Cherry Orchard care home wins seal of approval from national care watchdog

Company news

Jun 09, 2016

Care UK’s Cherry Orchard care home in Dagenham, Essex has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog.

At a visit by the Care Quality Commission in February, examining the home against a number of key areas such as safe, caring, responsive and 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 Michelle di Bella 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 that the staff they spoke with told them they felt it was a caring service. One staff member said, "We are all here for the residents. They have their good and bad days but you must always treat them gently and show you care about them." Another staff member told them, "I always think that could be me or my family so I treat people well."

The inspectors also commented that people were encouraged to move around the home and garden. There were coat stands by the garden door to remind people to wear a coat when going outside. They saw staff prompting people and supporting them to go for a walk in the fresh air. This meant people living at Cherry Orchard were able to participate in meaningful activities that stimulated memories and encouraged independence.

Michelle said: “Everyone at Cherry Orchard, 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.”