A KENDAL based care agency with a 'desire to promote kindness' at the heart of its service was rated as 'Outstanding' following an inspection, the only home care providers in South Cumbria to gain an outstanding rating in even a single domain according to the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England.

Westmorland Homecare Ltd, established in 2017, received its first visit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which carry out regular inspections on all hospitals, dentists GP services and care services across the UK.

The doctor led community home care service is for people living in their own houses and flats who may need help with every day tasks including personal hygiene and eating.

Following a comprehensive inspection the CQC report highlighted the effectiveness of the staff who were 'extremely well-trained' 'professional' and 'caring', which made a 'huge difference' to the clients lives.

Inspectors said the individuals using the agency were 'overwhelmingly positive' about the service they received and that the staff, who were 'all exceptionally kind', were always going 'the extra mile' and 'beyond the call of duty.'

One relative who spoke to the inspectors said: "As an organisation they are lovely, wonderful, fantastic and so helpful. The managers are knowledgeable and they have a passion to make sure they have a good company that gives really good care to older people."

CQC also commended on how rigorous and thorough the agency was with its staff recruitment which meant only people with the 'right aptitude and skills' were employed.

Westmorland Homecare received an 'outstanding' in every section, including how safe the service was to how effective and caring the staff and managers were to its clients.

There are more than 16,000 homecare agencies registered with CQC, less than two per cent of those home care providers, nearly 300 agencies, were rated outstanding overall.

"The service was exceptionally well-led and had excellent links with the local community," the inspectors wrote. "The values and culture of the service exemplified by all the staff who worked in the service.

"People's quality of life was enhanced by agency through a strong, visible person-centred culture."

They also praised how flexible the agency was to the individuals needs and preferences as well as how the provider used innovative ways to support people to stay safe in their own homes and to 'lead fulfilling lives while minimising restrictions on their freedom'.

The CQC report deemed Westmorland Homecare as a service which took a key role in the local community with an aim to combat loneliness and social isolation.

Dr Joshua Macaulay, Chief Executive of Westmorland Homecare Ltd said: "We are absolutely delighted with the report. This is a fantastic accolade to our wonderful staff who are so dedicated to their clients. It’s great to showcase nationally what amazing talent we have in our area.”