Inspection on 30/01/07 for Chatting Independently Ltd

This inspection was carried out on 30th January 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Chatting Independently Ltd 04/06/09

Chatting Independently Ltd 23/10/07

Chatting Independently Ltd 31/05/05

Chatting Independently Ltd 06/10/04

Chatting Independently Ltd 04/05/04

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Claremont House

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Dolphin Court

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Wakes Hall

165 Putnoe Lane

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Chatting Independently Ltd 3 Rectory Drive March Cambridgeshire PE15 9QR Lead Inspector Alan Buttery Key Unannounced Inspection 30th January 2007 10:00 Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.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 Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.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. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Chatting Independently Ltd Address 3 Rectory Drive March Cambridgeshire PE15 9QR 01354 650767 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) david@chattingindependently.co.uk Chatting Independently Ltd Anthony Scott Robertson Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Physical disability (5) registration, with number of places Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. 5 service users who are learning how to use an Augmentative Alternative Communication System (AAC) Staffing to be reviewed 3 months after registration Date of last inspection 30th August 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Chatting Independently Ltd. is situated in a converted bungalow at 3 Rectory Drive, which is a private road near to March town centre. The service is specifically designed to cater for 5 service users, with a physical disability, who will be learning how to use AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication aid), which is an electronic device to assist people with speech communication problems. There are five single rooms and service users share the kitchen/dining area, bathrooms and lounge. There are landscaped gardens to the rear of the property. A separate training/treatment room is situated in the home. There is an office and sleeping-in facilities for the staff. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Since the last inspection, three more service users have moved into the service, and it is therefore currently full, although work has just been completed on an extension, which when registered will provide accommodation for one more service user and a physiotherapy room. The inspection lasted around three hours, and involved the registered manager, his personal assistant and the responsible individual. The service offered is very specialised, with one to one support provided by facilitators, and fees range between £1,850 and £2,700 depending on need. Copies of inspection reports are made available as and when required to service users and families, and along with other documentation, facilitators will go through the reports with service users if they wish. 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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 Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 2 and 4 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home ensures that detailed information is gathered before service users move into the home to ensure their needs can be met. EVIDENCE: Before any service users move into this home, a comprehensive assessment process is undertaken, beginning with an initial visit from the service user, usually accompanied by family members and their social worker. Providing that this initial visit has been a success, it is followed by a three day visit to the home during which time detailed assessment work including physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments, identifying whether the home is able to meet the needs of the service users and assist them in using the communication systems. Service users normally move into the home on a three-year placement, although this can be extended to five years. During the inspection, examples of the assessments undertaken by the service for three of the service users now living there were seen. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 6, 7 and 9 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Individual plans and risk assessments ensure staff know how the assessed needs can be met safely EVIDENCE: During the inspection, the individual files for three of the service users were seen, and these contained comprehensive individual plans, and risk assessments, and in the case of a service user who had been in the home for some time there was evidence of regular reviews taking place. Service users are encouraged to be involved in their individual plans, and this was seen from the files examined. Records also examined showed the individual daily care, food, activities and therapy sessions. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The detailed risk assessments ensure that service users are able to take part in activities safely, and all interventions are assessed to ensure that the service users are not placed at risk. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Service users take part in a variety of activities, both within the local community and with peers, and are helped gain more independent living skills EVIDENCE: All service users are encouraged to take part in a variety of social, leisure and recreational activities. A structured daily programme is available for all service users, and this demonstrated a range of planned activities, as well as scope for ad hoc events. Service users are able to visit local pubs and restaurants in March, and regular go into Peterborough to the cinema. The service users all receive one to one support and as a result are able to take part in a variety of activities. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Each service user is given a weekly sum with which they buy their own food, and this enables them to learn independent living skills, and budgeting skills, ready for a future move into more independent living. Service users are each supported by a staff member to plan their weekly menu, to go shopping in the town and then assist in the preparation of the meal. Family contact is maintained on a regular basis, and family members are involved in reviews where they are able. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 18, 19 and 20 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The services of a range of professionals are used to ensure health needs are met. EVIDENCE: Service users living in the home have a range of complex physical needs, as well as the communication difficulties, and as a result, their healthcare needs are often quite extensive. The home utilises local health professionals as well as buying in services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. They are planning to build a hydrotherapy pool, which will be a great benefit to the service users, once funding has been arranged. The registered manager, who himself uses the communication aid, undertakes training in independent living skills, and the responsible individual is a qualified speech and language therapist. The service users are registered with local GP services. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 22 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure any complaints or adult protection issues are dealt with properly. EVIDENCE: A detailed complaints procedure is in place, and staff receive look at policies and procedures as part of their induction training. No complaints have been received by the service since it opened. All staff receive training in adult protection matters which is arranged with the local authority, and again, policies and procedures are in place. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 24 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The environment offers a homely and comfortable setting for the service users living there. EVIDENCE: The service is based in a domestic bungalow in a quiet residential area, and offers a homely and comfortable environment, with a variety of aids and adaptations fitted. The home has recently been extended, and will shortly be able to accommodate a sixth service user, but this will not have any major impact on the domestic feel of the service. On the day of the inspection, the home was clean, and there were no unpleasant odours noted. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): Standards 32, 34 and 35 and 36 Quality in this outcome area is adequate This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff are well trained and competent, but care must be taken to ensure procedures are followed, and adequate supervision given, particularly to new staff. EVIDENCE: Because of the nature of the service and the needs of the service users, a high ratio of staff are available, offering one to one support to the service users in the home. They each have clearly defined roles and are able to offer a high level of support to the service users in the home. All staff have received a detailed induction training programme, and this has been followed by regular training throughout their employment, both mandatory and service users specific. The homes recruitment policy was discussed, and it was noted that on two of the files examined, two written references had not been obtained, which must Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 be rectified for the employees concerned. In the future, two written references must be obtained before any new employee starts working with the company. A more robust supervision system should also be in place to ensure staff receive supervision in accordance with the requirements of the minimum standards. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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 and 42 Quality in this outcome area is good This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The service is well run, and service users viewed taken into account. Health and safety procedures ensure service users and staff are not placed at risk. EVIDENCE: The home is well run, with both the manager and responsible individual very active in the service. The registered manager has completed his registered managers award since the last inspection. Service users are actively involved in all areas of their lives, and this was evidenced in the individual files, and from observation during the inspection. They are encouraged to develop independent living skills, to manage finances and to actively pursue interests. Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Health and safety policies and procedures are in place together with training to ensure the safety of service users and staff, Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 3 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 2 35 3 36 2 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 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 X X 3 X Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 YA34 Regulation Requirement Timescale for action 28/02/07 2 YA36 19(1)(b)(i) Two written references must be obtained before any employee commences work, to ensure the protection of service users. 18(2) Staff must receive adequate supervision 31/03/07 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 Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Area Office CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB21 5XE 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Chatting Independently Ltd DS0000047884.V327592.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 - 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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