Slough home wins seal of approval from national care watchdog

Home news

Oct 06, 2016

Care UK’s Oak House care home in Slough, Berkshire has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog.

At a visit recent by the Care Quality Commission, 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 Julie Bignell 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 people said that staff were caring and looked after them well. They heard various comments such as, "Yes they are concerned about my wellbeing. Staff and nurses always asked me about how I feel" and "They go out of their way for you". This was supported by relatives comments included, "…good and professional care delivered by the provider" and "They are very attentive and do extra things for patients, even if it is not requested."

The inspectors also observed that every afternoon at 3pm people attended 'Tea at three'. This involved people who wanted to participate, staff and relatives who gathered together to socialise. We observed positive relationships had been established between staff and the people who attended. People appeared relaxed and were happily engaged in conversations with other people as well as staff.

Julie said: “Everyone at Oak House, 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.”