Enter and view: Good Companions Residential Home

Healthwatch Cumbria conducted an unannounced Enter and View visit to Good Companions Care Home, as part of a planned programme of work, on 25 February 2014.

Good Companions Residential Home is a privately run care home for 39 elderly residents in Silloth. It is one of the homes owned and operated by Good Companions Healthcare Group. Authorised Representatives were told that the owners of the home were open to suggestions by staff to purchase things to improve resident experience. As an example of this, Authorised Representatives were advised thatthe home employs professional waitresses seven days a week to go round with the drinks trolley which is kept in the office. It has alcoholic drinks as well as soft drinks and they also serve the teas and coffees – with staff explaining that ‘it makes the residents feel special’.

The visiting team spoke to residents who all reported being content and well cared for, and were observed to have good relationships with staff. There was evidence of a variety of activities on offer and more active residents could ask staff to accompany them on a walk if they wished.

The food was observed to look appetising, residents reported enjoying it. One resident wanted a meal that was not on the menu and it was made this especially for them when requested. The Authorised Representatives observed that while kitchen staff wore uniforms, there were no hats or hair nets in use and the report recommends that the use of these could be implemented.

There was no provider response included within the report.