Enter and view: Lady Elsie Finney House

The report outlines an Enter and View visit carried out by Healthwatch Lancashire on 3 March 2016 to Lady Elsie Finney House, a local authority residential care home in Preston that provides accommodation and specialist dementia care for up to 46 older people. 

Overall, the purpose of the visit was to observe the quality of care, gather feedback from residents, staff, and visitors, and identify good practice and areas for improvement. The assessment covered key themes including the environment, care, nutrition, and activities. 

The findings were very positive overall, with the environment and facilities receiving an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5. The home was described as clean, welcoming, well maintained, and dementia‑friendly, with clear signage, personalised rooms, safe outdoor spaces, and stimulating displays designed to support residents with memory and orientation. 

Residents consistently reported that they were happy, felt safe, and were treated with dignity and respect. They described staff as kind, approachable, and responsive, and most said they received help promptly when needed and had some flexibility in their daily routines. 

The report found that staff interactions were warm and person‑centred, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of residents’ individual needs, particularly in supporting those with dementia. Activities such as crafts, themed events, and community engagement opportunities were offered regularly, helping to promote social interaction and wellbeing. 

Food provision was generally rated positively, with residents stating that they had choice at mealtimes, access to drinks, and flexibility over where they ate, although some described the food as average rather than excellent. 

Feedback from relatives and visitors was also favourable, with most saying the home was friendly, welcoming, and provided a safe environment for their loved ones. Staff themselves reported feeling supported and well trained, although some raised pressures related to staffing levels, reliance on agency staff, and limited time for person‑centred care during busy periods. 

The provider responded to the report by clarifying some points, particularly around staffing levels and morning routines, emphasising that residents are supported according to their preferences and that staffing is managed to maintain safe care. 

In summary, the report concludes that Lady Elsie Finney House delivers a high standard of care in a supportive, person‑centred environment, with strong relationships between staff and residents, good facilities, and a wide range of activities, alongside some minor concerns about staffing pressures.