Hampshire care home where staff have 'exceptionally positive' relationships with residents rated 'outstanding'

A care home in Sway has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, with inspectors praising staff for caring for residents with ‘kindness, compassion and sensitivity’.

Gracewell of Sway provides personal and nursing care for up to 68 people, with the home having large gardens and offering a range of activities including yoga, tai chi and drummercise.

Inspectors said: "People were cared for by a motivated and well-trained staff team, who always put people first."

One resident said: "Staff are kind, caring people. When I walk up the stairs, I get a bit wobbly, and staff instantly take my arm and assist me."

Another resident said: "Staff are very good, very kind. They are always happy".

Inspectors revealed that a relative told them: "She is very happy with the staff. When the carers go in her face lights up and she doesn't fret about home. She has all her furniture and familiar things around her."

Residents are allowed to bring pets to the care home and residents are very happy with the food.

One resident said: "The food is very good, good quality and a choice. We eat in what is like a restaurant. We get too much food."

CQC found the chef held a food forum where people could share ideas and preferences for the menu and spent a lot of time chatting to people at mealtimes or privately about their food preferences.

The report also revealed that residents received outstanding end of life care and people experienced a comfortable and dignified death.

Staff participated in end of life care training and worked closely with the local hospice.

Rachel Bedford, general manager of Gracewell of Sway, said: “We’re delighted to be rated as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. Everybody at Gracewell of Sway has worked tremendously hard this past year, and this accomplishment is testament to these remarkable efforts.

“We pride ourselves on the extraordinary care and support provided to our residents, and it is wonderful for this to be recognised.”

Martina Lamden, Gracewell Healthcare’s regional director of operations for the South West, added: “This title means a great deal to Gracewell of Sway. Recognition as ‘outstanding’ shows just how exceptional the care home really is.

"Navigating COVID-19 has been immensely challenging for the care home, but as demonstrated by their enduring commitment and efforts to their residents and team members, Gracewell of Sway have proven that they are truly an industry-leading care home. Congratulations all!”

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