A GROUP of care homes in Stroud have been rated as providing “good” support for people with learning disabilities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited four properties run by the Stroud & District Homes Foundation to observe how people were cared for and to talk with people who use the service.

Inspectors visited The Gables care home in Folly Lane, which provides daily residential care for five people.

They also visited three other supported living homes which provide personal care service to 19 others.

These are the Barn Lodge and Stonehaven in Stroud and Cotswold Grange in nearby Stonehouse.

The report ranked the group of care homes “good” for their safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership.

In the report, which was carried out in late March, inspectors said the services provided a safe space for all residents where they are treated with respect and dignity.

One relative told the inspectors: “I feel safe here" and "All of the staff are good and friendly".

Another person said: "I feel safe here and the staff are friendly and caring".

Inspectors also found the residents were able to maintain proper relationships with their family and friends while enjoying independence and freedom at the homes.

The report said: “People and their families were provided with opportunities to express their needs, wishes and preferences regarding how they lived their daily lives. This included meetings with staff members and other health and social care professionals.

“People were supported to access and attend a range of activities. People were supported by the staff to use the local community facilities and had been supported to develop skills which promoted their independence.

“People’s needs were regularly assessed and care plans provided guidance to staff on how people were to be supported.

“The planning of people’s care, treatment and support was personalised to reflect people’s preferences and personalities.”

The Stroud & District Homes Foundation employ around 50 staff across all four care homes.

Marie Bagot, manager at the Gables, said: “The inspection went very well and we’re really pleased with the outcome.

“This is all credit to the hard work that our dedicated staff team have put in and it’s very welcoming to receive that recognition from the CQC.”