National inspectors praise OUTSTANDING Bury St Edmunds care home

Home news

Nov 27, 2020

A care home in Bury St Edmunds has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by the UK’s national care inspectors – the highest possible rating a care home can achieve.

Following an unannounced inspection prior to lockdown, the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Davers Court care home, on Shakers Lane, an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating.

The care home was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories, including leadership, responsiveness, safety, caring and being effective.

Inspectors highlighted the great pride team members took in creating an atmosphere that welcomed people and promoted independence. Residents, relatives and team members all described Davers Court as a family – one relative said: “Sorry, I’m getting quite emotional. But the way they’ve looked after my family member is amazing.”

The CQC inspectors noted that team members valued residents, treated them with respect, and empowered them as partners in their own care. It was clear that each member of the team had created strong and meaningful relationships with residents – for example, a member of the administration team had built a close relationship with one resident, and the resident had spent Boxing Day at the team member’s home.

The report stated that services were tailored to meet the needs of individuals, supporting residents to lead fulfilling lives. In resident feedback meetings, many people expressed that they would like a dog to live in the care home. Prior to the pandemic, residents visited an animal shelter to choose their new pet, and the home now has its very own greyhound – Princess. Many residents told inspectors that having a pet had improved both their mental and physical wellbeing.

As well as hosting a variety of daily activities and clubs, including a movie club, choir and other themed events, residents are also supported to fulfil individual ambitions. For example, one person expressed a wish to fly a glider planer for their 100^th birthday last year, and was supported to do so.

Leadership within the home was also praised in the report. Without exception, team members spoke positively about the home manager, Sharlene. One team member said: “I think Sharlene is an amazing manager, she has built her teams at both homes with loyalty, friendship and trust…I am so grateful to her for creating such an open and honest working environment.”

The report also noted that team members were experienced in caring for residents when it came to the end of their lives. Within the home, thank you cards were displayed from relatives and friends, expressing gratitude to the team members for the kind and sensitive care shown towards them and their family members during their final days. The home also offers a ‘care basket’ that includes toiletries, snacks and reading materials for those wanting to stay with their loved one towards the end of their life.

Sharlene Van Tonder, home manager at Davers Court, said: “The team work incredibly hard to create a warm, homely atmosphere and high standard of care, so I’m delighted that everyone’s hard work has been recognised by the CQC.

“Receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating shows just how dedicated the team is in looking after every individual’s needs, and we will continue our hard work to ensure residents receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“Over the last few months, we have adapted to a new way of life, but our ethos remains the same. I am unbelievably proud that we were rated as ‘Outstanding’ in every single category. It is a huge achievement, and I would like to thank each and every team member for all that they do.”

To assess service standards at Davers Court, 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.

Davers Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable the residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.

For more information on Davers Court, please call customer relations manager, Chantal Sencier on 01284 844640, or email Chantal.secier@careuk.com

For general information, please visit: careuk.com/davers-court