Revamped Elmstead House wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Apr 25, 2019

A national care watchdog has given Elmstead House the seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its caring and attentive team members. 

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Elmstead House an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection. 

The home received ‘good’ ratings in all five categories, including safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and having a well-led service. 

The inspectors commended the individualised, person-centred approach to care offered by Elmstead House to residents. For example, some residents were specifically allocated one to one team members due to their needs or potential risks that had been identified. A relative commented: “Yes, absolutely 100% perfect care. There’s always someone with her. She’s at risk of falls so she’s a one-to-one and they’re all lovely.” 

On top of ensuring that dietary requirements were clearly recorded, the report noted the chef was fully aware of every resident’s specific needs, likes and dislikes. Residents were also supported to eat and drink in a personalised way in order for them to be as independent as possible. One resident commented: “The food is excellent”. 

The inspectors observed that residents had the possibility to personalise their rooms as they wished, in addition to the dementia-friendly layout of the home, from signage to pictorial aids. Team members also completed a life story booklet with residents in order to know them better and prompt memories to stimulate conversations. The booklet includes their hobbies, wishes, aspirations, as well as a family tree and a list of memorable dates and special days. 

As a result, the report praised the genuine, caring relationships that team members have developed with residents, which has created a “warm family atmosphere” within the home. Inspectors observed a team member reading a book to a resident, while another started a spontaneous sing-along. One resident commented: “The staff here are very kind and caring”, and a relative said: “They are caring. I think they respect her like their own mother.” 

The report also noted that Elmstead House seeks to promote independence as much as possible, and to respect residents’ privacy and dignity. One team member explained: “Give them choice, give them the opportunity to do things”. 

Inspectors commended the range of activities available, which were also reflective of residents’ cultural or religious backgrounds. In addition to weekly church services, the home’s lifestyle coordinators organised baking sessions, outings, and entertainers, and offered alternative options to residents who didn’t wish to take part in group activities. The home also has a ‘Wish Tree’, where residents can record their wishes, and the team grants at least one every month.

In addition, the home has recently undergone a significant investment to develop new spaces for residents, as well as redecorating the rooms and areas in the home, includinga new gardening space and potting shed room.

Commenting on the ‘good’ rating, Helen Hulme said: “Everyone has put in a lot of hard work to ensure we offer a home-from-home to all the residents and their families, and the whole team are really proud of their achievements.

“Receiving a ‘good’ rating shows just how dedicated the team is to looking after every individual’s needs, and we will continue our hard work to ensure residents receive compassionate, person-centred care. I would like to say thank you to the team for their dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.

“We’re also really excited to be unveiling our new gardening area – it is a very popular activity at the home, and I’m sure residents and team members alike will make the most of the new spaces, whether theyenjoy getting stuck in with planting and weeding, or just like to relax in the sun with a cuppa.”