A CAREHOME in Southbourne is in the top one-per-cent in the country after being rated as 'outstanding' following an un-announced inspection.

Sunrise Senior Living of Southbourne, on Belle Vue Road, which has 102 residents including some with dementia, was given the top rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care services in England.

Lynne Petty and Sam King, Registered and General Managers at Sunrise of Southbourne, said in a joint statement: "This is wonderful news and pays testament to the dedication of the entire team at the community.

"We are all delighted and we would like to thank everyone who makes Sunrise of Southbourne such a special place to live and work."

The rating has been announced following an inspection in October 2015 and the report detailed how Sunrise of Southbourne 'benchmarks good practice, shares learning, and makes changes for continual improvement.'

Also included in the report was a focus on the staff's caring nature, with one particular part reading: "People told us there were always staff available to help them when they needed support and they were supported promptly by staff who were friendly and caring. Relatives told us they were always made to feel extremely welcome when visiting the home and said their relatives were very well cared for, comfortable and enjoyed living there."

Amanda Scott, Managing Director of Sunrise Senior Living UK, said: "Our team works exceptionally hard to deliver high quality person-centred care in order to champion quality of life for all the residents we support. We are delighted this has been recognised by the CQC, and are proud of everyone at Sunrise of Southbourne.

“We will continue to provide the support needed to ensure that the community maintains its highest standards, and fulfil our commitment to ensuring that all residents receive the high quality care that they deserve."