A residential home in Seaton for people with dementia, which features a mock vintage railway carriage, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors said The Check House, in Beer Road, is an environment where people are treated with kindness, equality, dignity and respect.

They praised management and staff for their compassionate attitude, and said they communicated with the residents “as adults, rather than patients who needed looking after”.

The inspectors were particularly impressed by the efforts that have been made to adapt to the needs of people with dementia, reflecting research and best practice to promote independence and connection with their surroundings.

This includes the area of the home which has been turned into a train carriage complete with mock windows showing countryside scenes. Staff told the inspectors that people react positively to this, and that it encourages them to talk about travel. The home also makes good use of colour and contrast in items such as dinner plates and tablecloths, to ensure that the surroundings are as visually stimulating as possible.

The inspectors’ report said: “People received support from staff who knew them well.

Their care was person-centred and tailored to their individual needs. Staff worked really hard to give people the opportunity to reach their potential.”

The ‘outstanding’ rating is an improvement on the verdict of an inspection in 2015 when the home was rated ‘good’ overall.

The CQC’s deputy chief inspector of adult social care, Deborah Ivanova, said: “The service has fostered a culture of providing personalised care and created an environment where people are treated with kindness, equality, dignity and respect. People were overwhelmingly positive about the high quality, individualised care they received.

“I am delighted that The Check House has continued to improve upon the standard of care provided and has now achieved our highest rating. The staff and management should be proud of their achievement.”The Check House provides provides personal care and support for up to 57 people living with dementia and older people living with frailty.

There were 49 residents at the time of inspection.