Enter and View: Acacia Lodge

Healthwatch Manchester undertook an Enter and View visit to Acacia Lodge Care Home on 19 December 2022. They spoke to 3 service users and 2 staff members.

Front Access was good with a steady ramp up to the doors making the entrance wheelchair accessible. The care home itself was very clean and kept tidy by the staff. Lighting throughout the home was very good, all corridors and communal areas were well lit and hallways were clear and unobstructed. There are easily accessible bathrooms/washrooms with an assisted washroom on each floor. The second floor is primarily for residents with dementia and memory loss issues however there is no signage for this.

The new approach of the home to handling residents falls is using a blow up chair located at the bottom of the stairs to assist helping people rather than using a lift. Crash mats under residents beds also prevent damage from falls. One resident was able to learn to walk again after a fall through the help of the staff.

There was a live performance of ‘Oliver Twist’ in the main communal area. The atmosphere was relaxed and it seemed like the residents were enjoying themselves watching the play.

Overall the resident’s descriptions of living in the care home were very good. The two 

main take away points were that there is a good variety of food, and that there are a good variety of activities to take part in.

The report contains three recommendations.