The White House (Curdridge) Limited in Southampton, Hampshire was rated outstanding for being effective and caring following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), 25 & 26 February 2020.
It achieved the score of Good for the safe, responsive, and well-led categories.
The White House provides accommodation and personal care for younger and older people living with dementia and other mental health conditions.
The CQC report highlighted that the environment of the home had been designed and adapted to help people living with dementia manage their surroundings, retain their independence, and reduce feelings of confusion and anxiety.
From walking around the building and gardens this was clearly evident and even though some people were living with very advanced dementia, due to the layout of the home and the freedom of movement this provided, there was a calm and relaxing atmosphere throughout the home.
A relative said, "The inside spaces are creatively designed, and we just love the freedom of movement that all residents can enjoy."
The service had won awards in the past for being a pet friendly home and the positive impact this had on people's wellbeing. The main rear garden provided a secure and tranquil area with a walkway encircling an enclosure with an ornamental duck pond with swans, a large aviary with exotic birds, goats and wallabies.
One relative told CQC inspectors, "We have all been terribly impressed by the environment my father now calls home. His grandchildren enjoy their visits, the outside space with the 'mini- zoo' is a great sharing experience for all, whatever the weather." Another relative said, "She loves the animals can just walk around. She would worry about the animals being fed so staff took her out to help feed the animals. Loves nature and animals she was asked when she came here if she wanted a cat lovely that you are asked if you want animals. She didn't want a cat, but she often asks the lady who looks after the cats if the cats are okay and enjoys seeing them around the home and loves seeing them just a lovely environment."
Staff spoke passionately about how The White House was people's home and not just their workplace.
A member of staff said, "I have worked in other care homes but what is different here, is it is completely the resident's home. It's changed my perspective about care homes, completely different to working in other care homes can't praise it enough and how it really is their home."
Comments