Enter and view: Belmont Care Home

Healthwatch Lancashire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Belmont Care Home in Longridge, Preston, on 4 July 2017, followed by a return visit on 17 July 2017. Belmont is a privately owned care home operated by Larchwood Care, providing accommodation for up to 43 older people, including those living with sensory impairments and the effects of stroke. 

The home was found to be situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings, with attractive outdoor features including a pond and access to outdoor seating areas. Plans to improve the patio and garden spaces were already underway at the time of the follow-up visit. 

Inspectors noted that some internal areas appeared cluttered and disorganised, including corridors, bathrooms, lounges and the hairdressing room. Storage of equipment and personal files in communal areas raised concerns about cleanliness, organisation and information security. Some corridors lacked dementia-friendly features and landmarks that could assist residents with memory difficulties. However, the home had begun addressing several of these issues by the time of the revisit, with improvements in cleanliness and plans for redecoration and refurbishment. 

Observations of staff-resident interactions were positive. Staff were seen treating residents with kindness and respect, responding promptly to call bells and supporting activities and events. Residents generally reported feeling safe, well cared for and treated with dignity. Many praised the staff for being friendly, helpful and attentive to their needs. 

Activities were viewed positively by residents, relatives and inspectors. The home offered a varied programme including bingo, quizzes, exercise sessions, trips, entertainment and community involvement projects. A dedicated activities coordinator was employed, and residents appreciated opportunities for social engagement while also being able to choose whether to participate. 

Feedback about food was largely favourable. Residents described meals as varied, of good quality and offering plenty of choice, although some felt standards varied depending on which cook was on duty. Relatives also reported satisfaction with the meals provided. 

Relatives spoke positively about the home, describing staff as welcoming, approachable and communicative. Most said their family members were happy and settled at Belmont and that they would recommend the service to others. However, some relatives were unclear about the formal complaints procedure. 

Staff generally enjoyed working at the home and were positive about care standards, training and activities. Nevertheless, they highlighted challenges relating to staff turnover, sickness absence and occasional staffing shortages, which they felt increased pressure on the workforce. Some staff also expressed a need for additional training in managing challenging behaviours. 

In conclusion, Healthwatch Lancashire found Belmont Care Home to provide a caring and supportive service with positive feedback from residents, relatives and staff. While improvements were needed in relation to clutter, cleanliness, the physical environment and some aspects of organisation, the quality of care, activities and resident experience was generally regarded as good.