Enter and view: Holly House

Healthwatch North Lincolnshire undertook an enter and view visit to Holly House on 10 January 2025. The main purpose of this visit was to look at oral health, promotion, and access to dental services for residents. They wanted to compare the results to the same survey that was completed in 2019 to see if there had been any improvement in oral care in care homes.

The team at Holly House provide a caring and supportive environment for their residents. Residents told us they liked living at Holly House, that the staff are friendly, and they are pleased with the care they receive. 

Only two residents regularly visit the Dentist. However, help would be sought via appropriate pathways if a resident complained of mouth or tooth pain. 

Staff support residents with their daily oral hygiene routines, despite the challenges that they can often face. Staff feel access to dental services for the residents is poor in the local area. In comparison to the 2019 visit, the home has since implemented an Oral Health Care within The Care Home Policy. This includes assessment of oral health, care planning, treatment, oral care and staff training. The home is not registered with a Domiciliary Dentist. Members of staff were not trained specifically in oral health; however, they do cover oral health in their personal care training.

The report contains two recommendations.