A FAMILY-RUN care home in Dorchester has received a national award for the quality of its care.

Culliford House has achieved the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) in Care Homes Quality Hallmark Award and staff received the award at a ceremony in Birmingham.

The 25-bed care home has been owned by Rita Moors for 30 years and is run by her daughter Suzanne Jackson as manager and daughter-in-law Marnie Moors as deputy manager.

The award means it joins 450 homes across the country that have been recognised for providing residents with the compassionate care they deserve as they approach the end of their lives.

GSF co-ordinator Julie Tombs, who has worked at Culliford House for 14 years, said: “Everyone who works here is really proud of the achievement and thrilled to be recognised for the care we’re providing all of our residents.

“We have always prided ourselves on the excellent care we provide our residents.

“GSF has helped take our care to the next level, ensuring that residents enjoy their lives, receiving the high-quality care they want in their chosen place, right up to the end.

“I lost my parents some years ago, so ever since then I have been passionate about giving all our residents the care they deserve.”

To achieve GSF accreditation care homes have to show they meet 20 strict criteria and submit a portfolio of evidence.

The GSF training means that everyone at the home, ranging from nurses to catering staff, are involved in regular reviews with the residents and all aspects of their lives are considered.

Staff talk to residents about their end of life care and give them the opportunity to make decisions and say what they want.

GSF National Centre lead nurse Maggie Stobbart-Rowlands said: “The last decade has witnessed a significant change in the way care homes, and nursing homes in particular, care for their residents as they approach the end of their lives and the GSF Centre is proud to have played a significant part in that transformation.

“Increasing numbers of people are now being cared for in a more compassionate and coordinated way, which means they are receiving the care they want, where and when they want it.”

She added: “Homes like Culliford House are a beacon for others to follow as they are providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time, offering their residents the sort of care we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.”