Enter and view: Friars Lodge, Central Bedfordshire

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit on 3rd March 2015 to Friars Lodge Care Home. The home which is owned by the Janes Care Group, has 20 single rooms, two of which can be used as double rooms if required. Care is provided to older people who are frail and those living with dementia; it also offers respite care. At the time of the visit there were eight residents over the age of 65 with the oldest being 108 years old. Efforts were made to talk to residents; however, this was quite challenging due to the level of dementia amongst the residents. Several family members and members of staff were spoken to.

The findings show that at the time of the visit, the home was operating to a good standard of care with regard to dignity and respect with staff interacting with residents positively and addressing them by their first names. Residents looked tidy, clean and well cared for. Residents spoken to were generally happy with the meals, the menu was balanced and nutritious and mealtimes were considered suitable. The residents spoken to stated they were comfortable at the home and happy with the care received. Family members visiting the home also spoke highly of the care afforded to their relatives. Representatives were advised that meetings with residents and their relatives are regularly scheduled but poorly attended. Communication is maintained via the monthly newsletter which is posted out in hard copy with the clients’ invoices. Residents are given the option of taking part in organised activities along with their relatives. Whilst residents were impressed with the activities available, representatives noted that the cleaner acts as the role of activities coordinator for an hour in the afternoon. The report implies that an activities coordinator has since been appointed and a recommendation was made that their career path is further encouraged and developed for the mutual benefit of the residents and the coordinator. Representatives felt that the décor and furniture looked ‘tired and worn’. They were informed that there is an ongoing programme of redecoration and replacement which was visibly confirmed in various rooms, particularly the bathroom with the new sensory bath.

The report recommended that the programme of redecoration and replacement is completed in the shortest possible time to ensure that residents enjoy a convivial and welcoming environment. It was also recommended that the report be shared with residents and their relatives to allow them the opportunity to comment further should they wish to do so.

The service provider responded positively to the report and its recommendations taking on board all suggestions for improvement. This is highlighted by the appointment of an activities’ coordinator. A telephone response was received from the manager who said that they were ‘very pleased with the report’.