Hinton Grange wins approval of national care inspectors

Company news

Jul 04, 2017

A national care watchdog has given Hinton Grange the seal of approval, with relatives and residents praising its caring and attentive team members.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Hinton Grange an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

The home received ‘good’ ratings in all five categories, including safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and having a well-led service.

Praise was given for the compassion and kindness that each team member showed the residents, and it was observed that people’s privacy and dignity were respected.  

The report noted that residents felt safe at Hinton Grange, with one person commenting: “I like it here as I feel like I am among friends and family, I always feel comfortable.” It was noted that visitors were made to feel welcome and able to visit at any time. One relative also told inspectors that the care team are “marvellous” and that their relative feels very happy at the home.

It was found that residents were made to feel they mattered, with team members supporting them to be independent where possible. One resident said: “The team rarely need to ask me any questions as to what I want or need as they know me so well.” Inspectors praised the consistency of the care team’s approach in meeting the needs of residents. 

Inspectors noted how appropriate items of furniture, pictures and ornaments helped people living with dementia to feel more comfortable in their surroundings, by seeing these familiar objects. Dementia-friendly signage was also prevalent, used to aid residents in finding their way around the home. 

During the visit, inspectors observed posters about a gardening group and were told that the Care UK team often spend time with residents in the garden growing plants and vegetables which the residents can later harvest and enjoy. Inspectors reported that one-to-one stimulation was also provided including hand massages, reminiscence activities and discussions about the news.

Inspectors were also aware that residents could take part in a wide range of activities to suit different interests, including quizzes, exercise classes and hoopla. One resident commented that they particularly enjoyed a recent visit from some therapy animals, another said: “I can be as busy as I want, it’s my choice.”

Linda Martinez, home manager at Hinton Grange, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Hinton Grange, and I’m so pleased our efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors. Everyone here works incredibly hard to support residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to be rated ‘good’ shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to resident’s lives each and every day.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and I would like to say thank you for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”

It was observed that the food at the home looked appetising and hot, with plenty of choice and variety. Residents commented that they can have whatever they want, whenever they want it and that it is always nicely presented. One relative said: “The new chef is brilliant and very nice. He takes the time to prepare lovely food.” Inspectors witnessed the team supporting individuals with a choice of diet which met their nutritional needs. 

To assess service standards at Hinton Grange, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives on the day of the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home.