Enter and view: Allison House, Central Bedfordshire

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit on 4th February 2015 to Allison House Care Home. The home has 42 beds, 18 of which are for people living with dementia. Residents as well as several family members and staff were spoken to.

The findings show that at the time of the visit, the home was operating to a good standard of care with regard to cleanliness, dignity and respect. Residents looked tidy, clean and well cared for. Representatives observed a positive, good rapport with residents and staff with residents stating that the staff were kind and friendly. Residents commented on feeling safe and secure during the day and at night. The residents and relatives spoken to admire the care staff and the amount of work they do for the residents. However, they felt that there were insufficient care staff for the number of residents and more staff should be recruited. They were also concerned with the amount of agency staff being used who did not understand their needs. Both staff and residents wanted more permanent staff with less reliance on agency staff, hence a recommendation was made for the home to address staffing issues as a matter of urgency. Residents were generally happy with the meals which appeared to be balanced and nutritious. Residents were given the option of taking part in organised activities along with their relatives. Representatives noticed a slight odour of urine in the foyer, the manager responded saying they would ensure that the commodes are emptied and rinsed when going to the sluice. Representatives observed a wheelchair in front of a ground floor fire door creating a potential fire hazard; a recommendation was made to be attentive to potential hazards.

Representatives observed that ceiling tiles outside the manager’s office needed replacing due to damp patches and recommended redecoration. It was also recommended that the report be shared with residents and their relatives to allow them the opportunity to comment further should they wish to do so.

The service provider responded positively to the report and its recommendations. The need to reduce the use of agency staff was recognised and the manager stated that they were in the process of recruiting their own care staff to ensure that they deliver a high standard of care to residents and promote their wellbeing. The manager was very disappointed to hear about the potential fire hazard and responded that they have been very vigilant since this discovery and will continue to monitor this to avoid it happening again. The manager also stated that they hoped to address the damp patches in the near future.