"Exceptionally caring."

That was the verdict from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection of Cooper House Care Home.

The health watchdog visited the home, on Cooper Lane, at the end of August, giving it an overall rating of 'good', but judging it to be outstanding in the 'is the service caring?' marker.

It marks a turnaround for the home, which, when inspected in August/September 2016, was rated as inadequate. Last year, the rating moved up to requires improvement and after the latest inspection, the CQC said improvements had been sustained and developed.

Cooper House provides personal and nursing care to people living with dementia, older people and adults.

Inspectors said: "The service was exceptionally caring. We found a strong and visible person-centred culture.

"This was driven by the registered manager who was passionate in their belief that people living at the home should be at the centre of everything they did."

They added: "During the visit we observed staff demonstrating exceptionally high levels of kind and compassionate care and interaction towards people, treating them with the utmost care and respect.

"Staff greeted people with genuine warmth as they arrived in

the communal areas in the morning, asking them how they were and if there was anything they needed and actively listening to respond to their needs.

"At breakfast time we heard one person who used the service say to a care worker, "I love you". The care worker responded with "I love you too" and gave them a hug."

Staff were described as "exceptionally thoughtful" and the report outlined that some were 'dignity champions'.

The report said: "Throughout the two days of the inspection, all the interactions we observed between staff and people who used the service were extremely kind, respectful and compassionate.

"We heard staff speaking with people using their preferred names or agreed names, and showing a genuine interest in their wellbeing."

Inspectors also said there was enough staff, they were being recruited safely and were receiving appropriate training.

Care plans were up to date, risk assessments were in place, healthcare needs were being met and medicines were being stored and managed safely.

Inspectors said "excellent activities" were on offer, visitors were made to feel welcome and the registered manger was said to be "approachable and supportive".

Sarah Horner, registered manager at Cooper House, said: “I am really proud of our staff team and the positive outcomes they achieve for the people we care for. It is brilliant that we have been able to achieve so much together. We will all continue to work really hard.”

Sarah Perez, Operations Director at Priory Adult Care, which manages the home, added: “Sarah and her staff team do such an excellent job. They really excel at what they do. It is a great achievement to be rated ‘outstanding’ in the ‘caring’ category.”