A luxury care home exposed as one of the worst in the district has been taken out of special measures by a care watchdog.

Chaucer House in St Martin’s Hill in Canterbury - billed as a five-star home - experienced a spectacular fall from grace when it was rated inadequate in March this year - just two years after achieving an outstanding grading from the Care Quality Commission.

It followed an inspection by the government watchdog, during which they uncovered “widespread and significant” shortfalls, including poor leadership and management.

The CQC, which was considering cancelling the home’s registration, revisited the home in July and has now released its latest findings, stating improvements have been made.

Inspectors say the number of complaints received by the home has gone down, staffing levels have increased and employees are now receiving more regular training and supervision.

A CQC spokesman said: “The last rating for this service was inadequate and there were multiple breaches of regulation.

“At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.”

The home was rated requires improvement overall, with a good grading in relation to how caring and effective it is.

Resident Dick Barton says he believes the CQC is “nit picking” and that the home is superb.

“For some reason they (the CQC) are not able to take an overview of the real situation, but delve into minor lapses in box ticking,” he said.

“I have been here for two years now and while the care has always been superb, it is now superb plus.

“The CQC seems unable to see the cheerful helpful staff, the excellent food and a wide range of great activities.

“Surely the aim of any care home is to provide a safe, comfortable and cheery environment. That is exactly what is provided at Chaucer House.

“Unfortunately, relatives of potential residents are put off by such critical reports.”

Martin Vanhinsbergh, regional director of Chaucer House, was asked for a comment but did not respond.

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