Maple Tree Court care home is praised by residents and relatives in a national survey

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

Staff at Anchor’s Maple Tree Court in Gloucester Road 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. 

Maple Tree Court was given an overall rating of 954 out of 1,000 and 880 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 93% of residents said they were happy living at Maple Tree Court.

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, all of the residents living at Maple Tree Court said carers treated them with kindness, dignity and respect.

Claire Wright, Manager of Maple Tree Court, 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.”

Mary Beech, 84, who has lived at Maple Tree Court for three years, said the care staff deserve this recognition.
She said: “I originally came to Maple Tree Court for six weeks respite care but so loved living here that I never went home!! 
“Everyone is kind and I am very happy living here. The staff are fantastic and are part of my family now!

“There’s always lots to do. My favourites are the art classes, playing dominoes with other residents and visits from entertainers. We all love a good sing along.”

Fellow resident Irene Cope, 94, said: “I’m the new girl on the block here. I was apprehensive when I moved in four weeks ago but I have settled in really well and feel at home.

"Everyone is friendly and the staff are helpful and kind. I couldn’t manage without them.

“I enjoy the activities, especially visits from the local nursery children. They make me feel young again with all the energy they have! I am very happy here.” 

For more information on Anchor’s Maple Tree Court phone 0800 731 2020.