Please wait

Please note that the information on this website is now out of date. It is planned that we will update and relaunch, but for now is of historical interest only and we suggest you visit cqc.org.uk

Inspection on 11/05/07 for Highfield Road

Also see our care home review for Highfield Road for more information

This inspection was carried out on 11th May 2007.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

Before they move in people are given written information all about the home, including how much it costs. Someone from social services and the home comes to see people who are thinking about living in Highfield Road, so they know whether the home will suit them or not. Also they can visit the home before they move in. There is an open and friendly atmosphere in the home, which is well run and makes sure that people who live there are happy. Staff listen to what residents want and if they are unhappy, sort it out. People enjoy living in a clean, tidy, comfortable and homely house and have a bedroom each. Residents are given the help they need in private and staff are polite and friendly with them. They are able to make up their own minds about what they do. Residents can be themselves and have lots of chances to socialise with other people, enjoy their hobbies and learn more skills. Residents are able to see their family and friends when they want to. The meals in the home are good. There are care plans, which residents help to write, to make sure that staff are clear about how to support people. Residents are given help to see a doctor if they need to. There are enough staff in the home to support them when they need it. Staff are trained to do their jobs and the manager checks that this happens. Staff understand residents and fit in with what they need. Residents are looked after and safe.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The manager and staff have worked hard to make things better for residents. The house is nicer because there is a new carpet in the lounge, hall and stairs and the spare bedroom has been painted. The manager has re-written the leaflets given to people before they move in to make them easier to read and to include more information about the home. Residents know all about their care plans. The manager and staff have re-written these and risk assessments, so they are up to date and easier to read. The GP has written a letter to say that it is safe for one resident to take one of their medications themselves. A list of staff who are able to give out tablets is now up to date. Residents who were asked to pay for things that they shouldn`t have to, have had their money given back to them. Inspectors can now see files that show if staff have been employed properly. Staff know more about what residents` need as they have had more training. Residents are able to have more say about whether they`re happy in the home or not, because they are helped to fill in forms by someone from the Service Users` Forum. Forms are also sent to care managers and doctors. The guidelines for staff about looking after residents have been looked at and are now up to date. Accidents are written down in lots of detail. A specialist company has tested the emergency buzzers. Meals cooked by staff are tested to make sure they are hot enough to eat.

What the care home could do better:

People would enjoy the outside of the home better if the patio looked nicer. It could be easier for residents if there were more emergency buzzers to call staff if they needed to, especially at night. Looking at how some medication is written down and what happens before staff are employed would make residents safer. Residents are asked if they are happy to pay for their holidays but this is not written down. They can ask staff to look after important things for them, but these are not written down either.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Highfield Road 29 Highfield Road Dartford Kent DA1 2JS Lead Inspector Helen Martin Key Unannounced Inspection 11th & 14th May 2007 3:30 Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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 Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Highfield Road Address 29 Highfield Road Dartford Kent DA1 2JS 01322 229600 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) http/www.dgsmencap.org.uk DGSM Limited Miss Theresa Chambers Care Home 8 Category(ies) of Learning disability (8) registration, with number of places Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 29th June 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Highfield Road provides care and accommodation for up to eight people with a learning disability. The home is situated in a residential area, close to the centre of Dartford, with all the usual town amenities and public transport. All service users have single bedrooms arranged over three floors, which is accessed by stairs; there is no passenger lift. Communal areas include a lounge, quiet room and dining room. The home has a patio and a small car park to the rear of the property. The service provided is part of the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Mencap organisation. The building is owned by the Hyde Housing Association, who maintain the internal and external parts of the premises. The home’s organisational structure consists of a manager and staff, including two seniors, who operating a roster provide twenty-four hour support. Current fees for the home are between £602.55 and £737.76 per week. Full information about the fees payable and the service the home provides, including inspection reports by the CSCI, are available from the manager. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced visit took place on 11th and 14th May 2007. The visit included speaking with the manager and two support workers and spending time with seven residents. Some judgements about the quality of life within the home were taken from observations and conversation. Some records were looked at. In addition, a tour of the home and patio was undertaken. The home has provided the CSCI with written information contained within an Annual Quality Assurance Assessment. Comments have been included within this report where appropriate. Currently the home accommodates seven residents and has one vacancy. Residents spoken with said: ‘I enjoy growing plants in pots on patio and have entered a gardening competition’ ‘I enjoy cooking’ ‘I like food’ ‘I understand my care plan’ ‘I’ve just cleaned and tidied my room’ ‘I’m sixty-three years old and have just had my ears pierced’ ‘I like being single and independent’ ‘I like my room and the things in it, I like the house’ What the service does well: Before they move in people are given written information all about the home, including how much it costs. Someone from social services and the home comes to see people who are thinking about living in Highfield Road, so they know whether the home will suit them or not. Also they can visit the home before they move in. There is an open and friendly atmosphere in the home, which is well run and makes sure that people who live there are happy. Staff listen to what residents want and if they are unhappy, sort it out. People enjoy living in a clean, tidy, comfortable and homely house and have a bedroom each. Residents are given the help they need in private and staff are polite and friendly with them. They are able to make up their own minds about what they do. Residents can be themselves and have lots of chances to socialise with other people, enjoy their hobbies and learn more skills. Residents are able to see their family and friends when they want to. The meals in the home are good. There are care plans, which residents help to write, to make sure that staff are clear about how to support people. Residents are given help to see a doctor if they need to. There are enough staff in the home to support them when they need it. Staff are trained to do their jobs and the manager checks Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 that this happens. Staff understand residents and fit in with what they need. Residents are looked after and safe. 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. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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 Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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, 3, 4, 5 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Prospective residents are given the written information they need about the home before they decide to move in. They will know whether the home will meet their needs through assessment and the opportunity to visit and look around. EVIDENCE: Information available for prospective residents has been reviewed since the last inspection. A Statement of Purpose is available which includes a copy of residents’ terms and conditions of accommodation; the manager said that each resident was given a contract that also included the service provision for individual residents. A Service Users’ Guide and complaints procedure are available in a format that is easily accessible by residents. Residents have been living at the home for some time, although they did benefit from an assessment prior to their admission to ensure that their needs could be met. A potential resident has been recently assessed together with information from local authority. They are in the process of visiting the home with their care manager and already know some of the residents. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents are supported to make choices and decisions about their lives. Their changing needs are reflected in care plans and risk assessments that they can easily understand. EVIDENCE: A written plan of care for each resident is prepared from a pre-admission assessment. Since the last inspection care plans have been reviewed. Documentation seen was holistic and reflected residents’ changing needs and goals. Care plans contain information regarding residents’ health and social care including physical, psychological and mental health needs, communication, self help personal and social skills, community presence and participation, activities, cultural and spiritual needs, relationships and sexual needs, employment/education, strengths and likes/dislikes. All information seen was up to date. Daily notes are recorded in individual books. Care Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 planning information is now available to residents in a format that is suitable for their needs. A member of staff explained that all residents are involved in the writing of their care plans and one resident spoken with at the time of this visit confirmed this. Residents are supported to take risks as part of maximising their independence and this is recorded. Since the last inspection documentation has been reviewed. Risk assessments seen were up to date and covered a range of activities, including the self-administration of insulin, mobility, continence, trips out, days trips and independent travel. Residents are encouraged to make choices. They receive continuity of care by having individual key workers. There is evidence that considerable attention is given to helping residents to make decisions about how to spend their time and to avoid the development of very rigid routines. Residents are involved as far as possible in decisions regarding the running of the home. They are involved in cleaning, cooking and menu planning. A weekly meeting is held about choice of meals. Regular residents meetings are undertaken. Some residents described aspects of their aspirations and goals. These were very diverse as the group of residents have widely differing support needs. Information regarding residents is dealt with appropriately and documents are kept securely. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 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): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents enjoy individual lifestyles and are able to choose from a range of opportunities for leisure and personal development. They are able to maintain relationships with their family and friends if they wish. Residents enjoy a choice of good quality food. EVIDENCE: Residents are supported towards independent living skills, dependant on their capacity, and also have the opportunity for personal, emotional and social development. Residents are treated as individuals who have different interests and aspirations. Activities and development opportunities are provided accordingly. One resident spoken with said that they liked being single and independent. Another has left the home since the last inspection, to live more independently. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 Residents are part of the local community. Some residents are able to go out independently whilst some need support to do so. During weekdays residents enjoy attending day centres, participating in social events, activities that personally interest them or to further develop their life skills. Transport is provided. Activities available include drama, running, art and cooking. One resident is involved in a drama production and plans to go on a fun run. Two individuals attend church on a regular basis. Residents spend time at the home in the evening, weekends and on the days when they do not attend day centres or work. They are able to relax watching television and videos, cooking, gardening or playing games. One resident grows plants in tubs and has entered a gardening competition. Residents’ individual interests are encouraged. Staff support residents with one-to-one time and trips out locally including shopping, walks and pubs. They are able to assist residents to continue their education or training and to continue taking part in planned activities. Residents are supported in work experience. Opportunities are available for residents to undertake voluntary work, including catering and gardening. Residents are encouraged and supported with shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry tasks wherever possible. Laundry and kitchen facilities are domestic in nature. Residents have access to the home’s patio area. Residents are able to see their family and friends as often as they wish. Individuals can visit the home and can be seen in private, either in residents’ rooms or the quiet room. All residents have actively supportive families. Some visit their families for the day or weekend. Residents have been able to maintain friendships outside of the home. All residents have the opportunity to go on holiday. This year they are planning different destinations such as Shropshire and Lourdes. Some residents belong to an outward-bound group and will be camping overnight. One resident might be going abroad to visit their family. Residents are accompanied on holiday by their family, staff from the home or social services staff. Residents enjoy privacy in their rooms and staff respect this. Staff talk to residents in a friendly and polite way. Residents are able to receive phone calls and visitors in private. Residents have meals in accordance with agreed menus, known choices and nutritional needs or preferences. Residents are supported in cooking and menu planning. One resident was enjoying cooking a meal at the time of this visit. A weekly meeting is held about choice of food and each resident can choose a meal. A written menu is developed from this. The manager, staff and residents demonstrated a good understanding of individuals’ likes and dislikes. The home Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 can provide special diets such as diabetic, high fibre and vegan. Information, specialist cook books and records are kept regarding Phenyllketonuria (PKU). Staff support all residents that need it with special diets. Residents have access to food and drink whenever they wish. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from support which meets their individual needs. Their physical and emotional needs are met. Residents would be better protected by some improvements to the system for the administration of medication. EVIDENCE: Residents are given the personal support they need to maximise their independence, while respecting their dignity and privacy. Residents are able to exercise choice and they have individual clothing and hairstyles. Staff have an understanding of the preferred routines of each resident. Residents have access to social and health care professionals, such as a learning disability nurse, chest specialist, diabetic clinic and epilepsy clinic. They are supported with any appointments. Residents’ nutrition and weight is monitored and recorded. Health care records are kept in care plans. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 No residents currently keep their own medication, although one selfadministers insulin under supervision from staff. Confirmation from the GP now supports these arrangements. Arrangements are in place for the storage and administration of medication by the home. Storage is secure, with the exception of medication needing refrigeration. Currently the home does not administer any controlled drugs. Medication records seen were completed appropriately, with the exception of two handwritten administration entries; a second staff member did not countersign these as accurate. Records are kept with photographs of residents and a signature list of trained staff. The manager and staff demonstrated a good understanding of the challenges faced by residents regarding the death of a person close to them. Residents are supported to come to terms with their loss according to their individual capacity. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents’ views and concerns are listened to and acted upon. Systems are in place to protect them from potential abuse, although additional financial record keeping would better reflect this. EVIDENCE: Residents are at ease and confident talking with the manager and support workers who listen to their views and concerns; they know who to complain to if they need to. The home provides a written complaints procedure, a précis of which is displayed within the home. Residents have access to this in a format that they can easily understand. A record of all complaints is kept. Discussion took place regarding an incident involving one resident in November 2006. Following the incident the home acted appropriately and an adult protection investigation was instigated. This has since been closed; it was said that all recommendations had been fully addressed. Written procedures regarding the protection of vulnerable adults are available for staff. The manager demonstrated a good understanding of these. The home has a system in place, which aims to protect the financial interests of residents and holds small amounts of cash on the behalf of some. This is kept securely. All money is stored individually and transaction records are maintained. Cash checked tallied with accounts seen. Receipts are kept for Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 purchases made. Previous inspection identified that residents’ personal possessions and valuables are documented, although records are not signed or dated by the resident and/or their representative or staff. During this inspection it was noted that items kept secure by the home on behalf of one resident continue not to be documented. Since the last inspection, all residents who purchased items listed in Standard 26, that were not additional to those provided by the home, have been refunded by the organisation. Some residents go on holiday with staff from the home and some do not. If they go with staff, the organisation pays for staff salaries and the resident pays for all accommodation. It was said that the cost of holidays was discussed and agreed by residents, although agreement by all parties concerned, such as a relative, care manager and a representative from the organisation was not recorded. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. Residents benefit from living in a clean, comfortable and homely environment. Their quality of life could be enhanced by some additional facilities and refurbishment. The premises are best suited for people with few mobility difficulties. EVIDENCE: The building fits in with the local community and has a style and atmosphere that meets individuals’ needs. Residents have unrestricted access in the house and to the patio area. Residents benefit from living in a clean and comfortable accommodation. The premises are generally suitable for their current needs. The house is maintained and decorated by ‘In Touch’, part of Hyde Housing Association. Since the last inspection the vacant bedroom has been redecorated. There is new carpet in the corridors, stairs and lounge. Previous Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 inspection identified that development of the patio area was necessary as this is the only outside area available for residents at the home. The manager said that no work had yet commenced and the home, residents and ‘In Touch’ were currently in negotiation about this. Adequate recreational, dining, toilet, bathing and individual accommodation are available to residents. The home provides a lounge, dining area and a quiet room. All residents have their own rooms, arranged over three floors. Residents clearly like their rooms, which are all individual and highly personalised. They are able to choose how their furniture should be arranged. Bedrooms meet service user’s needs and are well furnished. There are no lifts, specific environmental adaptations or disability equipment within the home. Current residents have few mobility problems. Discussion took place regarding the staff call system; currently call points are in bathrooms and toilets only. Previous inspection identified that the system should be extended to residents’ rooms. The manager said that currently residents continue to make their way to the locked door of the staff sleep-in room if they need assistance at night. It was said that the Board of the organisation continues to consider an extension to the existing system. The premises are clean and hygienic. Staff spoken with stated that carpets were cleaned regularly. Residents use both the laundry and the kitchen with support from staff. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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): 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 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 sufficient number of qualified, trained and supervised staff who have a good understanding of their needs. Improvement to the system in place for staff recruitment would enhance their protection. EVIDENCE: Staff showed a good understanding of residents’ needs and the homes philosophy and values. Residents benefit from good support and interaction. The manager, staff and residents communicate well with each other. The home has a stable staff team. Staffing hours are flexible dependant on the needs of residents and records seen confirmed this. Staff support residents with cooking, cleaning and laundry tasks wherever possible. It was said that permanent staff did not cover approximately twenty-one hours per week and that this was due to a recent staff vacancy; this was covered by relief staff; the home would advertise shortly. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 A procedure is in place that aims to appoint suitable staff who can support the needs of residents. Staff files seen, together with faxes from the head quarters of the organisation during this visit, evidenced that all pre-employment checks had been undertaken, with the exception of one, which contained only one reference. The manager explained that induction training was now linked to the Learning Disabilities Award Framework. It was said that all existing staff were working through this is conjunction with a basic skills course. Documentation was seen. It was said that recent training courses included the mental capacity act, infectious diseases, food hygiene, medication, moving and handling, physical intervention and challenging behaviour, person centred planning, quality assurance, health and safety and epilepsy. Records and certificates confirmed that the home provided a rolling programme of ongoing training. The manager indicated that any updates needed were planned. The manager stated that all staff are currently undertaking an NVQ qualification; three staff have obtained an NVQ and one has a City and Guilds in supporting people in the community The manager said that currently supervision is undertaken in conjunction with NVQ assessments. A member of staff spoken with confirmed that their supervision is monthly and staff meetings are held every four to six weeks and are recorded. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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, 38, 39, 40, 41, 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 with a relaxed atmosphere. Their best interests are safeguarded and their health, safety and welfare are promoted. EVIDENCE: The registered manager is a registered nurse with experience in the care of people with learning and physical disabilities in residential and clinical settings. They have achieved a DMS (Diploma in Management Studies). There is an open and inclusive atmosphere in the home. At the time of this visit residents were confident and relaxed chatting and spending time with Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 staff and the inspector. Staff and the manager responded promptly and appropriately in a friendly and polite manner. The quality assurance system for the home was discussed. The manager stated that the Service User Forum sends an individual to the house to support individual residents to give feedback and complete questionnaires without staff present; questionnaires are also sent out to relatives and health and social care professionals; all are returned to the head office of the organisation. It was said that the results go to the trustees and any feedback or issues or recommendations would come from them to the home. The manager explained that they had not yet had feedback from the trustees but were expecting this shortly. The organisation uses a recognised quality assurance system and regular meetings are held throughout the year. The manager mentioned that trustees had introduced a timetable for visits to the home and that these now took place on a regular basis. The most recent record was seen. Residents have meetings and these are recorded; issues discussed include feedback from the service user forum, the job rota in the house and choice of food. The home has comprehensive recorded policies and procedures that are available for staff; these are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. A number of records have been looked at as part of this inspection. These have been mentioned within this report where appropriate. Accidents and incidents are recorded appropriately, and now include details of the investigation or any action taken. Records and certificates seen indicated the regular testing and maintenance of systems and equipment within the home. Since the last inspection, a specialist company has tested the staff call system. Window restrictors are fitted upstairs. The kitchen is maintained in a clean and hygienic manner; hot food temperature is now tested and recorded. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 3 23 2 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 2 25 3 26 3 27 3 28 3 29 3 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 3 33 3 34 2 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 3 3 3 LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 3 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 X Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.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. 1 Standard YA20 Regulation 13 (2) Requirement The registered person shall make arrangements for the recording, handling, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the care home. In that, medication requiring refrigeration must be kept securely. 2 YA34 19(1) The registered person shall not employ a person to work at the care home unless…they have obtained in respect of that person the information and documents specified in…Schedule 2 Schedule 2:3 Two written references… In that, the home must obtain two written references for all potential employees. 15/06/07 Timescale for action 15/06/07 Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 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 YA20 Good Practice Recommendations It is strongly recommended that a second member of staff should countersign handwritten entries in medication administration records as accurate. This issue has been repeated from previous inspection dated 29th June 2006. 2 YA23 It is recommended that records of residents’ personal possessions and valuables should be signed and dated by the resident and/or their representative and staff. In that, previous inspection identified that residents’ personal possessions and valuables are documented, although records are not signed or dated by the resident and/or their representative or staff. During this inspection it was noted that items kept secure by the home on behalf of one resident continue not to be documented. This recommendation has been repeated from inspection dated 26th January 2006 and 29th June 2006. 3 YA23 It is recommended that a written agreement about residents’ holiday costs signed by the resident, their relative, care manager and a representative from the organisation should be provided. It is recommended that the rear patio area should be developed as a safe and useful amenity for service users. This is particularly important in the absence of a garden at the premises. In that, the manager said that no work had yet commenced and the home, residents and ‘In Touch’ were currently in negotiation about this. This recommendation has been repeated from inspection dated 16th August 2005, 26th January 2006 and 29th June 2006. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 27 4 YA24 5 YA24 It is recommended that, as service users on the three floors must make their way to the locked door of the room where the (sleeping) support worker is based at night, the call bell system should be extended to all bedrooms. In that, it was said that the Board of the organisation continues to consider an extension to the existing system. This recommendation has been repeated from inspection dated 16th August 2005, 26th January 2006 and 29th June 2006. Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 28 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 Highfield Road DS0000064649.V337208.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 29 - 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!