THE owner of the only 'outstanding' elderly care home in Warrington has spoken of the importance of making residents feel loved, cherished and safe.

Heathfield Residential Home in Grappenhall, which is set across three floors of a converted Victorian building, provides personal care and support for up to 24 women aged 65 and over.

It received the outstanding grading from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an unannounced inspection in February last year, and has since been placed in the top 20 recommended care homes in the north west by carehome.co.uk.

It has also received a five-star food hygiene rating and received accreditation from Investors in People.

In a report published by CQC in September, it said: "People who lived in the home and their relatives spoke of the outstanding care delivery - they told us that the provider and staff of the home went above and beyond to ensure they received a person centred service.

"We saw that interactions between staff and people who used the service were caring and respectful with staff showing patience, kindness and compassion.

"We observed that staff knew and understood the people they cared for and ensured that people were provided with choices in all aspects of daily life.

"There was a warm cosy atmosphere within the home and it was clear that a lot of thought had been given to creating as homely an atmosphere as possible."

The home on Alexandra Road was also praised by inspectors for the 'wide range of person centred activities' that 'promoted people's hobbies and interest and family inclusion' including singing club, knitting and cards.

Residents are also able to take part in the 'If I could I would' initiative, whereby they write down wishes and staff work to make them a reality, including going swimming, attending a family wedding or visiting a cats home.

"We're proud of what we do and to deliver the very best, our view is to give people who come in here a really positive experience," said Paul Rowley, who has co-owned Heathfield with wife Louise for more than 12 years.

"When my mum started to get dementia, which was around 16 years ago, that introduced my wife and I to the care that is provided for people in that situation.

"The care she received wasn't bad but it wasn't of the highest quality it should have been, so we were determined that Heathfield would be the very best.

"For the last number of years we have been building the home to what it is now, which is very well appointed and of the highest quality.

"We want the residents to feel loved and cherished, to feel safe, in control and valued.We want them to feel like individuals, and have a great experience.

"We want this to be a positive chapter for them, as often its the last place they are going to live so why shouldn't that be remarkable."

But for former insurance worker Paul, it is as much about the families as it is the residents at Heathfield.

He said: "When we train the staff, they are all trained to a high standard to put themselves in the place of the resident and also the resident's family.

"You are caring not just for the residents but you are caring for their families as well. We want them to have peace of mind, to feel welcome and know that they are well-informed and empowered."

Reverend Jane Proudfoot, chaplain at Heathfield Residential Home and daughter-in-law of resident June, said: "Heathfield is a happy place where residents are not just cared for but are loved.

"The staff are caring and compassionate, efficient and very professional. Great effort is taken to ensure that a variety of activities are available for residents to enjoy. The owners are always making sure that the whole person is cared for - physically, mentally and spiritually. I would be very happy to have my own relatives living at Heathfield."