Coombe House Residential Home Rated Outstanding by CQC

A care home in Cornwall has been rated outstanding overall by the Care Quality Commission following a recent inspection.

Coombe House Residential Home, which supports up to 16 people living with dementia, was assessed in February and March as part of the CQC’s ongoing inspection programme. At the time of the visit, 15 people were living at the home.

Strong Ratings Across Key Areas

The service was re-rated as outstanding for how caring, responsive and well-led it was. Its rating for effective improved to good, while safe was upgraded from good to outstanding.

Stefan Kallee, CQC’s deputy director of adult social care for the South West, said:

“During our inspection, we found Coombe House delivered exceptional care and it was clear that people were supported to live rich, fulfilling lives. The team had created an incredibly warm environment where people felt safe, known and deeply cared for.

“What stood out most was how confidently people were supported to make choices, maintain independence and stay connected to the things that mattered to them. Staff didn’t rush people or make assumptions, instead they took time to understand each person’s history, preferences and needs. That meant people experienced care that truly reflected who they were and what they loved.

“Leaders at Coombe House modelled compassion, curiosity and creativity, and their commitment to learning and improvement was obvious. They encouraged staff, families and health partners to share ideas, and they acted on this feedback to continuously enhance people’s experiences. Leaders also proactively shared person-centred insights with partners, driving simple changes that reduced distress and improved engagement with care

“We found the service was also committed to listening to feedback and using it to improve care. Insights from people and their relatives have led to positive changes, including tailored support plans and enhanced preparation for those moving into the home. The service has also introduced weekly community events, such as afternoon teas, to promote connection, wellbeing, and a welcoming environment.

“This is an outstanding home with a clear vision and a team who go above and beyond to make every day meaningful for people. We’ll continue to monitor the service as it maintains these high standards.”

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors highlighted several areas where the home was performing strongly.

Staff supported people to take positive risks, helping them stay independent and active. This contributed to improved mobility, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Residents were able to move freely throughout the home and its gardens, including extensive outdoor areas. This helped reduce anxiety and gave people a greater sense of control.

Staff were found to know people exceptionally well, recognising early signs of distress and responding quickly to ensure they felt reassured and safe.

Mealtimes were described as sociable and relaxed, with people choosing, preparing and sharing food. This encouraged both appetite and social interaction.

The home worked closely with health professionals to ensure timely clinical support, helping to prevent unnecessary distress and hospital admissions.

People were also involved in shaping their own care plans, with staff adapting support quickly when needs changed. This helped maintain continuity and stability.

Leaders were found to have created a positive and inclusive culture, where people, relatives and staff all felt listened to. Staff themselves spoke positively about the support they received, which helped them deliver personalised care.

Read the Full Report

You can read the full inspection report here: Read the full CQC report

📷Credit: Coombe House Residential Home