'A national first!': Manager at CQC record-breaker shares secrets of success

Sidmouth care home, Arcot House, has been rated 'Outstanding' across all five criteria for a second time running, following an inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) back in January.

It marks the first time ever that a care home has achieved this anywhere in the UK. Click here for more on the report, which was published earlier this month.

Arcot House is run by Doveleigh Care Ltd, along with two other care homes in Seaton and Colyton.

Nub News caught up with Senior Manager, Samantha Evens, to ask her about the Sidmouth care home and its most recent success.

She told us: "To be rated 'Outstanding' in all five domains for a second consecutive time is unprecedented and just shows what a great team we have.

"We have a truly amazing staff team across our homes, who have all played their part in this achievement.

"We are the first residential home in the whole of the UK to maintain their 'Outstanding' rating in all five domains.

"This is a phenomenal achievement, one which we believe no other care group in the country has accomplished."

In answer to how the team were coping amid the Covid-19 pandemic, she said: "Doveleigh Care Ltd has always endeavoured to recruit to 120% of the requirement of the staff team.

"This means that even when some staff are self-isolating our staffing levels are robust, which enables us to continue to provide a high level of care in every eventuality.

"We are continuing to recruit staff during this time and carry out vigorous pre-interview assessments relating to Covid-19 prior to interview.

"This has enabled us to successfully recruit an additional four candidates during these challenging times.

"Our Activity Teams have adapted our social activity programmes for one to one sessions and small group sessions, ensuring social distancing is always maintained.

"We have had great reports of some lovely sessions taking place from using the iPads to listen to music, including old favourites such as Morecombe and Wise and a Johnny Cash concert.

"Residents have also enjoyed having contact with families using Skype.

"Some Residents have joined in Easter-themed activities from Easter bonnet making, to hot cross bun baking and chocolate tasting.

"We are all so proud of the care we provide and this has become even more evident in the recent challenging times that we are all facing.

"We consider ourselves to be one big team at Doveleigh Care Limited across all three of our care homes.

"The management are present in all of our homes on a daily basis to ensure all staff and residents are kept safe and well.

"This also includes regular checks on their mental wellbeing."

She explained about the history of the home: "After the termination of the 1939 – 1945 War, a public meeting decided that the Sidmouth War Memorial should take the form of a home for elderly people.

"An appeal for funds resulted in approximately £10,000 being donated and Arcot House being purchased and adapted to accommodate 28 residents.

"The home was opened on May 7, 1953.

"Arcot House care home was eventually purchased by Doveleigh Care Ltd in February 2015 and was recognised as being the National Care Home of the Year in 2017.

"We value people, especially our staff. If the staff feel valued, they work well for the team and this results in better care for our residents, better interaction with their friends and relatives and a great atmosphere in the homes.

"We pride ourselves on our ability to provide exceptional care and this is reflected in our multiple awards that we have received.

"The most rewarding thing about my job is changing people's lives as well as enabling residents to fulfil their lives and staff to achieve their goals.

"I am very passionate about allowing our residents to maintain their interests, develop new ones and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.

"Helping our residents find a sense of purpose can have a beneficial impact on both their mental and physical wellbeing.

"As a result of this, we even have a resident who has been volunteering at a local charity shop!"