Bournemouth care home rated as one of the best in England

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission made an unannounced visit to Bupa Queensmount – on Queens Park Drive in Bournemouth – and noted that: “An outstandingly caring culture was promoted at every level. Without exception everything the service did was to enhance the lives of the people living there and their families.”

Among the innovations staff devised for their residents was a mobile garden so that those who were confined to bed could still enjoy a little gardening.

The report also praised activities at the home, stating how they were tailored around residents’ personal interests and people were encouraged to get involved with daily tasks to help them feel valued.

On pancake day, for example, the home purchased lightweight frying pans so residents could cook and toss their own pancakes. The thoughtful gesture was well received, with one resident commenting: “Thank you for helping me to achieve this. I never thought I would be able to cook again".

When hosting a cheese and wine event, staff made individual cheeseboards to take into people’s rooms.

Positive values were shared by staff at the home and, in one example, the CQC report noted a laundry manager who struck up a friendship with a resident. The resident struggled to communicate with others, often leaving them frustrated, so the colleague helped develop a photographic communication aid, allowing the resident to engage with others at the home.

Managing Director for Bupa Care Homes, Joan Elliott, said: “As soon as you step foot inside Queensmount you can feel that you’re somewhere special. The team are nothing short of heroes, constantly going the extra mile for the residents, their families and guests. While I’m not surprised to see it achieve this faultless rating, I know just how difficult it is to achieve. The team should be hugely proud of this achievement.”