Wisteria Lodge Earns Outstanding CQC Rating for Personalised Care

Wisteria Lodge in Waterlooville, Hampshire, has been upgraded from good to outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in August.

The care home, operated by Wisteria Lodge Limited, provides nursing care for older people, including those living with dementia.

CQC upgraded the service’s ratings for effectiveness, caring and leadership to outstanding, while its safety and responsiveness ratings remained good. The overall outstanding rating was recorded on 6 October 2026.

Personalised support praised by inspectors

CQC found that staff tailored care to residents’ individual interests, preferences and needs, helping them maintain a sense of identity and purpose. Some people who had initially planned to stay for respite care chose to remain permanently, according to the regulator’s findings.

Examples of personalised support included arranging an opportunity for a resident who loved birds of prey to hold one, adapting a favourite Wimbledon viewing experience to accommodate another resident’s dietary needs, and using activities such as doll therapy to support people living with dementia.

Inspectors also highlighted the support provided to relatives, including helping family members reconnect with residents through shared memories. Staff continued to recognise residents after their deaths by attending funerals, creating memory boxes and lighting a remembrance candle at reception.

Neil Cox, CQC deputy director of adult social care in Hampshire, said the inspection found a home where residents felt at home and staff understood what mattered to them. He also praised the compassion shown towards families and the efforts made to preserve residents’ dignity and individuality.

Strong leadership and continuous improvement

Inspectors found that staff investigated incidents, learned from them and updated care plans, risk assessments and working practices to reduce the risk of recurrence.

The home also worked proactively with specialist professionals to manage risks and improve outcomes. Residents were involved in decisions about their medicines and treatment, with support adapted to their abilities, needs and preferences.

CQC highlighted the service’s approach to developing personalised care plans around residents’ individual circumstances and priorities.

The findings resulted in an overall outstanding rating, with the regulator recognising the home’s approach to individualised care, staff learning and support for residents and their families.

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