Background to this inspection
Updated
29 April 2021
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.
This announced inspection took place on 7 April 2021. We also asked the provider to send us infection prevention and control policies and audit findings.
Updated
29 April 2021
About the service: Harpenden Bethesda Home is a care home and provides accommodation, care and support for up to 25 older people. At the time of the inspection, there were 10 people living in the home.
People’s experience of using this service:
People continued to feel safe living at the service. Risks in relation to people’s health, safety and welfare had been identified and action taken where appropriate. Staffing levels were appropriate to meet the needs of the people using the service. Medicines were safely managed. There were systems in place to monitor incidents and accidents and learn from these.
Staff were competent and knew the people they supported well. People’s care, health and cultural needs were identified so staff could meet these. People had their nutritional needs met. People were supported to maintain good health. Staff made referrals to health professionals when required. Staff worked within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and ensured people consented to their care.
People continued to receive care from staff who were kind and caring. People’s privacy and dignity was protected and promoted. People had developed positive relationships with staff who had a good understanding of their needs and preferences. One relative said, “[name] is very happy living at Bethesda and moved a long way to live here because their reputation is excellent as a care home.”
People received care that met their needs. Care plans gave details of how people would like their needs met. People took part in a range of group and one-to-one activities depending on their preferences. Information was displayed on how to make a complaint. Relatives also told us they knew how to complain.
People, relatives and staff told us the service was well managed and had an open and friendly culture. Staff said the service had a family atmosphere and they felt well-supported. The current registered manager and staff worked in partnership with other agencies to ensure people got the care and support they needed. This included local health and community services, such as district nurses and speech therapists.
Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 21 March 2016)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remains Good.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor all intelligence received about the service to ensure the next inspection is scheduled accordingly.