Enter and view: Althorpe Care Home

Healthwatch North Lincolnshire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch North Lincolnshire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch North Lincolnshire visited Althorpe Care Home on 25th February 2015.

The key findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. Overall, residents were very happy with the care provided at their care home and enjoyed living there. Most residents believed that it was in their best interest to live in the care 6 home as they were no longer able to look after themselves and residents were appreciative of the help they received. Residents regarded staff at Althorpe extremely well, as they provided the support that residents needed whilst enabling them to have their independence. Staff assisted residents to move around the home safely and helped them to get ready for the day. Staff members were also observed by Enter and View representatives to sit and have chats with residents, indicating that the social aspect of wellbeing was being met at Althorpe. Residents’ feedback on the food at Althorpe was very positive, both regarding quality and quantity. There was ample choice in meal options offered and residents were able to choose where they wanted to eat. Most residents told Healthwatch representatives that they were satisfied with the opportunities offered to go out of the home, though some residents did not wish to leave and were content with the activities provided in the home. Residents at Althorpe Care Home found it easy to make friends in the home and were also content with the visiting hours for friends and family.

The report included 1 recommendation which states to ensure that all residents are asked their views on the furniture provided in their rooms.