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Please note that the information on this website is now out of date.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 26/07/05 for Littlecroft

Also see our care home review for Littlecroft for more information

This inspection was carried out on 26th July 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.

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

The home is well run and provides a supportive and homely environment in which service users are encouraged to maximise their abilities and develop new skills. It is proactive in developing systems, guidelines and training for staff. There is good support for families and service users are helped to maintain appropriate links and relationships. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining thorough and accurate records and quality assurance systems.

What has improved since the last inspection?

The planned improvements to the property with the provision of additional private and day space are currently underway.

What the care home could do better:

The home strives to provide appropriate training for staff in a timely fashion. The need for Adult Protection specific training as discussed with the management.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Littlecroft 132 Dunes Road Greatstone New Romney, Kent TN28 8SP Lead Inspector Geoff Senior Unannounced 26 July 2005 9:30 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. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Littlecroft Address 132 Dunes Road, Greatstone, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8SP 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) 01797 361601 10797 361806 Rosecroft Care Limited Mrs Lisa Jane Ulph Care Home only 5 Category(ies) of Learning Disability x 5 registration, with number of places Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 2 service users only to be admitted until such time as the alterations are completed to the satisfaction of the CSCI Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Littlecroft is registered as a Care Home for up to 5 adults with a learning disability.Conditions currently apply that restrict service user numbers to two until alterations are completed and approved. Rrosecroft Ltd is the Registered Provider and Ms. L. Ulph is the registered manager. Rosecroft is a detached chalet bungalow situated in a residential area of Greatstone, a short walk away from the local amenities and the beach.. There is service user accommodation on 2 floors and currently comprises 1 ground floor and 1 first floor en-suite single room. In addition to the Management team the company employs 7 care staff. They work a rota that covers Littlecroft and Rosecroft includes staff on the premises at night `on-call. There are no staff specifically employed to undertake meal preparation and cleaning. The Officer was informed that care staff carry out these duties. Administration and maintenance are undertaken predominantly by Mr & MrsUlph.According to its Aims and Objectives, Littlecroft (Rosecroft Care Ltd) provides care for adults with a learning disability in an environment, which respects individuality and promotes the development of service users’ potential socially acceptable behaviour and self esteem Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was the second inspection visit undertaken at the Home following registration on 2/8/04. The visit was unannounced and was undertaken on 27/7/05 between 10:30 and 14:30. During that time the Inspector spoke with the Manager and staff on duty and observed interaction with service users. A tour of the premises was undertaken and a range of records viewed. Policies, procedures and record keeping systems are common to the operating company, which are generally maintained to a good standard. The ethos of the home is established but the practice and routines are still evolving and will continue until the alterations to the home are complete and a settled staff and service user group is established. The home provides a welcoming, comfortable and varied environment for the service users. Communal areas and bedrooms appeared well maintained, adequately furnished and. reflected service user choice and involvement. The Company responds positively to the demands of the NMS and endeavours to continually develop and augment the existing good standards of administration and care practice. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: The home strives to provide appropriate training for staff in a timely fashion. The need for Adult Protection specific training as discussed with the management. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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 Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 1,2,3,4,5. The statement of purpose and service user guide are of a high standard. They provide service users and their representatives with information needed to make a decision about moving into the home. There is a system for pre admission and ongoing assessment of prospective service users to ensure mutual benefit and compatibility of the placement. EVIDENCE: A Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide address the requirements of the standard. There is a good level of detail and comprehensive information in a format suitable for the intended reader. Both documents are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The home has a detailed referral assessment package. This is generally initiated prior to admission and completed during the three month probationary period, after which, a decision on the permanency of the placement is made.. The service user and their family/representative are encouraged to participate in the assessment process. All staff have experience in working with adults with a learning disability and more specific communication needs. Service Users are offered a written statement detailing the terms and conditions under which the accommodation and care is provided Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 6,7,8,9,10. There is a clear and consistent care planning process. Staff have a good understanding regarding residents’ rights to make decisions and to be consulted on matters affecting them. Risk assessment are undertaken and relate to care plans to enable service users to participate in chosen activities with staff support. EVIDENCE: Care plans contain current and detailed information relating to the support needs of the individuals. A key worker system is in operation within the company but not yet in Littlecroft as the scale precludes the need. Choice is offered as a matter of course in all issues relating to support and care of the service users. Routine but not ritual is an aim within a flexible , structured regime. All records are stored in a lockable office. There was no public display of personal or confidential information. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 11,12,13,14,15,16. The management foster a culture of mutual respect and support. Staff have a good understanding of service users support needs. There is an open and relaxed feel to the home. Service users have the opportunities for personal and social development. Daily routines respect service user rights and individuality. EVIDENCE: . There is a weekly programme of activities based upon service user requirements and wishes, these activities are flexible to meet daily needs whilst ensuring no one is overloaded. External specialist advice is sought where appropriate and guidelines from, for example, the speech therapist, are included in the care plans to inform staff on matters relating to the performance of their duties. Visitors are encouraged and welcomed with restrictions placed only in accordance with the wishes of, and convenience to, the service user. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 Family links are maintained and encouraged where it is the wish of the service user. Visits to the family home would be arranged with the agreement of the service user. Social contacts are encouraged Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) Not inspected at this visit EVIDENCE: Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 22,23. The management have an awareness of issues relating to concerns and protection and have produced a written and makaton format complaints procedure. Staff would benefit from formal Adult Protection training. EVIDENCE: There is a written and makaton format complaints procedure available to service users and families contained within both the Statement of Purpose and the policies and procedures file. It explains how concerns may be raised re the standard of services and facilities provided and the homes response to any concern raised. Staff have an awareness of issues of abuse of vulnerable adults obtained on NVQ training but have not undertaken specific Adult Protection training. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 24,25,26,27,28,29,30 The Home presents a comfortable, welcoming and varied environment in which to live and work EVIDENCE: The Home presents a comfortable, welcoming and varied environment in which to live and work. Private areas are decorated according to service users choice and preference. The home currently has bedroom accommodation for two service users only. There are currently works in place to alter and refurbish the premises to provide additional private and shared space. The works do not unduly inconvenience the current service users and staff. The maintenance checks on equipment are current and generally satisfactory Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) 31,32,35,36 Staff morale is good and the staff positively promote improvement to the service user quality of life. Staff have a clear understanding of their role. Training and development is linked to the needs of the service users. EVIDENCE: All staff are provided with a job description detailing their role and responsibilities within the staff team. Staff member spoken had an appreciation and understanding of their role and responsibilities in responding to the service users individual needs. A member of the management team or senior staff are always ‘on call. The staff team available to work at Littlecroft have between them: 4 at NVQ level4; 2 at level 3; 2 at level 2 and all at level 1. Staff receive regular supervision and annual appraisal from which training programmes are developed. Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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) Not inspected at this visit EVIDENCE: Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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 4 3 3 3 3 Standard No 22 23 ENVIRONMENT Score 3 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 LIFESTYLES Score 3 3 3 3 3 Score Standard No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 STAFFING Score 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 3 3 3 x Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score 3 3 x x 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Littlecroft Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x x x x x x x H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 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 23 Good Practice Recommendations Staff may benefit from specific Adult Protection training Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Commission for Social Care Inspection 11th Floor, International House Dover Place 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 Littlecroft H56-H05 S61652 Littlecroft V226356 260705 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!