CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Harker House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control, including testing, protective equipment, isolation, cleaning and social distancing.
- Effective?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This question was not assessed in this targeted inspection.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong COVID-19 infection prevention measures.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 25 February 2021. It looked at how the home was prepared to prevent and control COVID-19 infection.
Inspectors found good practice. They were assured that the home used personal protective equipment safely, followed social distancing rules, arranged testing, and had procedures for isolating people who had COVID-19 or had recently arrived.
The inspection did not give an overall quality rating. The Safe question was marked “Inspected but not rated”, so this report does not assess all areas of care.
Visitor checks
Visitors had their temperatures checked and recorded on entry. The home also arranged regular COVID-19 testing for staff, visitors and residents.
“All staff and visitors had their temperature measured, reviewed and recorded on entry.” from the report
Isolation arrangements
The home had clear procedures for people with COVID-19 and for people arriving from hospital or the community. Inspectors said this reduced the risk of infection spreading.
“This effectively reduced the risks of transmission of COVID-19 within the home.” from the report
Protective equipment and distancing
Staff followed personal protective equipment and social distancing guidance.
“Staff were adhering to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing guidance.” from the report
Family contact
People could speak with family by phone or video call. Visits had been risk assessed, with specific arrangements for people nearing the end of life.
“People were supported to speak to their families on the phone or via video call.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How often are people living in the home and staff tested for COVID-19 now?
- 02What arrangements are used when a new resident arrives from hospital or the community?
- 03How can family visits take place, including visits at the end of life?
- 04How are staff kept up to date when infection prevention guidance changes?
- 05How are risk assessments carried out for residents or staff who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19?
This was an announced, targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic; it did not assess the other four quality questions and gave no overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 30 March 2021 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 2019
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care across all five areas they checked.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 21 February 2019. One inspector and an expert by experience visited the home. They spoke with people, relatives, staff, managers and a healthcare professional, and reviewed care records, medicines records and management records.
Inspectors found enough suitably recruited staff. Medicines were managed safely. People were treated with kindness and respect, and staff understood their individual needs and preferences. People had choices about their daily routines, meals and activities.
The home was rated Good overall and Good in Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. This was the same overall rating as at the previous inspection, published on 15 July 2016. The report says CQC would continue to monitor the home through the information it receives.
Enough staff
Inspectors found enough staff to meet people's needs. Care was not rushed, and staff had time to spend with people.
“There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people's needs.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff built positive relationships with people and supported their dignity, choices and independence.
“Staff had clearly developed positive, caring relationships with people using the service.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans described people's needs, preferences and personal boundaries in detail. Staff understood how people wanted to be supported.
“People's care records were very detailed and person-centred.” from the report
Food and activities
People had a choice of meals and support with eating and drinking. They could take part in varied social and recreational activities.
“People had a choice of meals and enjoyed a varied and balanced diet.” from the report
Open management
People, relatives and staff spoke positively about the acting manager and deputy manager. Staff said they felt listened to and supported.
“Staff felt listened to and told us that the acting manager and deputy manager were approachable and very supportive” from the report
Registered manager away
minorThe registered manager was away on planned long-term leave during the inspection. The home was being run by an acting manager with support from a deputy manager, so families may want to check who is currently responsible.
“At the time of our inspection the registered manager was away long term on planned leave.” from the report
- 01Who is currently managing the home, and what support and oversight do they receive?
- 02What refurbishment work has been completed since the inspection, and what remains to be done?
- 03How are medicines checked to make sure doses are not missed and staff remain competent?
- 04What meals, snacks and finger foods are now available for people with different dietary needs or dementia?
- 05Has the planned work towards the Six Steps to Success in End of Life Care Programme started or been completed?
This was an unannounced scheduled inspection covering all five key questions, with both the care provided and the care home premises looked at. This explanation was written from the published report of 26 March 2019 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 Harker House
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- March 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- July 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Good
- April 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 25 April 2011.
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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13 live-in carers within about an hour of Norfolk
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 £990 to £1,120 a week. 9 can care for a couple. 14 years' experience on average.
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.