A CARE home for the elderly has become the first in Bolton to be rated as "outstanding".

Bakewells Care Home in Deane, was described by Care Quality Commission inspectors as providing “exceptional service”.

Inspectors said the residential care home, which provides accommodation and personal care for up to 34 people including dementia patients, placed “people at the heart of the service and its values” and “had a strong person-centred based ethos”.

They added the residents were supported by "an excellent staff team that knew them well and understood their needs".

Staff were said to be "exceptionally well trained" and the service had ensured resources and skilled staff were available to support people. A number of staff had also been designated as champions in certain specialist areas.

Inspectors said that people spoke positively about feeling safe and secure and felt able to tell someone within the home if they were worried or concerned. There was a robust safeguarding system in place and people’s care and support plans were detailed and followed in practice.

People were supported to express their views and have choice over aspects of their daily lives and there was a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors with residents being introduced to new activities and friendships.

Regular audits were carried out and people asked their views in person and via satisfaction questionnaires. Changes were quickly made if issues were identified.

The leadership and management team were praised by staff for their "commitment and passion for care".

The report said that the provider, who is also the registered manager, worked closely with other healthcare professionals and attended provider forums, as well as being actively involved in developing new care strategies.

Helen Morgan, the home’s registered manager and part owner of Morgan Care Ltd, which runs Bakewells, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. We are delighted to be the first care home for the elderly in Bolton to be rated as outstanding.

“There are only eight in the whole of Greater Manchester and just 3.6 per cent of care homes in England rated as outstanding so that puts into context just what great news this is.”

Cllr Andy Morgan, the Managing Director of Morgan Care Ltd, who is also Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “One of the key elements to our success has been the ongoing partnership and joint working with Bolton Council’s Care Home Excellence programme and the Quality Assurance Team.

“We thank the whole team, both past and present, for the ongoing help and advice.”

Helen added: “This outcome is testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing staff. Both Andy and I would like to thank them all for the continued commitment and support. This is great news not only for the team here at the Bakewells, but also the residents and their families who have entrusted themselves or their loved ones into our care.”