Enter and view: White Ash Brook Care Home

Healthwatch Lancashire carried out an Enter and View visit to White Ash Brook Care Home, a 54-bed service providing care for people with dementia, mental health conditions, physical disabilities and older people. At the time of the visit, the home was undergoing significant refurbishment under the leadership of a recently appointed manager. Representatives spoke with residents, staff and a relative, and observed a generally positive atmosphere throughout the home. The service received an overall Green rating. 

Representatives found the environment to be welcoming, homely and well maintained. The home benefited from spacious communal areas, attractive grounds and several comfortable seating areas overlooking the surrounding countryside. Refurbishment work was underway to create a specialist dementia unit, and management outlined plans for further improvements, including dementia-friendly adaptations and environmental enhancements. Residents generally spoke positively about their bedrooms and the overall environment, although some suggested larger clocks and improvements to the conservatory during colder weather. 

Interactions between staff and residents were observed to be warm, respectful and person-centred. Staff regularly engaged residents in conversation, addressed them by name and respected privacy by knocking before entering rooms. Both staff and relatives spoke highly of the new manager, describing improvements in morale, communication and the quality of care. Residents also reported that the service had improved in recent months and praised the kindness and support provided by staff. 

The home offered a programme of activities including music, dancing, games, cooking, outings and pamper sessions, supported by a newly appointed full-time activities coordinator. During the visit, preparations were underway for a resident's 90th birthday celebration involving family, community representatives and local dignitaries. Residents reported enjoying trips out, entertainment and social activities, although some noted that activity provision had increased only recently. 

Feedback about food was largely positive, with residents commenting on the choice and quality of meals. However, some concerns were raised about access to fresh fruit, waiting times for additional food requests and the quality of some drinks. Representatives also observed that one call bell was not answered for more than five minutes despite staff being nearby, although most call bells appeared to receive prompt responses. 

Overall, Healthwatch found White Ash Brook to be a care home moving in a positive direction, supported by strong leadership, motivated staff and an ongoing programme of improvements. The report highlighted the caring atmosphere, positive staff culture and commitment to developing the service, while noting a small number of issues relating to call bell response times and aspects of food provision.