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Inspection on 25/10/07 for Springfield House

Also see our care home review for Springfield House for more information

This inspection was carried out on 25th October 2007.

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

This is a new service and the environment has been refurbished to a very high standard providing a comfortable, safe and homely environment for residents. Comprehensive assessments have been conducted prior to admission and the home is proactive in consulting with residents to identify their aspirations and personal goals. The home provides access to a range of activities that meet the social, leisure and educational needs of people using the service. A competent staff team supports people living in the home. A qualified and experienced manager provides leadership on a day-to-day basis.

What has improved since the last inspection?

N/A

What the care home could do better:

There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 Springfield House 81 Epple Bay Road Birchington Kent CT7 9EW Lead Inspector Paul Stibbons Key Unannounced Inspection 25th October 2007 11:15 Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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 Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service Springfield House Address 81 Epple Bay Road Birchington Kent CT7 9EW 01843 842 574 01843 847 134 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) www.achuk.com Aitch Care Home’s (London) Limited Mr Ben Young Care Home 10 Category(ies) of Learning disability (0) registration, with number of places Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: 1. The registered person may provide the following category/ies of service only: Care home only - (PC) to service users of the following gender: Either Whose primary care needs on admission to the home are within the following categories: 2. Learning disability (LD). The maximum number of service users to be accommodated is 10. Date of last inspection Brief Description of the Service: Springfield House is located in a quiet residential area of Birchington in Thanet Kent, and is well suited for the purpose of young adults having ready access to a shopping centre, mainline services and community facilities. The home is registered for up to 10 adults with a learning disability. All of the 10 bedrooms at Springfield House are single and have en-suite baths, showers or wet room facilities. The house has been newly refurbished to a very high standard, with a large spacious lounge, separate dining area, visitors room and kitchen that is easily accessible to residents with or without support. The garden is very spacious and includes a centrally heated summerhouse that is used as a sensory room. The home has its own people carrier which is able to carry seven passengers. The fees for this service range between £1380 and £2000 per week. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This unannounced inspection was carried out over a period of 3.5 hours and the manager was present. An Annual Quality Assurance Assessment (AQAA) had been completed and returned to the Commission prior to the visit. A tour of the building was conducted and a variety of records and documents were examined. Information from the South East Registration Team (SERT) also informs aspects of the report. Discussions were held with the home’s manager and two members of staff and two residents were spoken with. Two care managers and relatives were contacted after the visit to further inform the report. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? What they could do better: There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 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. The summary of this inspection report can be made available in other formats on request. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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 Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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 good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People considering living in the home have sufficient information on which to make an informed decision as to whether the home will meet their needs. Comprehensive pre-admission assessments ensure individual aspirations and needs are taken into account when determining the suitability of the placement. People living in the home have the security of an individual written contract detailing fees and terms and conditions with the home. EVIDENCE: A ‘Welcome to Springfield House’ brochure was viewed that clearly illustrates the home and its facilities and the range of opportunities for leisure and education in the surrounding area. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 The home had submitted a Statement of Purpose and Service user guide prior to this visit that clearly details the aims and objectives of the home and the services to be offered. Comprehensive pre-admission assessments in addition to care management assessments, are carried out by the company’s own referral team, and when a suitable home is identified a further assessment is conducted by the home’s management. Following a referral a transition period based on the needs of individuals takes place to ensure the suitability of the placement. Three care plans were examined that evidenced documentation in support of the aforementioned procedures. People living in the home with a permanent placement have an individual written contract detailing fees and terms and conditions with the home. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 6,7,8,9,10 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home are supported in making decisions about their lives and their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual care plans. People living in the home are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. People living in the home know that information about them is appropriately handled. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 EVIDENCE: Three individual care plans viewed were very detailed about assessed needs and the support that is required. Individual consultation with residents around their personal goals takes place and this is recorded in the daily records. The home’s manager explained that care plans were continually being updated as the home is proactive in highlighting needs and supporting people to achieve their goals. A relative spoken with comments that “there is encouragement from the manager about the potential of their loved one” and “he is a different person since moving to this home”. The manager produced documents showing how behaviours and responses to given activities is recorded and analysed monthly to inform the care plans. Appropriate risk assessments were viewed that promoted an independent lifestyle but safeguard people against unnecessary risks. Records of a confidential nature are securely stored in the manager’s office. It was noted that confidential information about people was discussed in private and not in front of others. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 11,12,13,14,15,16,17 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People who live in the home are offered a range of activities that meet their social, leisure and educational needs both within the home and the local community. The rights of people living in the home are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. People living in the home are supported in maintaining appropriate personal and family relationships. People living in the home enjoy a varied and balanced diet that is of their own choosing. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 EVIDENCE: Care plans viewed evidenced participation in a wide range of activities that meet the needs of people living in the home. Leisure activities include Ten-pin bowling, disco, swimming, trampoline, and personal shopping. Three residents attend college where subjects include life skills training, drama, music, and work skills. Another resident is in full-time education on the national curriculum. People living in the home participate in domestic chores with the support of staff. Residents accompany staff on shopping trips to purchase food and make daily choices as to the meals they want and participate in the preparation and cooking. People living in the home have organised a Halloween party and made and sent out invites to family and friends. One resident observed was demonstrably happy about the forthcoming party. The home has a private room to meet visitors and contact with family and friends is encouraged and promoted. Residents are able to keep contact by telephone and two people use email. Relatives spoken with state that they are kept fully informed about their loved ones by the home. One relative spoken with comments that their loved one goes home every other weekend but looks forward to returning to Springfield house which they refer to as “my home”. Menus viewed were varied and balanced and residents spoken with confirmed they like the food at the home. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 18,19,20,21 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home have their physical and emotional health needs met and receive personal support in the way they prefer. People living in the home are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medication. People living in the home know that in the event of serious illness or death their wishes will be respected. EVIDENCE: Three care plans were examined and each evidenced being registered with a GP and other relevant health care professionals. The individual care plans identified the way people preferred to receive personal support by completion Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 of a “Gender personal care support form”. Individuals or their representatives have completed a form in respect of serious illness or death to ensure their wishes are carried out. The home’s manager has a qualification in counselling and a care manager comments “ the manager has a good understanding of residents emotional needs”. Medication is appropriately stored in a drugs cabinet within a locked medication room. Records viewed of administered drugs were legible and complete. Two training records viewed confirm that staff members responsible for administering medication have received training in the safe handling of medication to ensure their competence. One of the people living in the home manages their own medication and this has been appropriately risk assessed. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home know their views will be listened to and acted on. People living in the home are protected from abuse. EVIDENCE: The home has a clear complaints policy and procedures and staff members spoken to are clear about reporting procedures. There have been no complaints received by the home and none have been received about the home. Three training records viewed show that the staff members have received training around safeguarding adults and the manager confirms that all staff members have received this training. There have been no incidents reported prior to this visit to the Commission. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 24,25,26,27,28,30 Quality in this outcome area is excellent. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment with ample personal and communal space to meet their needs. EVIDENCE: The premises have been fitted and furnished to a high standard with input from the company’s own interior designers. Residents have their own keys to private rooms that are fitted, furnished and decorated to a high standard; all of these having en-suite wet rooms, three included assisted baths. Personal possessions individualise rooms and one resident spoken with was happy with his room. There are communal toilets and bathrooms on the ground floor, suitable for wheelchair users. Hot water temperature controls, Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 radiator guards and window restrictors have been fitted throughout the building, together with all the required fire safety systems and equipment. Communal areas include a large lounge, a small visitors lounge/meeting room, and a separate dining room. Separate facilities have been provided for staff and there is a spacious manager’s office. There is a newly fitted kitchen that is domestic in type and ideal for this home. There is a separate laundry room that houses industrial type machines and a sluice facility. The home has a secure well-planned private rear garden with a summerhouse that is set up as a sensory room. There is level access throughout the ground floor with ramps on patio areas and out into the garden. The home was spotlessly clean and hygienic at the time of the visit. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 32,33,34,35,36 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People living in the home have their individual and joint needs met by a competent and qualified staff team who are appropriately supervised. People living in the home are protected by the home’s robust recruitment policies and practices. EVIDENCE: Three staff training records viewed evidenced an induction week and mandatory training courses that included health and safety, food hygiene and First aid. The AQAA states that 63 of staff members have NVQ Level 2 or above in care. All staff members are required to undergo LADAF induction and foundation training and the home’s manager is an assessor for the award. Staff members attend “Securicare behaviour management training” and are supported by a manager who has experience in this field. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 Supervision records viewed confirm that formal supervision takes place on a 4 to 6 week timescale, and staff responsible for giving supervision, have received training in conducting supervision/appraisal. Three Personnel files viewed indicate that pre-employment checks include three satisfactory references and CRB/POVA checks. Staff members on duty spoken with felt that all of their training needs were being met. Adequate staffing levels were on duty at the time of the visit and they were observed to be effectively working with residents. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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): 37,38,39,41,42 Quality in this outcome area is good. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. People benefit from living in a well run home where their views underpin all self-monitoring, reviews and development by the home. People living in the home benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. The health, safety and welfare of people living in the home is promoted and protected and their rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 EVIDENCE: The home’s manager has over five years relevant management experience working in senior positions in care homes. The manager has achieved the NVQ Level 4 in care and due to complete the Registered Managers Award during the current year. He also holds a Certificate in Advanced Counselling and is an approved LDAF assessor. The SERT “ Fit person interview” notes stated that, “He displayed a sound knowledge and understanding of care principles, staff management, recent legislation and adult protection procedures”. As stated previously in the report a care manager states, “A very good understanding of residents’ needs”. A relative states they are “encouraged by the manager’s recognition of potential in individuals”. As previously stated in this report people living in the home are consulted on an individual basis to seek their views on personal goals and lifestyles within the home. Staff members spoken with state that the manager is approachable and that positive suggestions are listened to. Observation indicated a good leadership and management approach existed in the home. A good standard of record keeping evidenced throughout the report evidences that people’s rights and best interests are safeguarded. Provider visits are conducted monthly to judge the quality of care being given in the home and a written report was available for inspection at the home. Monthly health and safety audits are conducted and evidence was viewed in the Health and Safety file in the home. The SERT confirm that a Fire safety certificate is in place for the home and the manager states that fire drills are scheduled for eight times yearly. Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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 “ ” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 3 2 3 3 3 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 4 25 4 26 3 27 4 28 4 29 X 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 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 4 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 3 3 X 3 3 X Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.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 Home’s 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 Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 25 Commission for Social Care Inspection Maidstone Local 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. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI Springfield House DS0000070134.V347056.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 26 - 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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