Copthorne home wins seal of approval from national care watchdog

Home news

Jul 29, 2013

Care UK’s Francis Court care home in Copthorne has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with inspectors highlighting the home’s high standards of dignity and care in their report.

At an unannounced visit by the Care Quality Commission, inspectors found that the home, in Borers Arms Road, meets the Government’s five standards of quality and safety which are:

• treating people with respect and involving them in their care
• providing care, treatment and support that meets people's needs
• caring for people safely and protecting them from harm
• staffing
• quality and suitability of management

During their visit to the home, which provides specialist care for up to 87 older people, including some with dementia, the inspectors talked informally to the team, residents and their relatives and examined the home’s administrative systems and processes.

Home Manager Scarlett MacDonald said: “I am delighted that we reached the high standard set out by the Government and CQC and I was even more delighted that the inspectors highlighted how the team works to respect people's privacy, dignity and independence. Even the CQC inspector said we were an amazing team. I am really proud of each of the team for achieving their personal best every day.”

The inspectors reported that residents told them that they felt well cared for and that there were enough team members on duty to meet their needs.  Comments in the report, direct from residents, include: “It’s very nice here. The carers are good” and: “This home is as good as you’ll get in every respect.”

The inspectors also said residents had told them that the team understood their needs and provided appropriate care and support. One person said: “Carers are very caring and very well trained,” while others said they had choice and control over their lives.

Relatives too told the inspectors how pleased they were with the home, saying: “Staff are very aware of the individual person. We have got to know the staff, and people are really good with them. We've had phone calls to give us an update.”

Scarlett said: “Everyone at Francis Court, including the kitchen and maintenance teams, strives to ensure that we create genuinely individual care for each resident.

“To do that, we ensure we get to know each person, their history and their interests, so that we can tailor each care plan to maintain their independence, life skills and sense of wellbeing.”

Francis Court has developed very strong links with the community which benefit its residents. Scarlett explained: “Care UK has developed Activity Based Care to empower residents to stay active and fulfilled. By taking part in the activities they love, they can maintain levels of mobility and life skills that might otherwise be lost.

“We have a wonderful group of volunteers, both individuals and from organisations, who come in and work with residents on art projects, and in the gardens. The support from the local community is amazing.  This helps everyone in our home to live a fulfilled and active life.”