Enter and view: Astbury Mere

Healthwatch Cheshire East undertook an announced enter and view visit to Astbury Mere on 10 November 2025.  They spoke to 24 people.

Overall, residents and relatives reported high levels of satisfaction with the care provided, particularly in relation to safety, dignity and respect. Staff were described as kind, caring and knowledgeable, and many relatives felt reassured that their loved ones were well cared for and treated compassionately. The Deputy Manager demonstrated strong knowledge of residents and a person-centred approach, and staff training and induction were highlighted as key strengths. The home benefits from good staff retention, rarely uses agency staff, and has strong links with the local community, including dementia support groups and visiting services.

The physical environment was generally welcoming, with well-maintained gardens and pleasant communal areas, although some concerns were raised. The car park was considered too small, some areas of the home were reported to have unpleasant odours, and call bells were frequently heard during the visit, contributing to higher noise levels. The décor, particularly on the dementia floor, was described as bland and lacking memory-stimulating features, and there were mixed views about room cleanliness and temperature consistency.

Residents’ bedrooms were comfortable, personalised and en-suite, and outdoor spaces were secure, accessible and well used, particularly by residents on the ground floor. Activities were a strong feature of daily life, with two activity coordinators providing a wide range of group and one-to-one activities throughout the week, including trips, exercise, games and special events. While many residents and relatives were happy with the activities on offer, some felt there could be more encouragement for social interaction and greater involvement of residents in choosing activities.

Food and drink received mixed feedback. While many residents and relatives were satisfied with portion sizes, availability of snacks and dietary support, others raised concerns about food quality, consistency and choice, including requests for improved cooking standards and more vegetarian options. The home demonstrated flexibility in meeting individual dietary needs and supporting residents with weight management and nutritional concerns.

Healthcare support was generally effective, with good GP access through a local surgery and a strong focus on avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions. However, the home reported ongoing challenges with ambulance services, difficulties accessing dental care for residents with mobility needs, and concerns about hospital discharge communication.