CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Highgrove House Residential Care Home
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, April 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors found good infection control, safe visiting arrangements and support for people's wellbeing.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 26 February 2021. It focused on infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic, rather than a full inspection of every part of the service.
Inspectors found good supplies of protective equipment, regular testing, suitable cleaning and arrangements to isolate people with COVID-19. Visitors were screened, tested and supported to visit in ways that reduced infection risks.
People were supported to keep in touch with family and friends and to take part in activities. The home was inspected but not rated, so this report does not give an overall quality rating.
Infection control
The home had protective equipment available and staff were seen using it in line with national guidance.
“We were assured that the provider was using personal protective equipment effectively and safely.” from the report
Keeping in touch
People were supported to contact family and friends by telephone and internet, with visiting arrangements designed to reduce infection risks.
“People were well supported by staff to have telephone and internet contact with their family and friends.” from the report
Testing and training
Staff and residents were regularly tested, and staff had training about keeping people safe during the pandemic.
“Staff had received training on how to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and staff and residents were regularly tested for COVID-19.” from the report
Activities and wellbeing
Staff supported activities and hobbies, and inspectors saw people enjoying interactions with staff in a relaxed atmosphere.
“Staff ensured people's welfare had been maintained and they had sufficient stimulation, such as staff supported activities and support for people's hobbies such as crafting.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently screened, tested and supported to visit safely?
- 02How often are people living here and staff tested for COVID-19 now?
- 03What is the current plan for isolating someone who has COVID-19?
- 04How are activities and hobbies, including crafting, being supported now?
- 05What checks are made to ensure protective equipment is available and used correctly?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it did not rate the overall service or assess the other key questions. This explanation was written from the published report of 14 April 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, September 2018
Rated Good; inspectors found kind, safe care, but staff workload and some records needed attention.
Inspectors visited without warning on 11 and 12 July 2018. They spoke with 12 people, visitors, care staff, managers and a health professional. They observed care, medicines and lunch, and checked care plans, recruitment files, training records, policies and audits.
The home was rated Good overall and Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. People said they felt safe and well cared for. Inspectors saw kind and respectful care, people being offered choices, safe medicines practice, suitable training and care plans that reflected people's needs.
There were some areas needing attention. Staff were worried that increasing numbers of people with dementia were adding to their workload. Some recruitment information was not clearly recorded, and some care information was difficult to find. Some people also said they would like more activities and outings. There was no registered manager in post, although a new manager had applied for registration.
Kind and respectful care
Staff knew people well and supported their choices, independence, privacy and dignity.
“Staff cared for the people with kindness and compassion.” from the report
Personalised care plans
Care plans included people's histories, preferences and care needs. People and relatives were involved in planning and reviewing care.
“Plans contained a good level of person-centred detail.” from the report
Staff training and support
Staff received key training, supervision and appraisals. New staff were monitored before working without supervision.
“There was a comprehensive system of key training in place for all staff.” from the report
Open management
People and staff could give feedback through meetings and speak to the management. Audits and quality checks were in place.
“We observed a positive culture within the home and these core values were seen to be used in practice.” from the report
Staff workload
needs fixingStaff said people's needs were becoming more demanding, particularly as the home accepted more people with dementia. Inspectors found enough staff during the visit, but the manager needed to keep staffing under review.
“It's hard to keep an eye on them (the people) all the time.” from the report
Recruitment records
needs fixingThe home had recruitment checks, but some files did not clearly show DBS details, employment gaps or that those gaps had been explored. The manager started gathering the missing information during the inspection.
“There were gaps in the employment history on some of the application forms and there was a lack of documented evidence that these had been explored with the applicant.” from the report
Care information was hard to find
needs fixingSome care plans and daily records were stored in different formats and were not always in chronological order. The manager had identified this and was reviewing the records.
“Some specific information was hard to locate, as care plans and daily records were kept in different formats” from the report
Limited activities for some people
minorThere was an activity programme, but some people said they felt bored or wanted more opportunities to leave the home. The manager was changing staff hours and planning more activities and outings.
“I would like to go to the shops and get it but I don't. I don't go out unless my children come.” from the report
No registered manager in post
minorA new care manager was running the home and had applied to become the registered manager. The application was still being processed at the inspection.
“At the time of the inspection the home did not have a Registered Manager in post.” from the report
- 01How do you now check that staffing levels are enough as people's dementia and other care needs increase?
- 02Have all recruitment files been completed so DBS checks and gaps in employment are clearly recorded?
- 03How have you made care plans and daily records easier for staff to find and follow?
- 04What activities and outings are currently available for people who may otherwise spend time in their rooms?
- 05Is there now a registered manager in post, and who is responsible for the home day to day?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five key questions and the overall quality of the home. This explanation was written from the published report of 15 September 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 Highgrove House Residential Care Home
Each visit the CQC has published, newest first, back to the day the home was registered.
- April 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
Read what inspectors found at Highgrove House Residential Care Home →
- September 2018GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
Read what inspectors found at Highgrove House Residential Care Home →
- June 2017
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 30 June 2017.
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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28 live-in carers within about an hour of West Sussex
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 £1,170 a week. 23 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
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