- Care home
Portsdown View
Assessment report published 21 August 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 23 June to 8 July 2026. The service is a residential care home providing support to older people, some of whom lived with dementia.
Our unannounced assessment was carried out as the service was unrated and we received concerns about the safety of care being delivered.
Leadership within the service was a key strength. Leaders were highly visible, approachable and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the home. They led by example and modelled exceptional kindness, person-centred values and fostered a positive and inclusive culture. Governance arrangements were effective and supported continuous oversight and improvement.
Staff felt very well supported and valued and this was reflected in a motivated and cohesive workforce. A strong emphasis was placed on staff wellbeing and development, with opportunities for career progression. There was an inclusive approach that enabled staff to develop their skills and confidence. This contributed to a stable and capable team committed to high-quality care.
Medicines and risk management were generally well managed. Where we identified recording issues, leaders put robust plans in place to make the necessary improvements. Staffing levels were monitored using a dependency-based approach and although feedback about call bell response times was mixed, we observed sufficient staff available to meet people’s needs. The environment was safe, clean and well maintained.
The provider was outstanding at involving people in their care and treating people with compassion, respect and warmth. Care was highly compassionate and individualised with staff using a detailed understanding of each person’s history, interests, preferences and faith to shape daily routines, activities and overall wellbeing. This resulted in people experiencing care that reflected what mattered most to them.
There was a strong and well-established commitment to partnership working. Staff worked closely with a wide range of health and social care professionals and community partners to ensure people received coordinated, responsive and seamless care. People received highly effective care evidence-based on good practice and standards and people were supported to live healthier lives.
People's experience of this service
Feedback from people described an exceptionally caring, supportive and high-quality service where people were treated with dignity, respect and genuine warmth. Comments were very positive and included, “Staff go above and beyond but it’s more than that. We’re well fed and cared for. With activities if I don’t want to do something that’s fine. I feel the staff have my best interests at the forefront. I never feel I am one of many” and “If I’m in distress or need something, they (staff) are there for me. I hear what other residents say too and there is never a word of criticism. I’m cared for by people that go the extra mile.”
Relatives also provided highly positive feedback. For example, 1 told us, “Being here has made the world of difference to [Person]’s quality of life I don’t think anything could be changed or improved.” Another said, “I can’t speak highly enough, it’s not even 10/10, they’re 100/10.”