The Firs care home praised by care regulator

The team at The Firs care home in Felixstowe was celebrating this week after receiving the accolade. The care home was classed as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the second highest rating possible.

The CQC’s robust inspection process gives care homes a rating of Outstanding, Good, Requiring Improvement or Inadequate based on five categories. The Firs, which cares for 40 residents, received high marks in all five categories: safety, effectiveness, care, responsivity and leadership.  

The CQC inspectors were impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere of Anchor’s The Firs. Inspectors noted that Residents and visitors they spoke with told them they felt the service was well led and the management and caring team were compassionate and had a caring nature, which was confirmed by the Inspectors observations. 

Inspectors also praised how residents at The Firs and their loved ones were happy with their care. Inspectors were told “I cannot fault the whole staff’s dedication. They are always polite, welcoming and respectful and display exceptional kindness towards my family member and myself.” 

Susan Gibson, Manager of The Firs care home was thrilled that the CQC had recognised the high standards and hard work of her team.  

She said:

I’m really happy that the CQC has given us a Good rating. My team work incredibly hard to make sure The Firs care home is a great place for older people to live. Getting this kind of praise from the CQC is just the sort of recognition they deserve!
 
We’re proud of the care we provide, the meals we make with fresh seasonal ingredients and the wide variety of meaningful activities our residents enjoy. We welcome such rigorous inspections and clear ratings so older people, and their families, can judge for themselves which homes are right for them and get the standard of care they deserve.

Noel Caraccio who has lived at The Firs for 7 months, said:

It’s wonderful that The Firs care home has been praised by the CQC but it’s really no surprise to me! The staff here are really caring, its very friendly here – it’s lovely!  

I’ve always felt safe and comfortable living here. I know all the care team here by name and they all know me so well, we really have a lot of fun living here! 

For more information on The Firs care home, please click here.