Enter and View: Brook House Care Home

Healthwatch Greenwich visited Brook House Care Home in Greenwich to ascertain the quality of life, experience, and views of residents, relatives, and carers.

Brook House Care home is situated in the centre of Thamesmead. The closest bus stop is 5 minutes away connecting the home with the centre of Woolwich making it an easy commute for visitors. The area is quiet and residential with shops and amenities, like the local library, close enough for residents to visit. The building is well maintained with spacious and bright rooms. Some of the furniture and the decoration is outdated, however, the general feeling is homely and inviting. Healthwatch observed the interaction between staff and residents, which all displayed an ethos of kindness and respect. Technology is used to accommodate and engage residents living with dementia, such as a projector to create exciting tableaus for games. Beautiful gardens surround the care home where residents and relatives can visit and join activities such as barbeques and weekly afternoon tea.

Recommendations

1. Display photographs and names of key staff members in communal areas to assist both residents and visitors.
2. Increase training opportunity for staff to develop greater skills and knowledge to promote and maintain the wellbeing of residents.
3. Develop activities and encourage engagement with spiritual leaders and local community groups.
4. Refurbish parts of the walls, handrails and doors that are in disrepair.
5. Modernise lounge/dining areas to make a more inviting space for residents.
6. Improve display of residents’ dietary requirements in the kitchen.
7. Organise and facilitate regular dental care visits for residents.