A care home in Hythe has been recognised with a national award for its dementia care.
Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, was awarded the "Great Dementia Care" title at Care UK's Stars Awards, recognised for its person-centred approach to dementia care that enhances residents' quality of life.
This accolade is in addition to the "good" rating the home received from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its latest inspection.
The CQC inspection rated the care home as "outstanding" in the "caring" category.
The national care watchdog evaluates care homes across several key areas, including safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness and leadership.
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CQC noted the Namaste care programme improved well-being, reduced restlessness and increased engagement (Image: WPR) Most areas were rated as "good," but the caring aspect was singled out as "outstanding."
Pooja Dhoot, home manager at Carpathia Grange, said: "We’ve been working towards this for so long, as we wanted to be known as leaders in dementia care.
"To get this award recognising our efforts, along with praise from the CQC inspectors, feels amazing."
The CQC report highlighted the home’s "fun and inclusive environment," with residents, relatives and visiting professionals all praising the home and its staff.
One resident told inspectors that the home has a "great atmosphere and the staff are excellent."
Relatives of residents also spoke positively about staff knowing residents well and understanding their individual needs.
A wide-ranging programme of events and activities at Carpathia Grange was also commended, including special events tailored to individual wishes and interests.
The home’s holistic approach ensures that all residents, at whatever stage of life, can find fulfilment.
This includes tailored Namaste sessions for those living with advanced dementia.
The CQC report said: "Relatives and staff spoke enthusiastically about the Namaste care programme introduced to support people living with dementia, saying it had improved people’s well-being, reduced restlessness and increased engagement."
The inspectors were also impressed by how well information and feedback are shared with residents, their relatives, the team and external partners.
Carpathia Grange is a three-storey care home with 62 en-suite bedrooms and features a cinema, hair salon and café.
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