Enter and view: Midland Care Home

Healthwatch Northamptonshire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Northamptonshire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire visited Midland Care Home on 15 March 2018.

The key findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. The report informs the home has a welcoming atmosphere and environment. It is in good decorative order and is light and bright with windows overlooking the gardens. Healthwatch Northamptonshire observed and spoke with staff who demonstrated a positive, caring and person-centred attitude to their work. The manager was very aware of the previous poor reputation of the home and stressed the commitment that he, the current owners and staff team had to deliver a high standard of care and ensure residents enjoyed a high quality of day to day living. Healthwatch Northamptonshire met residents and staff in one to one and group situations doing jigsaws and chatting. There appeared to be easy, friendly relationships. Staff Healthwatch Northamptonshire spoke with demonstrated knowledge of individual residents and their likes and dislikes. Healthwatch Northamptonshire saw evidence of one-to-one and group activities. There is a programme of activities, entertainment and outings and the closeness of the town centre is well utilised. It was suggested that residents be advised of events and invited along, as well as incorporating notes on activities on residents’ notes, so relatives can see what they have been doing. Individual dietary needs are met and the chef had a good knowledge of individual needs. The provision of ‘show plates’1 at meal times are a good idea. The only negative response was from a family member who was unhappy about a lack of a personalised approach to her mother in areas such as giving her a plastic lidded cup, instead of her own china cup and not ensuring she had her dentures in.

Following the visit Healthwatch Northamptonshire recommended to consult fully upon admission with relatives/carers to get as much information as possible, and keep communication open to gather more information so that residents’ dignity and choice are observed. Ensure that residents’ weight is monitored and food and fluid intake is recorded accurately. This should be closely monitored and a plan should be made for adjustments if weight loss raises concerns. Ensure that there is cross-referencing between care notes and activity files so that relatives are aware of what their loved ones have been doing on a daily basis. Ensure staffing levels on the top floor are adequate and that there is consistency of staff in order for care to be personalised to the residents of that floor.