Heatherfield Care Home

People were safe from the risk of abuse. Risks to people were assessed and regularly reviewed when people's needs changed. Some staff were not fully aware of people's individual risk assessment details. We have made a recommendation about this. The building was well maintained, and health and safety risks were assessed.

The provider employed sufficient staff, staff were trained appropriately and recruited safely. Staff worked effectively with visiting professionals. Infection control measures were in place, and visiting was managed in line with current guidance.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Care records were person centred. People were supported to eat and drink a balanced diet. Menu choices were not always presented to people living with dementia in line with best practice guidance. We have made a recommendation about this.

The management team worked in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure people received appropriate support in a timely manner.

There was a positive culture in the service. Staff said the management team were supportive. Most relatives thought the service was managed well. Quality assurance checks were taking place, lessons had been learnt and improvements were made continuously.

We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports CQC to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. We considered this guidance as there were people using the service who have a learning disability and or who are autistic.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk