Heathlands Care Home

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 26 August 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Heathlands is a care home providing personal and nursing care for up to 84 older people who may be living with dementia. The care home accommodates people in a single adapted building spread over three floors. There were 62 people using the service at the time of this inspection.

The inspection took place on 15, 20 and 21 May 2025 and we visited the home on all 3 days. This inspection consisted of all quality statements under the key questions of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. The inspection was conducted by 3 inspectors on the first day and by 2 inspectors for the remaining 2 days. A specialist advisor and expert by experience also attended on the first day.

During the inspection we spoke with people, and their relatives. We spoke with 13 staff including the registered manager, deputy manager, operations manager, nurses, care staff, the chef, administrator, the activity lead and house-keeping staff.

This location is dual registered. Dual registration is when a provider has stated, and is able to evidence, that at least two providers are both responsible for managing the regulated activities at a single location. CQC consider both providers to be reliable and legally responsible for carrying on of the regulated activity irrespective of any specific arrangements between them. This means that any default or breach by one provider is the responsibility of both providers. The two providers responsible for the location are; Heathlands Care Home (Chingford) Ltd and Ventas Opco UK Limited. This report should be read in conjunction with the report for Heathlands Care Home - 1-21533595084.

This is the first assessment for Heathlands Care Home since it became dual registered.

The home provided safe and effective care to people, with systems in place to support wellbeing. Staff were suitably trained and demonstrated a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures, contributing to a culture where people felt secure and well-supported. Medicines were administered safely and in line with national guidance, and there were enough staff on duty to respond to individual needs promptly.

The home was clean and free from malodour. Walkways were clear and there were no trip hazards present.

Infection prevention and control practices were generally strong, with staff adhering to hygiene protocols and demonstrating good awareness. However, some issues were identified during the inspection that required improvement to ensure continued compliance and safety. These were addressed.

People were supported to maintain healthy nutrition and hydration, with access to food and drink that met their dietary requirements and personal preferences. Consent to care was consistently sought and documented, and staff respected the decisions of those living at the home. Independence was encouraged, with staff enabling people to do as much for themselves as possible.

Throughout the inspection, we observed kind and respectful interactions between staff and residents. Feedback from people highlighted a warm and compassionate environment where individuals felt listened to and valued.

People’s care plans were individual and reflected their needs in order for staff to provide effective care. Staff worked closely with people and their families to ensure plans were regularly reviewed and adapted, promoting wellbeing, and dignity.

Quality assurance systems were effective to monitor the service and the registered manager and deputy always strived for improvement.