Enter and view: Broomfield Care home

Healthwatch Milton Keynes carried out an Enter and View visit to Broomfield Care Home in Olney to understand residents' experiences of care, social engagement, physical activity and support for people with additional communication needs. At the time of the visit, 37 of the home's 40 places were occupied. They spoke to 8 people.

Overall, Healthwatch found Broomfield Care Home to be a welcoming, well-maintained and supportive environment. The home had undergone significant improvements since a previous visit in 2022, including refurbishment of communal areas, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Residents benefited from bright surroundings, accessible gardens, comfortable lounges and dining areas, and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces that supported both social interaction and quiet relaxation. 

Residents and relatives consistently provided positive feedback about the quality of care. They described staff as kind, professional, attentive and respectful, and said they felt safe and well cared for. Healthwatch observed staff regularly checking on residents' comfort and wellbeing, responding promptly to requests and supporting people in a person-centred manner that promoted dignity, choice and independence. Family members expressed confidence in the care provided and spoke highly of staff.

The home's environment was found to be clean, attractive and accessible. Residents particularly valued the gardens, courtyards and patio areas, which included seating, gardening facilities and resident chickens. Bedrooms could be personalised with residents' own furniture, photographs and possessions, helping create a homely atmosphere. Healthwatch noted that some dementia-friendly features were already in place, although clearer signage for hot and cold taps would improve accessibility for residents living with dementia.

Social engagement was supported by a full-time Activities Coordinator who delivered a varied weekday programme. Activities observed during the visit included exercise sessions, singing activities, gardening opportunities and one-to-one engagement. Residents could choose whether or not to participate, and regular meetings enabled them to provide feedback about activities and other aspects of life in the home. Relatives praised the weekday activities programme but noted that activity opportunities at weekends were more limited, particularly for residents without visitors. 

The dining experience was positive overall. Residents could choose where and with whom they ate, and alternative meal options were available if they did not want the menu choices offered. Staff supported residents respectfully during mealtimes and ensured food and drinks were available throughout the day. Most residents were satisfied with the food, although some felt the menu could be more varied and include more home-cooked meals. 

Choice and independence were strongly promoted throughout the home. Residents could choose when to eat breakfast, what to wear, how to personalise their bedrooms and whether to participate in activities. Staff were observed regularly asking residents about their preferences regarding food, drinks, room temperature, snacks and entertainment. 

Healthwatch concluded that Broomfield Care Home demonstrated a high standard of care, a positive and homely atmosphere, and clear improvements since previous visits. The report made two recommendations: to improve dementia-friendly signage, particularly on hot and cold taps, and to consider introducing a limited programme of weekend activities. The care home accepted both recommendations and committed to implementing the suggested improvements.