Enter and view: Carders Court Care Home

Healthwatch Rochdale visited Carders Court Care Home as part of a programme of announced Enter and View visits to care homes in the Rochdale borough. The visit was based on eight care quality indicators developed by Independent Age.

Several staff and residents reported feeling there was not enough time for staff to spend a lot of time with residents but the Healthwatch Rochdale Authorised Representatives observed staff members referring to residents by name, chatting with residents and speaking in a correct tone of voice as well as using caring gestures and touch. We also saw staff members making eye contact and smiling, as well as engaging with visitors and treating each other with respect.

Residents, their visitors, management and staff all agreed that residents care plans were personalised and updated monthly, or more often if required. Staff and most residents spoken to spoke positively of the activities available to residents, however, the families who were visiting were not as happy with the range on offer. Authorised Representatives observed a weekly and monthly list of activities displayed on a notice board in each unit. Activities included day trips out, pamper mornings, music, games, arts and crafts and bingo. On one of the units a book shelf was located in the lounge and also had a working bar. There was a replica tea room located in the conservatory where residents are able to take afternoon tea and celebrate their birthday, with evidence of a recent birthday celebration having taken place here. On the Dementia unit a memory box was observed with lots of replica materials to help trigger memories for Dementia patients.

Social interaction at meal times is encouraged with “ninety per cent of residents choosing to sit at the dining table”. One staff member told us that “residents can choose where to sit and interaction between residents is good”. Another staff member said that “staff chat to residents whilst at the dining table”. all of the residents spoken to said they enjoyed meal times, with there being “plenty of choice” and an opportunity to “sit with others and make new friends”. Again, visiting family members had a different view with one person saying that, while their relative always ate all his meals, the family member felt they were unappetising.

All people spoken to about the Home's ability to accommodate residents' personal, cultural and lifestyle needs, felt that this was well managed by the Home.

Healthwatch Rochdale made 4 recommendations following the visit, mainly focussed on better communication to staff by management, and one in relation to ensuring the activities were equitable across the various units within the Home.

The provider has provided a thorough response to the recommendations however, this response largely justifies the way the areas of recommendation are already being managed or provided.