Harton Grange in South Shields, Tyne and Wear was rated outstanding for being caring, responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 14 January 2020.
It achieved the score of Good for the safe and effective categories.
Harton Grange is a care home providing personal care to people aged 65 and over.
The CQC report highlighted that staff were committed to ensuring people received the best possible support in an exceptionally caring and nurturing environment and they supported people in a very patient and attentive manner.
CQC inspectors observed that when residents became distressed, staff responded immediately and knew how to reduce anxieties. One person said, "Staff sit and hold my hand and chat to me and cuddle me if I'm getting teary."
Staff developed remarkably positive and caring relationships with both people and their relatives, and some relatives continued to visit the home after their family member had died.
There was an extensive programme of individual, group activities and engagement with the community. A person commented, "I do dominoes and bingo, I like the singers. There is the ukulele playing in the café so we can sing along, but I please myself if I want to join in." The activities organiser said, "We have hens, hold tea dances, do ball games, balloon games, quizzes, sewing classes, flower arranging, and we are going to make pottery. We have our café, which brings everyone together."
It was clear to CQC inspectors that residents were at the heart of the service. The organisation led by example to create a culture which was incredibly caring and supportive to people and staff. There was a long-established staff team. Several staff said they "loved" coming to work.
