Heatherwood Care Centre

Heatherwood Care Centre is a care home providing personal care to up to 23 people. The service provides support to older people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 14 people using the service. Since the last inspection the service stopped nursing care and was now providing only residential care to people.

People received safe care at Heatherwood Care Centre and risks to people's care were assessed and managed well. Staff were trained in safeguarding as part of their induction and again annually. The registered manager reported any allegations to the local authority safeguarding team and reviewed any lessons from safeguarding investigations, accidents and incidents and feedback on the service to improve. There were enough staff to care for people and recruitment practices were as expected in checking staff were suitable to work with vulnerable people. Health and safety checks were carried out of the premises and equipment to make sure they were safe. The premises were clean, tidy and hygienic and staff followed current infection control and hygiene practice to reduce the risk of infections.

The service was managed well and the registered manager was skilled and experienced and understood their role, as did all staff we spoke with. The registered manager and quality lead had good oversight of the service with regular checks and reviews to ensure people received high quality care. Communication with people, relatives and staff was good and their feedback was used as part of improving the service. Staff were well supported. Care was provided in a person-centred way. The service improved the environment following best practice advice relating to people living with dementia and a redecoration programme was underway to improve further. Good relationships were in place with local and national organisations and healthcare professionals.