National care inspectors praise Southampton care home

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

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) report gave Care UK’s Ancasta Grove, on Barnes Lane, an overall ‘good’ rating, following an unannounced inspection. 

The care home was rated ‘good’ in all of the inspections categories, including safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and being well led.  

The report illustrated the high quality of care and kindness shown by team members, with the inspectors noting the team “spending time reassuring people when they needed emotional support”. This was furthered by feedback from a resident who commented: “They are great, this lady (team) is so kind we have a giggle together.”

The report highlighted how the team at Ancasta Grove prioritised the need to preserve resident's independence as much as possible, for instance at mealtimes and when moving about the home. 

Areas of the home had also been adapted to support resident’s independence and recreational needs. Residents were supported to bake, garden, and play games where they wanted to. There were shaded areas in the garden, a barbecue, and a greenhouse, which were used and appreciated by residents. 

There are a wide variety of events and activities available at the care home These included events organised with a nearby school and the local church, and visits by therapy pets and a petting zoo. A resident’s relative told the CQC inspectors: "The activities coordinator does a good job here. Even encouraging people to look out for animals in the garden. People love the children coming in and animals they can touch." While a resident added: "One of the schoolboys from over the road likes gardening. I showed him how to transplant tomato plants. He brought in a plant from his mum and some chocolates to thank me for helping him."

They were especially impressed by the team's attention to residents’ specific requirements. The report emphasised how residents' care plans included information about their life stories, interests, and their loved ones, which created a foundation for team members to build solid relationships and start conversations that foster reminiscence.

Inspectors also noted the positive culture at Ancasta Grove that is person-centred, open, inclusive and empowering. The managers and senior team were available, consistent and led by example. A resident’s relative said: "I cannot fault the staff here. We came and looked round. The business manager was brilliant, so we opted for here…The manager is friendly, nothing is too much trouble."

Joel Ignacio, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, said: “I am incredibly proud of everyone here at Ancasta Grove, and to lead such a welcoming, caring and determined team. Our ‘Good’ rating across all categories is testament to everyone’s hard work and the high-quality care we provide residents each and every day.  

“We are committed to ensuring all residents receive a personalised and tailored approach to care, in a dignified, professional and loving manner. Our ethos is to help residents to continue to live active and fulfilling lives and this remains at the forefront of everything we do.  

“We are all thrilled to have received this official praise from the national inspectors and look forward to celebrating with the residents soon.”  

To assess service standards at Ancasta Grove, the CQC inspectors spoke with team members and residents, and their relatives following the inspection. They also reviewed the records and procedures already in place at the care home. 

Ancasta Grove has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as respite and end of life care, and is proud to be able to offer a ‘home for life’ if an individual’s needs change over time. 

To find out more about Ancasta Grove please call Customer Relations Manager, Chris Roby, on 023 9298 2479, email christopher.roby@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/ancasta-grove.