Enter and view: Fountain Lodge Nursing Home

Healthwatch Coventry carried out an enter and view visit to Fountain Lodge Nursing Home on 18 March 2016 to gather information about residents’ experiences of living in the home and to assess quality of life, care and support. During the visit, Healthwatch spoke with three residents, four members of staff and two visitors, undertook observations throughout the home, and reviewed relevant background information. 

The visit found Fountain Lodge to be a caring, comfortable and spacious nursing home with a welcoming atmosphere. Residents spoke positively about the staff, felt safe, and were generally satisfied with the personal care they received. Healthwatch observed staff treating residents with dignity and respect, supporting them in a patient and caring manner. The home was found to be clean, secure and pleasantly furnished, with residents appreciating their rooms and the support available to them. 

Healthwatch identified some areas for improvement. Residents wanted more opportunities to spend time outdoors and take part in organised activities, and staff also felt there should be a broader programme of activities. The garden was not considered safe for residents to access at the time of the visit, and the recently appointed activity coordinator was limited in the time available for activity planning. The report also highlighted issues relating to dementia-friendly design, bathroom accessibility, meal presentation, and the need for clearer signage and information throughout the home. 

Healthwatch made recommendations including increasing access to outdoor spaces, introducing a regular programme of activities, improving dementia-friendly features such as signage, enhancing bathroom accessibility, providing clearer menus, and personalising bedroom doors. The home manager responded positively to the findings and reported that a number of improvements, including changes to signage, menus and environmental features, had already been implemented or planned.