Enter and view: Chapel House Care Home

Healthwatch Cheshire carried out a prior‑notice Enter and View visit to Chapel House Care Home in Puddington on 1 December 2025. They spoke to 2 people.

On arrival, Authorised Representatives found the home clean, welcoming, and secure, although the information displayed in the entrance porch was somewhat disorganised. Staff greeted the visiting team warmly. The home is fully accessible, with ramps, handrails, a functioning lift, and thoughtful design features to support residents with mobility needs.

The Manager emphasised that care at Chapel House is person‑centred, respectful, and focused on maintaining dignity. During the visit, residents appeared well cared for, appropriately dressed, and comfortable. Staff interactions were consistently warm, patient, and respectful. The home has strong working relationships with local health services, including regular GP and senior nurse practitioner visits, and support from allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. The home also uses the Hospital at Home service to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions where possible.

Relatives reported that staff treat residents with dignity and respect, and digital person‑centred care plans are reviewed monthly with families where appropriate. The home encourages open communication with relatives through email, newsletters, face‑to‑face conversations, and quarterly relatives’ meetings.

Chapel House provides a rich programme of activities led by a dedicated Wellbeing Coordinator. Activities are tailored to residents’ interests and include craft sessions, exercise classes, outings, music, games, and special events. The onsite café is a social hub for residents, families, volunteers, and the wider community. Local groups, entertainers, and visiting animals also contribute to the home’s social environment.

The home itself is clean, attractively decorated, and thoughtfully designed, with well‑used communal lounges and dining areas. Residents’ bedrooms are personalised, and upgraded rooms include fitted furniture and track hoists. The outdoor area has been significantly improved since the previous visit and is now fully accessible, with seating, raised beds, and space for gardening activities.

Food is provided through Apetito, with meals adapted to residents' needs and preferences. Staff support residents with eating where required, and drinks and snacks are freely available. Visual aids and pictorial menus help residents choose meals.

The Manager described funding pressures—particularly in relation to local authority placements—as one of the home’s biggest challenges. However, he expressed pride in supporting some residents to regain independence and return home.

Chapel House uses several NHS‑endorsed tools, including MUST, Restore2, and the RITA digital reminiscence system, although funding for RITA is ending. Staff have also completed end‑of‑life care training through the End‑of‑Life Partnership, though this programme has recently lost local funding.

Healthwatch made one recommendation: to reorganise the information displayed in the front porch so it is clearer and less cluttered. The service provider responded that a new information display system had been purchased and would be installed imminently.