Estherene House

Estherene House in Suffolk is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 36 older people, including some living with dementia. The CQC rated the service requires improvement overall, having previously been rated good. Inspectors found breaches relating to safe care, staffing levels and governance, with audits failing to identify concerns and inconsistent staffing leaving some people at risk.

Staff were widely described as kind and caring, and knew people well, but some relatives and residents felt call bells were not answered promptly and staffing was insufficient. Recruitment oversight and risk guidance, including for falls and bowel management, needed improvement. The provider responded positively and began an action plan to address the concerns raised.