Belong Atherton Care Village in Atherton, Manchester a nursing home for adults with sensory impairments, dementia, mental health conditions and physical disabilities was rated outstanding for being effective, caring, responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 14 & 16 March 2018.
It achieved the score of good for the safe category.
The CQC report highlighted that residents were supported to fulfil their dreams and their achievements were celebrated and their views were sought and acted on. People were supported by staff that were compassionate and treated them with dignity and respect.
The service's ethos, vision and values promoted people's rights to make choices and live fulfilled and valued lives. There was a strong emphasis on people pursuing full, active lives engaged with their local communities. There was active participation in the local community and strong links with local schools to optimise outcomes for older people and young children.
Residents and relatives consistently told CQC inspectors they felt safe living at the care village. Comments included "Of course I feel safe, comfortably so." "Oh yes I'm safe, there's nothing to be frightened of."
A relative said, "Staff give me daily updates, they have even rung me on their days off."
There were exceptional outcomes for people that included one person significantly reducing the frequency of falls as they’d been encouraged to take a step back and re-address their balance to prevent further falls. Another resident had undertaken a sequence of regular supported resistance exercises on their upper body to increase their strength so they could use their Zimmer frame and mobilise independently again. While another person had improved their walking ability from six steps to 40 steps by undertaking leg exercises at the gym and participating in 'silver fit programmes.'
The lead nurse in collaboration with the management team, had led on Belong Atherton Care Village submission for the Gold Standards Framework, and the village passed with 'Commendation,' and praised for 'the contagious passion of staff,' and 'family environment' they created in the households.
