SEVEN of Colten Care’s 21 nursing homes have now been officially rated outstanding by sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.

It follows an inspection at the south coast operator’s Dorset home, Newstone House, which was found to be ‘exceptionally well-led and effective’.

The Sturminster Newton home, which cares for up to 59 residents including some living with dementia, was also praised for being ‘safe, caring and responsive’.

Amanda Stride, the CQC’s head of inspection in the south west, said: “Staff are passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives. They are knowledgeable and have the skills to care for people with varying needs. They have created a home away from home, with each area of the service thoughtfully designed and adapted to suit people’s needs and interests.”

Community links were also highlighted in the home’s approach to providing companionship for residents. The 20-page report states: “For example, one person had a passion for classic cars, so the staff arranged for the local classic car club to visit the home with their cars. This was an event which everyone at the home and their relatives could also enjoy.”

Home Manager April King said: “You need a really strong team delivering exceptional care day in, day out to achieve outstanding. We’re immensely proud that everyone’s input has been recognised in this way. The rating is very much in line with the consistently positive feedback we receive from residents, their families and fellow health professionals.”

It means that a third of the provider’s homes, including two offering dementia care, now have the top CQC grade.

Congratulating all at Newstone House and their operations and support team, Mark Aitchison, Colten Care chief executive, said: “Only four per cent of care homes nationally are currently rated outstanding, so to have a third of our homes rated outstanding is an amazing achievement which we are extremely proud of.”