- Care home
Heatherstones Court
Assessment report published 29 April 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Dates of assessment were from 18 March 2026 to 2 April 2026. We visited the office on the 18 March 2026. Heatherstones Court provides accommodation and personal care for up to 15 adults in 12 apartments. The service provides short term residential care and support to enable people to regain independence and skills, lost through illness or injury. When we inspected, 5 people were using the service, however, only 1 person was being supported with personal care. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. This is help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.
The last comprehensive assessment was carried out in August 2018 and the service was rated Good. Our decision to inspect the service was due to the age of this rating.
Although there was only 1 person receiving personal care when we carried out this assessment, we reviewed information and feedback received from people who had stayed at Heatherstones Court since the change in management in 2021.
The provider demonstrated an outstanding, person‑centred approach to care, underpinned by a strong learning culture, highly effective leadership and robust governance. Care was planned and delivered collaboratively, with people placed at the centre of decision ‑making and supported to regain independence. The service worked exceptionally well with health, social care and housing partners to provide joined up‑ support. Information was shared effectively to ensure continuity.
There was an exceptional culture of kindness, compassion and respect, with people consistently treated with dignity, warmth and empathy. Feedback from people, relatives and professionals repeatedly described care as outstanding, with staff going above and beyond to meet both practical and emotional needs.
Staff showed an outstanding commitment to promoting independence, choice and control. People were actively encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves, supported through individualised reablement and rehabilitation approaches that built confidence and skills.
Workforce wellbeing was also prioritised, with staff feeling valued, supported and empowered. This strong staff culture directly contributed to the consistently high standard of person-centred, compassionate care delivered.
Information was provided in ways that met individual communication needs, demonstrating excellent compliance with the Accessible Information Standard.
People were supported to share feedback, raise concerns and be involved in decisions about their care through regular contact, reviews and surveys.
Leadership was a significant strength. Leaders were inclusive, compassionate and highly capable, with the registered manager and deputy manager visible, approachable and leading by example. Their person-centred leadership style fostered a positive, motivated culture where staff felt valued, empowered and trusted, resulting in excellent experiences for people and a confident workforce. A strong focus on learning, innovation and continuous improvement further strengthened the service and supported consistent, high-quality delivery.
People's experience of this service
Although there was only 1 person receiving personal care when we carried out this assessment, we reviewed feedback received from guests who had stayed at Heatherstones Court since the change in management in 2021.
People’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive and highlighted consistently outstanding experiences of care. People repeatedly described staff as kind, caring, professional and supportive, noting that they worked exceptionally well together as a team. Many people said staff went “above and beyond”, taking the time to provide both practical and emotional reassurance, particularly during periods of vulnerability or low mood. People described feeling welcomed, relaxed and genuinely valued, with several commenting that nothing was ever too much trouble. Feedback consistently highlighted how staff promoted confidence, independence and recovery, with people describing significant improvements in their mobility, well-being and ability to live independently. People also praised the service for helping them settle following hospital discharge, ensuring they had everything they needed and making them feel safe and comfortable. Overall, people expressed deep gratitude for the care they received, describing the service as excellent, faultless and life‑changing, with many saying they could not have gone anywhere better and rating their experience highly.