The Old Vicarage in Wooler, Northumberland, a residential home for adults, some living with dementia was rated outstanding for being caring and responsive following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 27 March 2018.
It achieved the score of good for the safe, effective and well-led categories.
The CQC report highlighted that there was an atmosphere of wellbeing in the home. People were happy, content and well cared for. This was supported by excellent comments from people, relatives and health and social care professionals, all of which demonstrated the very positive impact which care at the Old Vicarage had upon people's lives.
Residents and relatives were extremely complimentary about the responsiveness of staff. Comments from four relatives included, "I am absolutely amazed at how lovely it is. I have definitely done the right thing. I can't fault anything, everyone gives their time and they are so responsive," "I would say it's a safe, secure and a friendly home where people can live until the end of their life. They can find home again there and have their needs met in an encouraging environment. It's a place where you can continue to move forward rather than sliding back – it's not about standing still. Every day you will find something positive," "Staff at the Vicarage seem to sense and know her needs and meet them so well. They give her individual attention and they have a care plan and refer back to it if it needs adjusting."
The CQC report also highlighted that the service was an active part of the local community. This was appreciated by people and relatives. One person told us, "They're all local girls. It's good because the connection is there. They know us and what is happening in Wooler." The service liaised with the local schools, churches and entertainers to ensure important local connections were maintained.
