A care home once run by failed charity Spectrum is celebrating being out of special measures after an amazing turnaround. Carrick, a care service in Playing Place outside Truro, was rated as inadequate overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a visit by inspectors in July 2023.

At the time the residential care home, which provides personal care to autistic people and people with a learning disability, was placed in special measures for not providing a safe enough service to its residents, not putting residents at the heart of its service and failing to provide adequate training to staff.

The service was rated inadequate overall. It was also rated inadequate for being safe and well-led. It was rated as requiring improvement for being caring, effective and responsive.

CQC inspectors said Carrick had to improve or it would be closed down. More than a year on and the care home, run by Salutem Care and Education, which took over Spectrum, has improved so much it was rated as 'good' in all areas by CQC inspectors following a new inspection in November last year.

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Bosses at Carrick said this was "a significant milestone for the home", which supports individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and sensory needs.

Salutem took over the home from Spectrum in 2022 and immediately instigated a comprehensive turnaround programme to improve care standards and outcomes for the individuals supported there. The firm said the latest CQC report highlights the progress made under new leadership and management.

Ann Holt, divisional director for adults at Salutem Care and Education, said: "We are incredibly proud of the team at Carrick and their dedication to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for our residents. This Good rating is a testament to the hard work and care they bring every day. It reflects our commitment to improving lives and ensuring that every individual we support can thrive and reach their full potential."

CQC inspectors remarked on residents being "more settled and relaxed than at our previous assessment" and being "treated fairly, and staff valued them and communicated with them according to their preferences."

Inspectors also praised the quality of care and personalised approach, adding: "This service maximises the effectiveness of people’s care and treatment by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing, and communication needs with them. There were no undue restrictions on people’s liberty. Activities were varied and reflected people’s interests."

The report also highlighted the commitment and enthusiasm of Carrick’s team.

Cornwall Council cabinet lead for adult social care and health, Cllr Andy Virr, said: "This is an excellent result and a product of the hard work of Salutem staff to improve the quality of care at Carrick. Securing care provision of a good standard for our residents is our priority, and this result is a great example of how we can support Cornwall's care sector to grow and develop to meet that level."

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