A CARE home in Braintree has been praised by watchdogs after an inspection.

Aspen Grange Care Home received a 'good' rating in all key areas for safety, effectiveness, care, response and leadership.

The home provides nursing and residential care for up to 49 people in a purpose-built building.

The service also provides support to older people with dementia and complex care requirements.

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The Care Quality Commission report said "people received safe care from staff who knew them well" and "were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests".

The report continues: "We received positive feedback about the leadership and management of the service. There were systems in place to monitor, maintain and improve the quality of the service."

It was also says staff were "kind and caring and people and their relatives confirmed this" and included comments from relatives saying "most of the staff are very good here".

One relative told inspectors: "My family member is unable to speak, but they are always smiling, and I know they are happy."

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Aspen Grange manager Sharon Thompson said: "I am so proud of the whole team who work diligently and professionally to ensure our residents are happy, safe and supported to live their best lives."

Heidi Davies, operations director at parent company Opal Care, said: "This report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Sharon and her whole team.

"They are providing the quality of care and support we aspire to and I am delighted this has been acknowledged by the inspectors, and most importantly by family and friends of our residents."