Enter and view: Elcombe House, Bedford Borough

Healthwatch Bedford Borough conducted an Enter and View visit to Elcombe House on 23 April 2015. The residential home provides care for older people, people who have dementia and physical disability. The team noted their general observations of the home and engaged with residents, relatives and staff.

Residents were treated with dignity and respect by staff and felt happy with the care they received. The team observed the physical environment to be in good condition generally. Activities were designed to suit the needs of the residents, however the position for the Coordinator was vacant at the time of the visit. The team found that there is no formal offer for residents to discuss their care plan, but they can ask to see it when they want. Medical test results were found to not be routinely feedback to relatives. The team observed that the home was clean and tidy, however the flooring in communal areas was in need of replacement. Overall, the team felt that the home offered a good standard of care.

The report made recommendations around improving the physical environment of the home and implementing care plan reviews. It also suggested that medical test result updates are to be shared with relatives.

The report does not include a response from the service provider.