living at the home. EVIDENCE: As a ‘moving into independence’ home, the staff member on duty at the time of the visit was supporting both people in an appropriate manner; respectfully and discreetly, offering support when it was requested. Staff said that they had achieved an NVQ 3 qualification, and were working through the company 6-month induction process. The people living at the home said they liked the staff and found them helpful. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 38 The ethos of the home is inclusive and benefits the people living there. EVIDENCE: The manager was not present during this inspection, but there was a clear line of accountability understood by the staff on duty. Support was readily available from a duty manager and the people living at the home were comfortable with the staffing structure. Throughout this short inspection, it was clear that the home is conveying a sense of responsibility and maturity to the people living therein who feel empowered as a result. Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 17 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score x 3 x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score x 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 3 3 3 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 N/A 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 x x x x x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Ashlea House Score 3 3 x x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x 3 x x x x x H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 18 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 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 Good Practice Recommendations Ashlea House H56-H05 S44974 Ashlea House V241955 150805 Stage 4.doc Version 1.40 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection 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. 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