Latest Inspection
This is the latest available inspection report for this service, carried out on 21st August 2008. CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Excellent. 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.
For extracts, read the latest CQC inspection for Littlecroft.
What the care home does well Littlecroft provides a caring, supportive and empowering environment for the service users. There is an excellent range of activities available based on collective and individual needs. These include meaningful and creative activities in the home, trips out to cinemas, events and places of interest. The staff work positively with the residents assisting them to communicate their needs and develop greater levels of independence and confidence. Service user plans are set out in good detail and personal profiles are being further developed. There is good leadership in the home ensuring that staff and service users opinions are heard and that the service continues to develop. Health and safety processes are maintained well and there are good staff development opportunities. What has improved since the last inspection? The service continues to improve and develop consistently. The registered manager and staff team continue to examine the support and care that is provided looking to innovate and further develop the service. The home assessed additional support needs for a service user. They sourced and provided specialist facilities to support the physical needs of the service user and health and safety of staff. CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65
Littlecroft 132 Dunes Road Greatstone New Romney Kent TN28 8SP Lead Inspector
Geoff Senior Unannounced Inspection 21st August 2008 13:30 Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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 Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION
Name of service Littlecroft Address 132 Dunes Road Greatstone New Romney Kent TN28 8SP 01797 361601 01797 361806 Ulphmj@aol.com 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) Rosecroft Care Limited Mrs Lisa Jane Ulph Care Home 5 Category(ies) of Learning disability (5) registration, with number of places Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION
Conditions of registration: 1. Date of last inspection 18th October 2006 Brief Description of the Service: Littlecroft is registered as a Care Home for up to 5 adults with a learning disability. Rosecroft Ltd is the Registered Provider and Ms. L. Ulph is the registered manager. Littlecroft is a detached chalet bungalow situated in a residential area of Greatstone, a short walk from the local amenities and the beach. There is service user accommodation on 2 floors and comprises 4 ground floor bedrooms and 1 first floor en-suite single room. In addition to the Management team the company employs 6 care staff. They work a rota that includes staff on the premises at night `on-call. There are no staff specifically employed to undertake meal preparation and cleaning. The Officer was informed that care staff carry out these duties. Administration and maintenance are undertaken predominantly by Mr & Mrs Ulph and the Deputy Manager. According to its Aims and Objectives, Littlecroft provides care for adults with a learning disability in an environment, which respects individuality and promotes the development of service users potential and self esteem. The reported weekly fees are £850-£1200 pw. The quality rating for this service is 3 star. This means that people who use this service experience Excellent quality outcomes Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 5 SUMMARY
This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. We undertook an unannounced visit to the premises on 21/8/08 as part of the Key Inspection of Littlecroft. The visit lasted about 3 1/2 hours. The inspection considers information obtained from talking with residents, staff, management and providers. We also examined a range of records and documentation kept in the home. An accompanied tour of the premises was made. The home provided information in a completed Annual Quality Assurance Assessment that was returned when we asked for it. The home strives to maintain and improve the quality of care provision. Staff spoken with expressed a positive attitude and appeared dedicated to their task. The Providers are supportive of the staff and management and are committed to providing education and training support to the staff group. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 6 The service continues to improve and develop consistently. The registered manager and staff team continue to examine the support and care that is provided looking to innovate and further develop the service. The home assessed additional support needs for a service user. They sourced and provided specialist facilities to support the physical needs of the service user and health and safety of staff. 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. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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 Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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): 1,2,4. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. Prospective service users may visit the home and are provided with comprehensive information to help them make a decision about moving in. Assessments are undertaken to ensure that the Home can support the service user’s needs and aspirations This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The service user group is well established and there have been no recent admissions. Staff spoken to described the admission process and emphasised the importance of ensuring that the resident’s needs are fully assessed and can be appropriately supported by the home. Admissions, even if they are known to the service, are subject to a protracted introduction and assessment period. Prospective service users are encouraged to visit the home prior to admission and may use the opportunity to meet and spend time with the existing service users and staff, view the accommodation and find out about the routine and lifestyle they could expect to experience. Assessments, undertaken prior to, and subsequent to, admission contribute to the care planning process. Input is
Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 9 welcomed from the service users and families and from relevant agencies and professionals. Two most recent admissions had parental and advocate involvement. Aspirations may be expressed and, where possible/ achievable, appropriate support is planned. The home assessed additional support needs for a service user. They sourced and provided specialist facilities to support the physical needs of the service user and health and safety of staff. The Service User Guide and Statement of Purpose is comprehensive and understandable. It is presented in Makaton format. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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): 6,7,9. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Service user plans identify the needs of service users and the home ensures that healthcare needs are met. Residents are enabled to make decisions affecting their daily lives. Risks are assessed positively and comprehensively. The care planning system is clear, consistent and provides staff with information and guidance when supporting residents. Individual goals are identified and considered within the planning and risk assessment process. Service users are encouraged to have their say in the decision making process This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 11 The home has developed well-structured, informative and person-centred service user files. The needs of each individual are clearly identified as well as the actions required by staff to support them. Service users family and representatives are encouraged to be involved in the formulation of care plans and participate in the reviews. Staff have been working with residents to understand and improve communication. Makaton and photographs are used to help demonstrate choices. All care plans are reviewed on a regular basis and handovers and team meetings are used to pool ideas and develop support plans further. The providers offer good support empowering key workers and residents to work positively together. The home has a good system of risk management and assessment in place clearly addressing issues and promoting the development of the service users. Clear guidance is developed to ensure staff minimise any potential risks and the assessments are regularly reviewed. Choice is offered as a matter of course in all issues relating to support and care of the service users. Routine but not ritual is an aim within a flexible, structured regime There is evidence through documentation and observation that service users are facilitated to make daily decisions affecting their lives with regard to routines, trips out, activities and food choices amongst other things. . Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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): 12,13,15,17. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Service users are encouraged to maintain contact with relatives and friends. The dietary needs of the service users are well catered for with a balanced and varied selection of food available that meets service users tastes and choices. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Staff in the home have worked very positively with residents to establish interests, likes and dislikes. They are supported by the providers to offer a wide range of formal and informal activities and events for both recreational
Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 13 and therapeutic purposes. Staff may take photographs of residents engaging in activities and use them to assist future communication. The providers, with the support of the staff team, have fostered a positive and active culture within the home. Family and friends are welcomed into the home to visit service users and assistance is also appropriately provided to enable residents to travel to visit their relatives. The staff keep in good contact with significant others to update them on progress and changes. Residents have regular opportunities to use local community facilities such as the sports centre, library, cinema and local shops. The Service User group is generally well established and the staff are aware of food likes, dislikes and preferences. Meals provided may be based on these wishes, but also take into account the need for a reasonably balanced diet. Choice and intake is recorded for monitoring purposes. Service Users may also get involved in the shopping for supplies. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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): People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Health personal and social needs are identified and set out in a care plan, which is available to all staff. There are working practises in place, which enable service users to have a good experience of care provision. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Residents are treated with dignity and respect and levels of privacy are maintained. All of the service users require assistance with aspects of personal hygiene and care. The management ensures that staff are instructed and supervised to provide this thoughtfully and sensitively. The healthcare needs of service users are monitored and addressed. It was reported that the home has developed positive relationships with local GPs and District Nurses who provide good levels of support. There is clear documentation demonstrating that health issues are identified and acted upon with advice from professionals. Additional equipment and facilities are assessed and provided where residents have had changing levels of need.
Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 15 The medication records and storage facilities were viewed, all of which is adequate for the needs of the home. Medication Administration records were clear, accurate and up to date. The home has policies and procedures in place and staff administering medication are provided with appropriate training. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Staff members have undertaken adult Protection Training. Systems are in place to promote and maintain protection from abuse. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: There is a written and Makaton format complaints procedure available to service users and families contained within both the Statement of Purpose and the policies and procedures file. It explains how concerns may be raised re the standard of services and facilities provided and the homes response to any concern raised. Staff have an awareness of issues of abuse of vulnerable adults obtained on NVQ training and have been given the opportunity to undertake specific Adult Protection training. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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. People who use the service experience excellent quality outcomes in this area. The premises appear to be well maintained, clean and hygienic. The home provides a comfortable environment in which to live and work. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: The Home presents a comfortable, welcoming and varied environment in which to live and work. Private areas are decorated according to service users choice and preference. As noted earlier, overhead tracking has been provided in a service user bedroom and bathroom. The communal areas are well decorated and comfortably furnished. The service users are encouraged to make use of the enclosed garden. An open sided construction has been provided offering shelter for service users and staff. The maintenance checks on equipment are current and generally satisfactory. The premises were clean, odour-free at the time of the visit. There are policies and procedures in place for the control of
Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 18 infection and an understanding within the staff team of these issues, which are underpinned by induction and additional training. Laundry facilities are suitable for the needs of the service Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. Staff morale is good amongst the staff employed by the home. Resulting in an enthusiastic workforce that works positively with the service users. Staff have received induction and training to ensure a clear understanding of their roles. There are robust recruitment procedures in place to protect service users. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Systems are in place ensuring staff are aware of, and focus on, the needs of the individual service users. Staff numbers are rostered according to service user needs and any planned activities. The management team have undertaken training and are well experienced in the care of individuals in a residential setting. The records seen reflect a robust recruitment procedure. All staff have clearly defined job descriptions and must have satisfactory POVA and CRB checks before the post is confirmed. They are supported through the induction and
Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 20 probationary period and are then encouraged and expected to undertake basic safety and service specific training. All staff have attained at least NVQ level 2 training. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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): 37,39,42. People who use the service experience good quality outcomes in this area. The home is well run with an ethos of inclusion, support and development. The health, safety and welfare of those who live and work in the home appears to be promoted and protected. The views of the residents are sought and their best interest considered, when decisions are made about the running of the home. This judgement has been made using available evidence including a visit to this service. EVIDENCE: Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 22 Mr and Mrs Ulph expressed a clear vision for the direction of the home, which had been effectively communicated to staff. They are well supported by senior staff in providing clear leadership. Staff demonstrated an awareness of the expectations, duties and responsibilities of their role. Mr and Mrs Ulph have completed the Registered Managers Award, Mrs Ulph is a trained nurse and has maintained her registration. The staff and service users benefit from an open and inclusive management approach and have opportunity to express opinion. Good channels of communication have been established with service user families and health care professionals and any feed back whether positive or negative is processed appropriately. Health and safety matters are monitored to ensure the ongoing protection of everyone in the home. Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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 Score 1 4 2 4 3 x 4 4 5 x 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 x 26 x 27 x 28 x 29 x 30 4 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 x 32 3 33 x 34 3 35 3 36 x CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 3 3 x 4 x LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 x 12 3 13 3 14 x 15 3 16 x 17 3 PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score 3 3 3 x 4 x 4 x x 4 x Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.R01.S.doc Version 5.2 Page 24 no 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 Littlecroft DS0000061652.V369217.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
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