Enter and view: Gadsbury Close Sheltered Housing Plus (second visit)

Healthwatch Barnet carried out an announced Enter and View visit to Gadsbury Close Sheltered Housing Plus on 8 September 2016. Gadsbury Close, managed by Barnet Homes, provides sheltered accommodation for older and vulnerable adults who live independently in their own flats, with care services commissioned separately where required. At the time of the visit there were 39 tenants, 15 of whom had formal care needs.

The inspection found a strong sense of community and a positive atmosphere throughout the scheme. Tenants described the environment as peaceful, friendly and safe, and spoke positively about the support provided by the scheme manager. Healthwatch was particularly impressed by the manager’s visibility, accessibility and commitment to residents’ wellbeing. 

The building had recently undergone refurbishment, including dementia-friendly improvements to communal areas. Facilities included a communal lounge, kitchen, terrace, garden, Wi-Fi and a communal computer. Security arrangements were strong, with intercom entry systems and video monitoring allowing tenants to screen visitors before granting access. 

Residents generally expressed satisfaction with their accommodation and the maintenance of the building. They appreciated being able to live independently while having access to support when required. Some minor concerns were raised, including occasional noise from neighbours, previous mouse infestations following refurbishment works, and the ease with which people could access the grounds from adjacent areas.

The main concerns identified related to care planning and coordination of support services. The manager reported that tenants’ care plans were not always regularly updated, monitored or cross-referenced with records maintained by care providers. She felt there was no clear responsibility for ensuring that care plans remained current and suggested that she should have access to copies of tenants’ care plans to support effective oversight. 

Although the inspection did not directly assess the performance of care agencies, concerns were raised about the quality and consistency of some care provision, particularly during evenings and overnight periods. One relative expressed concerns about staff skills and training in supporting a family member with personal care needs. Healthwatch considered these concerns significant enough to warrant future investigation.

Hospital discharge arrangements were highlighted as a recurring problem. The manager reported that residents were sometimes discharged from hospital without adequate notice, often returning after normal working hours when support on site was limited. This created difficulties for residents and staff, particularly when medication or care arrangements had changed following discharge. 

The scheme encouraged social interaction through resident-led activities such as shared breakfasts, communal meals, coffee mornings and informal social events. However, tenants expressed a desire for more organised outings, particularly trips that could accommodate less mobile residents and wheelchair users. Some residents also suggested additional activities such as exercise classes.

Healthwatch identified several accessibility issues within the building. Although there was a communal toilet on the ground floor, there was no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Wheelchair users also experienced difficulties accessing the garden terrace because of narrow French doors, a step and the absence of a ramp. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that Gadsbury Close was a well-managed and supportive sheltered housing scheme that promoted independence and community living. However, improvements were needed around care plan management, communication regarding hospital discharges, accessibility and opportunities for organised social activities. 

The report recommended improving hospital discharge communication, ensuring care plans are regularly reviewed and shared appropriately, installing accessible facilities, improving wheelchair access to outdoor spaces, strengthening management handover arrangements during holidays, and exploring inclusive outings for residents. 

Responses from partner organisations were positive. Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group acknowledged concerns about discharge planning and committed to raising the issue with local hospitals. Adult Social Care accepted the need for better review and communication of care plans. Barnet Homes confirmed that a ramp and automatic door were planned to improve access to the garden and outlined existing arrangements for staff handovers during managerial absences.