Outstanding care home: 'It's the place to be if you're a 90-year-old gal like me'

A care home in West Sussex that has never had to use agency staff has been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The Shelley in Worthing has also been voted a Top 20 care home in the South East based on reviews written by residents, friends and relatives.

Following the two-day inspection and upon hearing the news, the home held a celebratory afternoon with champagne for both staff and residents.

Joyce Waterfield who has lived at The Shelley for the last three years, said: "It's the place to be if you're a 90 year 'old gal' like me! We have lots of friends here, we have fun and happy laughter."

Matt G, a friend of a resident added: "My elderly friend has been a resident for several years now and I always look forward to my visits. The staff are extremely warm and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. They function extremely well together as a fully cohesive team under the leadership of their very experienced manager.

"It's the little touches also that make such a difference such as Fudge the home's pet cat, as well as the tasteful decor that makes it feel so homely (I'm convinced that the owner is really a frustrated interior designer at heart). Personally, I'd move in tomorrow myself but then unfortunately, I'm only 53."

Since opening in 2005, it has been the home's sole intention of bringing a ‘breath of fresh air’ to social care in Worthing.

Care home owner Marlene Sanders said: “We just always wanted to be the best. As a single, independent care home, The Shelley has always had the scope and ability to try out new things and constantly adapt.

"Long before the corporate sector implemented coffee machines, kitchens for residents and hairdressing salons we had implemented all of these on opening 12 years ago. Today we continue to innovate with use of technology with e-mar medication, on-line care planning system, DOCOB (remote resident monitoring system), WiFi throughout the home, iPads for residents use as well as experimenting with virtual reality headsets as part of the activities programme."

The report from the CQC highlighted the 'excellent support' the residents received, noting the homely family atmosphere, the superb food and facilities, extensive entertainment and social activities, excellent care and high employee morale.

According to care home manager, Nada Wakefords, "it is the residents themselves who are at the heart of the home." She said, "getting to know each and every one of them and finding ways to make their lives happier and more fulfilling is a key part of what we do. It is truly the little things that add up to make a huge difference to our residents."

The Shelley is a substantial, detached Victorian building providing personal care, respite and long term care for up to 32 residents. In its previous inspection in 2015, the home was rated Outstanding.

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