Care Home: Kensington House (North East) Limited

Inspecting for better lives Key inspection report Care homes for adults (18-65 years) Name: Address: Kensington House (North East) Limited 32 Denmark Street Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE8 1NQ three star excellent service The quality rating for this care home is: A quality rating is our assessment of how well a care home, agency or scheme is meeting the needs of the people who use it. We give a quality rating following a full assessment of the service. We call this a ‘key’ inspection. Lead inspector: Lee Bennett Date: 0 4 0 3 2 0 0 9 This is a report of an inspection where we looked at how well this care home is meeting the needs of people who use it. There is a summary of what we think this service does well, what they have improved on and, where it applies, what they need to do better. We use the national minimum standards to describe the outcomes that people should experience. National minimum standards are written by the Department of Health for each type of care service. After the summary there is more detail about our findings. The following table explains what you will see under each outcome area Outcome area (for example: Choice of home) These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: This box tells you the outcomes that we will always inspect against when we do a key inspection. This box tells you any additional outcomes that we may inspect against when we do a key inspection. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: This box tells you our opinion of what we have looked at in this outcome area. We will say whether it is excellent, good, adequate or poor. Evidence: This box describes the information we used to come to our judgement Copies of the National Minimum Standards – Care Homes for Adults (18-65 years) can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or bought from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering from the Stationery Office is also available: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop 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 Our duty to regulate social care services is set out in the Care Standards Act 2000. Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection report CSCI General public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) Copyright © (2008) Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, free of charge, in any format or medium provided that it is not used for commercial gain. This consent is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and on proviso that it is not used in a derogatory manner or misleading context. The material should be acknowledged as CSCI copyright, with the title and date of publication of the document specified. Internet address www.csci.org.uk Information about the care home Name of care home: Address: Kensington House 32 Denmark Street Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE8 1NQ 0191 4775843 NO FAX donnamcd@blueyonder.co.uk Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Provider web address: Name of registered provider(s): Kensington House (North East) Limited Name of registered manager (if applicable) Mrs Donna McDowell Type of registration: Number of places registered: Conditions of registration: Category(ies) : Number of places (if applicable): Under 65 Over 65 5 1 care home 5 learning disability Additional conditions: Date of last inspection 2 4 0 5 2 0 0 7 Kensington House is privately run. It is an ordinary terraced house. Up to 5 people can live here. There are stairs to the bedrooms and bathroom. Everyone has there own bedroom. Nobody has to share. There is a car here. This means people can get out and about. It is near to shops, the library, the leisure centre, pubs, churches and more. It is in easy walking distance of the town centre. Summary This is an overview of what we found during the inspection. The quality rating for this care home is: Our judgement for each outcome: three star excellent service Choice of home Individual needs and choices Lifestyle Personal and healthcare support Concerns, complaints and protection Environment Staffing Conduct and management of the home How we did our inspection: This is what the inspector did when they were at the care home The Inspector talked to the people who live at the home. He shared a meal with the people living here. The inspector looked documents that have to be kept. He looked at:  Care plans.  Staff files.  Medicine records.  Some of the home’s policies and procedures. (Policies are rules about how to do things. Procedures tell people how to follow the rules.) The inspector looked around the home. This was to make sure it was safe and comfortable. What the care home does well The owners are friendly. They meet each person’s needs well. Care plans are clear and up to date. The home is immaculately clean and very well maintained. Health care is always arranged when this is needed. People get out and about a lot. The home is well managed. What has got better from the last inspection The owners continue to ensure a high quality of care is offered here. Pictures are used to make care plans clear. What needs to improve. There were no requirements or recommendations made from this inspection. If you want to read the full report of our inspection please ask the person in charge of the care home If you want to speak to the inspector please contact Lee Bennett If you want to know what action the person responsible for this care home is taking following this report, you can contact them using the details set out on page 4. The report of this inspection is available from our website www.csci.org.uk. You can get printed copies from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by telephoning our order line - 0870 240 7535 Details of our 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) Outstanding statutory requirements Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Choice of home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People are confident that the care home can support them. This is because there is an accurate assessment of their needs that they, or people close to them, have been involved in. This tells the home all about them, what they hope for and want to achieve, and the support they need. People can decide whether the care home can meet their support and accommodation needs. This is because they, and people close to them, can visit the home and get full, clear, accurate and up to date information. If they decide to stay in the home they know about their rights and responsibilities because there is an easy to understand contract or statement of terms and conditions between the person and the care home that includes how much they will pay and what the home provides for the money. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . Each persons care needs are assessed before they move here, and periodically thereafter. This will help ensure that their needs are properly met, by well skilled carers. Evidence: Everyone here has had a care managers (social workers) assessment undertaken before they moved in. The homes manager also looked at each persons needs and how they can be best met. The information obtained is written up and explains each persons abilities and needs. From time to time these are looked at to make sure each persons needs can still be met here. From these assessments, plans of care are then developed to guide care practice. This is then translated into the way in which care is delivered. The information within each persons care plans and their progress notes, along with observed practice, demonstrates how the service is able to meet their needs. The homes owners, who staff the home, have undertaken training relevant to learning disabilities and general care topics. They are very experienced in this area of work. If necessary, additional advice and guidance can also be sought from visiting professionals, such as the District Nurse, for health care needs, as well as other social work and health care professionals from the Community Learning Disability team. Individual needs and choices These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People’s needs and goals are met. The home has a plan of care that the person, or someone close to them, has been involved in making. People are able to make decisions about their life, including their finances, with support if they need it. This is because the staff promote their rights and choices. People are supported to take risks to enable them to stay independent. This is because the staff have appropriate information on which to base decisions. People are asked about, and are involved in, all aspects of life in the home. This is because the manager and staff offer them opportunities to participate in the day to day running of the home and enable them to influence key decisions. People are confident that the home handles information about them appropriately. This is because the home has clear policies and procedures that staff follow. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . Each person living here receives well planned care and support, that allows people to be involved in decisions about how their needs are being met and promotes independence. Evidence: To ensure that each persons care needs are clear to everyone involved, a care plan file is compiled. All of the people living here have had one developed. These are all written up, evaluated and reviewed by the manager. All of the people living here have a care plan in place. The ones we looked at were all up to date and easy to understand. The people here are aware of these documents and have signed them to show that they have been told about the plan and been involved in what is written. The care plans are “person centred” and explain each persons strengths as well as their needs. Where it is helpful, picture prompts have been added to aid understanding. Closely linked to care planning arrangements are risk assessments. Again, these are written up by the manager when there is an identified area of risk, either to the service user, or to others by that persons needs or activities chosen. They follow a standardised format, and detail the area of risk, consider the benefits of certain risks being present, and outline how unnecessary risks are to be managed. We found that Evidence: areas of risk were being clearly documented and aim to plan for independence to be promoted. Both care plans and risk assessments are a formal way of documenting decisions about important matters affecting a persons care and lifestyle. There are regular meetings held between the owners and the people living here. Everyone here is clearly able to express their views and (sometimes with guidance) come to decisions about the things that affect them. This is done formally at meetings, and in a relaxed way when opportunities present themselves, such as at mealtimes. Lifestyle These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: Each person is treated as an individual and the care home is responsive to his or her race, culture, religion, age, disability, gender and sexual orientation. They can take part in activities that are appropriate to their age and culture and are part of their local community. The care home supports people to follow personal interests and activities. People are able to keep in touch with family, friends and representatives and the home supports them to have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. People are as independent as they can be, lead their chosen lifestyle and have the opportunity to make the most of their abilities. Their dignity and rights are respected in their daily life. People have healthy, well-presented meals and snacks, at a time and place to suit them. People have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, communication and independent living skills. This is because the staff support their personal development. People choose and participate in suitable leisure activities. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . Everyone here is assisted to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle by having a regular community presence, and through accessing a range of local facilities. This will assist people to lead a full and enjoyable life. Evidence: On the day of the inspection, everyone was out spending their time at council day services. After coming home for their evening meal, all went out to a local club. It is usually the case that the people living here will spend their day at a council run day service, or at work. One person works part time at a nearby shop, another with the Fire and Rescue Service. The people living here all lead an active lifestyle, both through the week and at weekends. Where people have family contacts they will often meet up. The owners also have a vehicle to help everyone get further afield. Some of the people living here told us about the things they like to do, the holidays they have been on, and their plans for things to do this year. Comments included: - Were going to Kielder for a holiday. I work at a shop. Im full staff now. - Im doing words and writing at college. Evidence: As well as going out and about or being occupied whilst in the home, contact with friends and relatives can affect the quality of life enjoyed by people. Most people living here have regular family contact, and visitors are made welcome. As well as having rights to keep up family contacts and to lead a varied and fulfilling lifestyle, the people here retain rights around how they are helped, and how they are supported should they put themselves at risk of harm. This includes areas such as following interests or taking part in leisure activities. To help meet these rights there is some guidance in care plans and risk assessments. This includes areas such as crossing roads independently or using a bicycle in traffic. Furthermore, the owners were able to explain to us clearly the individual needs of each person living here, any risks they may face, and how these are managed to ensure peoples independence is promoted but also that unnecessary risks are avoided. Meals form an important part of peoples daily routine and lifestyle, and are normally taken as a group as the people living here usually get on well. This is an important time for people to talk about their day, share their experiences and talk about plans. The dietary needs and choices of each person are detailed in their care plans. The people here are actively involved in meal choices, preparation and clearing away. As part of this inspection we shared a meal, which was well presented, nutritious and tasty. Each persons individual choice was catered for, demonstrated by some people having different meals from others. Personal and healthcare support These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People receive personal support from staff in the way they prefer and want. Their physical and emotional health needs are met because the home has procedures in place that staff follow. If people take medicine, they manage it themselves if they can. If they cannot manage their medicine, the care home supports them with it in a safe way. If people are approaching the end of their life, the care home will respect their choices and help them to feel comfortable and secure. They, and people close to them, are reassured that their death will be handled with sensitivity, dignity and respect, and take account of their spiritual and cultural wishes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . Everyone here receives the personal support and health care they need. This is so each persons health and wellbeing is promoted. Evidence: Everyone living at Kensington House has their personal care needs described within their care plan. These needs are supported and met, where appropriate, in private, and everybody is encouraged to be independent where possible. The owners are able to demonstrate, through discussion and observed practice, a good understanding of each persons needs. Where necessary people are supported in receiving regular access to primary and secondary health care services, such as those from the GP and dentist. Where the homes owners have had concerns regarding the health and wellbeing of anyone appropriate advice or interventions have been sought. Any contact with the health services is documented within each persons care file. Regular screening takes place, including weight checks in the home, and those undertaken by regular GP, dental, optician and out patient appointments. Closely linked to the support needed with health care are medication arrangements. The people here need few medicines, but those they have are securely stored, and clearly documented. External medicines are stored separately from tablets. This is to ensure good hygiene. Also printed administration records are kept, and identify who Evidence: was responsible for each medication administration. Due to their levels of need, service users are not able to administer their own medicines, and the owners therefore assist in this area. Training has been received in the part regarding medication administration. Concerns, complaints and protection These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: If people have concerns with their care, they or people close to them, know how to complain. Their concern is looked into and action taken to put things right. The care home safeguards people from abuse, neglect and self-harm and takes action to follow up any allegations. There are no additional outcomes. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . The people living here have their views listened to and acted upon. They are kept safe. This contributes to a person centred service. Evidence: To help ensure that everyone is aware of what to do if they are unhappy with the care and support they receive, the owners have written a clear complaints procedure. There have been no complaints reported within the past twelve months, and none have been raised with us. As already noted everyone is able to directly express their views and opinions on the service they receive, and people have regular opportunities to make their views known. Everyone here is clear about who they would speak to if they had any concerns or complaint, and told us they feel happy about discussing matters with the owners. The homes owners have in the past received training from the local Adult Protection Coordinator, which will help to explain the role of adult protection, and to offer guidance to staff who may work here. The manager has also developed policy and guidance material for use within the home. Both the homes own and the local authorities adult protection procedures are available in the home, should guidance be needed in this area. Environment These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People stay in a safe and well-maintained home that is homely, clean, comfortable, pleasant and hygienic. People stay in a home that has enough space and facilities for them to lead the life they choose and to meet their needs. The home makes sure they have the right specialist equipment that encourages and promotes their independence. Their room feels like their own, it is comfortable and they feel safe when they use it. People have enough privacy when using toilets and bathrooms. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . Kensington House is homely, clean and immaculately maintained. This can help promote a positive image for everyone living here and ensure people remain comfortable and safe. Evidence: Kensington House is an ordinary terraced house, in a residential area near to central Gateshead. The owners ensure the home is well maintained and thoroughly clean throughout. Communal space is provided on the ground floor and includes a lounge, a dining room and conservatory. All of the bedrooms are situated on the first and second floors, and contain modern furniture and are decorated to suite individual personal tastes. The people living here have access to all the shared areas of the home and are well informed about future plans for refurbishment and minor alterations. Tiled and laminated floors in communal areas and some bedrooms provide a modern look, as well as contributing to the ease of cleaning and maintenance. The homes owners continue to invest in the property to maintain a high standard of accommodation, such as alterations for improving the kitchen. Staffing These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have safe and appropriate support as there are enough competent, qualified staff on duty at all times. They have confidence in the staff at the home because checks have been done to make sure that they are suitable. People’s needs are met and they are supported because staff get the right training, supervision and support they need from their managers. People are supported by an effective staff team who understand and do what is expected of them. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . The people living here are supported by the homes two owners, who are competent and who have received training relevant to their roles and the purpose of the home. This can ensure that people are supported in a safe manner, by people who have an excellent understanding of their needs. Evidence: Kensington House is run and staffed by its two owners. One of them acts as the registered manager. They will also use agency staff when needed, for example when they take a holiday. Both of the homes owners have received a range of training, relevant to the needs of the people living here, health and safety, and to care in general. Topics attended or due soon have included Positive Care Practice, Communication Skills and Care Planning. The manager keeps clear records of the training received, which can assist in future planning. Nobody new has been employed here, but the manager is aware of the need to ensure people are only employed after sufficient recruitment checks have been undertaken. These included the receipt of a CRB disclosure, two written references and confirmation of physical fitness. Overall the owners have a pleasant and relaxed approach, which maintains a homely and domestic feel to the home. Conduct and management of the home These are the outcomes that people staying in care homes should experience. They reflect the things that people have said are important to them: People have confidence in the care home because it is run and managed appropriately. People’s opinions are central to how the home develops and reviews their practice, as the home has appropriate ways of making sure they continue to get things right. The environment is safe for people and staff because health and safety practices are carried out. People get the right support from the care home because the manager runs it appropriately, with an open approach that makes them feel valued and respected. They are safeguarded because the home follows clear financial and accounting procedures, keeps records appropriately and makes sure staff understand the way things should be done. This is what people staying in this care home experience: Judgement: People using this service experience good quality outcomes in this area. We have made this judgement using a range of evidence, including a visit to this service . The home is well managed, and systems are in place to ensure everyone is kept safe. Evidence: The registered manager has developed a quality assurance system as part of her previous NVQ work, which has been implemented within the home and includes a training analysis, premises audit, swot analysis and plans for service users holidays. Regular (4 to 6 weekly) meetings continue to be held with the people living here, each of which is minuted. During these meetings each persons views are sought and actions agreed. Closely linked to the quality processes are health and safety checks. The owners also live here, and they ensure the home is kept safe and free from unnecessary hazards. Throughout our visit there were no observed practices or hazards that would adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of the people living here. Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? Yes  No  Outstanding statutory requirements These are requirements that were set at the previous inspection, but have still not been met. They say what the registered person had to do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. No Standard Regulation Requirement Timescale for action Requirements and recommendations from this inspection Immediate requirements: These are immediate requirements that were set on the day we visited this care home. The registered person had to meet these within 48 hours. No Standard Regulation Description Timescale for action Statutory requirements These requirements set out what the registered person must do to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must do this within the timescales we have set No Standard Regulation Description Timescale for action Recommendations These recommendations are taken from the best practice described in the National Minimum Standards and the registered person(s) should consider them as a way of improving their service. No Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations Helpline: 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 We want people to be able to access this information. If you would like a summary in a different format or language please contact our helpline or go to our website. 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