STAFF at Gower Gardens Care Home, in Halesowen, have been celebrating receiving a ‘good’ rating from the CQC which has praised its kind and caring support for residents.

The home in Kent Road, which is run by Kingsley Healthcare, has been given an overall ‘good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission, following an inspection in April.

The service, under a previous provider, was previously given a rating of requires improvement in July 2022.

This time, however, inspectors found the service to be safe, effective, caring and responsive.

To celebrate their success, staff have now invited the local community to a free Hawaiian-themed garden party with a buffet, cocktails and live entertainment from 2pm to 4pm on Friday July 7.

Home manager Jo Robb said: “We are delighted to receive such a positive report.

“I am fortunate to have the support of a brilliant team with many long-standing and loyal employees.

“The report could not have come at a better time as we have just completed a complete refurbishment and are proud of our amazing new facilities that match our standard of care.”

The report noted residents have access to a lounge and dining area on each floor at the home, plus a cinema room and garden and “different activities were available for people to get involved with”.

Although inspectors rated the particular aspect of whether the home was well-led as requires improvement, the report said: “People, staff and relatives spoke positively about the management team and felt able to raise concerns.”

It noted that people had access to healthcare professionals although said some residents had not had annual dental checks and it added: “Staff received training and competencies to ensure they were skilled to meet people's needs.

“People were offered a choice of food and the environment was warm and welcoming with further refurbishments taking place.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service mainly supported this practice.”

The report, published on May 19, noted there was a delay in applying for one person's DoLS application and that some improvements were required to ensure everyone had an application for a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLs) in place.

But it said staff had received safeguarding training and knew how to recognise and report any safeguarding concerns. Infection control measures were in place, and measures in place to ensure staff administered medicines safely.

And the report added that: “People and relatives told us care was provided safely.”

Inspectors found staff knew people well and complaints were responded to in a timely way and the report said: “People were supported by kind and caring staff.

“We observed people being treated with dignity and respect and encouraged to maintain their independence.

“Staff ensured personal information was kept confidential and people were involved in decisions about their care.”

People can see the full report on the CQC website cqc.org.uk