CQC rates Lincolnshire care home Outstanding following first inspection

The Care Quality Commission has rated Thimbleby Court as Outstanding following its first inspection in June.

The home, operated by Glenholme Senior Living (Horncastle) Limited, provides residential care for up to 58 adults living with dementia and physical disabilities. At the time of the inspection, 49 people were using the service.

CQC carried out the inspection as part of its routine monitoring programme.

Inspectors rated the home Outstanding for its effectiveness and caring, while the safe, responsive and well-led domains were all rated Good.

The inspection found a strong focus on delivering person-centred care, with staff supporting people to achieve positive outcomes while promoting independence, wellbeing and inclusion.

Inspectors praised the home’s approach to reducing social isolation, with leaders working alongside volunteers, families and the local community to provide activities including hobby clubs and quiz days. The service also offered a range of wellbeing initiatives, including physical activity programmes and creative activities designed to enhance people’s quality of life.

CQC found staff supported people with tailored exercise and rehabilitation programmes to help maintain strength, confidence and mobility. A qualified exercise therapist worked with residents to reduce the risk of falls, while staff were also receiving training in armchair fitness to provide ongoing support.

Relatives told inspectors they had seen positive improvements in people’s health, confidence and mobility since moving into the home.

Inspectors also found staff understood people’s individual preferences and provided compassionate care tailored to what mattered most to each person. People were encouraged to be involved in decisions about their care and were given opportunities to provide feedback, helping them feel listened to and valued.

The report highlighted warm and respectful interactions between staff and residents, with inspectors noting that people felt comfortable approaching staff and were confident their needs would be met.

Inspectors also recognised the home’s approach to nutrition and hydration, particularly for people living with dementia. Practical measures, including the use of contrasting coloured plates to improve visual recognition, had been introduced to support people during mealtimes.

CQC found staff worked closely with other teams and services to deliver coordinated care, while leaders maintained a visible presence throughout the home with a strong focus on continuous improvement, quality monitoring and innovation.

Commenting on the findings, Greg Rielly, CQC Deputy Director of Adult Social Care for the East Midlands, said staff and leaders had created a culture focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for people and deserved the positive feedback received from residents and their families.

The full inspection report is available on the CQC website.

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