In the latest instalment of our regular series, UP CLOSE WITH, Kingston Nub News takes a closer look at another outstanding local business in our town: Coombe Hill Manor Care Home, part of Signature Senior Living.

Taking a peek inside Coombe Hill Manor, one is struck by the beauty and comfort of its design.

The communal rooms are elegant, fitted out with tasteful, timeless décor. There's a cinema room, a library, a cafe, an art studio and gallery, and spa bathrooms. And outside, tables and chairs provide a place to relax among the landscaped gardens.

But it's much more than a place that's lovely to look at.

Coombe Hill Manor provides care and assisted living to its 94 residents, with some requiring full nursing, dementia and end of life care.

The stunning interiors are not simply designed to be easy on the eye, but to provide a home-like atmosphere for those residents who recently left their own.

And this is reflected in the warmth of the staff, who give their residents such loving and empathetic care that reviews of the home by relatives are universal in their praise.

"Coombe Hill is as close to perfect as we could hope for. It offers a haven of peace and security. We could have never offered a better life for our sister," said one.

Add to this the home's consistent 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission and its Beacon status in the Gold Standards Framework - the highest accolade a care home can receive in the UK for end of life care - and it's clear that Coombe Hill Manor is a special place.

'The most rewarding and heart-warming position I have ever held': what staff say

From the reviews and awards, it is clear that the character and enthusiasm of the home's carers is a major reason for the plaudits it has received.

Talking to the home's senior staff, this excellence stems from a meticulous recruitment process and nurturing management - in other words, caring for the carers.

"The way we recruit our staff is very particular as for us it is all about the person as an individual who can really contribute to the already Outstanding care that we provide," said Mark Luxford, one of the home's Client Liaison Managers.

"It is not just a matter of skills which can always be taught but about the chemistry and the fit with the home and existing team."

He added: "Signature really look after their staff and are always looking for ways to support their team who have gone through some very challenging times in the past year.

"This is why I have become a Mental Health First Aider and I have been supported to learn and deliver sessions to the staff in order to address any anxieties or concerns.

"We cover topics such as how to have and maintain a good night's sleep, how to look after your diet and nutrition, and exactly what good mental health looks like and feels like."

This management style means many employees stay at the home for a long time; 3 members of staff were recently given awards for 5 years of service.

And this low rate of staff turnover also has benefits for the residents, ensuring a continuity and consistency in the caring relationships.

Senior staff at the home are also highly satisfied with their jobs, and Mark's counterpart Jane Knight explains her role is to help families find care for their loved ones. She said: "It is a great pleasure to be able to help them during what is often an emotional and stressful time of their lives.

"I am privileged to say that this is the most rewarding and heart-warming position I have ever held."

She added: "The main part of my job is to discover the needs of each resident. Not just what time they want to eat their dinner, but what motivates them to get up in the morning?

"What makes them smile? What sort of person are they – shy and reserved or outgoing and bubbly?

"At Coombe Hill Manor we get to know each resident on an individual basis. They almost become part of a family here."

Coombe Hill Manor and Kingston Nub News

Kingston Nub News is proud to announce that Coombe Hill Manor is the latest sponsor of our news service.

Coombe Hill Manor's support will help us deliver the high-quality journalism that Kingston deserves - no clickbait or intrusive ads, just the latest updates on what's happening in our town.

Responding to the news, Nub News CEO Karl Hancock said: "I am thrilled we are partnering with another outstanding Kingston service.

"It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Coombe Hill Manor that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Kingston and across the UK."

Learn more about Coombe Hill Manor here