'Outstanding' London care home creates a 'truly community atmosphere'

Minchenden Lodge Care Home in Blagdens Lane, London has been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The home run by Scimitar Care Hotels PLC, provides accommodation for up to 25 residents.

During their two-day unannounced visit, inspectors observed positive interactions between residents and staff. The report found the home has remained consistently well-led, keeping its positive culture and ensuring staff enjoyed working at the home and felt valued.

’The management has built an ethos of openness and support that brings the home together’

Lisa Coombs, registered manager at Minchenden Lodge said: “Receiving outstanding from the CQC is a momentous achievement that is the result of the commitment and hard work that all the team have put in to ensuring that our residents receive the love, care and quality of life that they deserve.

"There is a cohesive belief at Minchenden, that every individual can positively impact somebody’s life on a daily basis, whether it is a resident, a friend, a colleague or a loved one and it is this sincere desire to improve the life of others that has made this recognition an achievement that has warmed the hearts of us all.”

The CQC report stated: ‘The home created a truly community atmosphere. One person had been involved in charity fundraising before moving into the home. Staff recognised this and supported the person to continue raising money for various charities.’

People were also encouraged to meet new friends from other homes run by the provider. This helped to form friendships and experience different things. ‘One person told us that they were going: "To Buckingham Palace to look around and have high tea with friends from a different home." This had been arranged as part of a person's wish list.’

The report also saw that Minchenden Lodge supported people to do things outside of the home. ‘People had been to various seasides, museums, restaurants and other places of interest. The activities coordinator said: "Their moods and experiences change when we go out. The more we can do outside the better. They always tell me where they want to go." A relative laughed and said: "He goes out on so many bloomin' outings I can't remember them all!"

Luke Sargeant operations director said: “We’re all absolutely delighted with the result. What gives us the most sense of pride is that this is simply a reflection of the outstanding care and support that each and every one of the staff provides on a daily basis.

“All staff, regardless of whether they work in the kitchen, housekeeping, activities or care are intrinsically involved with ensuring that our residents experience a tailored and personalised service.”

In the report, inspectors observed: ‘People, staff and relatives were valued and their opinions and wishes listened to. There were annual surveys looking at the quality of care provided. We saw that results from the last survey were overwhelmingly positive”. A relative had written, 'I am very happy with all aspects of my mother's care and she is very happy at Minchenden Lodge'.

Mr Sargeant said: “The management has built an ethos of openness and support that brings the home together, making residents, staff and visitors equally content and assured. It gives us immense satisfaction to know that we are making a positive difference to so many people’s lives.”

To read the full CQC report click here

click here for more details or to contact Minchenden Lodge