Enter and view: Alderwood Care Home
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Healthwatch Salford conducted an Enter and View visit at Alderwood Care Home in January 2018 as part of a local programme of Enter and View visits to engage with residents of care homes and understand how dignity is being respected in a care home environment.
The objectives of this visit were to: identify examples of good working practice, observe residents and relatives engaging with the staff and their surroundings and to experience the care home using the 3 primary senses of sight, sound and smell, capture the experience of residents and relatives and any ideas they may have for change.
In addition to making observations, Authorised Representatives conducted interviews with 4 members of staff at the care home. Topics such as quality of care, safety, dignity, respecting and acknowledging the resident’s and families’ wishes and staff training were explored. Authorised representatives also approached 7 residents at the care home to ask them about their experiences of the home and, where appropriate, other topics such as accessing health care services.
Findings indicate this is a well-managed home offering a wide range of activities for the residents to take part in. Accommodation is spacious, providing a homely atmosphere. The Home seems to listen and tries to accommodate resident’s preferences. The manager appears to be supportive of the staff and welcomes input from staff, residents and families on how the home is run.
Comments from a few people did suggest that whilst they acknowledge most other residents have various levels of capacity and care needs, those residents who were more mobile and independent felt that the home did not cater as well for them in terms of activities and entertainment. This has sometimes led to periods of social isolation, with some residents spending large amounts of time in their bedrooms alone.
A total of 5 recommendations were made. The provider’s response addresses each recommendation and promises to look at having motorised hoists fitted to allow residents to have a bath.