Enter and view: Havering Court Care Home

Healthwatch Havering conducted an Enter and View Visit to Havering Court in February 2019. The home offers care for up to 51 residents with brain damage. The Healthwatch representatives made observations about the home and gathered feedback from 8 staff members and 2 relatives during the visit. 

The report found that the home was clean and tidy but the decor was bland and dated. Residents often had complex care plans that were assessed regularly. It was observed that the staff communicated with individual residents in their prefer method, for example, written communication or email. It was reported that the GP offered home visits on a weekly basis. Procedure for infection control were in line with best practice. Staffing levels were appropriate and bank staff were only used if they knew the home well. A physiotherapist and 3 activities coordinators were employed in the home. A range of activities were on offer, including arts and crafts, and visiting pets. Particular attention was paid to residents who were immobile or confined to their rooms, for whom individual visits were arranged. Relatives reported that they had been concerned about the hydration of their loved ones. The Healthwatch representatives suggested that fluid charts be kep in order to confirm that residents were receiving appropriate fluid levels. Staff report that they felt supported at the home and it was observed that they were happy and friendly.

Healthwatch Havering made a number of recommendations including that consideration be given to training senior carers that senior carers be trained to administer medication to patients to relieve pressure on nursing staff and offer medication in a timely manner. It was recommended that fluid charts be introduced to monitor hydration. The home should consider an external in-depth survey to explore the reasons for the negative results in their recent satisfaction survey.