Care home manager 'incredibly proud' of new rating

Staff had shown "hard work and dedication" to turn around Brenalwood Care Home's fortunes, its manager said

A care home manager said he was "incredibly proud" of sweeping improvements made after getting a Good rating, up from Inadequate.

Inspectors said Brenalwood Care Home in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, was much "calmer, more stable and caring".

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had previously said the service's 30 residents, who live with dementia, were not afforded "meaningful" time by staff.

Registered manager Kana Thirumalthasan said: "This result reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team."

He added: "We are incredibly proud of the progress we've achieved together."

The home was first rated inadequate and placed into special measures in 2022, when the CQC found staff referred to residents as "wanderers" and "feeders".

It was further criticised in March, but the latest report had been graded Good in all areas.

Inspectors noted improvements such as:

• People had access to regular exercise and enjoyed themed activity days

• Staff ensured people's rooms were personalised

• Steps had been taken to support people's cultural and spiritual needs

Brenalwood Care Home is based in Hall Lane

Mr Thirumalthasan said: "We remain fully committed to maintaining high standards, listening to residents and their families."

The CQC praised the care home for a "clear shift in culture" towards person-centred care, overseen by a new leadership team.

Hazel Roberts, from the watchdog, added: "People and their families told us they now feel listened to, and that staff take time to provide thoughtful, compassionate care.

"Staff themselves told us they felt valued, supported, and proud of the changes they had achieved."