Care home is rated outstanding for second time

A care home has been rated outstanding by the regulator for a second time in a row.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Grove Court in Woodbridge, Suffolk, for a routine inspection in March.

Inspectors said the home treated its 61 residents with "kindness and compassion", with staff supporting them in the "least restrictive way possible".

Hazel Roberts from the CQC said staff should feel proud. The care home owner said it was clear from the report how much attention was given to the voice of residents and families.

Inspectors said overall, residents lived "full, rich and active" lives, and they felt listened to and confident with the support from staff.

Relatives gave inspectors examples of excellent care and one specifically said they felt staff seemed "to go the extra mile and excel" in everything they do, the CQC said.

Roberts, the deputy director of adult social care in the East of England for the CQC, said the home had continued to build on its outstanding rating from its past inspection back in 2019.

"What stood out most was how deeply staff knew the people in their care," she said.

"They understood people's histories, preferences and routines, and used that knowledge to provide care that was genuinely personal.

"One person told us that a member of the activities staff took them personally to the cinema to see a film they loved. That kind of thoughtfulness shows what outstanding care looks like in practice."

She said "other services should look at this report as an example of outstanding practice".

Olivia Curno, chief executive of Elizabeth Finn Homes, said what stood out in the report was "how central the voice of residents and their families is to everyday life".

She praised the care home's sketch clubs, piano "rediscoveries", art exhibitions and seaside trips.

"The home serves as a powerful reminder of what great social care can achieve when care teams are supported, residents are genuinely listened to, and care is built around empowering the individual," said Curno.

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