Coombe Dingle Nursing Home

Coombe Dingle Nursing Home is an adapted residential care building in Caterham providing personal and nursing care for up to 35 older individuals, including those living with dementia or disabilities. During the unannounced inspection, the home was supporting 30 residents. Feedback from residents and their families highlights a warm, welcoming environment where people feel secure, valued, and genuinely cared for by a stable and approachable staff team.

Residents consistently report feeling safe and well-protected, supported by secure premises and staff who are thoroughly trained to recognize and report any concerns. Individual risks, such as managing challenging behaviors or fire safety, are well-assessed and documented. While safety practices are robust, an initial minor oversight involving unsecured thickener powder was promptly corrected by management during the visit by adding a padlock, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management.

Care is effective and tailored to individual needs, supported by thorough pre-admission assessments and detailed care plans. Staff undergo regular training, including specialized dementia courses, and receive consistent supervision. The home provides nutritious, high-quality meals with options like show plates for those with complex needs, and staff work closely with external health professionals. The environment is thoughtfully adapted for dementia with picture signage and interactive sensory boards, while staff strictly follow legal frameworks to ensure residents' consent and decision-making rights are respected.

The atmosphere is noticeably kind, respectful, and compassionate, with staff treating residents like family and maintaining meaningful physical and verbal interactions throughout the day. Relatives appreciate how staff accommodate diverse backgrounds and individual preferences. Privacy is carefully guarded, with staff always knocking on bedroom doors, and residents are consistently encouraged to maintain their independence and personal hobbies, such as arranging flowers.

Care delivery is highly responsive to personal choices, featuring tailored activity programs and care plans that reflect individual likes, dislikes, and changing needs. The home actively gathers feedback through resident meetings, relative involvement, and a suggestion book in the hallway, ensuring that families remain fully informed and engaged in care reviews.

Leadership is strong, organized, and visible, with a registered manager who conducts thorough audits and maintains strict oversight of staff recruitment, training matrices, and safety processes. Staff feel well-supported in their roles through regular one-to-one supervision and clinical guidance, fostering an open culture where issues are quickly identified and addressed.