A CARE home has been rated as ‘good’ following a surprise inspection.

The Care Quality Commission visit to Redwell Hills Care Home, Leadgate, found it ‘safe, caring, responsive to residents’ needs and well-led.

The home provides nursing and personal care for older people.

Inspectors said people living in the home, which is run by Four Seasons Health Care, felt safe and were looked after by a team who were caring, kind and considerate and who treated them with respect for their dignity.

The inspectors saw that the home had a ‘warm and relaxed atmosphere’ and noticed how the care team had developed relationships with people living in the home and interacted with them in a compassionate and caring way.

The inspectors saw there were sufficient staff on duty with the qualifications, right skills mix and experience to meet people’s needs safely, effectively and in a timely way.

They were well trained and supported to do their jobs . They were knowledgeable and understood the needs of the people in their care.

Call bells were answered and people were supported promptly

The report said residents and their relatives were consulted as much as possible about care plans.

Marjorie Condacos, regional managing director for Four Seasons Health Care, said: “Such a positive inspection outcome can only be achieved by, an enthusiastic team supporting each other for the benefit of the residents.

“I am very proud of their hard work and dedication. The comments residents made let us know the team is so well appreciated.”

The inspectors saw that residents received a choice of meals at each mealtime. The care team understood people’s individual dietary and nutritional requirements and how those needs were met.

People were generally complimentary about the standards of meals available and one relative told the inspectors that their family member was eating better and had put on weight since being in Redwell Hills. When people required a specialised diet this was catered for by the kitchen staff.

People were encouraged and helped to maintain their independence. They were supported to participate in a wide range of activities of their choice that met their interests and needs, either in groups or individually.

Relatives are welcomed at almost any reasonable time, which helps residents to maintain contact with those closest to them.

Press information

Rob Mitchell: 07976 514833 email: rmitchell@mww.com