We carried out a review of the data available to us about Heathlands House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Heathlands House, you can give feedback on this service.
Heathlands House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to up to 64 people. The service provides support to older people and some who may be living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 43 people using the service.
The service is built over three floors. Each floor has a lounge/diner, assisted bathrooms and toilets. On the ground floor there is access to a large garden, café, cinema and a hair and beauty salon.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
There were good monitoring processes in place to help ensure a good standard of service. Quality assurance systems identified any areas that needed further development and any remedial actions were implemented. Any themes and trends were identified, and actions taken if needed.
People felt they were safe and well supported by the service. Individual risks were assessed, and staff were aware of these. Reviews of events and accidents were carried out and any actions needed were undertaken.
Medicines were managed well, and staff knew how to report any concerns about people's safety or welfare. Staff communicated well to help ensure needs were met in a timely way. Infection control was managed well.
People told us there was usually enough staff to meet their needs. Staff received appropriate training for their role and people felt they had good knowledge and skills. Staff felt supported by the provider and management team.
People and relatives told us staff were kind and caring, and they were happy living at Heathlands House. Interactions observed were very positive, staff responded to people in a way that anticipated their needs and demonstrated they knew people well. Staff were attentive and caring about the people they supported.
People told us they enjoyed the activities available. Observations found people having plenty to do and a positive atmosphere in the home. The building set up enabled people to move around and gave opportunities for socialising. The building was well maintained and felt homely.
Staff enjoyed working at Heathlands House and wanted to ensure people were happy and well cared for. Care plans included all information needed to support people safely and in accordance with their wishes and preferences. These were reviewed regularly.
People, relatives and staff felt their views about the service could be sought more often. People and staff told us that the registered manager was often around the home and attended meetings for sharing views.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported
this practice.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
This service was registered with us on 29 July 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This inspection was undertaken as it is the first inspection since registration.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively. This included checking the provider was meeting COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Staff followed safe and robust visiting procedures. Arrangements were in place so people could have the visitors they chose in addition to the essential care giver role. The registered manager told us they had provided people, relatives or their representatives and staff, information surrounding the role of the essential care giver. Staff welcomed visitors in line with guidance where this was safe. Alternative arrangements were in place for visits if there was ever a COVID-19 outbreak.
Testing for COVID-19 was undertaken as required by staff, people and relatives. Other checks such as, health declaration and temperature checks were effectively completed. We found staff were competent undertaking these checks and records confirmed them. Additional communication methods, such as telephone calls, video calls, and email contact supported communication between relatives, people and staff.
External health and social care professionals, and visitors, evidenced COVID-19 vaccination status, and had to produce a negative rapid COVID-19 test before entering the care home. The only exception to this was for emergency workers, to ensure no delay to the care and support people needed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was available at the care home, and guidance for PPE usage was displayed. Staff wore PPE correctly, and were seen to work safely throughout the inspection visit.
The care home looked and smelt visibly clean and hygienic. Frequently touched areas, such as door handles, switches and handrails, received enhanced cleaning. Staff told us they had access to the required equipment, and cleaning products, to maintain a safe environment.