Inspection on 07/06/06 for Overcliffe House

This inspection was carried out on 7th June 2006.

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

Overcliffe House 29/11/05

Overcliffe House 28/06/05

Overcliffe House 06/01/05

Overcliffe House 05/07/04

Overcliffe House 09/03/04

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

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Overcliffe House 30/31 Overcliffe Gravesend Kent DA11 0EH Lead Inspector Graham Cummings Unannounced Inspection 7th June 2006 09:45 Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Overcliffe House Address 30/31 Overcliffe Gravesend Kent DA11 0EH 01474 535057 Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Vanessahalfacre@nas.org.uk National Autistic Society Carolyn Jerram Care Home 12 Category(ies) of Learning disability (12) registration, with number of places Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. Specialist service for people with autism Date of last inspection 29th November 2005 Brief Description of the Service: Overcliffe House is a care home providing personal care for 12 Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The National Autistic Society (NAS) operate the service, but Hyde Housing Corporation owns the property. The service was first registered in April 1991. The home comprises two large linked semi-detached houses, situated close to Gravesend town centre. Gravesend has many amenities, including shops, pubs, main post office, banks, places of worship and an adult education centre, all of which are easily accessible. Each house has it own kitchen, lounge, dining areas and basement utility rooms. Bedroom accommodation comprises 12 single bedrooms arranged over two floors. None of the bedrooms have ensuite facilities. The home does not have a passenger or stair lift. The property blends into the surrounding area and there is nothing to suggest it is anything other than a family house. There are gardens at the rear of the property and parking is available at the front. In addition to the residential accommodation NAS provides workshop activities in a variety of locations in the Gravesend area for residents from this home, as well as from the community and two other associated homes. The fee range for the home is £1,150 to £1,500 per week for full Residential and Day Care services. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Graham Cummings carried out the site visit on The 7th June 2006. This was the final stage of the Key Inspection process. The report consists of information gathered from the Inspection Record, a completed Pre Inspection Questionnaire, 9 Relative and Family, 2 Care Managers and 5 Service User comment cards. All of the comments received were very positive about the care provided, 1 Family member mentioned that staff turnover had been an issue. The Inspector spoke with the Manager, toured the home, and viewed 3 Service User and 4 Staff files and other documentation. All of the staff and Service Users were out at the Day-Centre and were not spoken to. The home has been through a difficult time over the last few months following the death of a Service User through long-term illness. The Service User had lived at the home for approximately 20 years and their death has had an effect on both staff and Service Users. There were no written comments from Service Users but all 5 ‘Have your say’ returns indicated that they are able to make choices about their daily life and are treated well by staff. Of the 9 Relative comments returned all indicated that the care provision was ‘extremely good’; ‘staff were always friendly and welcoming’ and ‘the home is always clean and tidy’. The evidence seen indicates that the home has worked hard at improving the recording and provision of care, however, not all of the documentation was signed or dated. The home has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection. What the service does well: The home has introduced a new 3 weekly staff rota and has arranged evening activities or events that Service Users can choose to attend such as cinema, meals out, bowling and pub if they wish. The home is run in the best interests of the Service Users, family members make up a committee that visit the home quarterly and make a report and meet with the Managers to present their findings. The Care Plans and paperwork are well written and informative and the Manager said the staff team were competent and caring. The home has access to the Companies training department, they carry out all of the statutory training, and homes can apply for specialist courses that enhance the quality of care given. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 1,2,4,5 The quality of service provided is good. Prospective Service Users have the information needed to make an informed choice and their needs are assessed. Prospective Service Users have an opportunity to visit the home prior to any placement. Each Service User has a written contract or statement of terms and conditions on their file. EVIDENCE: The Inspector saw updated copies of the Statement of Purpose and Service User Guide. Since the last inspection one of the SUs has passed away due to a long term illness, this means that the home has a vacancy for the first time since 1995. The Manager has started the admission process and has visited a prospective Service user and their family for an initial discussion. This will be followed by another visit to carry out a full assessment, if this confirms that the home could meet the individuals needs a vnumber of visits to the home will be arranged to ensure compatability with the existing Service Users. The Inspector loked at 3 Service User files and they all contained contracts and terms and contions of placement. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 the following standard(s): 6,7,8,9,10 The quality of service provided is good. Service Users are fully involved and participate in the making of their care plans and the running of the home. Service Users are supported to take risks and know the information about them is handled appropriately. EVIDENCE: The Inspector looked at 3 Service User files and care plans. They did not contain photographs of the Service User, however there were photographs on the individuals medication files. The care plans had been reviewed and updated but were not signed or dated. The home has a key-worker system and there are monthly meetings between the key-worker and Service User. Service Users weight was monitored weekly and there are weekly Service User meetings where they are able to discuss the activities and outings they would like. Service Users had full involvement on choosing the menu and participated in the preparation and cooking of the meal. The daily notes were seen, the initial reports were not all fully completed but over the last month or so this had been addressed by the Manager and were complete and contained good Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 information that related to personal hygiene, activities and mood. The home also has a link book which is taken between the home and daycentre to ensure that both sides are aware of any events or behaviours. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11,12,13,14,15,16,17 The quality of the service provided is good. Service Users have the opportunity for personal development and take part in age and peer appropriate activities. Service Users are part of the community and their rights and responsibilities are recognised. Service Users have appropriate contact with their family and are offered a nutritious and wholesome diet. EVIDENCE: Each individual has as part of their personal development 5 aims/goals on their care plan. These are broken down into smaller achievable tasks with the aim to increase independence skills. One Service User is now able to walk to the daycentre by themselves within a given timescale. Outings and activities include shopping trips for clothes and food, pub lunches, seaside trips, picnics and visits to the local community sport centre for swimming, bowling and trampolining. Service Users have regular contact with family members and Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 often go home at week-ends. There is a committee made up of family members that visit the home quaterly and carry out an inspection that is then written up and presented to the home at a meeting to discuss their findings. No staff member enters a Service Users room without first knocking. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 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 the following standard(s): 18,19,20,21 The quality of the service provided is good. Service Users receive support in the way they prefer and have their medical health needs met. Service Users’ wishes regarding illness and death are handled with respect. EVIDENCE: Since the last Inspection the home has sent out questionnaires to all families regarding the Service Users wishes regarding illness and death, so far 5 have been returned and placed on file. Staff have been trained by Boots chemist in medication administration. The home is moving from Boots chemist to Pelham Road Pharmacy where the doctors surgeries are based in a months time. The Inspector looked at the Medication Administraton Records (MAR sheets) and found them to have been signed by 2 staff. Aregulation 37 was received from the home following a mistake in the administration of medication to a Service User, this was dealt with appropriately by the Manager and action taken to minimise this happening again. A thermometer has been placed by the medication cabinet and monitored but readings have not been recorded. The Inspector was agreeable that temperature recordings need only be made from June to September. The thermometer should be left inside the medication cabinet and the recordings taken immediately the door was open. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 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 the following standard(s): 22,23 The quality of service provided is good. Service Users’ views are listened to and they are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The Complaints book was seen and it included the report from mentioned in the last report. The home or CSCI have not had any complaints since the last inspection. The complaints procedure was on display in a symbols format. All staff attend POVA training within 6 months of starting employment. The home received a letter of compliment from the family of the Service User who sadly passed away after 20 years of living at the home. The letter highlighted the positive care and lifestyle the Service User had led and the sensitivity his death was dealt with by management and staff. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 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 the following standard(s): 24,25,26,27,28,30 The quality of the service provided is good. Service Users live in a comfortable, safe clean and spacious home. Service Users bedrooms suit their needs and promote their independence. Service Users toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and shared spaces complement their individual rooms. EVIDENCE: During the tour of the building the Inspector noted that the home was comfortable, clean and tidy and free from any offensive odours, there was ample communal space for Service Users. The decoration and furniture was good and a bedroom viewed was furnished with personal belongings. The Manager isaid that they will be purchasing a new BBQ for both numbers 30 and 31 and new kitchen worktops in number 31. The home is enquiring about the cost of new kitchen flooring i n number 31. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 31,32,33,34,35,36 The quality of the service provided is good. Service Users benefit from clear staff responsibilities and an effective, competent and qualified staff team. Service Users benefit from an appropriately trained and supervised staff team and are protected by the homes recruitment practices. EVIDENCE: The Inspector looked at 4 staff files and found that these all contained copies of 2 references, CRB, identification and a contract. The originals and the application forms are not kept on sight but in the main office where the daycentre is located. The Manager informed the Inspector that the 10 year work history is now recorded. The yearly appraisals have just been carried out and the Manager said that staff supervisions are also completed, the records seen appeared to have been dated wrongly with 2005 instead of 2006, the Manager is going to go through them and her diary to confirm this, there were also some supervision notes in the tray to be filed. The company have their own training centre and NVQ assessors and courses are regularly available for new staff to attend and for updating existing staff. The hoome has 3 staff with the 4 day and 8 staff with the one day Appointed Persons First Aid course. There is one staff vacancy at present and interviews have taken place, Service Users Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 are given a questionnaire towards the end of the probation period to get their opinion on the member of staff before any decision is made. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 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 at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37,39,41,42,43 The quality of the service provided is good. Service Users benefit from a well run home and are confident their views underpin its development. Service Users’ best interests are safeguarded by the homes record keeping. Service Users’ health, safety and welfare is promoted and protected. Service Users benefit from competent and accountable management. EVIDENCE: The Manager is still completing their NVQ4 and Registered Managers Award. The home is well managed and they have weekly Service User and monthly staff and key-worker meetings that are recorded, dated and signed. The last 6 months have been difficult due to staff shortages and the death of a Service User, however, now there is only one vacancy and the staff team is working well together. There is a senior on call system with the Manager available at all Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 times. Service Users are involved in the day to day running of the home and are involved in their care plans, activities, outings, menu and have attended Health and Safety and Fire traing including answering the competency questions. The Policies and Procedures are accesible to staff in the main office. The Manager said that they were well supported by other home managers and the Area Manager who supervises them, especially following the death of the Service User. The Manager has a credit card that allows them to purchase any item that needs replacing instantly. The Manager commented that they are aware that improvements still need to be made around record keeping and they will continue to address this issue. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 20 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 X 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 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 3 26 3 27 3 28 3 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 3 33 3 34 3 35 3 36 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 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 3 3 3 X 3 X 3 3 3 Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 21 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. 1. 2. Refer to Standard YA37 YA41 Good Practice Recommendations The registered manager must successfully attain the requisite management and care qualifications within two years. That all records are dated and signed. Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 22 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local Office The Oast Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT 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 Overcliffe House DS0000023991.V292305.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 23 - 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. 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