Dearne Hall care home is praised by residents and relatives in a national survey

A care home in Rotherham has been praised by its residents and their relatives and friends in a national survey on care standards.

Staff at Anchor’s Dearne Hall in Ringway, Bolton-upon-Dearne, were rated highly in the independent Your Care Rating survey run by Ipsos MORI.

The home performed above the national average in feedback from residents and relatives in four areas: Staff and Care, Home Comforts, Choice and Having a Say, and Quality of Life. 

Dearne Hall was given an overall rating of 896 out of 1,000 and 865 out of 1,000 by the residents and their families and friends respectively. Both scores were above the national averages of 893 for the residents’ survey and 852 for the family and friends’ survey.

The survey results come as Ipsos MORI publishes a poll which showed that Britons perceive care much more negatively than the residents living in care homes.

Only 26% of Britons thought care homes were a happy place to live while all of the residents said they were happy living at Dearne Hall.

There was also a mismatch between public perception of how staff treated residents compared with the older people’s actual experiences: only 45% of Britons thought care home residents were treated with dignity and respect when, in fact, every resident living at Dearne Hall said carers treated them with kindness, dignity and respect.

Lindsey Thawley, Manager of Dearne Hall, which is rated Good by regulator The Care Quality Commission, said: “Our residents have really positive experiences in our care home, as this independent survey shows. We’re proud to have been praised for our care.

“While we’re really pleased with our scores, the survey helps us further improve our services by giving us direct feedback from residents and their loved ones.

“Families can see at a glance which care homes are committed to raising standards by taking part in this survey.”

Betty Rutter, 89, who has lived at Dearne Hall for six months, said she is not surprised by the good survey results.

She said: “The staff here really do deserve this recognition because everything is perfect. I love it here and nothing is too much trouble for the carers. The staff are marvellous, they really are.”

Fellow resident George Brechin, 94, who has lived at Dearne Hall for nine months, added the home is a great place to live.

He said: “The carers are fantastic, always smiling and happy. I am glad I moved here. 

“There are lots of activities. I love the dancing and singing with the staff, the day trips and playing snooker with the staff.”

For more information on Anchor’s Dearne Hall phone 0800 731 2020.