The Check House in Seaton, Devon a nursing home for people over 65 with dementia was rated outstanding for being effective and responsive following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 27 February & 7 March 2018.
It achieved the score of good for the safe, caring and well-led categories.
At the last inspection in October 2015, the effective category was rated requires improvement and a requirement had been made to improve the standard of guidance to staff when people's behaviour sometimes challenged the service. This requirement was met, and guidance is in place.
In response to feedback from the last inspection, there was also now an established robust system to monitor people's food and fluid intake with action taken to support people's health and welfare.
The registered manager had reviewed the areas of care linked to the effective question and had made significant steps to provide an exceptional environment and high quality and nutritious meals, as well as the provider providing innovative training for relatives of people living with dementia.
The CQC report highlighted that there were two house cats living at The Check House and several people had moved to the home with their dogs.
The service has links with the Cinnamon Trust. This is a registered charity that supports "people in their last years and their much loved, much needed companion animals" and keeps a Pet Friendly Care Home register. Staff supported people to care for their pets, reminding them about walks and accompanying them with their dog to the garden or further afield.
A visitor said "There are two lovely cats. The black one comes in the window.”
