A care home in Adderbury gains top marks from national inspectors

A care home in Adderbury received the seal of approval from a national care watchdog, and has been praised by both its residents and relatives.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Seccombe Court, on Gardner Way, an overall ’good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection.

The home is rated ‘outstanding’ in the responsiveness category and ‘good’ in the four other categories, including safety, effectiveness, quality of care, and having a well-led service.

The inspectors were particularly impressed with the ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing for the first time to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

One resident had wished to get to enjoy the sights and sounds of travelling on a steam engine. Through discussions with team members and residents at the home, it came to light that other residents were also keen to be included in the wish and so the team set to work to make it happen. 

On the day, the residents had an opportunity to enjoy their shared interest, reminisce about past train journeys and create new memories. The team noted that residents were more engaged and talkative in the days that followed the outing, and that they seemed to have a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

The report highlighted how the team understands the needs of different residents and delivered care in a way that met those needs. The inspectors noted the team recognised the need for encouraging activities for people living with dementia. The activities team arranged for alpacas from a nearby farm to come to the home, which brought many therapeutic benefits for residents, including reducing stress, increasing social interaction as well as improving mood. 

One resident commented: "I loved the visit with the Alpacas, I am blind, but I thoroughly enjoyed meeting them and being able to touch and stroke them, their fleece was really soft and they weren't as big as I was expecting. I used to live on a farm, and I love being around animals. I was given a sample of their fleece to keep to remind me of their visit."

Relatives told inspectors that residents had taken part in meaningful activities. They commented: "The activities programme is brilliant. Rosemary is excellent at providing a huge range of activities for everyone to join in with and enjoy. With the help of a very obliging team, she has a knack of getting the residents engaged in every way possible. She has just the right touch and empathy with residents of all abilities. The musical events, using external performers are superb and thoroughly enjoyed by residents and visitors alike."

One relative explained the impact the team had had on their loved one's wellbeing, commenting: "The team here have gone that extra mile to make dad welcome and involved in every aspect of life at the home. He now takes all his meals in the lovely dining room instead of his room, joins in with activities and events, interacts with staff and enjoys the company of other residents. Thanks to the care and consideration of the staff he has taken on a new lease of life and is very happy there. They are also planning him a milestone birthday and the home is hugely looking forward to hosting a big party in the garden for him on the big day.”

Additionally, inspectors noted that Seccombe Court was well led. The Home Manager, Wojciech Kuczkowski, was praised for his supportiveness and approachable nature, as well as his commitment to ensure continuous learning and improvement across the team. 

Wojciech Kuczkowski, General Manager at Seccombe Court, said: “It's fantastic to read the positive feedback from the CQC inspectors. It’s a true testament to the team's passion and devotion to providing the highest standard of care to ensure residents live truly fulling lives.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Seccombe Court for their commitment, especially over the past few years. I appreciate all they do on a daily basis because they make our care home such a wonderful place for all of the residents to live and such a great place to work.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating this result with the residents and the team and building on our success in the future.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Seccombe Court incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. 

To find out more about Seccombe Court, call Home Admissions Advisor, Steve Dumbrill, on 01295 298795, email steve.dumbrill@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/seccombe-court