We are proud to announce that our care home manager has received praise from CQC inspectors for turning around Crouched Friars in Colchester within six months.
Following a previous CQC inspection, inspectors who visited the service noted that the culture is improved, and the service is operating in a more open and transparent way.
The CQC returned to the care home in February this year and note that new care plans and training are implemented. The dementia-friendly home has also scored a ‘Good’ rating for being caring, acknowledging that people are treated with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Paulina Eagle, Care Home Manager at Crouched Friars, who has worked in the care sector for 10 years said the home is working closely with the CQC to improve its standards.
She added: “We are working extremely hard to address further improvements required and the team continues to work very closely with the CQC and local authority to ensure our residents are safe.
“We have now fully recruited an experienced care staff team who are involved in an ongoing development and training programme, and we are confident that each inspection will be an improvement on the last.
“We want to thank staff for their motivation and dedication and residents and relatives for their patience whilst we go through this transition period.”
Our care team are also supporting people with dementia by offering Dementia Friends sessions to staff and relatives. Dementia friendly improvements to the home have been made by decorating communal areas with sensory walls and visual cues.
What residents and their family say?
As part of the process, inspectors questioned residents and their families on the quality of care received and praised the caring relationships that staff have developed with residents as a result.
One relative stated that: “The carers have really got to know my relative so well. They keep them lovely and clean and always have nice clean clothes on.”
Another relative commented: “Whenever I come in the staff always say hello and make me feel welcome.”
The report also noted that improved recruitment processes are in place to provide care and support to people and that parts of the building are refurbished making the home look clean and fresh.
The home, which has a 9.4 rating on carehome.co.uk, has recently appointed an Activities Coordinator, creating an activity schedule that is enhancing the lives of the residents living at Crouched Friars.
Intergenerational sessions with a local nursery for children to visit the residents and singing and entertainment is in place as part of the engaging activity schedule.
A member of staff commented: “Things have improved 100% with the new manager. We now have clear rules and know what is expected. There is much more of a focus on people who live here.”