Halmer Court

Updated 22 August 2025

Halmer Court is a care home that supports adults of all ages, including those with dementia or physical disabilities. The service is registered to accommodate up to 66 people. At the time of our assessment there were 35 people living at the service.

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to Safe care and treatment, Safeguarding and governance. This assessment was completed to check if the provider had made improvements. Improvements were found at this assessment and the provider was no longer in breach of these regulations. However, more time was needed to ensure that the changes were embedded into the care provided.

The assessment took place between 17 October 2025 and 9 October 2025. We visited Halmer Court on 17 September and 23 September 2025. This was a comprehensive inspection, we looked at all five key questions of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led.

Halmer Court has undergone a period of transition, with a new manager bringing a fresh and positive approach following a time of instability. Staff described a noticeable improvement in morale and leadership, and there were early signs of a more collaborative and inclusive culture developing across the home.

People living at Halmer Court generally felt safe and well cared for, and staff were described as kind and respectful. There were examples of good practice, such as effective use of clinical tools to monitor health, strong links with external professionals, and meaningful activities that supported wellbeing. The home had begun to strengthen its community connections, including intergenerational visits and dementia-focused sessions.

However, several areas still required improvement. Risk management was inconsistent, and environmental safety issues were identified during the inspection. Infection control and medicines oversight needed strengthening, and staff supervisions were not always up to date. Care planning lacked clarity and did not consistently reflect people’s individual preferences or aspirations, which impacted the delivery of truly person-centred care.

Leadership had improved at the local level, but provider oversight had not previously driven the necessary changes. Many of the positive developments were initiated by the new manager, rather than resulting from structured support or governance systems already in place. While staff felt empowered to speak up and contribute ideas, systems for learning and improvement were not yet fully embedded.

Overall, Halmer Court is on a journey of improvement. The foundations for better care were being laid, but sustained progress will depend on continued leadership stability, stronger governance, and a more consistent focus on safety, dignity, and personalised care.

Updated 22 August 2025

People living at Halmer Court spoke positively about the care they receive. They said staff were kind, respectful, and quick to help. One person said, “I feel safe here,” and another said, “The staff are great, they do everything they can for you.” Families also felt confident that staff respond quickly when someone’s health changed.

People liked having choices about their daily routines, such as when to shower and what to eat. Meals were described as good, with plenty of variety. People with special diets said their needs were met without any problems. Some said the food had improved recently.

There were lots of activities to enjoy, like bingo, exercise classes, and visits from a local school. People said they liked spending time in the garden and being reminded each day about what was happening.

However, lunch service could be better. It felt rushed and not very personal. Bread was served without gloves, and tables weren’t properly cleaned. Some people got their food before others were even seated, and there weren’t clear options if someone didn’t like what was offered.

Most people felt listened to and said they would speak up if something was wrong. Families had been involved in care planning, but people themselves didn’t always know what was in their care plans. A few small issues were raised, like a call bell being out of reach or a missed shower, but these were sorted quickly.

The new manager was making a good impression. People had a sense that things were improving and that the home was heading in the right direction.