Enter and view: Heathgrove Lodge
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Healthwatch Barnet conducted an Enter and View visit on Heathgrove Lodge, a nursing home, on 18th July 2017. The visit was part of Healthwatch Barnet Enter and View schedule.
Observations by the Enter and View team reported that the premises were well-maintained, clean and the food was praised by residents; residents were all well-dressed; the system for monitoring and applying for and the renewal of DoLs had delay problems for renewals after the application had been submitted; staff shortage raised a concern, where residents appeared to be waiting for help for some time to assist eating or when getting a resident ready to go somewhere, which results in others not receiving support when needed; residents seemed to not be encouraged to engage in activities but the morning activity advertised on the day did not occur; residents spoke of having residents' meetings but were unsure as to their frequency and outcomes; hourly rates for staff pay was higher than some staff who have been employed at the home for many years, which was causing friction and caused some staff to seek alternative employment.
Healthwatch Barnet made the following recommendations:
For Healthwatch Barnet:
1) Raise the issue of DoLs renewal being delayed with the relevant council department.
For Heathgrove Lodge:
1) Look at the pay structure for all staff to ensure equality in terms of remuneration for each grade of staff.
2) Review staffing levels to ensure that sufficient staff are available at the right times of the day.
3) Level the access from the lounge to the patio and smooth out the drains to remove the trip hazards.
4) To discuss with residents the timing of their daily activities and ensure they understand the options and are happy with the routines that they follow.
5) To review the activity programme to ensure it meets residents needs and offers a varied and stimulating range of activities for all residents.
Responses from Barnet Council and the Home manager detailed the action plan to address the recommendations.