Enter and view: Wall Hill Residential Care Home, Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit on Wall Hill Residential Care Home, a residential care home with 34 places caring for adults over 65 years old, on 12th July 2017.

The purpose of the visit was to follow up on the findings of a CQC visit carried out in February 2017 – in particular the areas noted as requiring improvement such as staffing levels, storage of medicine and cleaning materials, improving availability of activities and Deprivation of Liberties assessments (DoLS).

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported:

- externally, the garden is tidy and the building – a large old house - looks cared for; in addition fire safety improvements have been made;

- internally, the building was freshly painted and clean, and changes had been made to provide a dementia friendly environment such as adding murals to walls;

- staff levels have increased since the CQC visit;

- agency staff are used if needed and sourced from a single agency;

- a quarterly newsletter is produced by the owner for residents and relatives and regular meetings held with residents to ensure their views are taken into consideration;

- family and friends can visit freely;

- staff discussed employing an Activity Coordinator but voted to run the activities themselves with outside instructors visiting;

- activities include external outings using the home’s own minibus, regular musical events, birthday celebrations;

- the kitchen has been fully refitted and advice on the menu is taken from a dietician;

- staff interacted with residents comfortably;

- the current owners are keen to make the home a happy place for residents and staff;

- all records are stored electronically and can be accessed within seconds;

- medicines are now stored in a dedicated Clinical room which is secured by a key pad;

- cleaning materials are now stored in a locked cupboard;

- staff have received training on in the Mental Capacity Act and also on how to deal with challenging behaviour;

- DoLs are as up to date as possible;

- staff have received training on manual handling and the use of a hoist;

- the general feeling is that major improvements have been made to the benefit of residents and staff.

Residents commented that they were happy with the care they received.

Staff appeared happy with the changes being implemented by the new owners.

A recommendation was made to attach notices to doors when personal care was taking place.

The provider appreciated the calm approach and attitude of the authorised representatives during the visit and welcomed their ideas.