Residents, families and staff at Auden House Residential Home in Audenshaw, Manchester, are happy after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission gave the care home an overall outstanding rating in a recent visit.
Inspectors visited 12 & 13 June 2019.
The first day of inspection was undertaken by one inspector and an expert by experience. An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service. The second day of inspection was completed by one inspector.
The CQC rated Auden House as outstanding in the responsive and well-led aspects of the report, and good for the safe, effective and caring elements.
The CQC found that the service was extremely responsive to people's social needs. Residents were supported to make links in the wider community and there was a great focus on community-based activities.
Staff had a clear understanding of the importance of providing residents with the opportunity to develop and maintain friendships and relationships. They had an exemplary approach to finding activities that were not just fun, but also helped people to develop confidence and friendships.
All staff shared a passionate commitment to developing a sense of belonging and community.
Inspectors were given examples of people who had become very isolated living in their own homes who, since starting to live at Auden House, were now actively involved in a range of activities and had made new friends.
Relatives spoke passionately about the impact these and other tailor-made activities had had on their family members. They said people had gained confidence, become happier and that these events and other activities had even led to improvements in people's eating and drinking.
A relative said their family member had commented, "You don't need to worry about me, it's lovely here, everyone knows my name and the things I like. If I need anything I can just ask, and they sort it out."
The CQC report highlighted that everyone they spoke with consistently referred to the home as being like a family. They found the atmosphere to be extremely homely and welcoming. There was a clear sense of belonging and community.
People who used the service told inspectors, "They have created a family atmosphere", "It is absolutely top-class care here" and "It is absolutely wonderful here. Years ago, I was frightened going into a care home, but here they treat you with courtesy."
A relative said “We have found Auden House to be the perfect place for my 96-year-old auntie. She has all the company she was lacking at home where she lived alone. Her health and wellbeing improved dramatically due to the excellent care and friendships she has made with all the staff and other residents.
“The staff are so very caring and friendly both to my auntie and ourselves when we visit. We think we made an excellent choice when choosing this care home and would certainly recommend it to anybody who is in need of good care and a friendly face.”