Enter and view: Middleton Care Home

Healthwatch Rochdale carried out an announced Enter and View visit to Middleton Hall Care Home in Middleton on 3 February 2026. The home provides residential care for up to 29 older people and specialises in dementia and older persons' care. The purpose of the visit was to gather feedback from residents, relatives and staff and to observe the quality of care and the environment within the home. 

Overall, Healthwatch found Middleton Hall Care Home to be a caring, welcoming and well-managed service where residents appeared happy, comfortable and well supported. Residents, relatives and staff consistently spoke positively about the home, describing it as friendly, family-oriented and person-centred.

A major strength identified during the visit was the visible and approachable management team. The manager was observed interacting positively with residents and staff and helping with day-to-day tasks. Residents, relatives and staff all described the manager as friendly, supportive and accessible. 

The report highlighted strong staff retention and a stable workforce. Staff were described as caring, knowledgeable and committed to providing high-quality care. Residents said staff treated them well and knew their individual preferences and routines. Relatives expressed confidence in the skills and compassion of the staff team.

Healthwatch found that the home had effective systems for understanding and responding to residents' individual needs. Care plans were regularly reviewed, and information about residents' preferences, backgrounds and changing needs was shared with staff. Residents reported that staff understood their routines, preferences and support needs. 

The home offered a varied programme of activities, including bingo, baking, exercise sessions, music, dancing, outings and seasonal events. Residents and relatives generally spoke positively about the activities available and felt there was something suitable for everyone. Staff also encouraged residents to continue hobbies and interests where possible. 

Food and nutrition were viewed positively. Residents reported having choices at mealtimes and said staff would provide alternatives if they did not like the planned menu. The home also maintained hydration stations and monitored residents' fluid intake to support wellbeing. 

The report found that residents had access to healthcare professionals when needed, including GPs, opticians, podiatrists and audiologists. Relatives felt well informed about any changes to residents' health and praised communication from staff. 

The physical environment was found to be clean, accessible, homely and generally well maintained. Healthwatch observed effective health and safety practices, good infection control measures and accommodation adapted to residents' needs, including those living with dementia. 

Healthwatch also noted that the home actively seeks feedback from residents, relatives and staff through meetings, surveys and day-to-day discussions. Management demonstrated a positive attitude towards learning and continuous improvement. 

Despite the largely positive findings, Healthwatch made five recommendations for improvement. These were to remind residents when the hairdresser is on site to reduce confusion, update and clearly display current menus, make greater use of the garden and improve its maintenance, install clearer external signage for the home, and introduce more dementia-friendly signs using pictures and laminated displays.

The care home's response showed that action had already been taken or was planned for all recommendations. Improvements included relocating hairdressing sessions to the conservatory with clearer signage, updating menus, enhancing and increasing use of the garden, obtaining quotes for new external signs, and introducing more pictorial signage throughout the home.

In conclusion, Healthwatch Rochdale found Middleton Hall Care Home to be a friendly, compassionate and well-run care home that provides high standards of care, promotes residents' independence and wellbeing, and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.