Enter and view: Rushey Mead Care Home

Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire carried out an Enter and View visit to Rushey Mead Care Home, a care home for up to 51 people with severe dementia, mental and physical health needs.

Key findings and observations included: most areas were clean and tidy, however there was a lack of decoration and this made the home feel institutional; lunchtime appeared well organised with a choice of meals; none of the residents spoken to could remember having been on any visits external to the home; the activities observed involved only games that white British residents would be familiar with, rather than those more appropriate to residents’ cultural backgrounds (30 residents were of South Asian origin); apart from the activities coordinator, no other staff were seen to be interacting with residents.

Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire made seven recommendations around: improving social interaction and quality of life of residents, with activities that are appropriate to their cultural identity; ensuring residents that reside mainly in their rooms are visited regularly; reminding staff of the need to be aware of the fire and evacuation procedures; ensuring suitable cleaning is arranged and that appropriate non-spill drinking vessels are available; improving safety awareness; continuing to redecorate; and providing information showing staff names, roles and photos for residents, with an indication of those on duty. The report contains a positive response from the service provider, outlining how the recommendations have and will be addressed.