Enter and view: Essington Manor Care Home, Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit on Essington Manor Care Home, a residential care home with 41 places caring for adults over 65 years old, on 11th July 2017.

The purpose of the visit was to follow up on the findings of a CQC visit carried out in January 2017 - specifically the lack of activities and the possibility that the needs of residents with dementia had not been fully considered.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported:

- externally, the home is very well maintained;

- there are 2 large properties on the site with an extension linking the 2 buildings;

- the interior is well maintained, clean, calm and clutter free; residents rooms are large with en-suite facilities;

- residents are mostly self-funded;

- agency staff are not used unless it’s an emergency;

- there was a good rapport between staff and residents;

- all residents have tailored care plans;

- two activity coordinators have been recruited to address the CQC finding on lack of activities; activities include creating Memory Books, a reading group, shopping – new activities are planned;

- catering services appear to be of good quality as the food appeared appetising during the visit, special diets are catered for, residents’ weight is monitored and support to eat/drink is provided if necessary;

- staff have regular training updates with training provided by the Manager and trainers from the local college.

Residents commented that:

- staff were friendly and caring;

- they appreciate the weekly hairdresser/manicurist visits;

- having an activity programme has made a difference.

Relatives receive a monthly report from a key worker to keep them informed of their relative and they commented positively on the care provided by the home.

Staff commented that:

- they felt supported by management and could discuss any issues;

- there was sufficient cover and extra assistance available if needed.

The following recommendations were made:

- interaction between residents who enjoy conversations and have similar interests could be arranged by putting them in the same area;

- more group activities would be appreciated by the residents - these are being planned by the new activity coordinators.

A follow up visit in six months was suggested.

There was no response from the service provider.