“Outstanding” Cowdray Club Praised In Five-Star Report
The inclusive and nurturing environment of an Aberdeen care home has been praised in a five-star report from inspectors.
All aspects of Renaissance Care’s Cowdray Club care home in Aberdeen were rated five - “very good” – which is the second-highest rating available under the body’s grading system following an unannounced inspection in late July.
Inspectors described staff’s ethos of working with families and residents as “outstanding”, while the home’s approach to inclusivity was also singled out as “excellent”.
Residents described the staff at Cowdray as helpful, fun and supportive with an emphasis placed on ensuring people could continue to enjoy aspects of their life along with their loved ones and maintain connection with what had previously been part of their individual routines.
The unannounced inspection took place between 25 to 28 July 2023, with inspectors interviewing staff, residents and their families.
Renaissance Care has 17 homes across Scotland and prides itself on offering person-centred for residents and their relatives.
The Cowdray Club is located in a beautifully appointed 19th century building in the Fonthill area of Aberdeen. The home is close to the town centre and just 10 minutes’ walk from Duthie Park.
Inclusivity and health and wellbeing are prioritised in all Renaissance homes, with physical wellbeing activities carefully planned and tailored to residents’ needs and interests.
Nutrition is also paramount at Renaissance Care, with residents given the power to choose seasonal menus through “meal or no meal” events.
The report on Cowdray said: “There were many strengths in the service. It was person centred for the residents and also for their relatives, as the importance of one to the other was acknowledged.
“Wishes and aspirations were enabled, such as continuing to go out, enjoying a pint in the garden with friends, using a hair/beauty salon.
“There were outings on the bus, which relatives were welcome to join, and lots of small interactions throughout the day. Celebration of events, like Eurovision, the Coronation and Wimbledon helped people to maintain awareness of life outside the home and stopped their interests becoming too narrow.
“The service went to great lengths to ensure people got the type of support that would enable them to be happy. The leadership team placed great emphasis on leading the staff, which had resulted in a calm and confident workforce.”
Cowdray Club Care Home manager, Philip Stuart, said: “The staff at Cowdray go above and beyond to make life a colourful and enjoyable experience so it’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognised in this glowing report.
“Everything we do is for the residents. From transitioning into the home, to daily activities and routines, everything is carefully planned and delivered to make sure our residents have the best possible experience.
“They’re our extended family and it’s great to see they and their relatives feel the same way.”
Inspectors spoke with nine people using the service and 11 family members. They also:
• Spoke with six staff and management and received 19 responses from a questionnaire
• Observed practice and daily life
• Reviewed documents
• Spoke with visiting professionals.
The report concluded:
• The home had a lively and welcoming atmosphere
• The manager and staff were hugely supportive of all family and residents relationships
• All staff enjoyed their work and being with the residents
• The relatives we spoke to were all delighted with the support that their family received
• A relative said, "inclusivity is a high part of the culture of the home."
