Enter and view: Highcroft Manor

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Highcroft Manor Nursing Home on 21 July 2015.

The visit found that the home was undergoing a programme of improvement under relatively new ownership and management. The home was generally clean, free from unpleasant odours and had a bright and welcoming communal area. Staff were observed interacting with residents in a friendly and respectful manner, and residents appeared well presented. The manager described a range of improvements already made, including upgrades to bedrooms, carpets, food provision, care planning, staff training and residents’ choice over daily routines.

Residents were offered greater flexibility around mealtimes and bedtimes, and a choice of food was available. Activities included visits from musicians and a local vicar, a resident dog, chickens in the grounds and visits from a hairdresser. However, Healthwatch observed little resident participation in activities during the visit and found there was no dedicated activities coordinator. The home was also planning to introduce life story work to support residents, particularly those living with dementia.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire concluded that improvements were being made across the home but identified further areas for development. Recommendations included introducing more regular planned activities to engage residents, improving telephone and message-handling arrangements for relatives and visitors, and encouraging staff to become Dignity Champions and Dementia Friends to support continued development of person-centred care.