Enter and view: The Grange Care Home, Shropshire

Aim: To explore the quality of care provided and the safety of the residents in this Care Home.

The Enter & View visit was semi-announced, a number of agency staff (due to the high number of resignations following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report) were spoken to and all seemed kind and caring. The Owner gave assurance that the home had been making good progress in implementing the action plan following the CQC report, although it had been set back by multiple staff resignations and was interviewing for new staff. Three residents living in the independent units were also spoken to and all were satisfied with the care they received. As many of the residents were experiencing some level of dementia it was difficult to obtain their views of living in the home but most were happy to chat and when asked specific questions about whether the carers were kind or whether they liked the food they nodded and smiled. The owner and residents spoken with informed that there are few activities organised at present. Three residents were observed walking between rooms, all other residents remained in the same chairs throughout the 2½ hour visit.

In summary, the residents appeared very happy living in the home. Bedroom decoration was plain, furniture was functional and limited but no personal belongings in the one room viewed.

The report includes 6 recommendations concerning creating a dementia friendly environment and approach to care (including offering appropriate activities and social events); clear signage on toilet doors etc. (preferably pictures and text); supporting of new staff with appropriate training; improved communications with relatives; nutrition – food options should be available where possible; and relationship building with local GP practice.

The Service Providers responded with acknowledgement of these recommendations and actions to address them all are being implemented.