Hatherley Care Home Limited

Hatherley Care Home Limited in Saffron Walden provides accommodation and care for up to 37 people, supporting individuals with physical frailty and those living with dementia. An unannounced inspection took place on 10 May 2018, specifically prompted by concerns raised about staffing levels during the early morning. While the inspection focused primarily on examining how the home operated safely at that time, previous findings from September 2017 were also reviewed, and the service continued to demonstrate a consistent standard of care overseen by a long-standing registered manager.

When examining safety, inspectors noted that sufficient numbers of staff were available, consisting of five care staff and a senior member during the day, supported by the registered manager and deputy manager when needed. Although there were some staff vacancies filled by existing team members and agency workers, checks and inductions were carried out for agency staff, and call bells were found not to ring for extended periods.

Regarding effectiveness, the team included a mix of skills with very experienced staff members, such as one employee who had worked at the home for 33 years. A visiting health professional spoke positively about the staff skills and noted that they communicated well and were quick to raise any concerns regarding residents' wellbeing.

In terms of being caring, residents shared that they felt well cared for and appreciated living at the home, noting that staff knew them well and were attentive despite being busy. Staff were observed taking their time to help residents get comfortable and offering individual choices, and residents mentioned they would not hesitate to recommend the service.

For the responsive category, care was provided in a person-centred way with a flexible breakfast service spread over a two-hour period. Staff accommodated personal preferences and routines, such as knowing specific details about how individual residents preferred to take their drinks.

In the area of being well-led, the service was guided by a registered manager who had been in post for many years and monitored dependency levels to ensure adequate staffing. Staff described the workplace as running smoothly with a strong team that pulled together, and team members expressed confidence in the management by stating they would happily place their own relatives in the home.