Gracewell of Horley Park in Horley has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Gracewell of Horley Park is the third Gracewell home to achieve this excellent rating, which only two per cent of care homes across the UK receive. The rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in May 2019 and is a significant achievement, making Gracewell of Horley Park one of the country’s top care homes.
In the report, CQC inspectors praised Gracewell of Horley Park for its “outstanding model of care and support” and for being a service which is “inclusive, educational and empowering.”
The CQC also highlighted that “people received outstandingly high-quality care that met and exceeded their needs, and improved their wellbeing, independence and happiness,” from “dedicated and enthusiastic staff.”
Gracewell of Horley Park was also rated ‘outstanding’ in the key categories of providing an effective service and a responsive service. The effectiveness of care included food of an 'exceptional standard', served alongside 'innovative and skilful techniques… to maximise the appetite and enjoyment of eating for people'. The environment of the home was also praised, with care provided in a service which inspectors said was 'warm, light and had a welcoming atmosphere'.
The service was rated 'outstanding' for responsiveness thanks to care which is “tailored to meet the needs of individuals and delivered to ensure flexibility, choice and continuity of care".
This includes a mobile library, a beauty salon, cinema room, arts and crafts room and a pub, among other recreational spaces. Inspectors found that this contributed to an “attention to detail around people’s needs and wishes” and “improved their wellbeing and enhanced their enjoyment of living” at the home.
The CQC inspectors singled out a few examples:
A resident living with dementia wished to keep busy within the home. The registered manager arranged a desk with stationery for them in the reception area. This person had been issued with an ID badge and also a badge that stated, 'I love Horley Park Team'. They had responsibility for greeting visitors and also carried out some administrative tasks. It was clear that this person took a great deal of pride in being involved in the day to day running of the service.
Other people had responsibility for running a mobile library at the service and another person managed a sweet trolley that sold snacks and other items. This gave people a sense of social responsibility and meaningful occupation, as well as creating friendships between them and other people living at the home.
Simona Varga-Pali, general manager at Gracewell of Horley Park, says: “We are delighted to have received an ‘outstanding’ rating from the CQC in what is a huge achievement for the entire care team. This is recognition of the dedication our team members show every single day and we look forward to maintaining this hard work as we move forward.”
Fiona White, director of operations at Gracewell of Horley Park, says: “We are so proud of every individual at Gracewell of Horley Park who has made this rating possible. We put residents at the heart of everything we do to ensure they receive the exceptional care they deserve, and we will only continue to prioritise this as we uphold our high standards.”
Resident Monica Philpot, says: “Staff here are all so wonderful. You can ask anyone for anything and it is never a problem. The food is very good with lots of choice! Maintenance, activities and housekeeping are brilliant too. I am proud to be a resident at Gracewell of Horley Park.”
Resident Bill Gamman, says: “The home is very well organised. Staff have a great deal of patience. All members of staff, including management, always have time to speak and listen to you. Overall I am very pleased with all the services Gracewell of Horley Park provides.”
