Enter and view: Alma Court Care Centre

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit to Alma Court Care Centre, a 51 bed Care Home run by Restful Homes Ltd, on 18 October 2013. The visit was carried out due to concerns raised by Restful Homes Ltd by the Staffordshire Local Authority.

Healthwatch Staffordshire Enter and View Authorised Representatives reported that cleanliness, hygiene and décor were excellent with no bad odours. Staff attitudes were exemplary with examples witnessed of caring and appropriate tactile affections obviously appreciated by the residents.

There was opportunities for some residents to go out shopping and other in-house arrangements such as hairdressing, nail care and podiatry.

Special diets are catered for and there are meals available at differing times of the day to cater for those whose body clocks may differ from the norm.

The visiting team observed good evidence of in-house training using external trainers and noted that support is given in achieving high grade skills and qualifications. The ratio of staff to residents is high allowing the care centre to cater adequately for a range of complex needs.

Complaints were dealt with mainly by the home manager and by practising an open door policy, minor issues could be dealt with on the same day, this was reported to be corroborated by visiting relatives.

Although no recommendations were included in the report, and no response form the provider, the report does note that suggestions from the Authorised Representatives regarding exercise classes, visiting speakers and improvements to the sensory garden and sensory room were well received, and that the Home Manager and the representative from Restful Homes Ltd were very clear that further visits from Healthwatch Staffordshire would be welcomed.