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Care village praised for inspiring independence in its residents
The motto is: "We work in our residents home, they do not live in our workplace."
Residents Elsie Sales and Eva Patrick play a board game. (Image: Nottingham Post)
A care home in Nottinghamshire has been praised after residents were found to have "maximum choice and control of their lives".
The Nottingham Care Village in Lambley opened in 2016 by Nottingham-based global manufacturing firm Purico, offers a "person-centered care approach" where residents are given individual care.
During a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) the Village was found to be Good overall after previously requiring improvements.
Inspectors visited on September 12 and spoke with staff, residents and relatives to help with their report.
Currently home to 18 residents, the facility was judged on whether it was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led for which it received a rating of good for each.
In particular the report highlighted how the service and home had been adapted to support people living with dementia.
(Image: Nottingham Post)
It commented on the choice of furniture with "curved edges" to reduce the risk of injury and also signage "to help people orientate themselves around the home".
It added: "The home had an attractive, safe, well maintained and accessible garden area, with outdoor seating for people who wished to use the garden."
The inspector noted that staff interacted with residents in a "calm and reassuring manner" and were attentive, able to identify "when people were cold, needed a drink or wanted to move to another part of the home".
Staff were reported as having completed dementia awareness training giving them the skills to better communicate with people.
Residents were supported to be independent and given freedom to make their own choices, such as for meals.
One resident said: "If I don't like what is on the menu, I will ask for an omelette, or beans on toast and the cook will always make me something else."
Another said, "The food and snacks they provide are very good and the staff are always offering cups of tea."
(Image: Nottingham Post)
Acting care home manager Fionnula Sheeran praised all the staff for their hard work in achieving the result.
She said: "We have a very dedicated team, many have been here since opening.
"Our residents have their favourites. Both the cooks are brilliant and the activities co-ordinator, Janet Smith is very good.
"All the staff are handpicked, kind and compassionate which has helped to turn our CQC report around."
Ms Sheeran added the ethos of the Village: "We work in our residents home, they do not live in our workplace.
"It means we want them to socialise within the community, see their family as they wish, and feel safe.
"It can be very overwhelming for new residents, but we try to support as much as we can while promoting their independence."
The inspector said: "People's independence was encouraged and promoted.
"People told us staff did all they could to support them with doing as much for themselves as possible.
"One person said, "I do what I can, and the staff encourage me to keep me independent. I can't walk to the dining room, the staff know that, so always come down to my room with a wheelchair."
As well as activities within the Village such as an upcoming pony visit, there are also trips out to places such as Newstead Abbey and boat trips along the River Trent.
The report stated that residents were encouraged to maintain their links with friends and family, which reduced the risk of social isolation.
For Christmas, staff are planning some shopping trips so residents can purchase gifts for their families.
Director Mary McGowan said everyone was "delighted to be recognised" by the inspection.
She added: "We've always been known to be good, but to have the result is perfect.
"We are always conscious that this is a home for our residents and we respect them with personalised care and lots of choice.
"They are treated as individuals and they can enjoy as much or as little as they like from getting their hair done to going out on trips."
