Care home which gives elderly residents an ‘active social life’ is given top rating

This article was taken from: https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/care-home-gives-elderly-residents-3102832

By Hannah Mitchell

Inspectors found a number of examples of where the staff had gone above and beyond for patients

A care home in Nottingham has been rated as outstanding, following an unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

CQC inspected The Conifers Rest Home, in Bakersfield, a care home which caters for up to 18 older people, including people living with dementia.

The Conifers was last inspected in 2016, when it was rated good overall but now, three years later, it has been given the top rating possible.

The strong ‘person-centred culture’ was praised throughout the report.

Inspectors found a number of examples of where the staff had gone above and beyond for patients.

The inspectors said: “One person was very involved in the home and liked to help staff with drinks and meals. The registered manager had assisted the person to obtain their food and hygiene certificate to continue their involvement.

“We saw this person independently laying tables at lunch time.

“One person told us that staff help them to the shop each day to get a paper, if they were unwell the staff would go and get the paper for them.

“Staff told us about one person who wanted to attend a relative’s wedding abroad but was very frightened about going. Staff helped them to become physically fitter and manage their weight and confidence by going out more.

“The management team helped them apply for their first passport and supported them with a passport interview, shopping and packing for the event to enable them to attend.

“Staff told us a male member of staff had asked colleagues to show him how to apply make up for a lady who always liked to have her make-up done to ensure she felt good about herself, when he was supporting her.

“There had been two cats living at the home for 18 years, one person who had become very attached to the cats accompanied the registered manager to the vets for appointments when one of the cat became ill and eventually died.

“The registered manager told us how it helped the person cope with the loss of the pet, that felt like their own.”

The care home, in Bakerdale Road, was also praised for its caring staff.

The registered manager, deputy manager and staff work extra shifts if they are short staffed, to provide consistency for people, rather than employ agency staff who did not know the home or the people living there.

The report said: “People and relatives were exceptionally positive about the staff and the management team. People told us the service was like a family home, staff were longstanding and knew people extremely well.

“Staff told us that it was a very happy team and they all worked well together. People told us staff were very caring and compassionate.

“There was a very friendly atmosphere, and everyone appeared to know each other well, including relatives, staff and people living there.”

Debra Buxton, the manager and owner of the care home said she was blown away when she read the report.

She said: “I could have cried. I am more excited for the staff really because the care sector does get a hammering and it is seen in a negative light so for the staff to be recognised we are just bowled over. We are on a high.

“It is even more special that this has happened on our 30th year. We have never used an agency in that time either. The staff are just so committed and caring.

“I want to thank the staff and the relatives as well – this is a thank you to everyone.”

Rob Assall-Marsden, CQC’s head of inspection for adult social care in the central region, said: “Our inspection team was very impressed by the level of care and support offered at The Conifers Rest Home.

“People told us how the home’s exceptionally kind staff helped them enjoy fulfilled lives.

“The Conifers recognised the importance of having an active social life and had built strong links with the local community. Children from a local nursery visited to participate in activities with people, which staff told us gave great pleasure to all involved.

“Staff creatively helped people to shape their own care. One person had reverted to their first language, which wasn’t English, due to dementia. Staff used a translation service to create communication cards, ensuring dialogue was as effective as possible and reducing social exclusion.

“For people approaching the ends of their lives, staff worked hard to understand and reflect individual care preferences – including spiritual and religious beliefs – helping people be as comfortable as possible.

“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated outstanding.”