Inspection on 23/01/09 for Boons Park

This inspection was carried out on 23rd January 2009.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Excellent service.

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

Boons Park 20/02/07

Boons Park 30/05/06

Boons Park 18/10/05

Boons Park 05/05/05

Boons Park 17/12/04

Boons Park 13/05/04

Boons Park 02/10/03

Similar services:

Prinsted

Elizabeth House

Kenward House

Winthrop Hall

Life Works Community Ltd

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 18/06/2009.

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Boons Park Boons Park Toys Hill Road Toys Hill Edenbridge Kent TN8 6NP     The quality rating for this care home is:   three star excellent service A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Wendy Mills     Date: 2 3 0 1 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area. Outcome area (for example Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. that people have said are important to them: They reflect the things This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement. Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 2 of 30 Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. www.csci.org.uk Internet address Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 3 of 30 Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Boons Park Toys Hill Road Boons Park Toys Hill Edenbridge Kent TN8 6NP 01732700202 Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Kenward Trust Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mr Allen Belton Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 past or present alcohol dependence past or present drug dependence Additional conditions: The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is 20 The registered person may provide the following category of service only: Care home only (PC) to service users of the following gender: Either whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following category : Past or present alcohol dependence (A) Past or present drug dependence (D) Date of last inspection Brief description of the care home Boons Park is a large detached premises situated in the countryside near to Edenbridge in Kent. The accommodation is provided in a large three story house and in a barn conversion adjacent to the main house. The home is owned by Kenward Trust. The Trust provides a number of care homes for people with past alcohol and drug dependency in the South East. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 4 of 30 care home 20 Over 65 0 0 20 20 Brief description of the care home The home provides residential rehabilitation services for up to nineteen speople with dependence on drugs or alcohol. There are fifteen single and two double bedrooms. There are communal rooms including a dining room, lounges, meeting and counselling rooms. The home is set in extensive grounds with off road parking for several cars. Staff accommodation is also provided on site. The home employs counselling and support staff who work a rota which includes a member of staff working at night on sleep in duty. In addition to these staff, there is a housekeeper and central administrative and management support at the local area office. Fees charged for accommodation in the project range from £485.00 to £555.00 per week. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 5 of 30 Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: three star excellent service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home peterchart Poor Adequate Good Excellent How we did our inspection: This visit was unannounced and formed part of the inspection process of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) for the year 2008-2009. The inspection was carried out in accordance with the Care Standards Act and takes into account information we gathered during this visit, information we have received prior to this visit, such as the homes self assessment of quality assurance, the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) and notifications about events that affect the people who use this service that are required under the Act. The evidence we have gathered during this inspection will result in the home being given a star quality rating. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 6 of 30 During this visit we inspected important documentation such as care plans, policies and procedures and staff files. We talked to the people who use this service, staff and managers and made direct and indirect observations throughout the visit. Finally we made a tour of the home. The people who use this service made very positive comments about it. They praised the staff and the managers for the way they have helped and supported them. They said that they like to be refereed to as clients. Therefore this is the term that has been used to refer to the people who use this service throughout this report. The clients, the staff and the registered manager are all thanked for the welcome they gave and their assistance throughout the inspection process. The quality rating for this service is 3 stars. This means that the people who live in this home receive an excellent service. What the care home does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line –0870 240 7535. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 8 of 30 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 9 of 30 Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home gives prospective service users good information about the service so they can make an informed decision about embarking on the rehabilitation programme. Thorough pre-admission assessments are made to ensure that the programme can meet the needs of the service users. Evidence: The home has a clear Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. The Service User Guide has been reviewed and revised since the last inspection. It is comprehensive and clearly sets out the rights and responsibilities of the clients whilst living in the home. The clients enter into a contract that includes the room to be occupied, personal support, specialist services, therapeutic interventions and rules that may limit personal freedom in the interests of promoting recovery. This is very important in a rehabilitation environment as clients are required to be committed to participating in their rehabilitation and to adhering to the zero tolerance of drugs and alcohol. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 10 of 30 Evidence: Four care plans were examined in detail. All had very thorough pre-admission assessments on file and well as written contracts and clear guidelines as to their health needs. Prospective clients are invited to come to the home for a pre-admission visit. Breath testing takes place before any prospective client is given access to the communal areas of the home. Once a client is offered a place at the home there is an induction period where the rules, and the reasons for these rules, are carefully explained. Extra support is given during this period and clients who have been at the home for longer also offer their support and encouragement at what can be a challenging period for those working to recover from addictions. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 11 of 30 Individual needs and choices These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The service gives the service users plenty of opportunity to make informed decisions so that they can take as much responsibility for their own rehabilitation. Evidence: The aims of the rehabilitation programme and the rules of the home are made very clear to people before they make a decision to join the programme. However, once a person has decided to join the programme there are some areas where there is clear expectation that they will join in and therefore choice is restricted. For example, the Kenward Trust, the registered provider, is a Christian organisation and asks all residents to attend a faith and hope group on a regular basis as part of their rehabilitation. They do not demand that clients profess a faith of any sort, only that they keep an open mind about spirituality. Another example where choice could be perceived as being restricted is that no television is permitted in individual bedrooms. This is because this can isolate people and prevent them getting the full benefit from the rehabilitation programme. However, in other areas of life in the home there is Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 12 of 30 Evidence: plenty of choice. There is choice as to what to eat and choice in the type of work and chores around the home that clients take part in. The first four weeks of the programme are viewed as a probationary period. At this time visiting is restricted and clients are accompanied if they have to go out for things such as appointments with the doctor or dentist. Later in the programme clients are supported to attend outside meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The home provides transport for these meetings but staff do not attend the meeting. The staff at the home were observed to be very good at explaining issues, such as benefit entitlement, to the clients so they could make decisions about taking responsibility for these areas themselves. The home is commended for the way in which it makes rights and responsibilities clear to the people who use this service so that they can make informed decisions about what they do and how they engage with the programme. One client said, I found it difficult to see why there were these rules when I first came here but now I understand the importance of having rules to live by. It has helped me a lot and Im going to be able to move on soon. The Service User Guide makes all expectations, rules and regulations clear at the beginning of the programme and these are reinforced by the registered manager and staff. Activity sheets are completed on a weekly basis. The staff spoken to said that they try to promote as much independence as possible and try to match client interests to the work they may take on in and around the home. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 13 of 30 Lifestyle These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home provides plenty of work, leisure and personal development opportunities. This promotes the self esteem of the people who live in the home and promotes their recovery. Evidence: There is very well structured, six-month rehabilitation programme that includes therapeutic sessions, community participation, counselling and an active leisure programme. This makes sure that there is plenty to do throughout the day and into the evening. Clients go into the local town to do things such as shopping and arranging benefits but they do not go out alone for the first part of their stay. Best use is made of the local community facilities. Clients go swimming, bowling and to the gym. Some enjoy the cinema and visiting the library whilst others get involved Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 14 of 30 Evidence: in local church activities. Clients also contribute to activities that support the local community. There is a notice board that gives good information about local events and transport is provided at set times for community activities. As part of their rehabilitation, clients also have a structured work programme. They all undertake duties in and around the home. This contributes to the maintenance of the home and helps the clients to regain control of their lives. On the day of this visit, several clients were decorating one of the communal rooms. They showed a great pride in their work and were pleased that their efforts would benefit new clients when they come to the home. Other clients were working in the grounds. One said, I really like working outside, I didnt really get much chance to be in the country before I came here, now I cant get enough of it. I hope I can find a job working outside when I leave. There are a number of leisure opportunities within the home. There is a games area with a snooker table and darts, a television room and plenty of other communal areas where clients can sit and enjoy conversation and take part in counselling and other group sessions. Family and friends are welcomed to the home but there are some restrictions within the agreed therapeutic programmes. These restrictions are clearly explained in the Service User Guide and when contracts are signed. Food services at the home are excellent. The home recognises the importance of good nutrition and regular meals as part of the recovery process. Clients have an excellent choice of meals and plenty to eat. On the day of this visit there was a choice of four main dishes at lunchtime as well as five different puddings. One client said, Theyre really good with food here, its nice and theres plenty of it. We need it when weve been outside working, Ive put on weight since I came here. We all look forward to our food. The dining room is a pleasant area with an easy and relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. There is good nutritional monitoring, especially for those new to the home as they have often not been able to have regular meals and good food before coming to the home. During this visit the chef was spoken to. He said that he has very good support from the manager and the Trust. there is a very good budget for food and the kitchen is large and well equipped. It was very clean and well organised on the day of inspection. The chef is commended for the part he plays in supporting client recovery. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 15 of 30 Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 16 of 30 Personal and healthcare support These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home positive promotes the physical, spiritual and emotional health and well being of the clients. This gives them the best possibility opportunity for recovery. Evidence: Conversation with the registered manager and staff showed that there is a very good understanding throughout the home of an holistic approach to health. The home caters for the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial well being of each client. There is a written plan of support for each client. Care plans are important documents. This is because they form one of the means by which the clients can tell that they will be supported in a way that will help their recovery. Also, the plans are a source of reference information for the support workers who need to ensure that they assist people in a consistent and appropriate manner. Clients are allocated a key worker who helps them adapt to all aspects of their rehabilitation programme. All the care plans inspected showed that the clients are registered with local General Practitioners and receive an initial health check soon after they arrive at the home. All Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 17 of 30 Evidence: new clients have an initial health check. Conversation with staff and registered manager showed that the service takes good health very seriously. Often clients come to the home in poor health due to their past lifestyles. The home promotes good health and ensures that all clients are offered a nutritious and healthy diet. Appropriate specialist appointments, such as optician, dentist and chiropody are made. Records show that the clients are supported to attend these appointments and that the outcome of the visit is properly recorded. There is strong emphasis on counselling and peer support and timetables show that there are a number of groups each week including, Feelings groups and a Faith and Hope groups that give clients the opportunity to develop their emotional and spiritual well being. Family counselling is offered where appropriate and there is close involvement with families and supporters where possible. The home works in close partnership with Community Drug and Alcohol teams, care managers and the local Health Authority. Staff work to the Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS) to ensure best practice in care and rehabilitation. The clients spoken to all said that their health had improved a lot since coming to the home. Although they said that initially it was difficult to get used to a new environment and some of the rules. However, they said they were given a lot of support by the support workers and the other clients to help them get used to living in the home. They praised the staff for the way they work with them. One said, The staff here are great, theyre there for you all of the way. Im proud of how well Ive done and I hope I shall move on soon but I know a lot of it is down to them (the staff) and the way theyve got me to face up to it all and get my head round it all and take more control of my life. Clients know that the home may carry out random drug and breath testing. This is made clear in the information clients are given prior to coming to the home and in their care plans. Clients know that there is zero tolerance of drugs and alcohol and that a positive test may mean that the home will terminate their contract without further notice. This is because any abuse of drugs and or alcohol is considered detrimental to the rehabilitation process and unfair on the other clients who are working hard to stay clear of drugs and/or alcohol. There are strict rules about the management of medicines. No client is permitted to self medicate due to the problems this could present for themselves and other clients during their recovery period. However, clients are encouraged to be independent and Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 18 of 30 Evidence: responsible in taking medication by asking clients to come to the designated area for administration of medicines at the appropriate time. There are good systems and policies for the administration of medicines. There are good procedures for ensuring that those clients going on leave have their correct medicines and that these are clearly labeled. However, the written policy and procedures for medicines when clients go on leave could be clearer. it is suggested that these procedures are reviewed and re-written. each client has a key worker Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 19 of 30 Concerns, complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home has sound safeguarding, complaints and concerns policies and procedures and is proactive in the way it seeks the views of the clients. This means that the concerns of the clients are listened to and acted upon. Evidence: The home has sound complaints, concerns and safeguarding policies. These are clearly explained in the Statement of Purpose and the Service User Guide. The registered manager also explains these processes again during the induction programme. Complaints are recorded and responded to in accordance with these policies. The home holds a meeting at 9 oclock every morning when complaints, concerns and safeguarding are one of the daily agenda items. Any issues are picked up and dealt with immediately following this meeting. Each client has a key worker and is encouraged to share any concerns with his worker, if he feels this is appropriate. Staff spoken to said that they get try to deal with concerns as they arise. During the inspection a staff member was observed to help a client sort out his benefits as he was becoming very anxious about these. The staff member did so in a calm, reassuring and discreet manner. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 20 of 30 Evidence: Staff said that there is an openness and honesty within the organisation and that there are plenty of opportunities to express concerns. Clients said that they can talk to staff or the manager or share any concerns at counselling sessions or residents meetings. None of the clients spoken to had ever had to make a formal complaint because everything gets sorted out. One said, I have no complaints, there are sometimes when things dont always go right but its not often the homes fault - they do their best but it might be the benefits system or a care manager who hasnt done what they should. Day to day stuff my key worker usually helps me with. Staff spoken to clearly understood the safeguarding procedures and said they would always report concerns. They said that there are plenty of opportunities to do this and the the registered manager has a open door policy and is easy to talk to. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 21 of 30 Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home is well maintained, clean and comfortable. There is a welcoming atmosphere and provides the clients with a relaxed, safe and pleasant place in which to live and recover. Evidence: The home is a very large old house and a nearby barn annexe. It is set in extensive grounds in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The size and situation of the home, the large grounds and the relative isolation make it ideal for this stage of rehabilitation. the Trust has other homes that are neared local communities. Some clients move on to these at a later stage of their rehabilitation. A tour of the home was made. All areas of the home are kept clean and well maintained. The clients form teams, co-ordinated by support staff, to work to maintain the home and grounds. There is welcoming and calm atmosphere in the home. Some bedrooms are shared and this is often seen as part of the therapeutic process whereby clients can support each other. The rooms are mostly quite plain and not very personalised. No television is permitted in the bedrooms as this is seen as isolating. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 22 of 30 Evidence: Since the last inspection all bedrooms have been redecorated. Bedrooms in the barn also have new carpets and furniture. All areas were clean, hygienic and odour free on the day of this visit. A new, environmentally friendly, wood burning boiler has been installed and this is proving to be economical as it can use wood from the grounds. All necessary safety certificates are in place. The clients and the staff are commended for the way they contribute to the cleanliness and upkeep of the home. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 23 of 30 Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. Staffing levels, staff training and staff recruitment procedures are all very good. There is excellent team working and staff morale is good. This means that the clients are supported by a cheerful, cohesive and knowledgeable staff team. Evidence: The staff work in three sections, counselling, support staff and housekeeping staff. All report to the registered manager and there is a great deal of co-operation between the teams. One member of the support staff said, There is wonderful team working, we work hand in hand with the counselling staff and other staff to make sure we do our best to support the clients recovery. Staff spoken to were very clear about their roles and responsibilities. There are clear job descriptions on file and clients spoken to were also clear about which staff member could help them with a specific aspect of their support needs. The registered manager said that there are enough staff to meet the care and support needs of the clients and staff rosters confirmed this. Some staff, including the registered manager, live on site and are on call should they be needed. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 24 of 30 Evidence: Since the last inspection there have been significant improvements in staff training and qualifications. Three members of staff now hold the level three progression award in providing drugs and alcohol support services. Other staff have either achieved, or are working toward the National Vocational Award (NVQ) at level three in Drugs and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS). All staff work to these standards and their competencies are checked against the DANOS. Counselling staff hold the diploma in counselling and have very good evidence of continuing professional development. Staff said that they are well supported in identifying training needs and attending training. They said that they get regular supervision and that the registered manager is very approachable. One said, Allen (the registered manager) is very knowledgeable and always willing to share his knowledge with us. Support staff also said that they get a lot of help from the counselling team. The staff team are predominantly male and reflect the fact the the service provides services only for male clients. There are two female members of staff. Indirect observation of staff interaction with clients showed that there was a great deal of mutual respect, a kind, good humoured and patient approach and firmness when needed. Clients described the staff as, Great and one said, They (the staff) have really helped me move on. A sample of staff files was examined to ensure that all appropriate checks on staff have been carried out prior to offering them a post in the home. There is good evidence that there are rigorous recruitment policies and procedures and that these are strictly followed. There is a standard application form that asks for detailed information about past employment history and qualifications. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks have been carried out and written references taken up and checked. There are informal and formal interviews for prospective staff and good records are kept of these. Appointments are only confirmed after a three month probationary period. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 25 of 30 Conduct and management of the home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service. The home is very well managed. There are clear objectives and sound quality monitoring systems. The views of the people who use this service are respected and acted upon and the home is run in the best interests of the people who use the service. This means that the people who use this service are given the best chance of recovery. Evidence: The home is part of the Kenward Trust, a Christian organisation, that seeks to support those with drug and alcohol problems and to promote their recovery from these problems. Although it is a Christian organisation, people of all faiths are welcomed to the home. Spirituality is promoted as part of the twelve point recovery programme but no client or prospective client is expected to convert to Christianity. The Trust is very clear about its objectives and ethics. The Trust oversees the running of the home. Regular quality monitoring visits are made in accordance with Regulation 26 of the Care Standards Act. There are monthly Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 26 of 30 Evidence: budget and managers meetings so best practice, both in care and financial management can be shared. The registered manager holds the NVQ/Registered Managers Award at level four and maintains his continuous professional development by attending further courses, reading and sharing best practice with other managers in the Trust. He has many years experience in provision of care services. There are sound quality assurance systems. The Trust visits the home on a regular basis, the views of the clients are sought. Complaints and concerns are considered on a daily basis. A client questionnaire is sent out and every attempt to follow up previous clients is made with varying degrees of success. This process is not always easy as clients only stay in the home for a period of six months and they are then likely to move on to another stage of rehabilitation in another area so even getting a postal survey to the right address can be difficult. The home has sound health and safety policies and procedures. Protective work clothing is provided for clients carrying out work around the home and risk assessments are in place. No health and safety hazards were noted during a tour of the home. The Trust is a registered charity and has several homes in Kent. It adheres to the twelve point recovery programme for those with addiction problems and takes an holistic approach to rehabilitation and health and well being. The information it provides to prospective service users, people who support the organisation and to the general public states clear objectives and easily understood. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 27 of 30 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes £ No R Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 28 of 30 Requirements and recommendations from this inspection: Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 29 of 30 Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. Copyright © (2009) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) Page 30 of 30 - 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. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. The policy of www.bestcarehome.co.uk is to use all legal avenues to pursue such offenders, including recovery of costs. You have been warned!