Enter and view: Burgess Park Care Home

Healthwatch Southwark undertook an Enter and View visit to Burgess Park Care Home on 4 and 7 May 2016.

The visit found mixed experiences of the home. Many residents and relatives described staff as caring and committed, and several residents said they felt safe and well looked after. Healthwatch observed positive relationships between staff and residents and found that some families were satisfied with the care provided. However, concerns were raised about staffing levels, low staff morale and the home's ability to meet the needs of residents with more complex conditions. Some relatives reported concerns about consistency of care, hydration, communication and the support available for residents living with dementia. 

A lack of social interaction and meaningful activities was a significant theme. Many residents said they had few opportunities to make friends or take part in activities, and relatives felt residents needed more stimulation and access to appropriate dementia-friendly activities. Feedback on food was mixed, with some relatives describing menus as repetitive and lacking fresh options. Healthwatch also identified issues with aspects of the environment, including accessibility, signage, lighting and the suitability of some facilities for people living with dementia.

Healthwatch Southwark recommended increasing staffing levels and support, improving staff training and supervision, enhancing dementia awareness, reviewing activities and meal provision, making the home more accessible and dementia-friendly, strengthening communication with residents and relatives, and developing volunteering and community links. The report concluded that while many staff worked hard and cared deeply about residents, further improvements were needed to ensure consistently high-quality, person-centred care and a more stimulating environment for residents.