Enter and view: Templemore Care Home

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Templemore Care Home on 7 August 2015.

The visit found that the home provided a clean, welcoming and homely environment with a pleasant atmosphere and positive relationships between staff and residents. Residents appeared well cared for and treated with dignity and respect, and those spoken to said they liked living at the home and felt safe and supported. Staff were described as kind and helpful, and Healthwatch observed good interactions throughout the visit.

A particular strength was the extensive activities programme. The home employed two activity coordinators and offered a wide range of activities including music sessions, exercise classes, therapy dog visits, reminiscence activities, games, films, crafts and trips out using a minibus. Residents also had personalised memory boxes, access to a hairdresser and opportunities to take part in social events and outings. Feedback about food was generally positive, with most residents describing meals as good and varied.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire concluded that the home had improved significantly since a previous visit and was providing a good standard of care. Recommendations included encouraging residents to drink more regularly throughout the day and promoting schemes such as Dementia Friends and Dignity Champions to further strengthen person-centred care. The provider responded positively and outlined plans to continue developing dementia awareness and staff training.