Care at Mountfitchet House a purpose built care home in Stansted Mountfitchet is outstanding, according to a report by the Care Quality Commission, whose inspectors visited the home on December 1.

The report said staff “frequently exceeded people’s expectations to provide compassionate support which gave people every possible opportunity to have care that was as meaningful as possible.”

It said the home’s regional director, registered manager and all its staff, were committed to meeting or exceeding people’s preferences and expectations and added:

“Staff really value their relationships with people and fully understand their needs in a way which showed people always come first and foremost.”

The unannounced inspection was carried out by two inspectors and an “expert by experience” someone who has personal experience of care homes.

They spoke to 12 residents, nine relatives, the registered manager and staff including the chef and a visiting GP.

One resident said: “The staff are nice. I don’t think they could do more for me. I’m happy being here.” Another said: “The staff are so nice. They would do anything for you and you can ask them anything.”

Another said: “I call for assistance and they are there straight away.”

The inspectors noticed how caring and attentive staff were with people who had difficulty speaking, kneeling by the wheelchair and saying: “It’s alright, take your time.”

They noted that staff respected people’s privacy and dignity. Visitors were allowed at any time, even during the night and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family pets were welcomed in. Hairdressing and manicures kept up morale. A photograph of a new hairstyle was even sent to a relative to show how pleased the person was with it.

There were activities and outings. Staff also gave one-to-one time with people who were cared for in bed including reminiscing about the person’s life or reading a book with them.

The report said: “The chef went round each day to check that the food was up to the required standard for everyone.”

They found staff had special techniques for caring for people with dementia. For example, they would provide care based on previous experiences the person had enjoyed.

One relative said: “One of the reasons I chose this home for my family member was that there is always something to do. I am often invited to help or take part.”

Allison Squires, home manager at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House care home, said: “We strive to create a welcoming home from home and I’m so pleased that our efforts have been recognised by the CQC’s inspectors. Everyone at Mountfitchet House works incredibly hard to support residents with compassionate, person-centred care, and to be rated as outstanding for the quality of our care shows just how committed the team is to making a positive difference to residents’ lives each and every day. I’m extremely proud of everybody at the home and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team for their hard work and dedication, which I know is also greatly appreciated by residents and their families.”