'We were lucky to find it': Family's delight as care home is rated Outstanding

A care home In Gateshead has been celebrating after it received an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the health and social care watchdog.

Northbourne in Durham Road, which puts residents at the heart of its service, is the ninth care home run by Anchor to have received the highest accolade.

During the inspection, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were told by one family "it was difficult to look at any other care home once we'd been here," while another relative added, "we were lucky to find it, it's exceptional".

According to inspectors, the home had an 'extremely effective' way of encouraging discussion and social stimulation.

Staff put a large map of the local area on one of the corridor walls, with markers identifying local places of interest, including what was on offer at the location and opening times. Residents and visitors were encouraged to add new places and information to help provide ideas for outings and to stimulate discussions.

On the opposite wall was a large map of the world. This was used to initiate discussions about places residents have been so they could reminisce, or talk about where family members and friends lived.

'The most rewarding project'

During the summer, two artists also moved into the home for a period of five weeks. Funded by the Arts Council and Equal Arts, the project involved the artists working with residents in arts and crafts activities such as sewing, 'yarn bombing', photography, hand casting and painting. An exhibition of the work carried out at the home was put on display.

Inspectors also witnessed the artists support a new resident to the home by helping them to decorate their bedroom and settle them in.

The family member told inspectors: "She enjoyed painting with the artists. They were lovely and showed her what to do. She used to paint and the staff knew that."

According to the artists, it was the "most rewarding project" they have ever done, allowing them to spend time developing meaningful and deepened relationships and delve into what was really going on at that specific moment.

'The home operates as one happy family'

Home manager Alison Fryer has been praised for her exceptional leadership which has focused on developing a culture where residents’ needs and aspirations are prioritised.

She said: ““We secured this rating because of consistent good practice, focusing on person-centred care and putting the wellbeing of the residents at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.

“Teamwork is key to our success. The home operates as one happy family and as no agency staff are used, we have a strong team who really know our residents.

“We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people and their families can see which homes are the best in the country.”

84-year-old resident Maureen Scott, who has lived at the home for more than a year, added: “I love it here and I would not want to leave. The staff are patient and do a very good job.

"This is a great achievement and a high rating is well deserved.”

Northbourne is located in a leafy setting in Low Fell. It provides residential and dementia care for up to 33 residents and is close to local shops, amenities and public transport.

For more information on the CQC report click here

click here for more details or to contact Northbourne