'Meaningful activities' help home care provider gain 'outstanding' upgrade

Broad Oak Manor Domiciliary Care, based in Hertfordshire has been rated as 'outstanding' in its most recent CQC inspection in June, achieving the highest possible overall CQC rating after a previous ‘good’ from the inspectorate in 2016.

The inspection found the service to be good for being safe and caring and outstanding for being effective, responsive and well-led.

It gained an overall outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The service supports older people and those with dementia, as well as people living with physical disabilities or sensory impairments in their own homes. At the time of inspection, personal care was provided for seven people.

Lo-Anne Lewis, CQC head of inspection for Adult Social Care in the central region, said: “Our inspection team was very impressed by the level of care and support offered by Broad Oak Manor Domiciliary Care.

“The service assessed new people thoroughly and ensured its staff had specialised training to meet their individual needs. One person was supported to complete an intensive physiotherapy programme which was instrumental in improving their quality of life. Other people benefitted from staff specialisms in dementia care, ulcer prevention and wound care. All this helped people manage their health effectively."

Inspectors were particularly impressed with activities that helped individuals to lead fulfilled lives. Ms Lewis continued: “People were supported to participate in meaningful activities. These included Christmas dinners, a gardening club and a knitting group which made poppies for Remembrance Day.

“Staff also organised an Oscar’s-themed evening, complete with red carpet and trophy, where people’s favourite films were shown. One person had been a teacher and missed contact with young people, so staff arranged a meeting with children where they discussed life during the Second World War. These activities helped to give people purpose in life."

The management team were also praised in the CQC report. Ms Lewis said: “Underpinning Broad Oak Manor’s success were leaders who constantly sought to develop and improve the service. The manager was approachable and listened to ideas and feedback. People valued this openness and it led to trusting relationships.

“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated outstanding.”

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