National care inspectors praise Stowmarket care home

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

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Cedrus House, on Bittern Crescent, an overall ‘good’ rating in all five categories (‘safe’, ‘effective’, ‘caring’, ‘responsive’ and ‘well-led’), following an unannounced inspection. 

Inspectors noted there was a dedicated lifestyle team at Cedrus House, focused on providing a wide range of activities daily and organising trips based on residents’ interests. Proving popular among those living at the home, one resident commented “They have different activities every day and I do take part in some of them. I certainly don't get bored.” Another resident added: “I have been on some wonderful trips out.”

The team was also praised for its kindness and warmth towards residents and families alike, as well as their expertise. A relative commented: “The care has been brilliant. It has given us complete peace of mind that [family member] is being well cared for.” A resident added: “The carers are really nice, they are kind and caring and look after me very well.”

Relatives also praised the Cedrus House team’s attention to detail, as well as their commitment to person-centred care. As part of the approach, each resident gets a tailored care plan, which is re-evaluated working with relatives on a regularly basis. Beyond their care needs, the plan also includes residents’ likes and dislikes, as well as their hobbies and their past careers so team members can get to know them personally. One relative said: “They are very good at knowing what [family member] likes and they even got their favourite soup in for them.” Another added: “My [family member] hasn't been this well for ages.”

Inspectors praised Cedrus House’s layout, which enables residents to live independently while enjoying a range of high-end facilities. A particular highlight is the café area, used as a social meeting point for relatives, family and friends. A relative said: “I think it is lovely to have the [café area] and the ice cream freezer.” In addition to the café, the report noted that a new pub had also been opened inside the care home. 

The report went on to highlight the new home manager’s contributions, improving team morale while dedicating time to get to know every resident and their loved ones.  A relative said: “They have relatives' meetings which is a great opportunity to talk about anything that is going on and give feedback. The [home] manager has said their door is always open.”

Deepa Reju, Home Manager at Cedrus House, said: “I am incredibly proud of everyone here at Cedrus House, and to lead such a welcoming, caring and determined team. Our ‘good’ rating is testament to everyone’s hard work and the high-quality care we provide residents each and every day.  

“We are committed to ensuring all residents receive a personalised and tailored approach to care, in a dignified, professional and caring manner. Our ethos is to help residents to continue to live active and fulfilling lives and this remains at the forefront of everything we do.  

“We are all thrilled to have received this official praise from the national inspectors and look forward to celebrating with the residents soon.”  

Cedrus House is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.