Leamington Spa care home praised by national inspectors

A national regulator has given a care home in Leamington Spa its ultimate seal of approval following an unannounced inspection.

Care UK’s Priors House, on Old Milverton Lane, was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with five key areas assessed – safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and leadership – following their recent week-long evaluation.

Inspectors highlighted the positive relationships between team members and residents at the home, noting the team treated residents with kindness, empathy and compassion. They observed many respectful interactions, with one resident commenting: “I really can’t fault this place at all, it’s the next best place to being in my own home. The team are all charming without exception.” 

The report also praised the home’s personalised care planning, which captures each resident’s strengths, abilities, aspirations, cultural backgrounds and protected characteristics. One relative said: “They’re all excellent in terms of knowing the residents’ names and what they do and like, it’s not just one or two either. I think it’s a core thing.” 

Relatives also told inspectors how the team used their knowledge of residents to motivate and engage them. One relative said: “they know [name] likes singing so they make sure they go to anything to do with singing which they absolutely love. They are very good at realising what their residents like and very good at making sure they get to do things.”

The inspection found memory boxes, containing personal items such as photographs, necklaces and ornaments, outside bedrooms to support those with cognitive impairment to orientate themselves around the home. Residents also benefit from facilities such as a hairdressing salon, a cinema room and a large garden with seating areas.

The team consistently described an open and supportive working culture underpinned by good teamwork and communication. One team member explained: “I think it is very warm and loving.” Another added: “I am proud to say I work at Priors House, and I am proud of what we do here. Most of all I’m proud if I get a smile on someone’s face every day.”

Another team member told us of a resident who had improved their mobility with physiotherapy input and team support. They commented, “[Name] came very quiet and reserved, I think they lost who they were for a little while, but the day after they came, they started the physio and it has improved their mental wellbeing. It is nice to see we can bring someone back to how they were previously."

A robust activities programme was also noted, with residents encouraged to stay active and join in with music sessions, gardening, pub nights and visits from local entertainers. A minibus ensures that the residents have opportunities to access the wider community, and the home team arrange monthly ‘blue light breakfasts’ for the emergency services and regular visits from a local school to support intergenerational engagement.

Staci Reeson, Customer Relations Manager at Priors House, said: “We’re extremely proud that the CQC has recognised the quality of care provided here with an ‘outstanding’ rating overall.

“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our whole team, who go the extra mile every day to deliver safe, respectful and person-centred care for every individual living here. It is especially rewarding to see the positive relationships between team members, residents and families acknowledged in the report.

“We are proud of what we have achieved, and we will strive to continue to provide the highest possible standards of care.”

Priors House is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the home has its very own café, cinema and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.