Francis Court wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Dec 15, 2016

A national care watchdog has given Francis Court the seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising the home’s caring team members.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Francis Court care home on Borers Arms Road an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

To assess service standards at Francis Court, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.

The inspectors highlighted how residents felt well looked after and supported by the Care UK team, with friendly and genuine relationships observed between residents and the team. One resident commented, "They are all friendly and caring and know what they are doing". Care plans described resident's needs and preferences and they were encouraged to be as independent as possible.

The report noted that residents were happy and relaxed with the care team. One resident commented: "The relaxed atmosphere makes me feel safe", and a family member said, "I am confident that my [relative] is safe". The inspectors felt residents were empowered to make their own decisions, and were free to do much what they wanted throughout the day.

The inspectors added that Francis Court had a calm, relaxing and homely feel. Residents’ rooms were personalised with their belongings and memorabilia, and had signs on their doors incorporating pictures or photographs that provided reminders and reassurance that it was their room.

Mary Ann Ballesteros, home manager at Francis Court, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home at Francis Court and I’m so pleased our efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors. Everyone here works incredibly hard to support residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to be rated ‘good’ shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to resident’s lives each and every day.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and I would like to take say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”
Inspectors further noted that the residents’ needs for stimulation and social interaction were met by the Care UK team, with regular opportunities to take part in activities such as singing, exercises, films, arts and crafts and themed events, such as reminiscence sessions. Meetings with residents were held to gather residents' ideas, personal choices and preferences on how to spend their leisure time.

For further information about Francis Court, please contact customer relations manager Carolyn Tyrer, on Carolyn.Tyrer@careuk.com or call 01342 886 567.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/francis-court