Enter and view: Chase House, Bedfordshire

Healthwatch Bedfordshire conducted an announced enter and view visit on 24th February 2015 to Chase House Care Home. The home has 49 single rooms. Seven beds are designated for younger residents (22-67 years). Care is provided for residents living with dementia, those needing long term nursing and at the end of their lives. Several residents, family members and members of staff were spoken to.

The findings show that at the time of the visit, the home was operating to a good standard of care with regard to dignity and respect. Residents looked tidy, clean and well cared for with staff interacting with residents positively and regularly, including checking on them if they appeared to be soporific. All the staff,

observed speaking to residents, clearly knew them well, using their first names. The staff appeared to be well trained and representatives were confident the residents were well cared for. Relatives were impressed with the care on offer. It was recommended that Chase House continues to provide the level of care and compassion witnessed during this visit and maintains its progressive outlook. Representatives noticed the smell of cigarette smoke in the corridors adjacent to the residents’ dedicated smoking room. The residents spoken to all thought the standard and variety of food served was very good and representatives felt the menu was balanced and nutritious and mealtimes were considered suitable. Residents are given the option of taking part in organised activities along with their relatives who were impressed with the range activities available. The Senior Activities Coordinator confirmed that the home has access to two mini buses which are used for trips out to pubs, theatres and the beach.

A recommendation was made to install powerful extractor fans in the smoking room to prevent the smell permeating adjacent corridors. It was also recommended that the report be shared with residents and their relatives to allow them the opportunity to comment further should they wish to do so.

The service provider thanked representatives for the report and responded positively to its recommendations taking on board all suggestions for improvement.