Alderwood Care Home in Colchester, Essex, a nursing home for adults over the age of 65 was rated outstanding for being caring, responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 22 February 2018.
It achieved the score of good for the safe and effective categories.
The CQC report highlighted that a family member moved into Alderwood as their relative was living with dementia. They were given a helpful booklet 'understanding dementia' that gave a lot of information including describing what dementia is, how it affects people differently, the different types of dementia and also some useful contact details of organisations who could offer support to family members. It also contains a useful 'meet the expert' which gave answers to commonly asked questions about the condition.
Alderwood was responsive to people's needs. The environment of the home was well laid out with enough communal space to meet the needs of residents. There were lounges on each floor and smaller 'quiet lounges' where people could entertain visitors. One small lounge contained a jukebox with music to suit the age group of the people living at the service. This was purchased with money the staff had raised taking part in a 24hr darts marathon.
In addition to communal lounges and dining rooms, there was a cinema room and a bar.
The CQC also highlighted that both residents and their relatives were full of praise about the management team and the family culture developed that ensured people were at the heart of everything.