Enter and view: Dame Gertrude Young House

Healthwatch Ealing undertook an announced enter and view visit to Dame Gertrude Young House on 6 November 2024.  They spoke to 7 people.

The home uses a confidential sign-in book. A person writes their name, and it is transposed onto a sheet behind it. This allows for people to sign in without their information being able to be read by others. Management takes the sign-in sheets periodically and files them away. 

There is a process in place where two members of staff must be present at all times, especially when entering a resident’s room. This helps to ensure safety for all parties.

The residents all are very happy with the staff at the home. They mentioned that the staff are “easy going and easy to chat to” and are very supportive and helpful with clear communication. Healthwatch was told that the home has strict rules and regulations in place that all residents must follow but that this is for the benefit of everyone. For example, residents have the responsibility to keep their rooms clean and music must be played in their rooms at a low level to not disturb other residents. 

Residents mentioned various activities they have taken part in including yoga, arts and crafts, museum visits, games and puzzles, movies, and learning life skills to help prepare for independent living. One resident said that Hestia has provided them with great support and information. After they had been discharged from the hospital, they consumed alcohol and experienced abuse. However, abiding by the rules set by Hestia he is now in recovery and staying positive about the future.  One resident mentioned that some residents can be unclean and suggested that staff could prompt these residents to be cleaner.  One resident mentioned that at times the home can be busy but otherwise it is nice.

Staff enjoy their work at DGYH and feel supported by their colleagues and management.  Staff found training effective and useful for their roles and mentioned that they had recently taken part in training such as fire alarm training, induction of medication, Health and Safety Level 2, infection control, and safeguarding training. 

Staff feel safe during work: they carry panic alarms and are partnered up whenever they go into a resident’s room.

When asked what the staff find the most difficult one staff member said medication support as residents sometimes refuse to take their medication, although this does not happen a lot. Another staff member said they find it difficult when a resident relapses. 

 At the end of their shift, both staff members said they feel neutral – neither energised nor drained.