The Old School House in Beverley, Humberside, a residential care home for adults with complex needs associated with their diagnosis of dementia, was rated outstanding for being effective, caring, responsive and well-led following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
It achieved the score of good for the safe category.
The inspection took place on the 18, 21 & 22 November 2019.
The CQC report highlighted that management were passionate about innovative practice and new ways to work. A European grant funded initiative led to one senior staff implementing a bespoke induction programme. Other examples included, staff champions who promoted best practice working, and collaborative work with Bradford University's training programme that provided staff with the skills required to provide person centred dementia care.
The provider ensured residents were able to dress how they chose to and supported them to wear their favourite items even where their health deteriorated. A spare bedroom had been transformed into a sewing room complete with equipment. A member of staff adopted the job as seamstress and repaired clothes to ensure dignity and individuality was maintained.
Life stories were shared in innovative ways. Window box's outside people's rooms celebrated past achievements and along with 'memory shoe boxes filled with memorabilia, were used by staff as prompts to engage in communication about important memories in their lives.
One person had a themed display with poppies and a poem to remember Armistice Day. Activity staff had worked on the persons links with the Royal British Legion. This led to an extremely positive experience where the person completed a poppy appeal around The Old School House.
