Seckford Almshouses is recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by national inspector

The Seckford Almshouses in Woodbridge, which provides accommodation and care for older people, has received high praise from national inspectors for its “caring”, “compassionate” and “extremely well-led” service after being rated ‘Outstanding’ in a recent report. Following an inspection of the Almshouses by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on March 30, the inspector praised the “extremely compassionate carers” and the “highly motivated and committed team” for providing an “exceptional standard of care” to the residents.

Staff at The Seckford Almshouses, which is run by The Seckford Foundation, provides care for older people in very sheltered accommodation whilst supporting them to live independently.

Sarah Kopferschmitt, Head of Care at the Seckford Almshouses, said: “We are thrilled to receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating from CQC in our recent report. At the Almshouses, we proudly uphold the ‘Seckford Standards’ of involvement, compassion, dignity and respect, and we are delighted that this has been recognised.”

The inspection report praised the team’s holistic approach to care, addressing each resident’s physical, spiritual and social needs. Residents are able to enjoy a variety of activities including art classes, chair-based exercises, film afternoons, knitting groups, coffee mornings as well as attend services in the on-site Chapel. There is also a shop on site which residents enjoy as a social meeting place, and regular shopping trips are arranged to take residents into the town centre.

The CQC inspector also spoke with residents, relatives and health professionals at the Seckford Almshouses, who were all very complimentary about the care they or their relative received. One relative referred to the Almshouses team as “like family”, whilst others praised how residents’ independence and privacy is promoted and respected. The inspector noted a “positive, inclusive and open culture” where residents and relatives feel listened to and are actively encouraged to voice their opinions.

The inspector found that the team are very responsive to residents’ needs and wishes, enabling them to live meaningful and fulfilled lives with a confidence that their changing needs would be met. The Almshouses team are driven to continually learn new skills and share these with others, so that everyone can deliver the best possible care. Three colleagues are fully trained Dementia Champions, two of which completed their training with the Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Action Alliance earlier this year.

To download the full CQC report for the Seckford Almshouses, visit www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-122343204. For more information about Seckford Care, which includes the Seckford Almshouses, Jubilee House residential care home and the Seckford Day Club, visit www.seckfordalmshouses.org.uk or call 01394 386 520.