Staff at a care home in Shirebrook have been described as wonderful and brilliant people in a report by inspectors.

Residents at Richmond Care Home told inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that staff were perceptive of people’s needs and described them as caring, kind and friendly.

The 40-bedroomed home was rated good in the inspectors’ report, following their unannounced visit to the home in October.

“People told us they were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives,” said the report, which also noted the positive atmosphere at the home and residents’ enjoyment at living there.

It highlighted how the home environment had been adapted to people’s needs with murals such as a shop reflecting long-standing residents’ past lives and the creation of a community café where residents could spend time in with relatives.

“People had been encouraged and supported to access activities outside the home,” said the report, which described the home as having a community feel.

“Some people had been to the swimming baths, the local pub and evening entertainment at the welfare club.”

Richmond’s community organiser, Natasha Westwood, who was a finalist in the recent Great British Care Awards for the East Midlands, was acknowledged for having introduced a sing-song to encourage residents at the midday meal.

Food at the home was rated by one resident as 10 out of 10 and people were seen to be sitting with friends and enjoying conversations during their meal.

Home manager Kate Birch said; “We are delighted to have received a good rating. It’s a recognition of the staff’s hard work, their skills and how well they know each resident. They can see when someone is not themselves and will take time to chat.”

Jayne Szypusz’s mum, 82-year-old Ann Binney, moved into Richmond in June after being paralysed by a degenerative spinal condition.

“I asked for care home recommendations when she was in hospital and Richmond was mentioned to me,” remembered Jayne.

“As soon as I walked through the door I thought “wow!” The staff were so hands-on with the residents, chatting with them and being with them, which I hadn’t seen in other homes I’d been to.

“They will bring mum into the lounge if there is a singer in that she wants to listen to, and they’re always checking on her as she can’t even give herself a drink.

“They recently moved her to a room that became available that has a big bay window so she can see the comings and goings outside. Kate told me to choose some wallpaper that mum would like, which she then paid for, so we could make the room her own.