Poole care home receives Gold Standards Framework accolade

 

A care home in Poole has been awarded a prestigious platinum award, recognising its high standards of care for residents in the later stages of life.

Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road, has successfully completed the Gold Standard Framework (GSF) reaccreditation assessment and has been awarded the Quality Hallmark Award at platinum status, recognising the sustained excellent practice within the home.

Developed in 2004, GSF is a practical and evidence-based end-of-life care service improvement programme. It is centred around ensuring people live well in the last years of their lives and pass away comfortably in the environment and manner of their choosing. 

The Potteries achieved the accreditation after demonstrating how team members continue to work closely with residents and their families to understand a person's wishes for their final days. By understanding and implementing these last wishes, the home can eliminate upsetting and unwanted hospitalisations – ensuring residents can pass away peacefully in the place they call home.

The Potteries team has a holistic approach to care which ensures that all residents, at whatever stage of life, can find fulfilment. This includes tailored Namaste sessions run by trained carers. Namaste is a sensory therapy which includes hand and foot massages and other gentle movements, music therapy and reminiscing.

The home’s dementia floor is designed to be accessible for those living with the condition. There is a garden room, a bus stop, and a music and sensory area. Many of these areas relate to the residents' personal lives and interests which encourages reminiscence and creates familiarity. 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We’re humbled that our work to ensure residents live happy and fulfilled lives, especially in their final days, has been recognised once again.

“The team puts their all into delivering exceptional care for residents throughout their time with us at The Potteries, ensuring each and every resident feels their wishes are respected. Our compassionate team ensures residents are treated with dignity and respect as well as offering practical and emotional support to families to help them through difficult times.

“Our commitment to the best in end-of-life care runs through everything we do, from the handovers we have after every shift, to the regular meetings we have with residents and their loved ones, and the ongoing training our colleagues undertake. We continually reflect on the way we provide care and look for new ways to improve our knowledge and ways of working.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the team for their dedication as well as the residents and relatives that make The Potteries a wonderful place to call home. We look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality care across the board.”