Dawson Lodge care home praised by care regulator as outstanding

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Dawson Lodge care home in Southampton has been rated outstanding by inspectors from regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Staff at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge in Botley Road, West End, were celebrating this week after receiving the accolade.

The care home is the seventh Anchor-run home which is classed as Outstanding, making it the provider with the most outstanding-rated care homes compared to all providers across the country.

Dawson Lodge was praised by the CQC under their new robust inspection process which now rates care homes as either outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate.

Alongside providing top quality care, the home was commended for having its own pub for its residents, particularly the men who have a social club run by Handyman Kevin Smith. 

Parts of the home are decorated with the residents in mind, whether it’s the themed corridors, such as Readers Close with its own library area and book case wallpaper as the residents enjoying this pastime, or the memory boxes containing personal artefacts so that residents, especially those with dementia, can easily recognise their room.

There is also a marriage reminiscence room with two mannequins dressed as a bride and groom where residents and carers can look at photos of the residents’ wedding days which help stimulate meaningful conversations.

Home Manager Mitchelle Perry said everyone at the home was thrilled because they had worked so hard to maintain high standards of care. 

She said: “We all know Anchor’s Dawson Lodge is a great place for older people to live but to be given such praise from the regulator is outstanding.

“We secured this rating because of consistent good practice, focusing on person-centred care and putting the wellbeing of the residents at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.

“I’m so pleased for our entire team because it’s such a great achievement for everyone involved. They are passionate about providing quality care for the residents, and their training helps them achieve great things every day. Teamwork is key to our success. The home operates as one happy family. 

“We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people and their families can see which homes are the best in the country."

Resident Stella Pugh, 96, who has lived at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge since July last year, said: “I enjoy living here and have never missed being at home because the staff do their utmost for me so I can live like I would in my own home. Everyone is extremely caring and friendly.

“I knew they would do well. They deserve this recognition.”

For more information on Anchor’s Dawson Lodge, contact 0800 731 2020.