INSPECTORS have praised care home staff for their kindness and support in looking after dozens of residents following an unannounced visit to the site.

A report produced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that Darlington’s Ventress Hall care home was worthy of an overall Good rating, with approval given across the board by the visitors.

The home, managed by Care UK off Trinity Road, received Good ratings in all five QCQ categories for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, caring and having a well-led service.

Inspectors paid particular attention to team members showing care for their 77 residents, noting genuine relationships between those living there and their carers.

The home, which is set over three floors, looks after older people with a range of needs and also those who have been diagnosed with dementia.

The CQC report highlighted that the care home gave residents living with dementia a memory box to fill with items they or their relative felt were important with the boxes helping to stimulate residents’ memories and aiding interaction with loved ones and care workers.

Inspectors also found during their unannounced visit in October that staff members were friendly and often crouched down to maintain eye contact and used gestures and touch to communicate.

Judy Wray, home manager at Ventress Hall, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Ventress Hall, and I’m so pleased our efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors.

“Everyone here works incredibly hard to support residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to receive a ‘good’ rating in all five categories shows just how dedicated the team is at looking after every individual’s needs.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and I would like to say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”

The report highlighted that activities were varied and included entertainers coming in, cinema afternoons, music, games and crafts.

There was also a pet rabbit in the home that residents could pet, with many saying they loved to cuddle him, and as the rabbit was kept in the communal area, they could see him whenever they liked.