Heaton House Care Home

Ratings

• Overall

  Requires improvement

• Safe

  Requires improvement

• Effective

  Requires improvement

• Caring

  Good

• Responsive

  Requires improvement

• Well-led

  Requires improvement

Our view of the service

We carried out an assessment of Heaton House Care Home, which is a residential care home, registered to support up to 21 people. At the time of this assessment 14 people were living at the home, although 2 people were currently in hospital. The assessment took place between the 25 September and 17 October 2024. The assessment included 2 on-site visits, with additional information and evidence reviewed remotely. The assessment was completed to check if improvements had been made following our previous assessment in March 2024, when we had taken regulatory action due to identifying 6 breaches of legal regulations. At this assessment we found 4 breaches of regulations in relation to medicines, premises and equipment, good governance and staffing. Medicines were not managed safely. Risks relating to the environment had not been assessed timely or fully. Governance systems and audits were not fully embedded and had not identified all areas for improvement. Staff training and supervision records did not provide assurance these had been completed in line with the providers policy and procedures. The provider had made improvements since our last inspection and are no longer in breach of regulations 9 and 19. A more consistent activity programme was being provided which people enjoyed. Staff were recruited safely, with required employment checks being completed. The home had undergone a number of managerial changes since the last assessment. A new home manager had been appointed in July 2024 but was no longer employed and the previous deputy manager had left and been replaced. The current deputy manager was running the home supported by a director and the nominated individual. People and relatives commented on some improvements being made within the home over the last few months.

People's experience of this service

People and relatives spoke positively about the care and support provided and the staff who provided this. Staff were friendly and helpful and many had developed a good rapport with the people they supported. One person told us, “I would say you are well looked after here. I have been here several years, I am comfortable here and it feels like home.” People felt safe living at the home and comfortable in raising concerns to either staff or management. During the assessment site visits we saw people receiving support in line with their wishes. Staff responded timely to requests for help, and provided support and reassurance as needed. People had noticed an increase in activities, and welcomed having more to do.