Anchor celebrates seventh CQC ‘outstanding’ rating

Dawson Lodge in Southampton has become the seventh Anchor care home to achieve ‘outstanding’.

The achievement consolidates Anchor’s position as the top 12 residential care organisation with the most outstandings (see Anchor tops large provides with sixth ‘outstanding’).

Home Manager Mitchelle Perry said: “We all know Anchor’s Dawson Lodge is a great place for older people to live but to be given such praise from the regulator is outstanding.

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“We secured this rating because of consistent good practice, focusing on person-centred care and putting the wellbeing of the residents at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.

“I’m so pleased for our entire team because it’s such a great achievement for everyone involved. They are passionate about providing quality care for the residents, and their training helps them achieve great things every day. Teamwork is key to our success. The home operates as one happy family.

“We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people and their families can see which homes are the best in the country.”

Alongside providing top quality care, the home was commended for having its own pub for its residents, particularly the men who have a social club run by handyman, Kevin Smith.

Parts of the home are decorated with the residents in mind, whether it’s the themed corridors, such as ‘Readers Close’ with its own library area and book case wallpaper, or the memory boxes containing personal artefacts so that residents, especially those with dementia, can easily recognise their room.

There is also a marriage reminiscence room with two mannequins dressed as a bride and groom where residents and carers can look at photos of the residents’ wedding days, which help stimulate meaningful conversations.

Resident Stella Pugh said: “I enjoy living here and have never missed being at home because the staff do their utmost for me so I can live like I would in my own home. Everyone is extremely caring and friendly.

“I knew they would do well. They deserve this recognition.”