Whitby Dene wins approval of national care inspectors

Home news

Jan 29, 2018

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

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Whitby Dene care home an ‘outstanding’ rating for its responsiveness, and ‘good’ ratings in the further four categories, following an unannounced inspection.

The report highlighted that the home manager’s ethos of “anything is possible” was truly demonstrated throughout the home, and that residents were supported in taking part in meaningful, and sometimes life changing, activities.

It was noted that a great level of detail was shown in the care provided, and detailed care plans were regularly updated so that team members were aware of each resident’s needs. To help create meaningful conversations, residents were encouraged to create life history books which contained information about their hobbies and interests, and team members were found to have a good knowledge of these. The home was also designed to provide stimulation, and decorations such as old radios and historic objects helped encourage conversations.

During the visit, inspectors observed the home’s ‘Tea at Three’, where at 3pm every day, every team member would stop all non-essential work to sit with residents to share a cup of tea. This provided team members with the opportunity to find out how residents were feeling and talk about their day. The home had close partnerships with the local community, and often welcomed local pupils and youth clubs to visit residents to share activities.

Inspectors also spoke to residents who had made a wish at the home’s ‘wishing tree’, an initiative introduced to help residents achieve personal wishes and take part in life changing activities with the support of the team. Since being introduced, residents have taken part in a variety of memorable events designed specifically for them. One resident, aged 96, who was part of the Royal Air Force when they were younger was able to take to the skies again and fly the plane themselves. 

Another resident was reconnected with their childhood badminton partner, and supported to play against each other. Their relative commented: ''My relative had a big smile, I never thought they would play again.”

The team members were found to be encouraging of residents’ interests and hobbies, and had found ways to incorporate these into daily life at the home. To help keep residents active with things they enjoyed doing, a maintenance club had been introduced, for those who enjoyed handiwork in the past, as well as a baking club.

The team members were also seen to celebrate residents’ special occasions, along with relatives and friends. As a surprise for a resident who had regretted having a small wedding 60 years ago, the team members were in the process of organising a white wedding for the resident and their spouse to have a second ceremony at the home.