CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Halcon House
Rated Outstanding: inspectors found the home performing exceptionally well.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that the home was preventing infections, using protective equipment safely, arranging testing and managing visiting. They also looked at measures to reduce the effect of COVID-19-related staffing pressures.
- Effective?
- Good
- This was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Outstanding
- This was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Outstanding
- This was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Outstanding
- This was not assessed in this targeted inspection, although staff said they felt supported by management.
What inspectors found, March 2022
Halcon House: inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong COVID-19 infection controls and safe visiting arrangements.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 9 February 2022. Inspectors looked mainly at infection control, visiting arrangements and whether COVID-19-related staffing pressures were affecting the home.
They found trained staff using personal protective equipment safely. The home was clean and well maintained. Regular testing helped people continue respite stays and social activities. Visiting arrangements followed government guidance, including a wheelchair-accessible visiting pod.
The home was inspected but not rated overall. The safe question was also inspected but not rated. The report does not give ratings for effective, caring, responsive or well-led.
Infection control training
Staff had infection control training, and senior staff checked that safe practices were being followed.
“People were being supported by staff who had received training in infection prevention and control.” from the report
Testing arrangements
Regular COVID-19 testing was in place for people living at the home and staff. This helped people continue respite stays and social activities.
“People benefited from a provider who had systems to make sure people and staff had regular testing for COVID-19.” from the report
Protective equipment
Inspectors observed staff wearing masks and using the right protective equipment for different tasks.
“Staff knew what to wear for different tasks and how to safely put on and take off their PPE.” from the report
Contact with family
The home followed visiting guidance and had a wheelchair-accessible visiting pod. People could also go out to socialise.
“Throughout the pandemic people were able to safely stay in touch with friends and family.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What measures are currently in place to manage COVID-19-related staffing pressures?
- 02How are staff trained and checked on infection prevention and control now?
- 03What testing arrangements are currently in place for residents, staff and visitors?
- 04Can residents still receive visitors in the visiting pod and go out to socialise?
- 05How will staff use protective equipment when helping my relative with personal care?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control, visiting arrangements and COVID-19-related staffing pressures; it did not provide ratings for the other areas of care. This explanation was written from the published report of 2 March 2022 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, March 2020
Rated Outstanding; inspectors found exceptionally caring, responsive and well-led support, with safe and effective care rated Good.
This was an unannounced inspection on 21 and 22 January 2020. One inspector spoke with eight people, four visitors and seven care staff. They also reviewed care, medicines, staff and management records.
The home supports up to 18 people with complex physical disabilities, including people staying for respite care. Inspectors found that people felt safe, received their medicines correctly and were supported by trained staff. Staffing levels were adjusted when people's needs changed.
Inspectors found exceptionally caring and personalised support. People were involved in decisions, encouraged to be independent and helped to maintain relationships, interests and community activities. The home also supported people and families sensitively at the end of life.
The overall rating was Outstanding. Safe and Effective were rated Good. Caring, Responsive and Well-led were rated Outstanding. These ratings were unchanged from the previous inspection.
Kind and respectful care
People described trusting relationships with a stable staff team. Inspectors saw a happy and welcoming atmosphere where people were treated as individuals.
“Their kindness and empathy is beyond anything I could have expected. The staff have become friends.” from the report
Choice and independence
Staff helped people control their surroundings and take part in activities without unnecessary restrictions. Technology was adapted to support people's independence.
“Now I feel I have a bit of independence back.” from the report
Personalised support
Care was organised around each person's wishes, needs and aspirations. Staff supported people to move towards more independent living where this was their goal.
“Everything is about what I want. There are no routines to fit in with.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People were supported to keep in touch with family and friends, follow hobbies, go on holidays and take part in community activities.
“The staff had a 'can do' attitude which meant they supported people to take part in any activities they wanted to.” from the report
Strong leadership
The management team listened to people's views and made changes in response. Staff training and audits were used to maintain quality and respond to more complex needs.
“The registered manager and staff team made sure people were at the centre of all decisions.” from the report
Physiotherapy provision
needs fixingA six-week physiotherapy service had ended. The manager was looking for a new provider, so families should check what physiotherapy support is now available.
“Although this service had now ceased the registered manager was actively looking for a new provider.” from the report
- 01What physiotherapy support is currently available now that the previous service has ended?
- 02How will you assess and review my relative's needs before each respite stay?
- 03What equipment, communication aids and call systems would be provided for my relative?
- 04How would staffing levels and staff training be adjusted if my relative's complex needs changed?
- 05How would you support my relative's chosen activities, family relationships and independence?
This was an unannounced planned inspection covering the home and care provided, with all five CQC questions rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 6 March 2020 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Halcon House
3 rated inspections over 5 years: the service has improved, from Good to Outstanding.
- March 2022Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- March 2020Outstandingstayed OutstandingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- July 2017Outstandingup from GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: OutstandingResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- April 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 15 November 2010.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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76 live-in carers within about two hours of Somerset
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,370 a week. 62 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“She looked after my mum, who can be incredibly challenging, so well and so gently, and we always felt confident that my mum was getting the best care available.”
“She was not phased by anything, she was adaptable, kind & gave us complete confidence to go away & not worry about a thing!”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.