Enter and View Report: The Oaks Care Home

Healthwatch Greenwich visited The Oaks Care Home in Greenwich to ascertain the quality of life, experience, and views of residents, relatives, and carers.

Executive summary :

The Oaks was taken under new ownership and management in October 2021. Plans were put in place to refurbish the building and outside areas, with major work underway at the time of our visit. One unit is closed whilst the renovations are being carried out, with works contained to minimise disruption to residents. Most residents at the Oaks live with dementia and have limited ability to communicate. During our observations, residents appeared content and settled and staff were empathetic and caring towards them. The building is surrounded by beautiful gardens. All the rooms, even though some contain outdated and worn-out furnishings, are sunny and cheerful. The care home is in a quiet residential area in the south of the borough. The distance from the centre of Greenwich can make the commute difficult, the closest bus stop and train station (New Eltham) is around 15 minutes walk away.

Recommendations:

1. Provide all resident’s rooms with a memory box
2. Review storage needs and ensure areas designed for residents are available to residents and not used for storage.
3. Regular dental care visits for residents.
4. Display photographs with names of key staff members in communal areas.
5. Complaints information to be on display and available.
6. Declutter notice boards to make relevant information stand out.