Inspection on 07/06/05 for Ellens Court

This inspection was carried out on 7th June 2005.

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 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

Ellens Court 16/12/08

Ellens Court 11/03/08

Ellens Court 17/09/07

Ellens Court 06/10/06

Ellens Court 22/11/05

Ellens Court 15/03/05

Ellens Court 09/02/05

Similar services:

Insight - Eastchurch

Southfields

Thorndene

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 Ellens Court Lady Margaret Manor Doddington Sittingbourne Kent ME9 0NT Lead Inspector Alex Turner Unannounced 7th June 2005 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 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 Stationary 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. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Ellens Court Address Lady Margaret Manor, Doddington, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 0NT Telephone number Fax number Email address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) 01795 886220 Mrs Lynn Brooks Mrs Lynn Brooks CRH 9 Category(ies) of Care Home for Younger Adults with a Learning registration, with number Disability of places Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 15 March 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Ellens Court is a 9 bedded home providing 24 hour care to adults who have a learning disability. The business is privately owned by the registered manager. The home is located in a rural setting approximately one and a half miles outside the village of Doddington. The property is detached and the accommodation is located on 2 floors. The upper floor consists of 5 single bedrooms and a W.C. The ground floor has four single bedrooms, a large comfortable lounge, a separate smaller lounge, a shower room, a bathroom, further W.Cs, a kitchen, laundry and a dining room. There are several outbuildings including a games room, a workshop, and a kitchenette that is used to promote independent living skills for the service users. The property has extensive grounds that are attractively laid out and well maintained. The care staff work to a flexible shift pattern and there is one member of staff on waking duty at night. In addition to care staff the home also employs domestic catering staff and an administrator. The owner undertakes day-to-day management and also provides care and out of hours support when needed. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The inspection was unannounced and took place during the course of one morning and early afternoon in June 2005. At the time of this visit six service users were away on holiday. The two residents that remained in the home both spent time talking with the inspector. The registered manager / provider of the home was present throughout the inspection and discussed with the inspector progress made towards meeting the requirements and recommendations included in the last report. Selective records and documentation was inspected. The opportunity was taken to have a look around the home and outside areas. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The purpose, function and process of staff supervision and appraisal should be reconsidered in the context of serving to improve the quality of care provided. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 Standards Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 1 Information about the home is available to help residents make a choice about coming to live there. EVIDENCE: The Statement of Purpose has been reviewed and amended since the last inspection. The document provides useful and accurate information about the home. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 9 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 10 Information about residents has been processed, shared and stored in an appropriate manner. EVIDENCE: Looking through records it was evident that efforts have been made to convey to residents the principles and practice regarding confidentiality that are subscribed to by the home. In the records inspected were signed agreements between the home and the residents articulating the manner in which confidential information would be processed, used and stored. There was also evidence found that demonstrated the home has made efforts to enter into an agreement regarding confidential information with partnership agencies such as resource centres frequented by residents. The two residents that were spoken to expressed satisfaction in terms of the way in which information about them managed. Policy documents correlated with practice. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 11, 12, 13, 14, and 17 Residents have been supported to lead individual lifestyles and to take part in their chosen interests and pastimes. In doing so residents have been enabled to engage with and be part of the wider community. A healthy diet has been provided that includes fresh produce, variety and which reflects the needs and preferences of residents. EVIDENCE: Service users are part of the local community in so much as that they enabled and encouraged to engage with and use community resources. During the inspection six residents were away on holiday. It was confirmed that residents had chosen their own holiday destinations demonstrated perhaps by the two different destinations chosen. Both of the residents remaining in the home spoke about activities that they undertook that involved a degree of community involvement such as attendance at yoga classes or a visit to the library or local shops. They both also confirmed that they had chosen not to go on holiday and had preferred to remain in the home. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 The home employs a full time cook to plan, organise and prepare meals in the home. Menus are set around an eight week plan though may vary at short notice according to the changing needs, preferences and circumstances of residents. The opportunity to have lunch with one of the residents was taken. In doing so it was clear that amongst other things they were happy with this aspect of service provision. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 19 and 20 Residents physical and emotional health needs are taken into account in service provided. The homes practice in relation to medication follows many good practice principles that serve to protect residents regarding this aspect of service provision. EVIDENCE: Speaking with residents and from reviewing records it was evident that general and more specialised health care support has been arranged. For example in addition to visits to the general practitioner, dentists and opticians the services of psychological and psychiatric specialist have been obtained in line with specific residents needs. The medication records were sampled. On the whole the records indicated that medication has been given as prescribed with few gaps noted. It was noted that handwritten and unsigned (by a doctor) changes had been made to prescribing instructions of the medication administration records. This was acknowledged by the manager who offered explanation in the context however of this being unsatisfactory practice. Storage facilities for medication in the home were satisfactory. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 23 Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self harm. EVIDENCE: Previous requirement regarding adult protection was followed up. The manager has updated the written polices and procedure in a clear and comprehensive manner. Action has been taken towards delivering adult protection training to all staff. Records indicate regular monitoring of residents wellbeing and the passing on of information. Risk assessments were thorough. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 30. The home provides a comfortable and pleasant environment. Private rooms and the use of the homes communal areas and extensive gardens and outdoor facilities are offered to all residents. The home was clean. EVIDENCE: While most of the residents were away on holiday, painting and decorating was being carried out. The areas of the home that were seen included the lounge, the kitchen and dining area, bathrooms, toilets, and outside areas including an activities room and laundry facilities. Two of the residents allowed their rooms to be entered and are thanked for this. The age and the physical characteristics of the home including the large gardens and the rural location contribute to the unique and homely atmosphere that has been created. Both of the residents spoken to were satisfied with the accommodation and facilities provided. The kitchen and food storage areas were clean and well maintained. Systems to ensure food hygiene and cleanliness were in use. Laundry facilities were clean and well equipped. A separate outhouse / storage shed looked rather precarious; the manager should ensure the physical safety of structure has been properly assessed. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 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 35 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 36 Staff are supported and supervision in relation to their work in the home. EVIDENCE: Staff supervision records were inspected. It was evident that the frequency of supervision has increased since the time of the last inspection. The process of supervision and appraisal was discussed with the manager. Practice recommendations have been made. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 16 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 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for standard(s) 41 Record keeping was such to ensure residents rights and best interests were being served in terms of the use and management of information about them. EVIDENCE: Records inspected were up to date, clear and easy to navigate. Information retrieval was efficient. There was evidence that residents had been able to see and contribute to the records about them. Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 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 CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No 1 2 3 4 5 Score 3 x x x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score x 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score x x x x 3 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 2 3 3 3 3 x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 3 x x 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x x x 2 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Ellens Court Score x 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x 3 x x H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 24 Regulation 23 Requirement The registered person must ensure that the external grounds are safe for use by service users. Timescale for action 30/07/05 RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. Refer to Standard 36 Good Practice Recommendations The manager should ensure staff have regular, recorded supervision meetings at least six times a year with their senior/manager in addition to regular contact on day to day practice (fortnightly where there is no regular contact; pro-rata for part-time staff ), covering: i. translation of the home’s philosophy and aims into work with individuals; ii. monitoring of work with individual service users; iii. support and professional guidance; and iv. identification of training and development needs. The registered person should consider the risk of collapse and arrange for the structural safety of the building to the front of the house to be assessed and to follow any reccommnedations or requirements that may subsequently be made. 2. 24 Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection 11th Floor, International House Ashford Kent TN23 1HU National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 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 Ellens Court H56-H05 S23931 Ellens Court V228071 070605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 - 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!