A care home has been praised for its 'exceptional' response to residents.

Eastham Care Home on Main Road, South Woodham Ferrers, was rated good by the Care Quality Commission after its latest inspection.

The inspection found the care home had made improvements in the responsive category which received an 'outstanding' rating.

The care home received a 'good' rating in all other categories including safety, effective, care and well-led.

The report said: "There were a range of innovative activities provided, which developed people's interests.

"Diversity was actively celebrated. People's care plans were detailed and accurate, ensuring staff consistently knew how to support people.

"Staff enjoyed working at the service and told us they were well supported. People were supported to have enough to eat and drink which met their needs and preferences.

"People's healthcare needs were met in a timely way.

"People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice."

One relative told the inspectors: "When they knew they wanted to stay. They held a celebratory dinner to welcome them it is little touches to keep them human it is all these extra touches that make people in a home feel worthy and not just in the home and forgotten.

"They are really happy. They was dancing with the manager the other week."