CQC rates Kidderminster care home outstanding for the second time

The Care Quality Commission has rated Casa Mia Care Home in Kidderminster outstanding for the second consecutive time following an inspection in July.

The residential home, operated by Martin and Michelle Winfield, supports older and younger adults, including people living with dementia.

It also provides care for people with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health conditions and substance misuse problems.

Casa Mia retained its outstanding ratings for caring and responsiveness, while effectiveness and leadership improved from good to outstanding. Safety remained rated good.

Inspectors found staff delivered highly personalised care and took time to understand each person’s individual needs, interests, goals and aspirations.

People were supported to participate in activities including day trips, gardening in a communal greenhouse, using a gym and attending matches at a local football club.

The support provided had helped people make significant progress towards greater independence. One person who had previously avoided electronic devices had become confident using technology and had also improved their personal care and hygiene.

Another person who experienced anxiety progressed from avoiding social activities to participating regularly after staff developed an individual support plan.

Care plans promoted independence, choice and autonomy, while the home followed least restrictive practices and had policies supporting decisions made in people’s best interests.

Staff used nationally recognised assessment tools to identify risks including malnutrition and skin deterioration. Appropriate measures were introduced when concerns were found.

Inspectors also found the home continually improved its environment in response to feedback, taking account of people’s accessibility requirements.

People living at Casa Mia held and led regular meetings about how the home operated, ensuring they had a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their daily lives.

Leaders, staff and external professionals worked closely together to provide timely interventions and consistent care.

CQC said staff and leaders should be proud of retaining the outstanding rating and encouraged other services to consider what they could learn from the home’s approach.

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