Enter and view: Acer Lodge Care Home
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Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook an announced enter and view visit to Acer Lodge on 14 July 2026. They spoke to 10 people.
Acer Lodge is a modern spacious and well-appointed facility complemented by outdoor space to accommodate residents’ interests.
However, representatives felt that the car park provision was insufficient for the size of the building (and an adjacent building it was due to serve). A lack of an available disabled space, due to a skip blocking the space, and the practicalities of the door mechanism to reception may have caused difficulties for those less mobile. Internally the building was beautifully decorated, bright, and clean but its uniformity may make orientation difficult, particularly for residents living with dementia.
Feedback about staff care was generally positive and Healthwatch saw good interaction between staff and residents. Staff were observed encouraging residents in conversation and supporting them individually.
Responses about food were mixed, regardless we were advised that there were very recent changes to kitchen staff. It was clear there was a full schedule of activities and the dedicated transport facilities were impressive.
Responses from family members were also generally positive, but one relative and several residents independently brought up concerns about the imposition of a “cultural language” “Our Shared Culture and Language” which Healthwatch also observed and considered. Indeed, there was some discomfort around this which suggested it was counterproductive to what was intended.
Representatives felt that conducting staff induction walk rounds during residents’ lunchtime was not ideal. A protected mealtime policy may wish to be considered. Staff feedback was also mixed. It appeared that there were many relatively new staff in the process of training, and a large induction process was underway at the time of our visit. This led representatives to consider whether a home-wide approach to care had not yet been embedded.