Enter and view: Silk Court Care Home

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook an announced enter and view visit to Silk Court Care Home on 7 December 2023. They spoke to 51 people.

The entrance of Silk Court is accessible via both stairs and a ramp, leading to a secure reception area. Visitors are only allowed access to the care home upon verification of identity and completion of the sign-in form. The main foyer area was well-decorated for the festive season. The premises had appropriately bright lighting and good atmosphere. 

Regarding Dementia-Friendly adaptations; All appropriate accommodations for those with dementia were made to the interior decorations and placement of key features such as light switches and door handles. Photo frames on display in corridors were also customised to residents’ liking. Corridors are spacious and can accommodate for those in wheelchairs or using walking frames. There were two lifts at the facility, both appearing to be well maintained. 

Activities timetable was up-to-date and varied so there were appropriate options for all residents. All appropriate information regarding complaints, feedback, staff information and four-weekly menu were observed on the noticeboards. 

The fire safety protocol was well-maintained, with the fire exits and extinguishers clearly labelled and accompanied by the fire emergency procedures. 

Residents’ bedrooms were observed to be clean, spacious, and decorated uniquely, based on the residents’ preferences. All bedrooms are ensuites, with emergency alarms installed appropriately. The bathrooms included an extralong handle for stability.

There were a few lounge rooms and a dining room on each floor, consisting of a TV and radio. Each lounge room had a different activity taking place, split into social or quiet rooms. The care home has a garden with safe access, decorated with benches and chairs for lounging purposes. Residents were observed to be alert and well-dressed. 

Staff members were very friendly and respectful towards the residents, who were addressed in a caring manner. They were also wearing the appropriate attire and PPE where needed.

The dietary requirements of the residents are reviewed on a weekly basis and take the residents’ preferences onboard. The care home is currently in the process of transitioning into using digital care plans, which would make the monitoring of the Food and Fluid charts easier. Regarding ventilation and temperature, there have been no complaints. Cold snack stations and air conditioning units are put into place during summer. Residents are also encouraged to relax outside in the warm weather. 

Residents who do not have the capacity to retain information about the fire evacuation plan are assisted by staff members. The information is updated for each resident monthly. 

Provisions are made for residents with English as their second language – the care home tries to assign care workers that can speak the respective language of the residents they are allocated. All festivities are celebrated, and staff are all very respectful of everyone. 

At Silk Court Care Home, staff members are encouraged to participate in training courses in addition to the mandatory e-learning that is allocated as a part of their induction. When staff members express their interest, they are supported by management who put them into the courses. There appears to be a healthy dynamic between staff members and the management team, where they are regular one-to-one meetings where goals are reviewed, and well-being is checked daily. 

All the feedback received from staff, residents, families, carers, and friends were predominantly positive – commending the care home on the quality of care provided to the residents, both physically and emotionally.