Care home in Edgbaston praised by national inspectors

A care home in Edgbaston has been praised by national inspectors following an unannounced inspection. 

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Edgbaston Manor, on Speedwell Road, an overall ‘Good’ rating in all five categories, including safety, responsiveness, effectiveness, quality of care, and having a well-led service. 

During the inspection, inspectors praised the home's ‘restaurant-like’ dining experience, which includes tables laid with fresh linen, napkins and residents offered wine and other beverages with their meals. One resident told inspectors: “It’s like I eat at a restaurant every night. It’s all very exciting.”

Inspectors also highlighted how residents were supported to eat and drink a nutritionally balanced diet according to their personal preferences. Appropriate assessments and actions were in place for residents who have difficulty swallowing, and the home’s Head Chef regularly discusses menu options with residents to ensure different preferences are included weekly and old family recipes are revisited. 

The team impressed CQC inspectors with their attentiveness and compassion towards relatives. The report noted how an inspector observed a resident during lunch become anxious and could not use verbal speech to express their worries. A team member later sat close to them and gently spoke to them which calmed the person.

The inspectors highlighted how activities were planned around residents' hobbies and praised the home’s activity plans. Inspectors observed how the team ensures everyone, regardless of ability, can get involved. A resident told inspectors: "They just ask us what we want and wherever possible they do it. It's like magic. They always try to make sure it's something from my past or someone's past.”

Another resident added: “The activities staff go out of their way to do things we are interested in. That could be anything from getting dressed up for dinner, to looking forward to the Coronation".

The report also included positive feedback from the resident's relatives and praised their involvement in the development and ongoing review of care plans. At Edgbaston Manor, care plans are reviewed every six months or/and when needs change. One relative said: "They always ask me my thoughts at review times. For example, they wanted to know if my relative had a particular like or desire for their birthday.”

Throughout the inspection, the team demonstrated a person-centred approach for residents that inspectors commended. Residents and their relatives said they had choice and control over day-to-day decisions, with one resident describing the quality of the service as exceptional. One resident said: “I would recommend anyone to come and live here. My life is so much better than when I lived in my own house.”

Team members and relatives also expressed confidence in the home’s management team. A team member said: "The registered deputy managers are very good. They are very easy to talk to and explain things to us". Another said: "We are so well treated and respected by both the managers and the people living here. It's a lovely place to work because we get time to support people how they want. I love to see them blossom."

Additionally, inspectors saw many cards and thank you notes from family and friends, unanimous in their praise for the manager and team for the support given to their loved ones, expressing gratitude for helping their family member's mental health as well as physical well-being.

Zoe Stevenson, General Manager at Edgbaston Manor said: “It’s fantastic to receive such positive feedback from the CQC inspectors for the care we provide here at Edgbaston Manor. This report is a true testament to the team's passion and devotion to providing the highest standard of care to ensure residents live truly fulfilling lives. 

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Edgbaston Manor for their commitment, especially over the past few years. I appreciate all they do because they make our care home such a wonderful place for all of the residents to live and such a great place to work. 

“I’m looking forward to celebrating this result with residents and team members and building on our success in the future.”  

Edgbaston Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.