Inspection on 22/08/07 for Court Lodge

This inspection was carried out on 22nd August 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 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

Other inspections for this house

Court Lodge 13/10/06

Court Lodge 03/11/05

Court Lodge 20/06/05

Court Lodge 17/02/05

Court Lodge 27/04/04

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Insight - Eastchurch

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Dovedale Court

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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 Court Lodge Church Road Mersham Ashford Kent TN25 6NS Lead Inspector Christine Lawrence Key Unannounced Inspection 22 August 2007 14:15 Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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 Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Court Lodge Address Church Road Mersham Ashford Kent TN25 6NS 01233 503117 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) courtlodge@counticare.co.uk Counticare Limited Post Vacant Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 13 October 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Court Lodge provides personal care and support for 6 adults with a learning disability. The home is owned by Counticare Limited which in turn is now owned by CareTech, a national provider. The home is situated in the village of Mersham about 15 minutes drive from the town of Ashford where there is a variety of amenities such as shops, swimming pool, a cinema, churches, pubs, clubs and colleges. The home has access to a minibus. Court Lodge is a detached chalet bungalow which comprises individual bedrooms for each resident, a lounge, kitchen, dining room, laundry room and office. There is a large enclosed rear garden with seating and a barbecue area. There is a parking area to the front of the property. The home’s current fees are £1316.23 per week. Information about the home, including the previous inspection report from the Commission for Social Care Inspection, would be made available on request. A copy of the last inspection report is kept in the hallway by the front entrance. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection visit was unannounced and started at 2.15 and finished at 6.00. I looked at various records in the home. Information from the previous inspection is also used for this inspection. I spoke with several of the residents and was invited to see some bedrooms. A tour of the rest of the building was undertaken. I made observations of staff interacting with and supporting residents. Staff chatted informally with me and I had discussions with the deputy manager. The manager (not yet registered) had previously provided me with the Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) form which he had completed. Information from that form is also used for this report. 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. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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 Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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): 2 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective residents’ individual needs will be assessed. EVIDENCE: There has been no new admission for some time. The home is also currently changing over its formats from the old ones used before Caretech purchased the home, to those devised by Caretech. The assessment format which will be used for any new resident is a very detailed document covering a range of areas about the individual’s needs. There is also a section asking for any particular requests from parents/carers. Only one page is worded in a way that reflects clearly that a prospective resident is being asked directly for information and that is to ask for contact details about family/friends. There is nothing to identify what an individual might wish for or aspire to when they have moved into the home. This should be considered for any future admissions. Information from the assessment will be used to compile a care plan and those seen were more reflective of residents’ involvement than the assessments (see Standard 6). Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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): 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. Residents can be confident that their changing needs will be noted in their individual plans and that they will be supported to make decisions and take risks to enable as independent lifestyle as possible. EVIDENCE: As noted above, the formats for care plans are currently being changed. The new formats are satisfactory, as are the old ones. The deputy explained that all the care plans will soon be in the new format (Support Plan File). Plans include information about any special requirements that an individual might have and guidance to staff about responding to difficult behaviours. There were lots of examples of residents being encouraged to make decisions and choices and any limitations were clearly reflected within the support plan. Risk assessments are in place for individuals and they include justification of why the risk is acceptable and any steps to be taken to minimise any risk. The emphasis is on enabling as much independence as possible. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 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. Activities and involvement in the local community, as well as support for personal relationships will be provided for residents. They will benefit from being offered a healthy diet and a sociable setting for mealtimes. EVIDENCE: The residents all have a plan for the week which includes community based things as well as the use of the provider’s own day centre. Social activities also include things within the community such as visiting pubs and going to the cinema. Some people also attend the local church occasionally. Unfortunately the home’s minibus has ‘Counticare’ on the side which might not help in terms of community integration. Residents are also being encouraged to use more public transport. They are all registered to vote and would be supported to do so if they wished. The staff rota has recently been reviewed to ensure that weekends are staffed in a way that means activities outside of the home can be better planned. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Examples were noted of how the home helps residents to maintain contact with relatives and friends and this includes visits, sending cards and letters etc. Residents’ daily routines are individual. All rooms are lockable but not everyone chooses to use this facility. Because of some residents’ specific needs access to the kitchen is restricted for some people. It is clear that people make decisions about being with others or choosing to be alone if they wish. Everybody has some housekeeping tasks/responsibilities, both individual and communal. There is a single dining table sufficient for all the residents plus staff, to eat together. Residents are involved in planning meals six out of seven days, with support from staff and they are also more involved in food preparation. Nutritional assessments are part of the care plans and residents are weighed regularly as part of this. Several residents have particular needs regarding dietary requirements and this is carefully monitored. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 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. Residents are protected by the home’s policies and procedures regarding medication and their physical and emotional needs will be responded to. EVIDENCE: Within the care plans seen there is a section entitled “How I want staff to assist me” outlining an individual’s preferences. There is a gender mix of staff. The home has a small booklet for each resident with relevant information which can be used by a ‘bank’ or agency member of staff to quickly ascertain how to work with someone. There is also, within the office a single sheet of paper for each resident displaying morning and evening routines to help ensure consistency. New health files are being compiled for each person in keeping with the Caretech format and the current records indicate that a variety of health care professionals are involved with the residents either on a regular basis or as and when required. The assessment format includes mental and physical health needs. Medication is appropriately stored and administered. Staff who give out medication have received training and there are appropriate policies and written procedures in place. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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 and 23 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staff are aware of their responsibilities for protecting residents from abuse and residents’ views are listened to and acted on. EVIDENCE: There is a complaints procedure at the home and residents spoken to also said that they would talk to staff if they were concerned about anything or fed up with someone. Most things are sorted out at a problem solving stage, not needing to be progressed as a complaint. Everyone has 1:1 time with their keyworker and there are also house meetings. Staff spoken to were clear about their responsibilities and were aware of the various policies such as whistle blowing. Some residents have also been provided with their own training regarding protecting themselves and being aware of their rights. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 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 and 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is clean, comfortable and safe for the residents. EVIDENCE: Court Lodge is suitable for its stated purpose and provides sufficient space for the people living there. It is situated in a village but has access to a large town not too far away. The house is in keeping with the local community and this would be enhanced if the lawns were kept cut. The grass at the front was very long at the time of this visit. There is no gardener employed and the rota did not indicate any designated staff time for this. The house is bright and cheerful and satisfactorily maintained. Some work is needed to both bathrooms and this was noted at the last inspection in October 2006. The AQAA contained information indicating that an action plan will be devised regarding various environmental and maintenance issues. The laundry area is very small and there are no hand washing facilities. The deputy manager agreed to provide an alcohol gel cleaner or something similar, Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 so anyone can clean their hands before leaving the laundry area. The home was free from any unwanted odours and cleaning was being undertaken during the visit. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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): 32, 34, 35 and 36 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Sound recruitment procedures and training provided to staff will have a beneficial impact on residents. EVIDENCE: The staff on duty at the time of the inspection were knowledgeable about the residents and their individual needs. I observed members of staff to be interested in the people they were supporting and good communicators. Information provided by the manager in the AQAA form showed that four of the eight permanent staff have achieved a national vocational qualification at level 2 or above. The deputy manager has further achieved a level 4. One other member of staff is currently undertaking a level 2. Induction training is available and the provider is going to be using the new Learning Disability Qualification (LDQ) Induction Award when it begins. It was not possible to view individual records during this visit, as the manager was not on shift. However, staff spoken to confirmed that they had to complete an application form, be interviewed, provide references and agree to a criminal record check. There is a training programme which provides for a Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 range of subjects to be covered. Staff confirmed that they have opportunities for training. There is now a programme of supervision and appraisal in place and staff spoken to said it was useful. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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. Residents benefit from a well run home and will further benefit from the manager being registered and completing his qualification course. Residents’ health and safety is promoted and protected. EVIDENCE: The manager has experience of managing and is due to start his qualification course shortly. He keeps up to date with periodic training and is applying to be registered. Subsequent to the site visit I was informed that there had been a delay to the registration procedure which was not due to the actions of the manager. The organization seeks the opinions of residents and their representatives about the home. They carry out visits under Regulation 26 ie they visit the Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 home regularly to undertake their own checks on quality. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed. The training programme covers a range of aspects of health and safety such as first aid, food hygiene, manual handling and fire safety. The fire safety checks are appropriately carried out. One member of staff has particular responsibility for monitoring health and safety checks. The organization has relevant and appropriate policies and procedures and a spot check on maintenance and service contracts showed that these were satisfactory and up to date. Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 3 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 3 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 Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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 YA37 Regulation 8 Requirement Registration of the manager should be completed Timescale for action 31/12/07 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 Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Court Lodge DS0000023374.V346186.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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