Chelmsford care home wins seal of approval from national care watchdog

Home news

Apr 01, 2016

Care UK’s Manor Lodge care home in Chelmsford, Essex has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog. At a visit by the Care Quality Commission in November 2015, examining the home against a number of key areas such as safe, effective, 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 Juliana Miles 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.”

People who used the service told the inspectors that the staff were, “Brilliant.” “Fantastic.” “Lovely.” “Caring” And “Thoughtful.” A family member said, “We couldn’t be happier with the way our relative is looked after here.” Another relative said, “Staff here are very good. They are capable and will give people time and attention.

The inspectors also saw kind and caring exchanges between people who used the service, their relatives and staff at all levels including the management team. Staff never passed anyone in the corridor, or in their bedrooms, without a friendly word, or a conversation. One person sitting in their bedroom told them, “Even when I’m sitting here, I leave my door open, and staff will say ‘hello’ when they walk past, they’ll often ask if I’m ok, or come in for a chat – they’re wonderful to me.”

Juliana said: “Everyone at Manor Lodge, including the kitchen, domestic 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.”