Enter and view: The Knoll Residential Home

Healthwatch Trafford conducted an announced Enter and View visit to The Knoll Residential Home in December 2018. The residential home provides care for up to 10 elderly residents. Observations were made and questionnaires were sent to staff and relatives of the residents.

Observations made by the Enter and View representatives include: access to the home was good; the communal areas were easily accessible and clean but with a lack of additional seating for visitors; bedrooms were uncluttered and tidy; a varied activities programme; and staff were friendly and caring. Staff reported that it is difficult for residents to access health care, such as dentists, as there seem to be difficulties in obtaining home visits. Training is available to staff through the Local Authority Adult Social Care team as this system enables managers to keep on top of training and best practice. Relatives reported that the facilities at the home were restricted, such as the kitchen, but that this does not hinder the delivery of the service.

Recommendations were made including: consider encouraging staff to speak to relatives about their lobed one's general health, hobbies and interest; consider how to include extra seating for visitors in the communal lounge areas; and consider improving signage to various areas of the home to enable visitors to navigate the home.