Dearnevale has been awarded the prestigious Quality Hallmark Award by the Gold Standards Framework, recognising its exceptional commitment to providing high-quality end-of-life care.
Located in Grimethorpe near Barnsley, Dearnevale supports adults living with complex needs arising from neuro-disabilities such as Huntington’s disease, mental health conditions and physical disabilities.
The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award is a kitemark that recongises the home’s exceptional dedication to delivering compassionate, respectful and professional end-of-life care.
To earn this accolade, the team underwent a rigorous assessment of their care processes and practices.
Dearnevale achieved an impressive score of 71 out of 75, reflecting their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care for individuals with progressive conditions and those at the end of their lives.
Dearnevale was particularly praised for its supportive management, dedicated team, in-house end-of-life training and a wide range of activities that enhance the social and emotional well-being of its residents.
One standout example highlighted by the judges was the home’s person-centred approach to planning a memorial service for a service user who recently passed away. The home’s Activities Coordinator shared:
“We’re organising a memorial service for one of our service users who recently passed away. Her wish was to have a purple party, as purple was her favourite colour - she loved purple clothes, had purple hair and her room was decorated in purple.
“We’ve arranged for a singer, who is also a celebrant, to perform and read some of her favourite Beatles songs. Although many of her friends couldn’t attend the funeral, this service will be a heartfelt opportunity for them to celebrate her life.”
Helen McGowan, Home Manager at Dearnevale, said of the accomplishment:
"We’re incredibly honoured to have achieved this award and be acknowledged as one of the top care homes in the country. It reflects our commitment to providing the best possible care to our residents.
“This award is not just a recognition of our efforts, but a testament to the dedication and heart that each member of our team brings every day. We’re proud to be recognised for making a positive difference in the lives of those we care for."
Dearnevale also boasts three other notable accolades: it’s accredited by the Huntington’s Disease Association as part of its ‘Quality Assured’ kitemark scheme, holds a Care Quality Commission ‘Outstanding’ rating, and achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 score on care home comparison website, carehome.co.uk.
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