Inspection on 30/01/07 for Dovedale Court

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 Excellent. 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

Dovedale Court 31/10/05

Dovedale Court 24/05/05

Dovedale Court 15/03/05

Dovedale Court 16/12/04

Dovedale Court 19/01/04

Similar services:

Thorndene

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Lyncol House

Greenacres

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Dovedale Court Quantock Drive Ashford Kent TN24 8RR Lead Inspector Mrs Sue Gaskell Key Unannounced Inspection 30th January 2007 09:30 Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.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 Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.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. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Dovedale Court Address Quantock Drive Ashford Kent TN24 8RR 01233 611 536 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) dovedale.court@unitedresponse.co.uk None United Response Mr Warwick Burridge Care Home 10 Category(ies) of Learning disability (10) registration, with number of places Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 31st October 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Dovedale Court provides personal care and support to 10 residents who require a high level of assistance due to their learning disabilities. The fees are £1297 per week. The home comprises a number of self contained units situated on a housing estate within walking distance of the local town centre. Residents have their own bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living space. The units, which are supervised by staff on a 24 hour basis, are part of a small complex which also includes office facilities, an activities centre and sensory room. There is a safe and secure garden. Nearby facilities include shops, health centres, churches, a cinema, and swimming pool. All healthcare and social needs are accessed within the community. Staffing comprises a registered manager, support staff and day care staff. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection took place on 30th January 2007, between 10.15am and 2.30pm. There were 9 people living at the home, and there is 1 vacancy. The inspector met 4 residents, the registered manager, deputy manager, day care teachers and 2 support staff. Some residents have limited communication and therefore the inspector spent some time with these residents in order to see whether they appeared relaxed and comfortable. The Inspector toured the building and looked at all communal areas. 2 residents showed the Inspector their bedrooms. The inspection process also consisted of information collected before and during the visit to the home, and feedback from 2 Care Managers after the site visit finished. Other information seen included general assessments, risk assessments and care plans, medication records, the duty rota and staff recruitment, training and supervision records. There were no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection and no requirements made following this inspection. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Introduce a formal cleaning rota. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2&5 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The statement of purpose, service user guide and individual statement of terms and conditions, clearly says what service will be offered. Prospective residents can be confident that their needs will be assessed and can be met. EVIDENCE: There have been no new admissions since the last inspection visit. The home has a formal admissions procedure that is used for any prospective residents. The files showed that previous admissions have included a detailed and comprehensive pre-admission assessment of prospective residents’ needs. There has also been input from the prospective residents, families the community disability team and other health care professionals. The home does not take emergency admissions. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 All residents have been issued with a service user guide and tenancy agreements stating their terms and conditions of residence. The individual tenancy agreements and individual charters are in pictorial form. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 9 & 10 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The care plans are easy to use and descriptive. Residents’ choices are respected and their decision-making is well supported. Residents are supported in taking risks in the daily and social activities that form part of an independent lifestyle. EVIDENCE: All residents have a care plan. 4 care plan files were examined in detail. The files include personal profiles and assessments, likes and dislikes, and guidelines on how the home will assist residents in achieving their short and longer term goals. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Residents have key workers who monitor their individual needs and activities. The key workers and other staff complete a daily handover file that includes details on residents’ general health and well being, activities menus. It also includes any particular participation by residents in daily life, such as buttering their own toast or helping with their laundry. Residents and/or their relatives are invited to the annual or six monthly reviews and are asked what they think about their care. The records showed that the care plans are updated following the reviews or as and when their care needs change. Adequate risk assessments have been prepared for each resident’s needs or activities, and include specific guidelines on how to minimise any risk. Staff confirmed that they sign care plans and risk assessments to acknowledge having read any important information or guidelines. Staff confirmed that issues relating to confidentiality are addressed during their induction period. All records are stored in either a cupboard in the individual flats or in a lockable office and there was no public display of confidential or personal information. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 12,13,15,16 & 17 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Daily life meets the residents’ lifestyle preferences and expectations. Residents have regular contact with their families and friends. Residents receive a nourishing and balanced diet. EVIDENCE: The residents participate in a range of activities based on their needs and interests. One resident said that staff often take him to places which he enjoys as he has a particular interest in those places. There is a weekly programme of activities but this is flexible if residents’ needs change or if they would rather do something else. Staff said that residents’ Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 activities include outside activities such as bowling, horse riding, carriage riding, personal outings and going to clubs and discos. There is also a very well equipped day centre and sensory room in the grounds, where qualified day care staff assist residents with a variety of arts, crafts, music, personal skills and other activities. The day centre staff keep a photographic record of residents interests and achievements. The care plans contain a list of residents’ needs, likes and dislikes and preferences, and some of this is in pictorial form. Residents may come and go as they please in the houses subject to risk assessments, eg it might not be appropriate for all residents to have unsupervised access to the kitchen. Staff said risk assessed are monitored as residents’ needs change. There was evidence in the residents’ daily records to show that families, and other visitors are encouraged and welcomed. The manager said that there are no residents at present with different cultural needs as they tend to be referred from within the local community. None of the residents have relationship issues but staff are aware of the importance of respecting residents’ personal needs. All of the residents have their own bank accounts. Records and receipts are kept for any monies held or spent on residents’ behalves. Financial records are audited as part of Regulation 26 visits and copies of residents’ accounts are provided to families. Meals are provided mainly based on residents’ choice, but also take into account the need for a balanced diet or particular needs. The store cupboard contained a wide range of good quality food including fresh fruit and vegetables. The food seen on the day of the inspection appeared appetising and nutritious and residents are encouraged to make suggestions about the menus through the use of picture cards Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 14 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 18,19, & 20 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ choices over their care are respected. Residents’ care plans are reviewed and their health care needs are met. Residents are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with their medication. EVIDENCE: All of the residents were seen to be relaxed and comfortable being with staff. Two community disability nurses confirmed that the service and the quality of care “ is excellent”. Residents care plans and daily records referred to clear guidelines on providing support and monitoring health care and social care needs. There was evidence to show that residents had been referred for specialist help whenever Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 necessary. Residents are also referred for specialist help if they have particular health care needs such as epilepsy or other conditions. The manager and all members of staff showed a high level of awareness of residents’ needs and referred to a variety of issues, such as the importance of ensuring that residents’ needs are considered as they grow older. Some of the bathrooms have been adapted recently to cope with changing needs. Each resident has an annual “health check” planner. Staff said that they have to sign to acknowledge having read any important guidelines or information. The home has sound medication procedures. Staff confirmed that all staff must be trained and have to read the procedures stored in the medication file. The manager explained that medication is kept in each unit in a domestic style cupboard in order to preserve the homely feel. There are methods in place to ensure that it is stored securely and appropriately. Medication records were clear and current. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 16 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 22 & 23 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents can be confident their complaints will be listened to and dealt with appropriately and that they will be protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: Although it was difficult to obtain information from some of the residents due to their communication needs, there were entries in the records to show that staff record incidents or comments that indicate that residents might be worried or unhappy. The inspector could see from the way the manager and staff talked to one resident that every effort is made to ensure that residents can communicate their feelings if they are not happy with something. The home uses complaints forms that have been produced in a pictorial format. The home has adult abuse procedures in place and staff confirmed that they have received training on adult protection. Staff have also had training in “prevention from harm” and “equality and diversity”. There are clear guidelines for staff on how to intervene in order to safeguard and assist residents. The staff induction process includes information for staff Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 on policies and procedures concerning appropriate behaviour when assisting with personal care, the use of appropriate intervention techniques, and “whistle blowing”. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 & 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents live in a homely,comfortable and safe environment. The home is hygienic and clean. EVIDENCE: All residents live in self contained flats, with their own bedrooms, small lounges, kitchens and bathrooms. The bedrooms and living areas are furnished and decorated to a reasonable standard, and contained the type of furniture and equipment necessary to provide a homely environment. Although the furniture is comfortable and adequate, some of it will need updating in the near future. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 Residents may bring as many of their possessions as is practical. One resident said that he keeps re-arranging his bedroom and living room so that he can store the items he has collected and get to them easily. The manager explained how certain adaptations have had to be made to accommodate some residents’ behaviours, eg fitting particular types of doors. Two of the bathrooms have also been re-fitted recently in order to provided the adaptations that some residents now need, eg a walk in shower and grab rails. The garden is attractive and well-maintained and there are various items of garden furniture which are used by the residents. Staff showed a good awareness of health and safety issues and referred to training in health and safety, COSHH, fire safety etc. All staff are trained in infection control. Although all areas were seen to be reasonably clean and hygienic, the home might benefit from a more formal cleaning regime. There is a separate laundry with commercial type washer and drier and also washing machine in the individual units. Toilets and bathrooms are provided with paper towels and soap dispensers to reduce the risks of cross infection. The home is reasonably well maintained. Maintenance certificates are current, appropriate checks are carried out regularly and there are no outstanding health and safety requirements. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 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 & 36 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Staffing, in terms of both numbers and competency, is appropriate to the current needs of the residents. Residents are protected by the Home’s sound recruitment procedures. Staff are well trained and supported and morale is high. EVIDENCE: Staffing at the time of the inspection consisted of the registered service manager, the deputy service manager, a day care teacher and co-ordinator and generally 2 support social workers for each of the units. Staff said that extra staffing is always provided if there is a necessity, eg if a resident is unwell. The intercom throughout the individual units enables staff to respond quickly in the event of an emergency and there is also an emergency duty system. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 4 staff files were examined and showed that there are sound recruitment systems in place. There is a checklist to ensure that CRB, and POVA checks are carried out and references obtained and verified. The training matrix showed that all staff have induction training, core training and that most of the staff have completed NVQ3. New staff received a range of induction training over a 4 week period. One staff referred to the induction training and said that she had not been expected to work unsupervised until she felt confident. Another member of staff said that she had completed a “training for trainers” course as part of her personal development. Both staff said they receive regular supervision and that the ongoing training provided is excellent. Recent training includes awareness of autism and Asperger’s syndrome, Makaton and equality and diversity. All of the staff spoken to said that they enjoy working in the home. They said that the good morale in the home is due to the consideration shown by management and the high level of supervision and support. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39 & 42 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. The home is well run in a manner that encourages the development of clients. There are regular quality assurance and safety checks to ensure that the home is run in the best interests of the clients and their safety and welfare is protected and promoted. All areas are clean, hygienic and well maintained. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has many years experience in working with adults with learning disabilities, and appeared knowledgeable and competent. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 The general management of the home and completion of records are of generally of a good standard. There was evidence in the residents’ files and daily notes to indicate that residents are asked how they feel about activities, meals and the running of the home. The residents’ views and feelings are constantly monitored, either through talking to them or through picture cards. The home also asks residents’ relatives to complete quality assurance questionnaires. Residents and their families are also provided with updates of their reviews and records of their finances. Monthly visits are carried out by the area manager and the business and development plans are reviewed regularly. Regular weekly tests on fire alarms and equipment are carried out and recorded. All staff have had recent fire safety training and the regular fire drills also include residents. The maintenance file also contained current certificates to show that regular checks eg gas, electricity, are carried out. Environmental risk assessments have been carried out including the use of the kitchens and laundry by residents. There were no obvious safety hazards around the home and there was evidence to show that health and safety issues are taken seriously eg. Cupboard doors were locked and cleaning chemicals had been locked away. Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 4 3 X 4 X 5 4 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 4 23 4 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 4 33 X 34 4 35 4 36 4 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 X 4 4 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 4 13 4 14 X 15 4 16 4 17 4 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 4 4 4 X 4 X 4 X X 4 X Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? no STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Dovedale Court DS0000023722.V321725.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT National Enquiry Line: Telephone: 0845 015 0120 or 0191 233 3323 Textphone: 0845 015 2255 or 0191 233 3588 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. 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