West Eaton Nursing Home earns outstanding CQC rating

A Herefordshire nursing home has been upgraded from good to outstanding after inspectors found highly personalised care and a strong commitment to helping residents remain independent.

West Eaton Nursing Home, operated by Heritage Manor Limited, supports up to 33 older people, including those living with dementia and physical disabilities. Thirty-one people were living at the home when the Care Quality Commission inspected it in August.

Caring, responsive and well-led were all upgraded from good to outstanding, while safe and effective retained their good ratings.

Inspectors found that staff knew residents exceptionally well and designed care around their individual interests, goals and needs. One keen walker helped create an accessible route through the home’s garden before working with a councillor and local walking group to improve access to a nearby field.

Another resident, a steam railway enthusiast who rarely left their room, was supported by a staff member to fulfil a lifelong wish of travelling on the Welshpool Steam Railway. One relative said the home had given their loved one a reason to keep living.

Residents had also been helped to improve their mobility, nutrition and mental health. Virtual reality headsets were used to help people revisit memories and experience new places, providing stimulation and comfort.

The CQC praised the home’s open and accountable culture, describing managers as visible and approachable. Inspectors also found that staff worked closely with external professionals to meet complex health and social care needs and provide coordinated support.

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