Enter and view: Gracefields Nursing Home

Healthwatch South Gloucestershire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch South Gloucestershire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch South Gloucestershire visited Gracefields Nursing Home on 21st January 2015.

The key findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. The report informs overall, the standard of care and service provided at Gracefields Nursing Home was found to be satisfactory and what could be expected in the provision of nursing care and support for older and vulnerable people, and in particular people with dementia.

There were a number of issues that residents raised with the authorised representatives; for example, insufficient hot water for a shower, not knowing how to use the telephone system, hot food being cold when presented in the dining room, and being unaware of daily activities and events. These could be dealt with during daily ‘walk rounds’ and by the Home having regular, minuted, residents and relatives meetings. Healthwatch South Gloucestershire would like assurance that the matters raised by residents and relatives/visitors will be dealt with promptly.

The Care Home Manager, who has been at Gracefields Nursing Home for nearly 3 (three) months, is planning to make a number of positive changes; for example, forging links with the local community and instigating residents and relatives meetings. Healthwatch South Gloucestershire would like to see these developments in place as soon as possible; with a particular recommendation to build intergenerational community links.

There is however, one major concern that Healthwatch South Gloucestershire would like to raise with Gracefields Nursing Home; that is, the lack of understanding of the English language that a number of care staff demonstrated. Healthwatch South Gloucestershire believe this may have an adverse impact on the quality of communication with residents, and the care they receive; in particular those residents with cognitive impairment. Healthwatch South Gloucestershire would appreciate a response from Gracefields Nursing Home detailing how this concern will be dealt with.