Elwick Grange care home wins seal of approval from national care watchdog

Home news

Feb 15, 2016

Care UK’s Elwick Grange care home in Hartlepool, County Durham has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog.

At a visit by the Care Quality Commission in October, examining the home against a number of key areas such as safe, caring, responsive, well-led, inspectors were happy to award the home an overall good rating.

During their visit to the home, which provides specialist care for older people, some of whom have dementia, the inspectors talked informally to the team and examined the home’s administrative systems and processes.

Home Manager Shamalia Seabrook 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 dignity and independence.”

The inspectors noted there was a lot of smiles and laughter throughout the day and staff showed genuine affection, which people responded to positively. Staff they spoke with appeared to know the people well and could describe their individual likes and dislikes. One staff member they spoke with said, “The best thing about working here is the atmosphere which is lively and fun and comes from well cared for residents. I can’t think of anything that would improve the job at present.”

People and their relatives told the inspectors they were happy with the care they received at Elwick Grange. One person said, “It’s a great place, I am happy and the girls are so kind.” Another person said, “I feel so unwell but the staff are so lovely, I mustn’t grumble.” One relative they spoke with said, “She is very well cared for, we have no complaints at all, this is the best place in the town and we have looked at a few. No, no complaints and the staff are so gentle and kind.”

Shamalia said: “Everyone at Elwick Grange, including the domestic, 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.”