A Kesgrave care home has celebrated after being rated ‘Good’ by a health watchdog following more than two years of struggles.
A damning report by the Care Quality Commission was published in July 2014 over Alice Grange Care Home in St Isidores, after multiple failings were found in the quality of care, staff training and supervision and management suitability.
Among the issues were a failure to identify all patients’ needs, monitoring systems not being effective and interaction with residents not being as strong as it could be.
Between April 2015 and April 2016, three subsequent inspections rated the ailing care home as ‘Requires improvement’ after inspectors deemed it had not made sufficient progress.
Now, after a committed drive by the care home’s managers and staff, the 88-resident home has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating following inspections on April 27 and May 2.
Michelle Medway, general manager at Alice Grange Care Home said: “We are pleased that Alice Grange was rated ‘Good’ overall following the CQC’s most recent inspection.
“The team always strive to provide the best possible quality care and work hard to continually improve the services we offer.”
In the report, the Barchester Healthcare-run home was praised for “a positive, open and inclusive culture in the service,” and added that “the atmosphere in the service was warm and welcoming”.
The report said: “Staff understood the importance of gaining people’s consent and were compassionate, attentive and caring in their interactions with people.
“They understood people’s preferred routines, likes and dislikes and what mattered to them. People were involved in making decisions about their care.”
The report added that residents appeared relaxed and at ease at Alice Grange, and reported to inspectors that they felt safe.
The care home provides nursing care for up to 88 adults – including both older and younger adults, as well as a specialised dementia care service.
A spokeswoman added: “We understand that no two people are the same and take a person-centred care approach, recognising and celebrating each person’s individuality.”
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