Dunkirk Memorial House in Taunton, Somerset is delighted to have been awarded outstandingagain by the Care Quality Commission.
The Somerset care home providingcare to ex-service people and their dependentswas awarded outstanding for effective, responsive and well-led and good for safe and caring.
The home specialises in the care of older people, including people living with dementia, but is also able to support younger people.
The CQC inspections took place on 31 October & 1 November 2018.
The report highlighted that since the last inspection the provider had maintained the high standards of care and support people received and constantly looked for ways to introduce further improvements. This included taking part in innovative projects and addressing issues raised by people and staff.
Compliments received by the home described Dunkirk Memorial House as being, "Such an exceptional place" and "A unique and very special home." The local Member of Parliament had also praised the standard of care given at the home during a discussion in the House of Commons. One person said, "I just don't think you could find anywhere better."
Residents were proud of their home and staff proud of the work they did. People were at the centre of everything at the home and consulted on all changes. They had freedom to follow their own routines and staff were respectful of people's religions, cultures, backgrounds and lifestyle choices.
As residents come from a military background there was a memorial garden at the home and a remembrance service was held each year.
The staff were very responsive to people's needs and preferences providing different care for resident's needs and wishes. This was demonstrated in the varied décor styles and atmospheres of different areas of Dunkirk.
Throughout the inspection the CQC saw numerous examples of kindness and compassion. They were told that staff went the extra mile to support residents and records showed the combination of physical care, stimulation and kindness had greatly improved a person's quality of life.
