Enter and view: Sanford House Nursing Home

In September 2017, Healthwatch Norfolk carried out an Enter and View visit to Sanford House Nursing Home in Dereham, Norfolk. The visit was part of an ongoing programme of visits across local care homes to hear from residents about their wellbeing.

Two Authorised Representatives visited the Home and made observations of the environment, interaction between staff and residents and general activities. Residents were asked about their involvement in decision-making, food choices, activity choices and opportunities for community interaction.

One example of good practice observed by representatives was a Wish Tree, where residents could write their wishes and requests for particular activities. Granted wishes remained on the tree in a highlighted colour. Where wishes were not reasonably possible, the Home sought to arrange alternative experiences.

The report summarises that the Home offers a wide variety of activities in both the Home and local community, that residents appear well looked after and spoke positively about their experience at the Home.

The report makes three recommendations: to make residents’ rooms more homely, address unpleasant odour in dementia unit, and consider improving the aesthetics of the driveway. The report contains an acknowledgement and response from the Home, but no actions have been taken by the provider as a result of the report.