Background to this inspection
Updated
29 July 2022
The inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.
Inspection team
The inspection was undertaken by two inspectors.
Service and service type
Horizon House is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Horizon House is a care home with nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Registered Manager
This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.
At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.
Notice of inspection
This inspection was unannounced.
What we did before the inspection
We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.
During the inspection
We reviewed a range of records. This included three people’s care records and two people’s medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were also reviewed.
We spoke with five members of staff including the registered manager, deputy manager and three support workers. We had a tour of the service and spent time observing staff interactions with people. We were not able to speak with people who used the service as they did not wish to engage with the inspection process.
Following the inspection site visit we contacted a number of professionals to ask their views on the service provided. Four professionals provided us with feedback.
Updated
29 July 2022
About the service
Horizon House is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care for up to seven people. The service provides support to older people and younger adults who have mental health needs. At the time of our inspection, there were seven people using the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People were safe. Systems and processes were in place to protect people from the risk of abuse. Risks to people had been assessed and recorded. Records did not always contain information of all action that had been taken to manage risks. We made a recommendation about risk management.
People received person-centred care from a staff team who were knowledgeable about their likes, dislikes and preferences. People had care plans in place, which outlined their goals and desired outcomes. Records did not always evidence progress people had made. We made a recommendation about care planning and recording outcomes.
People were supported by trained staff who had been recruited safely. Staffing levels were adjusted according to people’s daily support needs, which encouraged social interaction.
The service was clean, tidy and had a homely feel. Staff followed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance and medicines were managed safely.
People were encouraged to be as independent as possible. They 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.
Professionals spoke highly of the service and the positive impact it had on people’s lives. Professionals described a dedicated staff team who worked in partnership with professionals to meet people’s needs.
Staff spoke positively of the registered manager and their approach. There was a wide range of audits in place which were used to continuously monitor and improve the service. Feedback from people, relatives, staff and professionals was valued and used to drive improvements.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the Care Quality Commissions (CQC) website at www.cqc.org.uk.
Rating at last inspection
This service was registered with us on 30 November 2020 and this is the first inspection.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.