This inspection took place on 24 and 25 May 2018 and was unannounced. This was the provider’s first inspection since their registration in April 2017.

Heathfield Court Care Home is a ‘care home’ providing residential care for older people with dementia. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. Heathfield Court Care Home accommodates up to 66 people. There were 63 people using the service at the time of our inspection.

The service did not have a registered manager in post. The previous registered manager left the service in March 2018. The provider had appointed a new manager to run the home in March 2018. The new manager’s application to the CQC to become the registered manager was being processed. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Staff knew how to keep people safe. The service had clear procedures to support staff to recognise and respond to abuse. The new manager and staff had completed safeguarding training. Staff completed risk assessments for every person who used the service and they were up to date with detailed guidance for staff to reduce risks.

The service had an effective system to manage accidents and incidents, and to prevent them from happening again. The provider recognised people’s need for stimulation and social interaction. People had end-of-life care plans in place to ensure their preferences at the end of their lives were met. Staff completed daily care records to show what support and care they provided to each person.

The provider carried out comprehensive background checks of staff before they started working and there were enough staff to provide support to people.

Medicines were managed appropriately and people were receiving their medicines as prescribed. Staff received medicines management training and their competency was checked. All medicines were stored safely.

The service had arrangements to deal with emergencies and staff were aware of the provider’s infection control procedures and they maintained the premises.

The provider trained staff to support people and meet their needs. People and their relatives told us that staff were knowledgeable about their roles and that they were satisfied with the way staff looked after them. The provider supported staff through regular supervision and yearly appraisals.

The new manager and staff understood their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice. People consented to their care before this was delivered.

Staff assessed people’s nutritional needs and supported them to maintain a balanced diet. Staff supported people to access the healthcare services they required, and monitored their healthcare appointments. The new manager and staff liaised with external health and social care professionals to meet people’s needs.

People or their relatives, where appropriate, were involved in the assessment, planning and review of their care. Staff considered people’s choices, health and social care needs, and their general wellbeing.

Staff supported people in a way which was kind, caring, and respectful. Staff protected people’s privacy and dignity.

The service had a clear policy and procedure for managing complaints. People knew how to complain and told us they would do so if necessary.

The service