CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Hay House Nursing Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about infection control, visiting arrangements and support during the pandemic.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 26 February 2021. It looked at infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic, rather than the full range of care provided.
Inspectors were assured that the home was using protective equipment safely, testing people and staff, managing admissions and isolating people when needed. They also found the home clean, well ventilated and supported by detailed cleaning schedules.
The home was helping people keep in touch with family and friends through outdoor visits, phone calls and technology. It was preparing indoor visits by appointment. Staff also provided activities suited to people's interests and supported staff wellbeing.
Infection control
Inspectors found that protective equipment, testing, cleaning and isolation arrangements were in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.” from the report
Keeping families connected
The home supported outdoor visits, phone calls and technology, and was preparing indoor visits by appointment with safety measures.
“The service had been facilitating outside visits and ensuring people had support to stay in touch with family and friends through technology and phone calls.” from the report
Activities and staff support
People were offered activities linked to their interests, including exercise, quizzes and birthday celebrations. The report also says staff felt valued and appreciated.
“People had coped well during the pandemic due to a dedicated staff group and a good range of activities to suit individual interests and engagement to keep people occupied.” from the report
Clean environment
The home was clean and hygienic, with frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, regular deep cleaning and good ventilation.
“The home was clean and hygienic. Detailed cleaning schedules were in place for all areas of the home.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What are the current arrangements for indoor and outdoor visits, and how are visits kept safe?
- 02How are new residents assessed and supported if they cannot fully isolate in their rooms?
- 03How often are residents and staff tested, and what happens if someone has symptoms or tests positive?
- 04How are cleaning schedules, high-touch points and protective equipment checked each day?
- 05What activities are currently available for a resident with dementia and particular interests?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection of all five care areas and the service was not rated. This explanation was written from the published report of 23 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, April 2018
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and individualised care for people, most of whom were living with dementia.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 19 February 2018. The inspector spent time with all 32 people living at the home, spoke with relatives, staff and managers, and checked care records, medicines records, audits and other documents.
The home remained Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found enough trained staff, safe medicines management, clean surroundings and good safeguarding arrangements.
Staff knew people well and supported their choices, independence, health needs and personal routines. People had activities, trips out and regular contact with relatives. The inspection found a calm atmosphere and no concerns with the care provided.
This was the first inspection since the provider had been bought by new owners. Inspectors found the change had been managed well and that the home was meeting all regulatory requirements.
Kind, personal care
Staff knew people's preferences, routines and histories. They adapted their support and helped people maintain independence.
“Staff had good knowledge of each person and spoke about people in a compassionate, caring way.” from the report
Dementia support
Staff recognised signs of anxiety or distress and used patience, conversation and distraction to support people safely.
“Staff used chatting and distraction techniques as they knew people well, showing patience and understanding.” from the report
Activities and engagement
People could choose from activities, sensory items, trips and outings. Activities were linked to their interests and past experiences.
“People were provided with good opportunities for activities, engagement and trips out.” from the report
Safe medicines practice
Nurses were trained and confident in giving medicines. Records showed when medicines were given or refused, and storage was safe.
“Medicines were stored safely and records kept in line with relevant legislation.” from the report
Family involvement
Relatives were welcomed, kept informed and involved in care planning if they wished. Families could visit at any time.
“Four relatives told us they were always made welcome, updated on their loved ones care and were able to visit at any time.” from the report
Good management checks
Managers used audits, surveys and provider visits to monitor safety and care. The new owners' transition was found to be good.
“There were effective quality assurance systems in place to monitor care and plan on-going improvements.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How do you make sure each person's care plan reflects their current routines, preferences and communication needs?
- 02How do you support people living with dementia when they become anxious or distressed?
- 03What activities and trips are available, and how do you adapt them for each person's interests and abilities?
- 04How will relatives be involved in care planning, health reviews and end of life decisions?
- 05How are staffing levels adjusted when someone's needs change or they become unwell?
This was an unannounced inspection covering all five CQC areas; inspectors spent time with all 32 people living at the home and reviewed a sample of records, including three care files. This explanation was written from the published report of 6 April 2018 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 Hay House Nursing Home
2 rated inspections over 2 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- April 2018Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2015GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2011
Report published without a new overall rating.
- December 2010
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 7 January 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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17 live-in carers within about an hour of Devon
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 £1,270 a week. 15 can care for a couple. 13 years' experience on average.
“She is such a warm and gentle person while being professional and competent at the same time.”
“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.”
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.