Hazeldene House

Hazeldene House is a residential care home offering nursing and personal care for up to 75 individuals, including those with complex nursing needs and dementia. This report details an inspection that assessed the service's performance across five key areas. It highlights significant improvements since the previous inspection, with a focus on ensuring residents are safe, well-cared for, and receive effective support. The report aims to provide families with a clear understanding of the care provided at Hazeldene House.

In terms of safety, the home has made substantial improvements, ensuring residents are protected from avoidable harm. Risk assessments for health and welfare are now robust, and comprehensive care plans guide staff effectively. While most medication is managed safely, there were some instances where instructions for "as required" medicines needed clarification and outcomes were not always consistently documented. The service also maintains strong infection control measures and has well-trained staff who understand safeguarding procedures.

Regarding effectiveness, residents consistently receive good outcomes and a good quality of life. Care plans are comprehensive and person-centred, reflecting individual preferences and choices, with regular reviews. Staff are well-trained and supported, ensuring they have the skills to provide effective care. Residents are supported to eat and drink sufficiently, with their dietary needs and preferences, including special diets, being well-met by the catering team.

The care provided is described as very positive, with residents and their relatives frequently commenting on the kindness and attentiveness of the staff. Residents feel safe and well-looked after, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of their individual needs and preferences. Staff are praised for their ability to support residents with dignity and promote their independence.

On how responsive the service is, Hazeldene House ensures people are supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Staff actively support residents in the least restrictive way possible, and policies are in place to facilitate this. Residents receive care that promotes their dignity and encourages independence, with relatives being actively involved in care planning and kept informed of any changes or incidents. The service also responds well to people's changing needs.

Concerning the leadership of the home, effective quality assurance processes are in place, and regular audits are conducted. The management team is approachable and supportive of the staff. However, a point for development noted is that at the time of the inspection, there was no registered manager in post, with a deputy manager providing oversight. While staff found the deputy manager supportive, the absence of a registered manager is a factor in the overall assessment of leadership.