Oldham Home Care Provider celebrates outstanding CQC rating

For owners Roxie Taj and Dr Badar Usmani, the achievement represents much more than a rating. It is the culmination of a vision they have pursued since launching the service: to create a home care provider where clients and staff are treated like family, and where dignity, compassion, culture and meaningful relationships remain at the heart of everything they do.

Roxie said:

"Outstanding wasn't our destination; it was the promise we made to every family from the day we opened our doors."

She added: "As the business grew, we were told it would become increasingly difficult to maintain the personal touches, the time we invested in people and the relationships we built.

"We were determined to prove that a care service could grow without losing its heart. Four and a half years later, to have that recognised by CQC means more to us than I can put into words."

During the inspection, the service received praise for its leadership, culture, governance, safeguarding, staff development and person-centred approach to care.

Particular recognition was given to the way Visiting Angels Manchester East supports people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds, ensuring care is tailored to each individual's needs, preferences and wishes.

For Roxie and the team, however, two comments made during the inspection will remain especially memorable.

The inspector told them that if she needed to find a care agency for her own mum and dad, Visiting Angels Manchester East would be the provider she would choose.

She was equally complimentary when she told the team:

"I wish I could bottle this and share it with other care providers."

Roxie said: "As someone working in care, I don't think you can receive a greater compliment than being told someone would trust you to care for their own parents.

"This achievement is also incredibly personal for me. I didn't come from an academic background. I simply had a vision of the standard of care I wanted us to provide, and I refused to compromise on it. Receiving an Outstanding rating feels like recognition of everything we have worked towards since the very beginning."

Roxie paid particular tribute to her husband and Registered Manager, Dr Badar Usmani, who has stood alongside her throughout the four-and-a-half-year journey.

She said: "I walked this journey with the very best partner. Badar has believed in our vision from day one, provided unwavering leadership and, on a personal level, supported me through every challenge, setback, late night and dream. I couldn't have asked for a better person to share this journey with."

She also gave special recognition to Care Manager Jodie, whose leadership and contribution were highlighted throughout the inspection process.

"Jodie is much more than our Care Manager; she's part of our family," Roxie said.

"We have watched her grow into an incredible leader. This Outstanding rating belongs to Jodie just as much as it belongs to us. Her compassion, professionalism and commitment to our clients and Angels are a huge part of the culture that CQC has recognised."

The owners say the achievement ultimately belongs to the entire Visiting Angels Manchester East team, as well as the clients and families who have placed their trust in the service.

Roxie added: "Our Angels are the people who carry our values through the front door of someone's home every single day. Every conversation, every reassuring hand, every act of kindness and every time somebody goes the extra mile has contributed to this achievement.

"But above all, we thank our clients and their families. They welcomed us into their homes and trusted us with the people they love most. There is no greater responsibility.

"This Outstanding rating belongs to every client, every family, every Angel and every member of our team.

"Four and a half years ago, we opened our doors with a vision. Today, that vision has been recognised as Outstanding, but our promise remains exactly the same: to treat every client and every member of our team like family while delivering the highest standard of care possible."

Visiting Angels Manchester East continues to provide award-winning home care services across the region, helping older people to live safely, independently and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.