Half Acre House

This report from the Care Quality Commission provides an overview of Half Acre House, a care home offering accommodation and personal care. The inspection, which took place on 9 May 2018, aimed to assess the overall quality of care and compliance with regulations. It addresses key areas including safety, effectiveness of care, the caring approach of staff, responsiveness to residents' needs, and the overall leadership of the home. The report highlights the home's commitment to meeting regulatory standards and improving the resident experience.

In terms of safety, residents reported feeling secure, and the home has robust safeguarding policies and training for staff. A strong recruitment process ensures sufficient staff are available to meet needs, and risk assessments are regularly updated. Medicines management is well-handled, and the premises are kept clean and free from odours.

Regarding the effectiveness of the care provided, staff receive thorough induction and ongoing training, though more formal regular supervisions are planned. Care plans are detailed and regularly updated, and nutritional and hydration needs are well met, with residents enjoying a good choice of food. The home operates in line with the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

The caring aspect of the service is evident in staff's compassionate and kind approach, with residents' privacy and dignity consistently respected. Families are kept informed, and residents are actively involved in their care planning and reviews. The home offers a variety of activities to promote engagement and well-being, and staff are undertaking further training in end-of-life care.

On the responsiveness of the service, care is person-centred, with individual preferences being a priority. The home actively encourages participation in meaningful activities and holds regular meetings for residents and their relatives. The service handles complaints effectively and has received positive feedback, with efforts underway to enhance end-of-life care provisions.

Finally, the service is well-led, with staff feeling supported through regular appraisals and meetings. The home collaborates effectively with external professionals and agencies, and a system of audits is in place to drive continuous improvement. All required notifications to the CQC regarding incidents have been made promptly.