Inspection on 21/04/05 for Kensington House (North East) Limited

This inspection was carried out on 21st April 2005.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Adequate. 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

Kensington House (North East)... 24/05/07

Kensington House (North East)... 05/10/05

Kensington House (North East)... 02/11/04

Kensington House (North East)... 26/05/04

Kensington House (North East)... 20/11/03

Kensington House (North East)... 31/07/02

Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 09/07/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Kensington House 32 Denmark Street Gateshead Tyne Wear NE8 1NQ Lead Inspector Lee Bennett Unannounced 21 April 2005 15:00 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. Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Kensington House Address 32 Denmark Street, Gateshead NE8 1NQ 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) 0191 477 5843 Mrs Donna McDowell PC care home only 5 Category(ies) of 5 x LD, 1 x LD(E) registration, with number of places Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: None Date of last inspection 2nd November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Kensington House is care home, providing personal care for up to 5 people with a learning disability. Nursing care is not provided, but District Nursing services can be arranged where necessary. It is an adapted, terraced care home with accommodation provided over three floors. The first and second floors are accessed by flights of stairs, so the home would not be suitable for a person with a physical disability. There is a small paved garden to the front, and an enclosed yard to the rear of the home. The home is situated within walking distance of central Gateshead, and is near to local public transport links and a wide range of local facilities, including a health centre, a library, shops, pubs and places of worship. Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This inspection took place over 4 hours during the late afternoon / evening and was a scheduled unannounced inspection. A tour of the building took place, and a sample of service users’ records was inspected. The inspector was able to chat with all of the service users living at the home and shared in the evening meal. Medication storage facilities and administration records were inspected. A sample of care plan records were also inspected. Advice was offered to the registered owner / manager regarding quality assurance arrangements and how they can be further developed. The judgements made are based on the evidence available to the inspector on the day of the inspection. What the service does well: The home retains a pleasant, homely atmosphere, and it is well maintained. Service users are involved in the day-to-day running of the home and appear to be comfortable and relaxed. Service users’ comments included: • • “I’ve got a new TV.” “I’ve been to Kielder (on holiday) and to Turkey.” Service users also commented about the jobs they have, college and leisure activities. They are supported to maintain an active lifestyle and to access a broad range of community facilities. Medication arrangements are suitable for the types and numbers of medication used in the home. The home is well managed. What has improved since the last inspection? The home’s owners feel that they have been able to improve their relationships with service users due to increased contact time. An inclusive, open and relaxed service continues to be provided. Training in relation to medication is taking place, and the registered owner / manager has just completed her NVQ level 4 management qualification. Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The full report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Kensington House Version 1.10 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 Kensington House Version 1.10 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 and 3 Up to date and accurate information is available about the services and facilities provided at the home, which can assist in prospective service users identifying if the home can meet their needs. Service users’ personal and social needs are met at the home. EVIDENCE: The registered owner / manager has reviewed and updated the ‘Statement of Purpose’ and ‘Service User Guide’ documents to reflect recent changes in staffing arrangements. These documents were fully inspected on a previous occasion and found to include all of the information specified within the National Minimum Standards and the Care Homes Regulations 2001. The needs of each service user are detailed within their personal case files, and they also detail the action taken to meet these needs and progress made. Kensington House Version 1.10 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) 6 and 7 Service users’ needs are reflected within their care plans, to help ensure that their needs are identified and then met. Service users are able to make decisions about their lives and the day-to-day operation of the home, which promotes their autonomy. EVIDENCE: Each service user has a care plan in place that includes a ‘pen picture’ or overview of their needs. These describe each service users’ needs in summary, and a weekly plan of activities is also available on file. The care plans also describe the action that staff need to take. A ‘living skills’ sheet identifies each service users’ strengths and abilities, as well as areas where assistance and support is required. Service users sign their care plans. Kensington House Version 1.10 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 Service users are provided with opportunities to develop their skills, and to participate in a range of age, and culturally appropriate work, lifestyle and leisure activities, which can assist in offering a rich and fulfilling lifestyle. Service users are offered a varied menu, reflective of their needs and choices, which can help contribute to their health and wellbeing. EVIDENCE: Service users living at Kensington House access local, council run, day services, supported employment opportunities and college courses. They are also supported to use a range of community facilities, such as the local library, the Sound Room (a local recording studio), a snooker club and the leisure centre. A people carrier type vehicle is available for their use. Holidays to Kielder Forest and to Turkey have already been offered, and the service users are to return to Turkey later this year. The service user’s living at Kensington House do not have any specific health related dietary needs. The main meal of the day is during the evening, and Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 11 service users are able to help themselves to drinks and light snacks as they please. Service users are involved in the preparation and clearing away of meals, which is normally a communal activity. Service users are offered a choice of what they would like to eat and the home’s owners are aware of their personal preferences. The meal offered during the inspection included, pork chops, potatoes and vegetables. Kensington House Version 1.10 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) 18 and 21 Service users receive personal support appropriate to their needs and preferences, which can help to ensure their privacy and dignity is respected. Medication arrangements are appropriate for the needs of service users, which are managed in a safe manner. EVIDENCE: The service users living at Kensington House have their personal care needs outlined within their case files. Their needs are supported and met, where appropriate, in private, and they are encouraged to cater for their own needs where possible. Specialist support and aids (such as hearing aids) have been sought and maintained where necessary, and the home’s owners are able to demonstrate a good understanding of service users’ needs. Only a small number of medicines are held in the home, and locked storage has been installed. Internal and external medicines are stored separately from one another, and a clear administration record is kept. Some service users are able to administer their own medicines, and they are supported to do this with supervision. The home’s owners are currently undergoing training in relation to medication administration. Kensington House Version 1.10 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) These standards were not inspected on this occasion. EVIDENCE: Kensington House Version 1.10 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, 28 and 30 Service users benefit from well maintained, homely, safe and clean accommodation. This can help promote a positive image for service users, and ensure they remain comfortable and safe. Service users bedrooms are furnished to a good standard. This can contribute to their comfort during their stay at the home. EVIDENCE: Communal space is provided on the ground floor and includes a lounge, a dining room and conservatory. Service users’ bedrooms are situated on the first and second floors, and contain modern furniture and are decorated to suite service users’ personal preferences. Service users have access to all areas of the home and are well informed about future plans for refurbishment and minor alterations. Tiled and laminated floors in communal areas contribute to the ease of cleaning and maintenance, and the home’s owners continue to invest in the property to maintain a high standard of accommodation, such as plans for altering and improving the first floor bathroom. Kensington House Version 1.10 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) 33 The home is adequately staffed, to enable service users needs to be appropriately met. EVIDENCE: The home is currently staffed by the registered owner / manager and her husband. Two additional workers, who used to work on a part time basis, are available to supply additional cover on a flexible basis. The service users living at Kensington House have low levels of support needs, and this has been borne in mind by the registered owner / manager in considering the need for additional staff and the current arrangements are to be kept under review. The home’s owners, who work with service users, have a good rapport with them, and are able to clearly describe service users needs and preferences. The owner and her husband have considerable experience of working with people with learning disabilities. Kensington House Version 1.10 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) 37, 39 and 42. Kensington House is well managed, and the views of service users are sought and acted upon. This can contribute to a service users needs and views being acknowledged and acted upon. Quality assurance arrangements require further work to become fully implemented, and a systematic basis for self-improvement. The home is safe and free from hazards to service users. EVIDENCE: The registered owner / manager has recently completed an NVQ level 4 award in management (The Registered Manager’s Award), and will shortly be undertaking an NVQ level 4 in care. Prior to opening Kensington House, she worked in a care home setting for adults with learning disabilities, and has sought training appropriate to her role and the needs of service users. The registered owner / manager has developed a quality assurance system as part of her NVQ work, which is yet to be fully implemented within the home. Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 17 There were no observed practices or hazards to the health, safety or welfare of service users . 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. Where there is no score against a standard it has not been looked at during this inspection. 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 3 x x Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score x x INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 x x x Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 x 3 3 3 x 3 Standard No Standard No 31 32 Score x x Page 18 Kensington House Version 1.10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 4 x x 3 33 34 35 36 3 x x x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 x 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 x 2 x x 3 x Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 19 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 Regulation None 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. 1. Refer to Standard YA39 Good Practice Recommendations The registered person should implement a quality assurance system to incorporate an annual development plan. Kensington House Version 1.10 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Baltic House Port of Tyne South Shields NE34 9PT 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. 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