The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by Grace Muriel House, in St Albans, to be Outstanding following an inspection in November.
Grace Muriel House provides accommodation and personal care to 37 older people some of whom may live with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 35 people living at the home.
Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate and people were being provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care.
Read the full inspection report.
Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Grace Muriel House is rated Outstanding overall as well as for being caring, responsive, effective and well-led, and Good for being safe.
Jemima Burnage, CQC’s Head of Inspection for Adult Social Care in the central region said:
“Our inspection team was really impressed by the level of care and support offered to people at Grace Muriel House.
“Our previous inspection in August 2015 saw the home rated as Good overall. At this inspection we found further improvements had been made which enhanced people`s experience of the care and support they received.
“People told us they were feeling safe in the home and that staff helped them in a way that made them feel comfortable and safe. Staff were enthusiastic and knowledgeable when they talked to our inspectors about the people they supported. They demonstrated a good understanding of people`s needs likes, dislikes and preferences.
“We found that people received exceptionally effective care, based on best practice, by staff with an in-depth knowledge of their care and treatment needs. Staff worked with people, other professionals and continually developed their skills. People`s health and well-being improved due to the effective care they received in the home.
“People living at the home felt they were treated as individuals and they mattered. The care people received was personalised, staff paid attention to detail and demonstrated pride, passion and enthusiasm for those they supported. They continuously looked for ways to ensure people had positive experiences and led fulfilling lives.
“Those living at the home were encouraged to socialise, pursue their hobbies and interests and try new things. There was a strong culture within the service of treating people with dignity and respect. People and the staff knew each other well and these relationships were valued by people who used the service.
“In addition, people nearing the end of their life and their families received bespoke care and support.
“All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated Outstanding.”
Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said:
“The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased that we can celebrate the service’s achievements.
“An outstanding service is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”
Ends
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The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased that we can celebrate the service’s achievements
Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care