Inspection on 14/07/08 for Seymour House

This inspection was carried out on 14th July 2008.

CSCI found this care home to be providing an Excellent service.

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

Seymour House 12/10/06

Seymour House 15/02/06

Seymour House 11/08/05

Seymour House 12/11/04

Seymour House 08/07/04

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Extracts from inspection reports are licensed from CQC, this page was updated on 28/09/2008.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Seymour House 9 Queensbridge Drive Herne Bay Kent CT6 8HE Lead Inspector Wendy Gabriel Unannounced Inspection 14th July 2008 09:50 Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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 Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Seymour House Address 9 Queensbridge Drive Herne Bay Kent CT6 8HE 01227 361395 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) seymour.house@regard.co.uk The Regard Partnership Ltd Mrs Rachel Clare Brown Care Home 6 Category(ies) of Learning disability (6) registration, with number of places Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. 2. The persons accommodated will be aged between 18 years and 65 years. No person may be accommodated in the home with severe mobility problems. 12th October 2006 Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Seymour House is a detached property situated in a quiet residential area of Herne Bay. It is close to public transport and to the centre of Herne Bay where there is a variety of recreational, church and shopping facilities. The house has been extended and adapted to accommodate six people needing residential care. The home provides single rooms only, three of which are on the ground floor. There is car parking at the front of the house and there are no restrictions to parking on the road. There is a garden to the rear. Fees are in the range of £ 2941.68 - £6026.36. For up to date information on services please contact the provider. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. The quality rating for this service is 3 star. This means the people who use this service experience excellent quality outcomes. Inspection methods used during this visit included looking at documents and records, an accompanied tour of some of the premises and speaking to some residents. We also received some written comments from staff and residents. The Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) was sent to us by the service. The AQAA is a self-assessment that focuses on how well outcomes are being met for people using the service. This was clear and comprehensive. It identified areas that have improved in the last year and others where further developments are either planned or would benefit residents. This included evidence that the service seeks the views of residents. The registered manager, two support workers and three residents were in the home during the unannounced inspection. Other residents were at work or at a day centre. Prospective residents are given clear information to help them find out about life in the home. Person centred plans have been improved by the use of simple language and pictures to make them easily understood. Residents are enabled to find work or attend educational establishments as appropriate. Residents living in the home have a range of needs and the registered manager and staff has identified and are supporting one person to move into independent living. Residents have been given important health and safety tasks around the home and these are undertaken with interest and care. Staff training to NVQ level 2 and 3 has been undertaken since the last inspection. The home was clean and very homely and the registered manager discussed plans for redecoration and refurbishment. What the service does well: Due to sustained good quality outcomes in inspection reports since 2005 for people who use this service, CSCI, in line with ‘Inspecting for Better Lives’ have judged this service as excellent. A welcome pack that includes the statement of purpose, service-users guide and a description of life in the home written by a resident is available for prospective residents. This is in plain language and is enhanced with suitable Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 photographs and pictures. Support guidelines are illustrated with photos or pictures to make recognition of issues easy. Some residents write their own day reports. The residents were enthusiastic about the staff, registered manager and life in the home. Residents and staff were very relaxed and friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant and welcoming. One person explained about her choice of lifestyle that was being supported by staff. 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. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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 Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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 excellent. Prospective residents have information and the opportunity to visit the home before deciding where to live. Prospective residents know their needs and aspirations are assessed. Each resident has a contract. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has worked hard to produce suitable pre assessment documents for prospective residents that are person centred and easy to read with plenty of photographs and pictures. One of the residents has written about life in the home from the perspective of a resident. The statement of purpose and the service users guide are also written in the same picture format with descriptive and easy to understand information. Information includes a clear and simple guide to making a complaint. Also in the ‘welcome pack’ are photographs of the home and garden, a local map and list of local facilities. The service users guide has an introduction Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 explaining what should be in documents and what to expect. The details in the contract are simple to understand. A prospective resident may be referred through a local authority and an initial assessment is made by the registered manager and by the placing authority. Visits to the home depend on the particular needs of each individual and may include day visits and overnight stays. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 10 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, Quality in this outcome area is excellent. Residents know their assessed and changing needs are reflected in their plans. Residents are consulted on aspects of their lives and are supported to make decisions and take identified risks. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Person centred plans give a full picture of the individual and can be easily understood by residents. Two person-centred plans were looked at. Support guidelines are illustrated with photos or pictures to make recognition of issues easy. The registered manager said that residents are aware of their plans and residents may write their own day reports. Residents have key workers who also write a monthly review. Care managers’ review annually. Prior to a review each resident is given opportunity to think about and record what he or she would like to talk about. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 Residents have mostly informal meetings, their own communication book and own notice board where there is a variety of information especially around making a complaint. Residents have dedicated tasks around the home apart from daily living tasks. These include being responsible for health and safety checks such as checking the kitchen, fridge and freezer temperatures and other areas in the home. Residents use picture lists to help this and tick them when all is in order. One resident has responsibility for telling other residents about what is in monthly company reports (called regulation 26) that detail how the home is run each month. The home maintains a list of external advocates that may be used if required or requested. Person centred plans include a wide range of information about the residents and their needs and aspirations. Residents have a wide range of needs and the registered manager and staff has identified and are supporting one person to move into independent living. One resident spoke at length about how she is being assisted into independent living and is learning to make choices that are suitable and safe. For example she is gradually being helped to self medicate. The resident discussed plans for that day and the following day with the registered manager and these included college, leisure activities, travel details and visiting friends. This was all discussed with good humour and understanding. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 12 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): 11,12,13,15,16,17. Quality in this outcome area is excellent Residents are enabled to take part in leisure and developmental activities in the local community and personal relationships are supported. Residents’ rights are respected. Meals are healthy and varied. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Residents have a variety of educational and work related activities. One person works four days a week at ‘tuck by truck’ a local venture. Two people attend college full time. One person attends a retailing and catering course and said that she wanted to take this course because she was hoping to find a job in the industry. This resident was aiming to live in independent living and was working towards that, she said she was being supported to do this. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 One person attends a farm day centre in a nearby village and said she loves it there. The day centre puts on Nativity plays that the attending resident takes part in. One person prefers in house activities. Residents undertake various household tasks by themselves or with support by staff. A resident receives monthly notices from the company about how the house is running and will read them to the other residents in the home. Other activities include shopping, fishing, pub, beach, visiting the local market and visiting friends. A resident explained that after her planned activities that day she would be going to visit a friend. The home has its own vehicle and there is good transport links close by within walking distance. One resident was in her room and said how much she liked her music and hobbies of which there were plentiful examples. The company holds an annual dinner for all their homes where residents like to dress up in their formal eveningwear to attend. The home has a canary and tanks of fish. The company issues a monthly magazine and residents can contribute if they wish. The kitchen was well stocked and there was fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dry store and frozen food. Several of the residents will cook either for themselves or for the whole household. The menu is varied. Two residents have their own store cupboards for their chosen foodstuffs. These are individually labelled. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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 Quality in this outcome area is good. Residents know their physical and emotional health needs are met and that they receive support in the way they prefer. Residents are protected by medication policies and procedures and are enabled to control their own medication where appropriate. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Person centred plans indicate the level of support required by residents. There is evidence of health care professionals being involved. A resident said that the staff are enabling her to move onto independent living and explained the support she was being given by them to achieve this. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The service users guide contains details of ‘being valued as an individual and treated with dignity’ and information on ‘personal relationships’. There is also information about protection and prevention of abuse. Medication administration has improved since the last inspection because there is now dedicated space for staff to write and sign for medication given. All residents are to have individual medication cabinets in their rooms. One person already has this and there are protocols in place as this person is self medicating. The resident described how she is being encouraged to undertake this safely. Some spaces on the administration charts had not been signed and the registered manager agreed to ensure that this was completed in future. Medication storage was secure, tidy and clean. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.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 Residents are protected from abuse by policies and procedures. Residents’ know their views are listened to and acted upon. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The registered manager has produced simple complaint guidelines for residents that are easy to understand and put into practice if needed. The guidelines are also on the residents’ notice board. There is a very simple description of different types of abuse that residents need to be aware of. This is produced with simple pictures that are clear and informative. The service users guide that is available to each person has guidance about what they should expect when living at the home. Staff undertake adult protection training, no training certificates were seen as staff records are kept in the company head office. There have been no complaints since the previous inspection. The home maintains a complaints book. The AQAA states that the home has organisational policies in place including protection of vulnerable adults, whistle blowing, complaints and financial irregularities. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 17 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): 24,30 Quality in this outcome area is good Residents live in a clean, comfortable and safe environment. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The communal areas are clean, homely and well furnished. The garden is tidy and has suitable garden furniture and sunshade. One resident said she was going for a smoke and when asked said that there was a special area in the garden where she was allowed to smoke. Some bedrooms were seen, but a resident who was out at that time had locked their bedroom and another said she didn’t want anyone to see her room. Staff respected this. All other rooms seen were attractive and individual. One person spoke about her hobbies and what she liked about her room. Another person wanted to show her room and explain the selfSeymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 medication system she was starting to undertake as a step toward independent living. There are adequate bathroom and toilet facilities for the people who live in the home. There are plans for two bedrooms and the hall and stairs to be redecorated have new carpets and some new furniture bought and fitments built. The laundry is in the conservatory but the home has made efforts to make it unobtrusive. The home has been awarded 5 stars for kitchen cleanliness by the environmental health officer in April 2008. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 19 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): 32,34,35 Quality in this outcome area is good Recruitment and a good training programme have a beneficial effect on residents. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Observation showed that the staff and residents have a very good rapport and that communication was suitable and enabling. Three residents joked about the registered manager and staff but said that they liked them and that they were ‘very good’ and one said that she was ‘glad they are there’. No staff files are available in the home as they are kept at the company main office. Therefore for the benefit of this report, information about training and recruitment has been taken from the previous inspection report and from the AQAA. The previous inspection report indicated that staff recruitment is robust and includes criminal record bureau checks. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 The registered manager confirmed that that the organisation undertakes recruitment, although she, the senior member of staff and a resident will be involved in the interviews. The registered manager stated that during the first six weeks a new member of staff has to shadow experienced staff and during this time would be expected to undertake mandatory training courses. The registered manager uses the ‘skills for care’ induction programme. The home will take time filling a position, as the registered manager believes that finding the right person is most important. There is a mix of male and female staff working at the service, this reflects the gender of the residents. A written comment received from a member of staff indicated that what the service does well is ‘support the residents to achieve their goals and live as individuals in that environment’. A written comment from a resident states that the ‘staff are supporting me to move on to independent living’. Another written comment from a resident states that ‘I am happy here, I love it here’. The registered manager said she sources local professional organisations such as the University and learning disability team for further training for staff. At the last inspection only one member of staff had achieved NVQ, since then the staff has all but one achieved NVQ 2 or 3. Other courses include autism awareness, epilepsy, supervision and the mental capacity act and sexuality and personal relationships. The home is fully staffed. There are always two support staff on duty throughout the day and one person sleeps in at night. The registered manager is on duty during the day. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 21 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): 37,38,39,42 Quality in this outcome area is excellent Residents’ benefit from a well run home and by the management approach of the home. Residents know their views contribute to the running of the home. Health and safety policies and procedures contribute to the well being of the residents. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The registered manager is experienced and has gained the registered managers award. Since the last inspection the registered manager has undertaken a review of person centred plans and important documents and Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 has put a lot of thought into making them person centred. The results are that information is in picture format with clear and simple language for residents to understand. Residents have been given key health and safety tasks in the home and they take care and pride in this. Also since the last inspection the registered manager has ensured all but one member of staff has achieved the NVQ2 or 3. Supervision is undertaken. The registered manager stated that the home does not hold or deal with any residents’ allowances. A resident who talked about having keys for security provision, medication, bedroom door and front door confirmed this. There are policies in place regarding financial abuse. Maintenance certificates are in date. There are some references to infection control in various documents and the registered manager agreed to write a specific document for staff regarding infection control. The company does regulation 26 visits and the quality assurance department undertakes two visits a year. Questionnaires are sent annually to families and care managers. Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 23 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 1 2 3 4 5 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 4 23 3 ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 3 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 3 32 X 33 X 34 3 35 3 36 X CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 4 4 4 3 3 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score 4 3 4 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 4 12 3 13 3 14 3 15 3 16 4 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 X 3 4 3 X X 3 x Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 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. 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. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Seymour House DS0000056818.V367722.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone 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. 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