Inspection on 06/02/07 for Echo Square House

This inspection was carried out on 6th February 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is (sorry - unknown). 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

Echo Square House 13/02/09

Echo Square House 08/12/05

Echo Square House 04/07/05

Echo Square House 15/02/05

Echo Square House 21/07/04

Echo Square House 11/03/04

Similar services:

Thorndene

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Magenta

Seabourne House

33 St John`s Church Road

Dovedale Court

Lyncol House

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Echo Square House 70 Parrock Road Gravesend Kent DA12 1QH Lead Inspector Graham Cummings Key Unannounced Inspection 6th February 2007 09:45 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Echo Square House Address 70 Parrock Road Gravesend Kent DA12 1QH 01474 332224 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) Vanessahalfacre@nas.org.uk National Autistic Society Mrs Valerie Anne Barker Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 8th December 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Echo Square House is a care home providing personal care for three adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The National Autistic Society (NAS) operate the service but Hyde House Corporation owns the property. The home is a detached property situated about two miles from the centre of Gravesend. Gravesend has many amenities, including shops, pubs, main post office, banks, places of worship and an adult education centre. The home is also in close proximity to a number of local shops and public transport is easily accessible from the home. Resident accommodation comprises one sitting room, a separate dining room and three single bedrooms. None of the bedrooms have ensuite facilities. All bedrooms are situated on the first floor. The home does not have a stair or passenger lift. There is a garage and small-enclosed patio area at the rear of the property. The home blends into the surrounding area and there is nothing to suggest it is anything other than a family house. Free parking is available nearby. In addition to the residential accommodation the NAS provides workshop activities in a variety of locations in the Gravesend area for residents from this home, as well as from the community and two other associated care homes. The weekly fees range from £1,125 to £1,200 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The site visit was carried out on the 6th of February 2007 and completed the homes first Key Inspection. The Key Inspection consisted of receiving a completed pre inspection questionnaire, viewing documents including two relative comment cards, speaking with the manager and touring the home. All of the standards checked were met and there are no Requirements or Recommendations What the service does well: The home has a staff team that have been together for a number of years and know the Service Users well. The staff work closely together in encouraging Service Users to be as independent as possible. The Manager informed the Inspector that the staff team ‘are motivated and planning all of the time’. The company provides five version of the Service User Guide ranging from all writing to all pictures. The care plans were well written and contained easy to read information that would allow for a new staff member to understand and meet the individuals’ needs. The home has an information file that is kept in the lounge. This has a complaints policy, House Meeting minutes, Statement of Purpose, Service User Guide and a number of local attractions and places to visit. Work is to be started soon to replace the bathroom into a wet room, whilst this work is being completed. Service Users are having a weeks holiday at Warners Holiday Centre (adults only) and then going home to their families for a week whilst the work is completed. During the second week staff will be taking annual leave or spring cleaning the home. One relative commented that ‘this is a really lovely home for my son. I always think it sets the standards others should be judged by’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 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. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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): 1,2,5 Information is available to prospective Service Users to make an informed choice. Prospective Service User can be confident that their needs would be fully assessed prior to admission to the home. Service Users do have the benefit of having suitable contracts in place. Quality in this outcome area is Excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home’s Statement and Purpose and Service User Guide has five versions, these range from all written to all pictorial. The home has not had a new admission for 10 years, the Manager informed the Inspector of the process they would adopt should a vacancy arise. The Manager felt that an internal company move was the more likely scenario than having an external placement. They would still ensure that the individual’s needs could be met and that there was compatibility with existing Service Users. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 All Service Users contracts are kept at the company’s Head office. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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): 6,7,8,9 Service Users’ changing needs are assessed and reflected in their individual plans. Service Users are consulted and make decisions about their daily life in the home and are supported to take calculated risks as part of their independent training. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The Inspector found the care plans to be comprehensive and clearly written. The home has now included all information in one file as recommended at the last inspection. The care plans seen had been evaluated, a comment received from a family member stated ‘IPP’s are reviewed 6 monthly, generally ideas are well thought through and recommendations work out well’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The home has weekly Service User meetings where there is an agenda that includes suggestions and making decisions on, menus, shopping, outings, activities, choosing holidays, home information and any other business. The home also has a Key-worker system. Service Users are encouraged to be as independent as possible with all internal and external activities having individual risk assessments. These are evaluated as the individuals skills improve and the risks are reduced. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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 Service Users take part in appropriate activities and are part of the local community. Service Users have regular family contact and their rights are respected in daily lives. Service Users benefit from receiving a healthy and nutritious diet. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service Users access shops, pubs and cafes in the local area as well as going on outings further afield. They go on holiday twice a year and usually go to a Warners adults only holiday centre in Norfolk. Service Users enjoy the weeks when they have special entertainment in 60’s music. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 The home has an activity folder that is kept in the lounge that contains the films, plays, concerts, theatre and day trips by coach for the coming month. The home have regular meals out in pubs and restaurants and take aways. The menu was seen and included recipes to help Service users when they assisted in the cooking. The menu seen was healthy and nutritious. Two service users go home fortnightly to their family and the third goes home every 5/6 weeks. Staff support service users in telephoning, writing letters and e.mailing relatives and friends. A parent’s comment stated that ‘I feel my son is given the appropriate amount of freedom suitable to his disability, he loves music and is taken to shows of his choice. He is also encouraged with new technology, it is lovely to receive the odd e.mail from him’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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): 18,19,20,21 Service Users receive support in the way they prefer and their health needs are met. Service Users do not self medicate and their wishes regarding illness and death are recorded. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service Users are registered with a local GP, Dentist and Optician a chiropodist visits six weekly. Service Users have their weight taken and recorded weekly. The local pharmacist carries out yearly ‘Lifestyle Checks’ this includes having individuals blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels taken. None of the Service Users self medicate, the only medication administered in the home at present is eye drops. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 Service Users wishes regarding illness and death were recorded in their care plan. Any homely medications being used, such as ‘Lemsip’ have got written confirmation from the GP, each Service User has an itemised list from the GP. A relative comment received stated ‘Excellent, my son is a healthy man….however, on the few occasions he has needed ‘care’ his needs were properly monitored by the system in place’ ‘in my sons case they have always looked after him very well’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.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 Service Users views are listened to and they are protected from abuse. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Service Users views are asked for regarding worries, concerns or complaints at their weekly meetings. All Staff have attended Protection of Vulnerable Adults in January 2006 and SCIP Behaviour Management in August 2006. Each Service User has a behaviour management guidelines and procedures for staff to follow if they are ever required. Service Users finances are checked at regular intervals by the Manager and spot checks by the companies auditor. The Inspector saw evidence of provider visits with copies of signed and dated Regulation 26 visits. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): 24,25,27,30 Service Users benefit from living in a homely, safe, comfortable and clean environment. Service Users’ bedrooms meet their needs and the bathrooms provide sufficient privacy to meet their needs. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The home was well furnished and decorated and there was a nice relaxed and homely atmosphere. The bathroom is being upgraded to a wet room in the next 2/4 weeks The Manager is responsible for the Health and Safety within the home and staff are delegated to monitor and record the daily temperature of the fridge freezer, weekly fire and water tests and a monthly environmental check. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 Service Users have a TV and stereo in their bedrooms, rooms were not viewed as all Service users were out at the time of the inspection. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): 31,32,33,34,35,36 Service Users benefit from having a competent and effective staff team who are aware of and know the roles and responsibilities. Service Users are protected by the home’s recruitment practice and the support and supervision staff receive. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The manager informed the Inspector that the staff teams knowledge of the Service Users needs and their commitment to support them is excellent. When Staff are employed they are given a job description that outlines their roles and responsibilities and they are required to sign to confirm they have read and understood these. Staff are supervised at regular 8 weekly intervals and they have access to the Manager at all times. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The Inspector was informed that training courses are available through the company and externally. The recruitment process involves Service Users speaking with the prospective staff member and having an input into the decision about employing them. A relative commented that ‘Management and staff are excellent’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): 37,39,41,42,43 Service Users benefit from good management and a well run home in which their views listened to. Service Users are safeguarded by the home’s policies and record keeping and have their health, safety and welfare promoted and protected. Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The Manager has over 20 years experience in the care sector and has been the Manager at Echo Square for the past four years. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Service Users are fully involved in the day to day running of the home through weekly meetings and their Key-worker. Records seen were clear and well written and Service Users Health, Safety and Welfare were protected by fire practice, water temperature and environmental checks on a regular basis. The Managers City and Guilds in Care qualification has been confirmed as being equivalent to the NVQ Level 4. A relative commented that ‘Management and staff are excellent’. Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 4 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 3 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 3 26 X 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 3 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 4 4 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 X 12 3 13 3 14 X 15 4 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 3 4 X 3 X 3 3 3 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 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 Echo Square House DS0000023832.V320356.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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!