Enter and view: Serendipity Care Home

Healthwatch Trafford conducted an announced Enter and View visit, on 15 December 2017, to Serendipity Care Home in Urmston. Serendipity Care Home provides of nursing care for up to 45 older people, with 32 residents at the time of the visit, 80% of the residents are living with varying degrees of dementia.

The Enter and View Authorised Representatives were advised that 92% of residents have an Advanced Care Plan in place and the home places a picture of a leaf on a resident’s door to highlight to staff and visitors that the room is occupied by a resident who is on the end of life pathway.

Staff have begun using social media to communicate, in real time, with families of residents. The Authorised Representatives observed drinks within easy reach of residents. The Manager informed us that residents drinking levels are recorded and monitored on daily notes and a hospitality staff member is working from 10am to 6pm, solely to assist residents with their food and fluid intake. The Enter and View team were advised that fresh vegetables are used daily in meals and for residents who receive blended meals, the chef uses a ‘mould’ depicting the shape that corresponded with the food that is on the menu, such as steak and fish. All residents that we observed looked well cared for, well attired and relaxed in their surroundings. The residents who were spoken to during the visit said they were happy living at the home and that the staff and Manager were very kind, helpful and caring.

There were three recommendations made as a result of this visit including a suggestion that the outdoor areas were improved to enable better use by residents. The provider responded to each of the recommendations.