'Outstanding' LGBTQ-friendly care home praised for 'breaking barriers'

A care home in Abingdon has been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and praised for finding ways to maintain dignity and creating ‘strong links with local LGBTQ+ groups’.

The report praised The Close Care Home for how the ‘provider worked closely with the LGBT+ community and was involved in writing articles for a national magazine relating to care for people of the LGBT+ in later life. This meant The Close engaged constructively with staff, people and equality groups.’

’From staff to the residents, we share our lives’

Managing director of The Close Care Home Sanjay Dhrona said: “I was on my own journey as an LGBTQ+ Asian man. The one thing this whole journey has taught me is that how can you expect people to respect you and work with you if you don’t know how to be yourself.

“You never realise the impact you have on someone’s life until you sit down and talk to them. From staff to the residents, we share our lives, I brought the whole person to work and they shared the whole person with me.

"I never thought I’d enjoy it, but I’ve never felt like I’m at work, it’s surprised me. I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Five years ago, Mr Dhrona worked in the hospitality industry, networking with high profile clients such as the royal family, luxury car manufacturers, and pop stars until he took a life changing call from his family.

Mr Dhrona said: “I did what anyone would do for their family in that situation. The home was in trouble, and we were concerned that residents weren’t being cared to a standard that we were happy with. I literally walked away from my job and helped my father try and turn the business around knowing only too well I had no social care experience – I had to try.

“I realised really quickly that we had fantastic staff on the floor. Genuine people who really cared, they just didn’t have the right support. So on the first day I arrived the first room I came to was the laundry, and that's where I started.”

Mr Dhrona worked every department one after the other, he learnt the job, got to know the staff, listened to their opinions, and then went away, read the rules, and bit by bit made the necessary changes.

Working closely with CQC, Mr Dhrona appointed two registered managers solely responsible for the clinical aspects of the business. In addition, a non-clinical manager was appointed to ensure the important role of the ancillary services ran smoothly.

’We did it, as a team, as a family’

The report also states: ‘The provider, registered managers and staff team were highly motivated and proud of the service they delivered to people. There was a strong commitment to ensure the service was inclusive and that people had the opportunity to extend their lives in the community.’

CQC were also impressed with the way staff were responsive with residents. The reports said: ‘People used a variety of assistive communication aids to express themselves, which enabled staff to support people effectively to meet their needs. Examples included picture cards, assistive technology and personalised signs and gestures. Mr Dhrona said: “To say we are ecstatic with our CQC rating is an absolute understatement. It’s been a journey that’s been about focusing care on the needs of the person rather than the needs of the service.

“We did it, as a team, as a family. Together we achieved the greatest feat known in adult social care. We are so proud of the amazing family we have built.

“We will commit publicly to continue to improve, continue to innovate and most importantly continue to care.”

Read the full CQC report click here

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