Enter and view: Apple Court Care Home, Warrington

Healthwatch Warrington visited Apple Court Care Home on 24th May 2017. This visit was conducted as a follow up to a previous visit in February 2016, with a renewed focus on the values of the home and to check whether their previous recommendations had been implemented.

Apple Court Care Home is a 67 bed home run by Select Healthcare Group, currently housing 49 older residents with early to advanced dementia needs. The home received an overall ‘requires improvement’ rating in its latest CQC inspection report, published on 21 st March 2017, although it received ‘good’ ratings in the ‘caring’ and ‘safe’ categories.

Furthermore, the home was generally clean and secure- the downstairs portion had been refurbished and was modern and homely whilst the upstairs had yet to undergo the refurbishment. Residents' rooms were well personalised and there were food options available at meal times. There was no negative treatment of residents witnessed and all the staff seemed caring and friendly. The home also has a positive relationship with the Local Authority’s Safeguarding team but further safeguarding training is required at the home and staff need to clearly understand specialist topics such as DoLS, MCA and Best Interest Practice.

Healthwatch Warrington were pleased overall but made 3 key recommendations following their visit, about care records, the environment and decor and increasing the number of activities for residents. It was evident that the staff were making a good effort to improve the home, e.g. there were plans to hire additional activities coordinators and also volunteers for extra help around the home.

The manager, Kerry, appreciated the feedback provided by Healthwatch Warrington.