Enter and view: Dent House Nursing Home

Healthwatch Derbyshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Dent House Nursing Home on 3 February 2014. For the purpose of this visit, Healthwatch Derbyshire wanted to observe ‘What good looks like’ within a care home setting. Dent House was randomly selected, alongside 9 other Care Homes who had been awarded the Derbyshire County Council Bronze Dignity Award.

The report notes that, as the Enter and View Authorised Representatives were not able to communicate effectively with the residents, the visit findings were based on observation and conversation with care staff. The visiting team felt that, whilst the accommodation is old and would benefit from upgrading, it is geared and run to accommodate residents with specific needs, is homely and meets its purpose.

The observations of the Authorised Representatives were that dignity principles are visibly addressed and promoting and maintaining dignity is a priority. Staff were seen to be enthusiastic in their work and could be seen to deliver care with compassion. Staff felt they were listened to, and ideas about new ways of working were taken into consideration. Staff training and personal development appears to be given a high priority. The report notes that there was evidence that resident’s individual needs and wishes are taken into consideration and accommodated.

The report made few recommendations and praised the good practice being demonstrated. The provider responded positively saying that they had taken on board the recommendation with regard to involvement of residents in staff recruitment, and had already employed two new care support workers with the inclusion of a resident on the interview panel. They went on to say that this had been a success and would continue.