Armstrong House care home wins praise from relatives and approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Sep 04, 2014

Care UK’s Armstrong House care home in Bensham, Gateshead, has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with relatives and residents praising the home’s caring team members.

Armstrong House provides specialist care for people with dementia who have the most complex care needs, as well as offering full time residential and nursing care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which follows an unannounced inspection of the home at 110 Lobley Hill Road, said residents were happy with their care and their relatives felt their needs had been met, while staff had a good understanding of the ethos of the home and took pride in their work.

A resident commented: “We are all very happy here.  This is a nice place.”  Healthcare professionals who visited were also positive about the quality of the care being delivered.  One professional said: “There’s a good stable staff team, who are competent and professional, and know their residents well.”

The inspectors examined the home and its records and interviewed team members and residents before announcing that the home meets the Government’s five national 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

The inspectors reported that team members were kind, caring and attentive to people living in the home.  They were calm and unhurried in their approach to people’s care, and there was a relaxed and settled atmosphere.

Residents and their relatives who spoke to the inspectors confirmed team members were caring.  One resident said: “I have no worries at all about my care.  It’s lovely here.”

The inspectors also reported that people were treated as individuals, and their care was tailored to their needs and wishes.  It was observed that care was delivered in line with individual care plans and adjustments were made if needs changed; while residents also had good access to activities that were important to them and were supported to maintain personal relationships with friends and relatives.

Employes at the home spoke highly of the home manager and said she always took their views into consideration.  One care worker said: “The manager listens, and is very supportive and helpful,” while visiting professionals commented on how the manager was leading improvements in the home.

Home manager, Debbie Douglas, said: “We are all thrilled to have received such a positive report from the CQC.  Several key points were highlighted, such as the caring service provided by staff, and how our residents all benefit from person-centred treatment and support which meets their needs.  However, above all, the team here was particularly pleased to read how we have created a relaxed and settled environment for our residents, who clearly enjoy living at Armstrong House.”

All bedrooms at Armstrong House have en-suite facilities and access to a 24-hour nurse call system. There are several lounges and dining rooms, together with two quiet rooms and a TV room. The care home also has its own bar, popular among residents and their families who like to sit down for a meal together. 

For further information on Armstrong House, please call home manager, Debbie Douglas on 0333 434 3003, or email debbie.douglas@careuk.com.

Care UK runs 113 care homes and also provides care for thousands of people living in their own homes.  For more general information, please go to www.careuk.com.