Kings Court wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Jul 19, 2018

A national care watchdog has given Kings Court the seal of approval, with residents and relatives praising its positive and attentive team members. 

The care home received an overall ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an unannounced inspection.

The home received ‘good’ ratings in all five categories for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness, care and having a well-led service.

Inspectors commended the consistent warm and kind interactions from the home, with the team always putting the residents needs first. They were further commended for ongoing laughter between the residents and the team, and for providing a friendly and settled atmosphere.

The report stated that the team knew the residents extremely well, they could describe their likes and dislikes, as well as their life stories. Team members exhibited genuine empathy and concern for people’s wellbeing. Relatives told the inspectors they were happy with the service provided, a family member said, “The staff are lovely and have lots of patience.” 

With the help of the team, when a resident first moves in, a Life Story book is created for them. The report states these books beautifully represent the resident’s personality, life history and individual care needs. In addition to the books, the inspectors noted that the individual care plans clearly describe the support each person needs. Residents preferences and views are also included in the plan where possible and the plans are regularly updated. 

The high level of safety in the home was also highlighted. One resident said, “I feel very safe here and I sleep well at night”. While a relative said “I am very happy leaving my relation here, I feel comfortable and know they will ring me with any concern.” The team were praised on having a good understanding of safeguarding and ensuring the residents have the very best care possible. 

Inspectors commented on the ethos of the home and how it is one focused on promoting a positive, person-centred culture. It was noted that regular activities were coordinated by the lifestyle team, from onetoone and group activities, to taking residents on special trips. 

Activities were found to be adapted for individual needs and were also tailored around residents’ interests and hobbies. Activities included armchair quoits, darts and singing sessions. The registered manager commented, “We need to focus on engaging people more and increasing their happiness with more mental and physical stimulation. I think this will have a big effect on giving people better outcomes.”

The environment of the home was also commented on, with inspectors praising the friendly communal areas. The walls are furnished with items and memorabilia relating to the Teesdale area and the rural community, including items such as fishing equipment and rosettes from the local agricultural shows. This shows the importance of reminiscence-based care. 

The management team at Kings Court were spoken highly of, with relatives saying they are approachable, supportive and great listeners. The report stated regular team meetings are held with the residents and relatives to seek their views and ensure that the service was run in their best interests, showing the home’s commitment to ensuring a positive and open culture.

Mitch Lloyd, home manager at Kings Court, said: “We strive to create a welcoming ‘home-from-home’ feel at Kings Court, 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 all their hard work and dedication, which I know is great appreciated by residents and their families.” 

To assess service standards at Kings Court, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.