During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: 29 January to 4 February 2026.
Hillcroft Care Home is registered to provide accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care. The service cares for adults, including people living with physical disabilities and dementia. At the time of our assessment 24 people were living within the home.
The inspection was responsive as the service had not been inspected since 2018 and concerns had been raised to us regarding the service. Following the site visits, the provider and registered manager shared additional information with us to support with our assessment. We also contacted health and social care professionals who work with the service to gain further insight into the quality and consistency of care provided.
The rating at the last inspection was good, during this assessment we have identified 3 breaches of regulations relating to consent to care, safe care and good governance. As a result of the findings at this assessment the overall rating for Hillcroft Care Home as changed to requires improvement.
People’s care and treatment was not always provided in a safe way. Risks were not always identified, and information was not always used to inform accurate or person-centred care planning documents which reflected people’s needs and preferences. We also found limited evidence to show people were involved in their care planning process. Medicines were not always stored or managed safely. Governance systems and audits were not effective in assessing, monitoring or improving care planning records and medicines management.
There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. Staff had the skills and knowledge to support people’s clinical needs and expectations. Staff worked well as a team and felt supported by the registered manager of the service.