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Inspection on 14/06/05 for Spectrum Support Services

Also see our care home review for Spectrum Support Services for more information

This inspection was carried out on 14th June 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 found no outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report, but made 1 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

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

What the care home does well

Residents live in a homely environment; the staff and management team have a relaxed attitude to the house that is very much the resident`s home. Residents are treated as individuals and respected by staff. Food is good and residents are encouraged to shop and cook the meals. Residents are involved and take part in the community, and the home supports them to access many activities including educational, social and work placements Essential repairs and maintenance are carried out.

What has improved since the last inspection?

Residents are supported and encouraged to pursue their own interest and hobbies, and the residents` family and friends are informed and where appropriately involved subject to the resident`s agreement. The resident who at the last inspection was self-administering his own medication, was supplied with a lockable facility in him room to store the medication.

What the care home could do better:

This is a new organisation and continues to grow in confidence, but strives to improve and stay focussed on its` aims and objectives. The home has a complaint policy and procedures, but the recording and outcomes need to be more comprehensive.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Spectrum Support Services 8 Southwater Road St Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN37 6JS Lead Inspector Jeanette Denereaz Unannounced 14 June 2005 10:00 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. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Spectrum Support Services Address 8 Southwater Road St Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN37 6JS 01424 447318 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) Bexhill@mcphersons.co.uk Spectrum Support Services Limited Ms Nicola Jane Booth Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (LD) 3 registration, with number of places Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The maximum number of residents to be accommodated is three (3) younger adults with learning difficulties within the Autistic Spectrum Date of last inspection 16 November 2004 Brief Description of the Service: Spectrum Support Services 8 Southwater Road is home for three younger adults with a learning disability within the Autisitc Spectrum specialising in persons diagnosed with Aspergers. The building is a terraced three storey Victorian house. It is situated in St Leonards on sea and is a short distance from local amenities, shops and railway station. The house has a kitchen, lounge and dining area on the ground floor, bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and office on the upper floors. It has a small terraced garden to the rear of the property. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. Spectrum Support Services is an unusual service currently accommodating 3 young men. The staff and management team have a firm belief in offering people with Aspersers the opportunities to live a fulfilling life in the community. The emphasis is on knowing service users well from day to day contact and promoting their safety and independence. The inspection took place between 10.00 and 13.30. Residents were all at home during this inspection and two residents agreed to speak with the inspector in private. The inspector is familiar with the service; hence some judgments have been made from prior knowledge of the service. The registered manager was not on duty and the inspector spent time with the staff on duty, reviewed care plans and a selection of policies and procedures and undertook a tour of the building. It was evident that the home has improved over the last year and it is now a better managed service. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Residents are supported and encouraged to pursue their own interest and hobbies, and the residents’ family and friends are informed and where appropriately involved subject to the resident’s agreement. The resident who at the last inspection was self-administering his own medication, was supplied with a lockable facility in him room to store the medication. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 6 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. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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 Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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 Service users have the information they need to decide whether Spectrum Support Services is right for them. EVIDENCE: Prospective residents have suitable information to help make a choice whether the home is appropriate for them. They are able to visit the home to see whether they like the setting and the other residents. Additional admission information is obtained to ensure the management are aware of individual needs and can meet them. A signed detailed contract is available for resident. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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 Residents are treated as individuals with care and support promoting a good quality of life. EVIDENCE: Residents’ individual characteristics and behaviours are well known and understood, giving each resident time and space for themselves. Residents were seen to recognise risk taking as a valuable part of life, such as going to the local shops and exploring work and educational opportunities. Advice is given to assist with personal safety and of the effect certain behaviours or actions will have on others. The care plans for the residents were seen and were found to be much improved since the last inspection. Residents know that verbal and written information will remain confidential, helping them have confidence in sharing details which may assist people to get to know them better and to offer the correct support. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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) 11,12,13,16 & 17 Residents have an active and rewarding lifestyle into which they have good input. EVIDENCE: Residents’ interests are varied. One resident has an interest in drama, which is encouraged by him taking private drama lessons. Another has begun working in the local nursery and is contemplating taking NVQ in childcare. Day activities for all the three residents is personalised for each individual, the residents are very independent and the home is seeking more outside activities. Where possible residents keep regular contact with family and friends, including home visits. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 11 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) 18,19&20 Residents’ care and health needs are monitored and well supported promoting as healthy a lifestyle as possible. EVIDENCE: Residents are confident in carrying out their own care needs but were seen to ask for, and obtain, assistance where they felt it necessary. Health care needs are identified with action taken using a range of local and national professionals. A resident shared with the inspector how his needs were being met. He said he was encouraged to take responsibility for himself, but was always supported by the staff. He has requested to have his placement extended. The management support this request, and are in dialogue with his care management. At the last inspection one resident was self-medicating, but after he made an error he asked if he could be supported with the taking of his medication, which has been facilitated. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 12 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 Residents are able to voice concerns and to have those concerns listened to and acted on. EVIDENCE: Residents are able to raise any concerns with the staff. A resident was heard to have a discussion with a staff member and was treated as valued adult with comments listened to and responded to appropriately. Residents know that strategies are in place to reduce the risks of harm and abuse, both for themselves and others with whom they might have contact with. The complaints book was inspected and there were entries, but the recording was brief and there was no evidence of the investigations the actions taken or the outcomes. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 13 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) 24,28 & 30 Residents have a homely place in which to live where they can relax and be themselves. EVIDENCE: Spectrum Support Services is a relaxed and homely environment, which suits the residents living there. Essential maintenance is carried out to ensure services are available and residents are safe. Residents were seen to use the lounge, dining room and kitchen freely. Art Therapy was being undertaken in the lounge when the inspector arrived. During the morning residents were free to use the kitchen for drinks and each made their own lunch, staff were around to support, but not intrusive. One resident explained how the menu planning and the cooking of the evening meals were undertaken, with each resident responsible for the choice and the cooking during the week, but at weekends the staff had more input into the catering. The plans to redesign the back garden was seen by the inspector, and when complete will make this area more accessible to residents and staff. The home has a no smoking policy and this stated in the home’s Statement of Purpose. However two residents smoke, but they respect this policy and only smoke in the patio area, and put their dog ends in the appropriate bins. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 14 Essential cleanliness is maintained but it is very much a home mainly populated by men. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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) 35 & 36 The residents are supported by a confident and well trained staff group. EVIDENCE: The two staff on duty during this inspection were both very confident in their roles, and was seen to be supportive and respectful to the residents. They spoke of the support and supervision they received and how they felt the home is improving and matured over the last year. One staff member is also a working director of the t company, he stated that at the beginning they all had the enthusiasm, drive and experience of working with people within the Autistic Spectrum, but did not have the business skills of running a company. The inspector agreed that the company had come along way in the last year and now Spectrum Support Services offered a good service to the residents, which includes having an effective staff team. The manager was not present during this inspection, and therefore staffing records and files were not available for inspection. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 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) 38,39,41 & 43 The Residents living at Spectrum Support Services at this present time are very vocal and have a say in how the home run. EVIDENCE: It was evident that Spectrum Support Services have matured over the year and now had a clear philosophy that the home is a specialised service, offering support to younger people with Aspergers. The home aims to enable residents to gain experiences and skills to allow them to move on to more independent living. The home has over the last year support a resident to make application to university, which was successful, but he decided he was not ready, so the home was there to support and reassure him that there are other avenues to travel. Two residents were interviewed, one had just recently arrived, but he spoke complementary about the staff and management, and he felt they were helping him with his ‘worries’. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 17 During the inspection the inspector saw the interaction between the staff and residents and it was evident that the residents feel this is their home and the staff are there to support them. The Health and Safety documentation was inspected and found to be in order. Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 18 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 3 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 x x x 3 x 3 Standard No 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 3 3 3 x x 3 3 Standard No 31 32 33 34 35 36 Score x x x x 3 3 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Spectrum Support Services Score 3 3 3 x Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score x 3 3 x 3 x 3 H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 19 Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? No STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard YA22 Regulation 22(8), 4(22) Requirement It is required that the registered manager ensures that all complaints are responded to with in 28 days. That a comprehensive record is kept, with details of any investigation, action taken and outcomes. Timescale for action 1/08/05 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 Good Practice Recommendations Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 20 Commission for Social Care Inspection Ivy House, 3 Ivy Terrace Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4QT 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 Spectrum Support Services H59-H10 S47513 Spectrum Support Services V227016 140605 Stage 4.doc Version 1.30 Page 21 - 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. 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