Westmorland Homecare earns third Outstanding rating from CQC

Each of the three services run by Westmorland Homecare – in Kendal, Poulton-le-Fylde and here in Lancaster and Morecambe – has now been given the top grade by the UK’s care regulator.

Daniel Stainer, manager of Westmorland Homecare’s Lancaster branch, shared his delight that the hard work put in by carers for their clients across the area had been recognised.

“We are so proud of this Outstanding rating as a reflection of the quality of our care and the efforts of our carers,” he says.

“Having set out to be the best, we are now the most highly rated care provider in the Lancaster and Morecambe area. That is why we train our staff and support our staff, so the happier they are, the better care they provide to our clients.”

‘Caring and responsive’

In its report, inspectors from the CQC noted: "People were receiving care from exceptionally caring staff that provided continuity of support. Responses from people confirmed the caring and supportive culture was consistent across the organisation. One relative said, "Absolutely brilliant caring people, they go over and above what they should do."

"People complimented and highly praised the staff team's kindness and caring attitude... There were many examples where staff had really given more of their time to support people in different aspects of their lives."

The service was praised for being flexible according to people's changing needs and helping them to be more independent, with tailored care for each individual. The management team's commitment to staff development also had a positive impact on the quality of people's care.

The report also included commendations from health and social care professionals, who echoed the positive comments of service users and their families.

‘Person-centred caring’

As an example of carers going above and beyond, the report cites one case of 'person-centred caring' in particular.

"When one person lived in a rural setting and had maintenance issues at their home in terms of no heating or power, one of the management team used a contingency plan and attended with a stand-alone generator and out-of-hours electrician to power the person's home, ensuring heating, hot food and personal care could continue.

"This prevented any deterioration in the person's condition, therefore prevented a possible hospital admission as they would be too vulnerable to remain in their own home with no heating and power. The person was housebound with very limited mobility.

"The service was told the person was very anxious and upset. The promptness of the action in their own time in response of the situation was in the best interest of the person. A relative was extremely grateful for the response of the management team."

Giving up their time

In another heart-warming example, Westmorland Homecare was approached by a 100-year-old whose niece was getting married in the Lake District; it was clear they would love to attend the wedding but felt they wouldn't be able to.

The team at Westmorland Homecare approached their family, suggested ways for the person to travel to the wedding with the help of her favourite homecare assistant – who gave her time for free. The person then managed to go to the wedding and see extended family members.

"Without Westmorland Homecare's assistance, encouragement and support, the person would not have been able to share this treasured family memory. They told us they were 'over the moon' and was exceedingly grateful for enabling them to go."

Join the team

Westmorland Homecare is now looking to build on its ongoing success and welcome both new clients and new staff.

“If you are looking for care from an outstanding provider, or if you would like to work for a provider which has the best track record in the area then please give us a call,” adds Daniel.

Call the Lancaster office on 01524 956240 or email [email protected]

Full details can be found at https://westmorlandhomecare.co.uk/