Enter and view: Dale House Care Centre

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Dale House Care Centre, Wellingborough on 17 July 2015.

The visit found that the home provided a calm, welcoming and well-maintained environment for older people, including residents living with dementia. Residents and relatives were overwhelmingly positive about the care provided and described staff as caring, respectful and attentive. Healthwatch observed positive interactions between staff and residents, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of individual preferences and needs. Residents reported feeling safe, valued and well supported, and many praised the improvements that had taken place under the home's new management.

Food, accommodation and personal care were generally viewed positively. Residents appreciated having choices about daily routines, meals and activities, and those who preferred to spend time in their own rooms said staff checked on them regularly and respected their privacy. Staff spoke positively about the home's leadership, training opportunities and team culture, and relatives expressed confidence that their family members were receiving high-quality care.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire concluded that Dale House provided safe, compassionate and person-centred care with strong leadership and a committed workforce. Recommendations included increasing links with the local community, cleaning the entrance carpet, introducing evening snacks following a resident's suggestion, and encouraging more staff to become Dignity Champions and Dementia Friends to continue strengthening the quality of care provided.