POOLE care home The Links has been awarded a rare 'Outstanding' for the way its treats residents.

Watchdogs the Care Quality Commission celebrated employees at the Broadstone home for tailoring care around residents’ individual needs, preferences and histories. One example given was that colleagues supported a former WWII RAF pilot, so that he could attend the wreath laying ceremony and church service on Remembrance Sunday. Because of this, the resident ‘had not been able to stop smiling for the rest of the day’ said the CQC's report.

Another example of staff going the extra mile was the co-ordinator arranging for a visit from a local motorcycle group, so that residents could see the bikes and share their own stories after they noted one resident's interest in the machines.

The outstanding rating is rarely awarded and puts the care home in the top two percent of all those in the UK.

Deputy Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care at the CQC, Deborah Ivanova, said: “The Links has a culture where the provision of consistent, high quality, compassionate care is at the heart of its operation.

"It is clear that the staff and management are committed to providing individualised care and treating people with dignity and respect while encouraging independence."