Enter and view: Moors Care Centre

Healthwatch North Yorkshire carried out an Enter and View visit to The Moors Care Centre in Ripon on 24 January 2017. Overall, the home was found to be well led, well resourced and committed to providing person-centred care. Residents generally appeared happy and relaxed, with many speaking positively about the staff, the companionship available within the home and the support they received. Staff were observed to be caring, motivated and proud of their work, while training and professional development were strongly encouraged. 

Residents and relatives were generally positive about the quality of care, meals and activities. Staff knew residents well and appeared responsive to individual needs, particularly on the dementia unit, where strong leadership and specialist knowledge were evident. The home offered a varied programme of activities, including singing sessions, crafts, outings and community visits, and had developed positive links with local schools, volunteers and community groups.

Healthwatch identified some areas for improvement. Space constraints meant that popular activities could not always accommodate everyone who wished to attend, and some residents wanted more opportunities to go out into the community. The report also highlighted a need to support residents in maintaining hobbies and interests they had previously enjoyed, and to improve communication about activities and events through methods beyond noticeboards. The manager also recognised the importance of strengthening end-of-life care planning and staff training in this area. 

Healthwatch concluded that The Moors Care Centre provided a high standard of care with strong leadership, positive staff culture and good resident experiences. Recommendations focused on developing an end-of-life care pathway, expanding opportunities for community outings and individual interests, improving communication about activities and making better use of available space so more residents could participate in popular events.