Enter and view: Alexandra Care Home

Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an enter and view visit to Alexandra Care Home with Nursing in Poulton-le-Fylde on 16 October 2018. Representatives spoke with nine residents, seven staff members and two friends or relatives. The visit assessed the environment, care, nutrition and activities available to residents.

The visit found that the home was generally clean, welcoming and comfortable, with attractive grounds, pleasant communal areas and many residents expressing satisfaction with their bedrooms and the overall environment. Residents frequently described staff as kind, caring and supportive, and many reported feeling safe and well looked after. Positive feedback was also received about activities, food choices and the laundry service.

However, concerns were raised by residents, relatives and staff about staffing levels. Several respondents felt there were not enough staff to meet residents’ needs consistently, leading to delays in receiving assistance, reduced opportunities for social interaction and concerns about personal care. Healthwatch also identified environmental issues including unclean and cluttered bathrooms, a lack of displayed menus, poor signage in some areas and a resident’s personal file being left unattended in a communal area.

Overall, Healthwatch Lancashire concluded that while the home had many positive features and residents generally valued the care provided, there were areas of concern that required attention. Feedback suggested staffing pressures were affecting aspects of care and residents’ experiences, and information gathered during the visit led Healthwatch Lancashire to raise a safeguarding alert with the relevant agencies.