Hartismere Place wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Aug 09, 2017

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

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Hartismere Place on Castleton Way 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, and that residents were given choices about their care.

The report noted that residents felt safe at Hartismere Place, with one person commenting: “I feel very secure. When you call [the team] they are here within seconds.” Another resident added: “Nothing is too much trouble”.

Inspectors remarked on the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere throughout the home, and that the care team were friendly, approachable and “go the extra mile” for residents. It was also noted that relatives were permitted to visit at any time with one saying: “I’m always here, I could be a resident myself.” Another added: “I know all of [the team] well. I come in 24/7, and I’m made to feel welcome.”

There were observations during mealtimes where inspectors noted that the food looked appetising and was served from a hot trolley, to allow people to choose their own portion sizes. One resident said: “The food is great - the hot-pot today was very nice. I go to the dining room for all my meals and there’s always plenty to eat.”

Inspectors also commented on the relaxed and calm atmosphere in the dining room, with residents chatting to one another and the care team. There was also the option for residents to eat in their rooms if they wished.

During the visit, inspectors observed a number of activities taking place, including board games, and an exercise session. There were also a number of residents reading and socialising in the coffee shop throughout the day.

Inspectors were aware that residents were encouraged and supported to take part in a wide range of activities. During the visit, the inspectors watched a ‘Music for Health’ session, an interactive workshop which involved movement and singing. One relative said: “I think with dementia, it’s important to encourage people and find things for them to do. My relative was never particularly musical but loves it now.”

The inspectors commented on Loraine Precey’s passion for her role as lifestyle co-ordinator at Hartismere Place, which was apparent in the variety of activities on offer at the home to suit different people. Loraine said: “I have lots of ideas. It’s been great organising things like the 1940s event last week, where I packed a box of vintage items so people could look through and reminisce about old times.”

People who didn’t want to join in with group activities were supported with one-to-one time with carers, or encouraged to use the cinema or coffee shop.  

Angela Hodge, customer relations manager at Hartismere Place, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home feel at Hartismere Place, 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.”

Councillor Guy McGregor, Councillor for Hoxne and Eye division at Suffolk County added: “Suffolk County Council has been working with Care UK as an ongoing partnership since 2013, which has brought 10 new care homes to support older people across Suffolk, and I am delighted that one of them is located here in Eye.

“I am thrilled that Hartismere Place, has received such a glowing report from the CQC, which is testament to the brilliant team at the home. Many of the residents are known to me and I know how much they appreciate the wonderful team and fantastic facilities at the home.”

Following conversations with the care team at Hartismere Place, inspectors noted the positive culture among the team, which felt supported and that morale was high. One member commented: “We are one big team and everyone works together.”

To assess service standards at Hartismere Place, 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.