The Hamiltons Care Home

Updated 22 May 2025

Date of assessment: 12 June – 3 July 2025.

The Hamilton’s Care Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 18 older people, some of whom are living with dementia. Accommodation is provided over 2 floors and at the time of our inspection there were 18 people using the service. As part of the assessment we spoke with the registered manager, a provider representative, 4 care staff, 10 people living at the home and 5 relatives.

We inspected this service due to concerns we received regarding fire safety. A fire risk assessment had been completed and recently updated due to concerns raised by the fire service who had served an enforcement notice due compartmentation in the loft area not being fit for purpose. At the time of the assessment we saw the provider had begun to rectify these concerns.

Staff supervisions and appraisals were not always completed as required. Mental Capacity Act (MCA) assessments were not always completed where restrictions were in place to demonstrate decisions were taken in people’s best interests, such as the use of sensor mats in people’s bedrooms.

People told us they felt safe living at the home and that there were enough staff available. Medicines were managed safely and the home was clean and tidy. Accidents and incidents were monitored, with analysis completed to promote any future learning.

Initial assessments were undertaken when people first moved into the home. People were involved the care they received and their care plan. Everybody we spoke with told us they were happy with the care provided.

The feedback we received was that the service was well-led. Staff said they enjoyed their roles and working at the home. Governance arrangements were in place, although we have suggested how these could be improved. There were opportunities for people to attend meetings to share their views about the home.

Updated 22 May 2025

People living at the home and relatives to us they felt the service was safe. One person said, “I feel safe because of the staff. They are always here. I have help when I need it. I can move myself but the staff always make sure I don't fall. I have my tablets during the day and staff bring them to me. I just use my frame to walk, but not all the time. My room is small but it suits me. The staff clean it I don't have to worry.” A relative also said, “(Person) has been in other homes and didn't settle well. (Person) is safe and supported here. The environment is right for (person). We have to rely totally on the staff to look after (person) and we have never been given cause for concern.”

There were safe systems and processes to manage people’s medication. One person said, “I don't really know about my tablets but I am never in pain because the girls get me medication if I need it.” A relative said, “Having mum's medication looked after is one less job for me to worry about.”

Assessment of people’s needs were carried out when people first moved to the home and people said they felt involved with the care they received. One person said, “The care mum gets appears to be about her and we are very involved. We gave as much information about mum as we could when she came into the home.”

Both people living at the home and relatives told us they were happy with the care provided to them by staff. One person said, “My care needs are met by the staff. The staff are lovely. They are kind to me and do all they can to help me. I can get around quite well so that is good, although I do need help to go to my room. It is upstairs.” A relative added, (Person) is treated with love and kindness. (Person) always looks nice and if she does drop food or a drink the staff change it. I am very happy will the way (person) is cared for.”

People told us the service was well-led and said the registered manager was approachable and dealt with any problems they had.