Enter and View Care Home Programme 2014

Healthwatch Kent undertook a series of visits to care homes, as part of a Kent wide observation of care home provision within the county. This report features three care homes visited in October and November 2014.

Barnetts, residential care home in Tunbridge Wells, visited on 7 November 2014

• The home was clean and welcoming.
• In general, decoration is a bit ‘tired’.
• The residents were calm and happy and settled within their environment.
• Security around the building was effective and well signposted and, as incidents arose, staff on duty were seen to respond quickly and effectively.
• Staff delivered care to the residents with compassion.
• Residents have choices about their daily routine and activities.
• There was a wide range of activities provided to the residents, which supported them in their daily life within the home.

Broad Oak Manor, nursing home in Dartford visited on 15 and 18 October 2014

• The home was clean and welcoming.
• Staff were observed treating residents with dignity and respect.
• Residents and families raised concerns about staff response times and in particular the impact of this upon toileting.
• Residents reported some dissatisfaction with the presentation and variety of food.
• There was a wide range of activities provided to the residents which supported them in their daily life within the home.
• The Manager was honest and pro-active in discussing current improvement plans.

Sonia Lodge, residential care home in Deal visited on 17 November 2014

There was a strong team spirit within the staff with respect for the manager and senior team leaders. Staff treated residents in a caring way mindful of their individual needs and preferences. One resident said about the staff “nothing is too much trouble”. 

Residents and family members seemed to be happy and relaxed at Sonia Lodge with the home providing a good standard of care for their residents in a homely environment. Although Healthwatch only spoke to one family member, the home had publicised Healthwatch’s visit and invited family comments.