Faversham home wins praise from relatives and approval of national watchdog

Company news

Mar 25, 2014

Care UK’s Kingsfield care centre has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with residents and relatives praising the home’s commitment to caring and dignity.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which follows an unannounced inspection of the Jubilee Way home in January, quotes a resident who told inspectors: "It's brilliant here, you can't knock them. It is all good"; while another reported: "The staff are all very good, and they are kind and friendly."

The inspectors examined the home and its records and interviewed team members, residents and relatives before announcing that the home 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 & support that meets people's needs
• Caring for people safely & protecting them from harm
• Staffing
• Management

Inspectors also reported that the team ensured people's health needs were met and that health professionals were appropriately contacted. They also noted that team members responded promptly to people and their requests and that the home was visibly clean in all areas, promoting good hygiene and infection control.

Manager Allison Purkiss said: “Choice is the linchpin of dignity and the team works very hard to provide all our residents with choices about their activities, food and how they receive their care.

“I was very pleased to see that the inspectors highlighted that individuals’ consent and wishes were followed in our care practices. We use a number of methods to communicate with people with dementia, to ensure we understand exactly what they want, and that includes working with relatives and advocates to guarantee a resident’s views are taken into account in their care programme and their daily life.”

As well as examining care plans - which showed all aspects of care, including people's mobility, nutrition, sleep patterns, medication and communication needs were taken into account - the inspectors also examined the home’s activities. Group activities included armchair exercises, sing-alongs, and reminiscence sessions, as well as baking cakes, crafts, games, puzzles, quizzes and films. Outside trips included visits to the local pub for a drink or a meal, visits to garden centres, parks, pantomimes and local walks.

Allison said: “We have three activities coordinators who spend time getting to know residents’ interests and hobbies. As well as organising fun events they also develop activities to increase wellbeing and maintain independence.

“The inspectors commented on the memory boxes outside doors of people living with dementia. The coordinators have helped residents create beautiful boxes which helped them to remember their past and each one is as unique as our residents.”