Haverhill care home wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Feb 18, 2016

Care UK’s Cleves Place care home has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with relatives and residents praising the home’s happy and friendly atmosphere, and kind and caring team members.

Following an unannounced inspection of the care home on 30th November 2015, Cleves Place has been given a ‘good’ rating in a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The inspector found that people were treated with dignity and respect and that the experienced team, led by home manager Sharlene Van Tonder, worked well together to continually improve the quality of the service.

In order to assess service standards at Cleves Place, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.

The inspector noted that the Cleves Place team had good relationships with the residents. The team were all very familiar with individual residents’ likes and dislikes, and they understood aspects of each resident’s lifetime history. Residents were supported to follow a wide range of interests and hobbies with a weekly activities programme, as well as encouraged to maintain their independence around the home by taking part in meaningful tasks such as helping to fold laundry.

The inspector also noted that there were lots of sensory and reminiscence items available to support those living with dementia, such as a beach-themed area with sand and sounds of the sea, a sewing and dressmaking area and an old fashioned office. The coffee shop and Dog and Parrot pub were noted as popular, sociable places where relatives enjoy sitting with their loved ones and having a chat.

Relatives were positive in their comments about Cleves Place, particularly praising the supportive, kind and compassionate management team. Relatives are encouraged to give feedback and support the development of the care home’s service, through an ‘ideas box’ and satisfaction surveys.

Sharlene Van Tonder, home manager at Cleves Place, said: “We are all thrilled to have received a ‘good’ rating from the CQC. Not only are the CQC’s findings an important benchmark for those looking at future care for loved ones, but they also give existing residents and their families even more confidence in the care services we provide.”