CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Heathwood Care Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, February 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control arrangements were keeping people safe.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 21 January 2021. It looked at how the home was prepared to prevent and control COVID-19 infection, rather than carrying out a full inspection of all aspects of care.
Inspectors found the home exceptionally clean. They saw strict arrangements for staff and visitors, including temperature checks, personal protective equipment, testing and controlled entry. Staff had completed infection control training.
The home had a separate area for new admissions or people returning from hospital. People were supported to keep in touch with family and friends through window visits, virtual visits, letters and planned visits.
The service was marked 'Inspected but not rated'. Inspectors were assured about infection prevention and control, but this report does not give ratings for the other four questions.
Very clean home
Inspectors described the home as exceptionally clean. Extra housekeeping and laundry hours, along with regular checks, supported this.
“The home was exceptionally clean throughout. The provider had increased the number of housekeeping and laundry hours each day” from the report
Controlled entry
Staff and visitors had to follow detailed entry procedures, including temperature checks and protective clothing. Visitors entered by appointment and were escorted.
“Visitors can only enter the home by appointment, have to sign in and have their temperature checked.” from the report
Infection control training and testing
Staff had completed infection control training. The home also carried out regular COVID-19 testing for staff and residents.
“Staff had all completed online infection prevention and control training and this included the correct procedures for using PPE.” from the report
Family contact
The home used several ways to help people stay in contact with family and friends, including window visits, virtual visits, letters and planned visits.
“People were supported to maintain contact with their family and friends. This was achieved in a variety of means” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01What are the current arrangements for family visits, and do visitors still need to book in advance?
- 02How is the separate area for new admissions or people returning from hospital used now?
- 03How often are staff and residents tested for infections now?
- 04How do managers check that cleaning, personal protective equipment and entry procedures are being followed?
- 05How will the home help my relative stay in contact with family if visits are restricted?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; the report does not rate the other four questions or provide a full overall rating. This explanation was written from the published report of 18 February 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, August 2019
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised dementia care, although the overall rating fell from Outstanding.
The inspection was unannounced and took place on 13 June 2019. One inspector spoke with relatives, staff and health professionals, observed people’s care, and reviewed three care records and other records.
The home cared for 25 people at the time, all living with dementia. Inspectors found enough suitably checked staff, safe medicines systems, good support with food and healthcare, and care that respected people’s choices and dignity.
People were supported to take part in activities, outings and community events. Staff knew people well and responded to their moods, communication needs and personal preferences.
The home was rated Good in all five areas and overall. This means inspectors found the service consistently met the required standards, but it was not judged Outstanding. The previous overall rating was Outstanding in December 2016.
Kind relationships
Staff knew people well and built strong, reassuring relationships. Inspectors saw staff respond promptly when people were upset or needed comfort.
“Strong relationships were built between staff and people using the service.” from the report
Dementia-focused care
The home used recognised dementia research to understand people’s views, including when they could not communicate verbally. This helped staff adapt care to individual needs.
“The registered manager made use of tools developed by university research in to dementia, to empower people and listen to their views.” from the report
Active daily life
People had frequent opportunities for activities, celebrations, outings and contact with local groups. Inspectors found that people were engaged and enjoying these opportunities.
“People were able to live active, fulfilling lives.” from the report
Safe staffing and medicines
Inspectors found enough staff to meet people’s needs, with staffing increased for events when needed. Medicines were securely stored, administered by trained staff and accurately recorded.
“There were sufficient numbers of staff to ensure people were safe and their needs met.” from the report
Positive leadership
The manager was closely involved in care and encouraged staff to learn and improve. Inspectors found high morale and a clear person-centred approach across the home.
“There was a strong sense of continual improvement at the service.” from the report
Rating lower than before
minorThe home was previously rated Outstanding overall, but was rated Good at this inspection. Responsive and Well-led also fell from Outstanding to Good.
“The last rating for this service was Outstanding when our last report was published in December 2016.” from the report
- 01What progress has been made with changing medicines from monitored dosage systems to original boxes?
- 02How are you developing the dementia mapping tool so that all staff use it consistently?
- 03What progress has the home made towards the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care?
- 04How do you make sure there are enough staff when residents go on outings or attend community events?
- 05How are minor complaints and concerns recorded, reviewed and used to improve care?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five key questions, but inspectors did not ask people specific questions about their care because of their communication needs and reviewed three people’s care records. This explanation was written from the published report of 24 August 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 Heathwood Care Home
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has slipped, from Outstanding to Good.
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- August 2019Gooddown from OutstandingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2016OutstandingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Outstanding
- May 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- October 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- June 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- March 2012
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 19 March 2012.
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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23 live-in carers within about an hour of North 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 £1,050 to £1,320 a week. 19 can care for a couple. 12 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.