Sidmouth care home rated top in region and fifth in country

An ‘exemplary’ Sidmouth care home has been hailed as an example to others after it was one of the first in the country to be rated as ‘outstanding’ across the board.

Arcot House Residential Home, in Arcot Gardens, was the first in the South West and fifth in the UK to achieve the top ranking in all five sections after a surprise inspection in March.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has now called on others to read the home’s report and learn from it, taking on ideas of what they could do better.

Arcot House offers everything from painting classes to massages from a specially-trained member of staff with an aromatherapy hand, foot and head massage qualification.

The CQC report noted how each resident had a trusted member of staff who had a lead role in their care. It added staff knew about people’s lives, their interests and talents and encouraged them to try new things and lead fulfilling lives.

The use of the home’s smart TV was highlighted as it was utilised to access the internet to accommodate the different residents’ unique range of interests.

Inspectors also noted how staff used tablets to help residents research and reminisce about their old towns or streets, find old photographs of their local areas and play games.

Deborah Ivanova, deputy chief inspector for the CQC, said: “To receive an outstanding rating overall is a commendable achievement, but to gain an outstanding rating in all five categories as well is exemplary and I would encourage other providers to read this report, to see what they can learn.”

Samantha Evens, Arcot House’s registered manager, said she was extremely proud of achieving an ‘outstanding’ rating in all five domains.

She added: “I truly have an amazing staff team who are so proud of the home we provide for our residents.

“To be first in the whole of the South West and fifth in the entire country is commendable.

“This CQC report now means that all three Doveleigh Care Limited care homes are now rated as outstanding. This is an achievement we do not believe any other provider has accomplished.”