A CARE home has been celebrating after being given an outstanding rating by inspectors.

The team from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) gave Milton Grange in Eastbourne its highest level of praise following a visit last year.

The East Sussex County Council-run home provides intermediate care, helping older people to stay out of hospital or make the transition from hospital back to their home.

Inspectors said people received excellent personalised care and were encouraged to take an active role in planning their rehabilitation and return home.

Staff knew their clients “exceptionally well’ and had a strong understanding of them as individuals and their needs.

The home in Milton Crescent was also said to offer an “open, transparent and inclusive atmosphere” in which people felt safe.

CQC deputy chief inspector for adult social care Debbie Ivanova said: “We were delighted to see how well the service supported people’s ability to live independently, improve their health, reduce hospital admissions and how they helped people return to live in their own homes safely.

“The team should be extremely proud of the work they do.”

Council lead member for adult social care Bill Bentley said it was great to see the praise inspectors gave the staff for the “fantastic” job they did.

He said “A positive report like this doesn’t happen by accident and is the result of the consistent hard work and dedication shown by the entire staff working in all the various roles at the home.

“They do such a professional job day in, day out.

“The outstanding rating is thoroughly justified and recognises the vital role the centre plays.”

The home caters for a wide range of needs, including people with dementia and mental health issues, those who need nursing care and people recovering from illness or injury.

Inspectors said the home was outstanding when it came to being caring and well led and its safety, effectiveness and responsiveness were all found to be good.

The CQC report said people’s wishes were at the heart of the organisation, their views were actively sought and they felt listened to and involved in their care.

People’s wellbeing was supported by the use of community health professionals and therapists.

Staff were knowledgeable and caring and provided excellent support to people with complex needs and those that needed intensive support.