CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Hepworth House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, May 2019
Rated Requires Improvement; inspectors found kind care and safe medicines, but risks, the environment, activities and management systems needed improvement.
This was an unannounced inspection on 25 and 26 April 2019. One inspector and an expert by experience spoke with people, relatives, staff and managers. They observed care and checked the home, care records, staff files, complaints, accidents, audits and policies.
The home was not always safe. Inspectors found damaged carpets, unsuitable equipment and poor cleanliness that could have caused harm or infection. The provider acted quickly and made significant improvements by the second day, but inspectors were not sure these would have happened without the inspection.
People were treated with kindness, respect and compassion. Medicines, food, staff training, recruitment and access to healthcare were generally handled well. However, the building was not well adapted for people living with dementia, some communication needs were not properly supported, and people had too few meaningful activities.
The overall rating was Requires Improvement. Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-led were rated Requires Improvement. Caring was rated Good. The inspection found one breach of regulation about good governance.
Kind and respectful care
People and relatives spoke positively about the care. Inspectors saw staff being attentive, kind and reassuring, while respecting privacy and dignity.
“We saw people being treated with kindness and respect.” from the report
Medicines handled safely
Staff gave medicines safely and respectfully. Audits, storage checks and protocols for medicines taken when needed were in place.
“People were supported to take their medicines safely.” from the report
Food and health support
People enjoyed the food and were offered choices and suitable diets. Staff involved health professionals when people needed extra support.
“Food looked and smelled appetising and people were enjoying their food.” from the report
Staff preparation
Recruitment checks were completed before staff started. Staff received training, induction, supervision and competency checks.
“Staff received training and supervisions to perform their job roles effectively.” from the report
Involvement in care
People and relatives were involved in care planning and reviews. People were offered choices about food, clothing and personal care.
“People were involved in the creation and review of the care plans.” from the report
Safety and cleanliness risks
seriousInspectors found damaged flooring, unsuitable equipment and dirty areas, including mould and dirty toilet brushes. These issues were improved quickly, but the systems had not identified them beforehand.
“Not acting promptly on known risks meant that people may have been at risk of potential harm.” from the report
Poor dementia-friendly design
needs fixingThe home had no clear signs, memory boxes or distinctive colours to help people living with dementia find their way. The environment was also described as old and worn.
“The premises were not designed to support people living with dementia.” from the report
Communication needs not fully supported
needs fixingPeople who did not communicate verbally did not have suitable tools such as pictures or easy-read information. This could limit their ability to make choices.
“This meant that some people were unable to communicate or make choices effectively.” from the report
Too few activities
needs fixingPeople said there was little to do and that they felt bored. Inspectors saw long periods when people had limited opportunities to take part in meaningful activities.
“People told us that there was not a lot to do at the service.” from the report
Care records lacked detail
needs fixingSome dementia needs were not fully explained in care plans. One person's choice about going to bed early was not recorded, so inspectors could not tell whether it was their preference.
“Care plans did not give detailed information about how people's dementia may have affected their lives or how staff should respond to people if they became distressed.” from the report
- 01What checks now make sure carpets, bathrooms, equipment and cleaning meet the required standard every day?
- 02What changes have been made to help people living with dementia find their way around the home?
- 03What communication tools are available for people who do not communicate verbally?
- 04How do you make sure each person's choices, including preferred routines such as bedtime, are recorded in their care plan?
- 05What activities are available each day, including for people who choose not to use the main lounge?
This was a planned, unannounced inspection of all five key questions and the overall service; it was the home's first inspection since registering with the CQC. This explanation was written from the published report of 25 May 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 Hepworth House
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- May 2019Requires improvementcurrent ratingSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- January 2018
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 12 January 2018.
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.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
88 live-in carers within about an hour of Bedford
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 £980 to £1,260 a week. 76 can care for a couple. 12 years' experience on average.
“We can all fully relax around Nyarai and she feels like part of our family, which is no mean feat!”
“She handled the new situation in front of her with such professionalism and I felt I could trust her 100%.”
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.