Ridgeway Rise care home has celebrated the great success after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Care Quality Commission

The North Swindon care home which was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ only 10 weeks after starting operating in March 2019, was given an improved rating following an inspection in December 2019.

Former owners of the building sold the business when it was rated ‘Inadequate’ in certain areas and put under special measures in 2018. Under the new management, the whole team worked extremely hard to prove their commitment to providing the best care for residents, ensuring home-from-home experience in a safe, caring and supportive environment.

The team at Ridgeway Rise was thrilled to receive the recognition for their efforts. Inspectors appreciated the management team stating that they, “Promoted an open culture that valued everyone”. Care assistant Beckie commented, “We are one big family here and we take the report as a great tribute to our hard work”.

The CQC report highlighted the top quality of care provided by the team: “Staff used their knowledge of people to engage with them in a way that valued and respected them.” Further in the report, we find comments referring to dietary needs stating that “Care plans clearly detailed people’s specific dietary requirements and we saw that people received food and drink in line with their planned care” and that “the lunchtime meal was a relaxed and sociable experience.”

The North Swindon care home was praised for their engagement in the community by: organising regular Community Lunches for over 65s to combat loneliness, for dementia training sessions they offered to local groups and businesses including the Cross Street taxi services drivers and haart Swindon estate agents. Ridgeway Rise puts significant emphasis on multigenerational interactions and organises multiple events with the involvement of schools and local scouts’ groups.

Bella Balaci, the General Manager said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the team. In a very short time, we achieved what other care homes work years towards. It’s time for celebration and a resolution to not stop there but continue to work persistently to get an ‘Outstanding’ next time.