Enter and view: Cartef Care Home. Halton

On 14 December 2016 Healthwatch Halton completed an Enter and View Visit at the Cartref Care Home, Widnes. 3 authorised Healthwatch representatives were present during the visit. The Home provides care for up to 24 older people requiring residential, personal and dementia related care.

While visiting the Home they observed that staff treated residents with dignity and respect at all times. The residents seemed content and well looked after and there seemed to be a good relationship between the staff and residents. The flooring in many of the bedrooms was being updated which was good to note. Certain aspects of the décor in the Home were in need of updating as it looked slightly jaded.

Observations covered areas such as physical, social, emotional and cultural welfare, staff support, environment, facilities and involvement with family/friends.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• To engage with Healthwatch Halton when any health or social care issues arise for staff and residents.

• Signage: It was felt by the visiting team that refurbishment would benefit residents if it included dementia friendly signage throughout the Home such as a calendar, dining room, menu cards, communal toilets and bathroom to aid the orientation of residents diagnosed with dementia.

• Décor: It was pleasing to see that the Home was carrying out refurbishment of the flooring in some bedrooms. The Home is encouraged to continue with the improvements and look to update the décor of certain parts.

Service provider response is included in the report with the Care Home Manager stating ‘I feel the report does portray the Home and that the visiting team felt the staff demonstrated dignity and respect for all of our residents. That the staff showed they had a good relationship with our residents, who are well looked after and are contented. The home will be acting upon the recommendations’.