Winchcombe Place wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Aug 24, 2017

A national care watchdog has given Winchcombe Place the seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its caring and attentive team members and extensive activities programme.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Winchcombe Place care home an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

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

Praise was given for the care that each team member showed towards the residents, and it was observed that their relationships demonstrated dignity and respect at all times. A resident commented: “The team members get to know you, and nothing is too much trouble. They all speak to us in a respectful way and look after our dignity.” Residents’ care requirements and preferences were found to be regularly reviewed, and residents were able to express their views during ‘resident of the day’ meetings.

The report also found that great detail was taken with regards to resident’s preferences, which was listed in their individual care files. These included details about things like preferred names, communication, and whether they had spiritual needs. Each resident also had a 'life story book', which was made up of photographs and information to reflect the person's life, their history, and what they wished to share with team members.

The report noted that the activities and entertainment offered were a particular strength, and that team members had created a meaningful activities programme. Activities and entertainment were provided on all floors, and team members would always encourage residents to participate. During the inspection, team members at the home took part in a hobby horse race in the garden, in honour of Royal Ascot, which attracted a large number of residents and visitors who enjoyed refreshments.

Residents were also supported to access events in the community, and inspectors observed two residents who enjoyed a meal in a restaurant together, with discreet support from team members. It was also noted that the home had created links with the local community, and that pupils from nearby schools would often visit the home to read stories with residents and perform choir concerts. The monthly 'Memories Café' event, where carers and those living with dementia were invited to the home for a relaxing cup of tea, was also praised by inspectors.

It was highlighted that memory boxes containing personal items related to the resident were on show throughout the home, and bedroom doors were painted a contrasting colour to the surrounding walls to assist residents with orientation. A period tearoom setting had been created with appropriate furniture and decorative items to help with reminiscence, and residents and relatives were encouraged to use it as a relaxing space.

It was also found that team members had worked with relevant external organisations, such as the 'National Activity Provider's Association', 'Dementia Friends', the 'West Berkshire Dementia Action Alliance', as well as the local care homes association and local authority, to further develop the level of care at the home.

To assess service standards at Winchcombe Place, 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.

Cliff Hutchings, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Winchcombe Place, 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 be rated ‘good’ shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to residents’ lives each and every day.

“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.”