Enter and view: Avonbourne Care Centre

Healthwatch Wiltshire carried out an enter and view visit to Avonbourne Care Centre on 29 June 2026 to understand residents’ experiences of care and observe the quality of the environment and support provided. During the visit, Healthwatch spoke with residents, staff, relatives, the registered manager and deputy manager, although the report did not specify the total number of people interviewed. The home provides residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 120 residents across two units, Avon Court and Bourne House.

The visit found Avonbourne Care Centre to be exceptionally clean, well maintained and dementia-friendly. Healthwatch observed calm, welcoming communal areas, personalised bedrooms, memory boxes, sensory features and accessible outdoor spaces. Residents appeared comfortable, well cared for and supported to make choices about their daily routines, while staff demonstrated a good understanding of individual needs and preferences.

Healthwatch observed positive and respectful interactions between staff and residents, with staff actively encouraging participation in activities and providing personalised support. The activity programme was described as varied and inclusive, supported by a dedicated activities coordinator, while dining experiences were calm and person-centred, with residents offered meal choices and support where needed. Residents also had access to snacks and drinks throughout the day, helping to promote independence and wellbeing.

Healthwatch concluded that Avonbourne Care Centre provided high-quality, person-centred care within a warm and supportive environment. Examples of best practice included the exceptionally clean environment, strong staff engagement, dementia-friendly design, varied activities programme and safe medication management. Recommendations focused on improving guidance around hand hygiene at reception and providing clearer information to families about how feedback is gathered, reviewed and acted upon.