Enter and view: Care Home visits June 2015

Healthwatch Islington report on the four care home enter and view visits they did in June 2015.  They spoke to 27 people.

Overall, the report finds that residents were generally happy, and all homes demonstrated a caring, respectful, and friendly atmosphere. Staff across the homes were typically observed treating residents with dignity, supporting independence, and building positive relationships with both residents and their families.

The visits identified that homes were making strong efforts to provide a wide range of activities, including social events, entertainment, and creative opportunities. Residents were usually informed about activities and encouraged to take part, although participation sometimes depended on individual health needs or mobility.

Care planning was reported to be well established across all homes, with plans developed alongside residents and their families. These plans aimed to personalise care and were reviewed regularly, although the report suggests that more frequent updates could further improve responsiveness to residents’ changing needs. 

Access to healthcare services, such as GPs and specialist teams, was generally good. However, the report highlights concerns about delays in podiatry services, which had been noted in previous visits as well. 

Food provision was typically viewed positively, with residents being offered choices and support where needed. Nevertheless, some residents expressed a desire for more variety, more culturally diverse options, or improvements in quality and temperature. 

While most feedback about staff was positive, there were occasional concerns raised, such as inconsistent staff attitudes or the perception that some teams were very busy. Staffing levels were generally stable, and training opportunities were widely available. 

The report also highlights variation in awareness among staff around Mental Capacity Assessments and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), suggesting the need for clearer understanding and communication.

Common areas for improvement include increasing opportunities for residents to go on trips, improving access to gardens for less mobile residents, enhancing communication through newsletters, and expanding access to technology such as Wi‑Fi. 

In conclusion, the report recognises that all four care homes were working hard to provide person-centred care, but it identifies several practical recommendations to improve residents’ choice, independence, and overall quality of life.