‘Back to her old self’: Care home that supports residents' passions rated outstanding after first inspection

A Wolverhampton care home has been rated outstanding by inspectors following its first inspection.

Foxland Grange in Wergs Road received the highest possible overall rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in October.

The home, which supports adults with dementia, nursing and residential care needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairments, was caring for 89 residents at the time of the inspection.

Inspectors rated the home outstanding for being effective, caring, responsive and well-led, while safety was rated good.

The CQC praised staff for creating a welcoming environment and providing personalised care, with improvements in staff retention helping residents build stronger relationships with those looking after them.

Staff retention had improved by 56 per cent, while a reduced reliance on agency workers had led to greater consistency in care.

Inspectors highlighted several examples of staff going above and beyond to improve residents' lives.

One retired headteacher was supported to revisit their former school and become a pen pal to pupils, while another resident who had lost his wife found a new passion for gardening and won an award for growing the tallest sunflower.

Staff also helped an RAF veteran visit a local museum and work with a nearby base on a project encouraging other veterans to share their experiences.

Another resident who had become withdrawn was supported to create a studio space, exhibit their artwork at a local gallery and return to writing poetry.

The report read: “The exhibition brought together people, relatives and staff, celebrated the person’s talents and visibly improved their confidence and wellbeing. Their relative said ‘I can see her coming back to her old self again, it’s wonderful.’”

Amanda Lyndon, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the West Midlands, said: "Foxland Grange is an exceptional home because of the hard work and dedication of its leaders and staff, who have created a warm and welcoming environment.

"The registered manager and their team built a shared set of values with staff, and you could see those values in everything we observed.

"They reduced the need to use agency staff and improved staff retention by 56 per cent. This meant staff knew the people they cared for well, and relatives told us complaints and concerns fell as a result.

"That consistency made a real difference to people's lives. Staff took the time to understand each person's history and what mattered to them."

Inspectors also praised the home's work with healthcare professionals, which helped residents remain healthy and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

In one case, a resident with a painful pressure ulcer was able to get out of bed and spend time with friends again following six months of coordinated care.

The home was also recognised for its weekly sensory sessions for people living with dementia, which helped some residents who did not communicate verbally become calmer and better able to express themselves.

A 'wish tree' scheme gave residents opportunities to fulfil personal ambitions, including trips to the theatre and football matches, while one resident was involved in welcoming new arrivals and recruiting staff.

Inspectors found that staff felt supported by management and were encouraged to raise concerns, while new employees were given protected time to develop their skills.

The home also offered apprenticeships, counselling and staff recognition initiatives.

Ms Lyndon added: "We also saw staff work closely with district nurses and other health professionals, which helped people stay well and avoid hospital stays.

"Everyone associated with Foxland Grange should be very proud of this report which reflects the high quality care the home provides."

Foxland Grange is operated by Care UK Care Services Limited and WT UK Opco 4 Limited under a dual registration.

The inspection was the first carried out since the home registered with the CQC.