A RESIDENTIAL home in Grappenhall has been named outstanding – for the second time in a row.

Heathfield Residential Home, on Alexandra Road, received the top rating from the CQC, the same as in its previous report in 2016.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit to the home in January and the report published this week spoke of an ‘outstandingly caring and responsive service’.

The report said: “The people we spoke with consistently told us they were very happy, felt safe and were treated with exceptional kindness.

“The home was warm, welcoming and homely with a luxurious feel.

“Without exception, people and their relatives told us that the staff were kind, caring and went over and above what you would expect in a care home.

“There were enough staff to meet people’s needs and provide companionship to the people that lived there.

“People were empowered to retain their independence and live their life in the way they chose.”

Staff were praised for having a detailed knowledge of the lives of residents and were said to have ‘meaningful’ conversations about lives and histories.

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While regular social events were organised that included open invitations to friends and relatives.

And residents could choose days out to places such as the beach, theatre and the pub.

Food was good and mealtimes were described as ‘sociable occasions’.

The inspector said: “People living at the service were consulted at regular catering meetings so they could state what food they enjoyed, what they would like to see on the menu and if there was anything they didn’t enjoy.”

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A video wall allows residents to travel virtually

The report also pointed to a collaboration with a university.

It said: “The registered provider was working in collaboration with academic researchers at Lancaster University to develop innovative, interactive technology to improve the lives of people living with dementia.”

Families were also generous in their praise saying ‘without exception’ that they felt their loved one was being cared for at the home.

The report said: “Staff had formed close bonds and caring relationships with people who lived there and their families. There was a low staff turnover and many staff had worked there for many years.”