Appletree Grange

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 5 October 2025. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of assessment: 27 August to 11 September 2025.

Appletree Grange is a care home providing accommodation, personal and nursing care to a maximum of 32 older people, including people who may live with dementia. At the time of our unannounced visit, 32 people were using the service. A registered manager was in place. The registered manager is registered with the Commission and is legally responsible to ensure that the service is compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

Appletree Grange was very well-led. The provider, registered manager and staff team were passionate about people's well-being and worked very hard to help people achieve their goals and aspirations by building their confidence and breaking down barriers to increase independence. There was clear evidence of collaborative working and very good communication with other professionals to help meet people's needs. Relatives and professionals described how people received personalised care and support that was tailored to people’s needs and preferences.

The environment was maintained to keep people safe, however areas of the home were showing signs of wear and tear. We also signposted the provider to design the environment so that it meets the needs of people who may live with dementia or a dementia related condition to keep them orientated and informed.

The service was flexible and adapted to people's changing needs and wishes and promoted their independence. There were examples of some significant improvements to the well-being of people due to the care they received. Risks to people had been assessed and care plans were in place to help mitigate risks as far as possible. Care records were detailed, person-centred and reflected people's care needs. Accidents and incidents were investigated, action taken, and lessons learned. There were sufficient trained staff who worked with other professionals to ensure people's needs were met in a safe and person-centred way. Staff were attentive and treated people with kindness and compassion. People enjoyed a varied diet. Systems were in place for people to receive their medicines in a safe way.

People's diversity as unique individuals with their own needs, was well-respected by staff. The staff team knew people well and provided support discreetly and with compassion. People’s privacy was respected, and people were supported to maintain contact with relatives and friends. The culture of the service was friendly, open and transparent where people's and staff voices were listened to in order to continually improve the quality of care. People, relatives and staff were confident about approaching the registered manager if they needed to. They recognised that their views and feedback were valued and respected and consistently used to support quality service development. Effective auditing systems were in place.