We carried out a review of the data available to us about Harding House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Harding House, you can give feedback on this service.
Harding House is a care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 10 people. At the time of our inspection, there were 9 people using the service. The service supports deaf adults with mental health needs.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe living at Harding House. Staff were trained in how to identify, prevent and report abuse. The service assessed and managed risks to people effectively.
Medicines were managed safely. People received their medicines as prescribed. The home was clean and hygienic, and staff followed best practice guidance to control the risk and spread of infection.
There were enough staff to meet people’s needs in a timely way. Appropriate recruitment procedures were in place and pre-employment checks were completed before staff started working with people.
People’s needs were met by staff who were competent, trained and supported in their job role. People 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.
People’s dietary needs were met, and they received appropriate support to eat and drink enough. They were supported to access healthcare services when needed. Staff worked well with other healthcare providers to help ensure continuity of care and supported communication between people and health professionals.
People said they liked living at Harding House. Staff knew people well and built positive relationships with them. Staff used British Sign Language (BSL) to effectively meet people’s communication needs.
Staff protected people’s privacy and dignity. They encouraged people to remain as independent as possible and involved them in planning the care and support they received.
People and professionals who had regular contact with the home felt it was run well. Staff were organised, motivated and worked well as a team. They enjoyed working at the home and told us they felt valued.
There were effective quality assurance systems in place to help ensure the safety and quality of the service.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Why we inspected
This service was registered with us in July 2021 and this is the first inspection.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
We found the following examples of good practice.
Facilities were in place to wash hands or use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the home. All visitors were screened for symptoms of acute respiratory infection before being allowed to enter the home. There was prominent signage and instructions to explain what people should do to ensure safety. Information was easily accessible on arrival or before visits to ensure visitors followed guidance and procedures to ensure compliance with infection prevention control (IPC).
Staff wore masks, gloves, and aprons in all rooms where people were isolating. They wore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inn areas where 2m social distancing could not be achieved. People who were in isolation did not attend communal areas, including shared lavatories and bathrooms. Alternative facilities were provided.
The service ensured people were tested for COVID-19 by the hospital and from the community before being admitted. People were assessed daily for the development of symptoms of COVID-19.
Use of PPE was in accordance with current government guidelines. Signage on PPE and handwashing was visible in all required areas, including for visitors. Staff had received training in IPC and PPE. The provider has assessed the impact of how PPE may cause fear and anxiety for people.
Testing scheme for all staff and residents was conducted – known as ‘whole home testing’.
The registered manager knew how to apply for coronavirus testing kits to test people and staff. Risk assessments had been carried out on people using services and staff belonging to higher risk groups.
Communal areas such as outdoor spaces and garden areas were used creatively to help with IPC. Staff had cleaning schedules, which they were required to complete and include frequency of cleaning of high touch areas, e.g. light switches and door handles. Records/checks of cleaning showed compliance with the cleaning schedule.
All members of staff worked in only one care setting. The provider understood and was meeting COVID-19 staff vaccination requirement. This includes, monitoring vaccination and COVID-19 status of deployed staff, ensuring deployed staff maintain an up-to-date vaccination status, including providing guidance and assistance for staff to get vaccinated.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.