Enter and view: Highfield Manor

Healthwatch Rochdale conducted an Enter and View on Highfield Manor Elderly Care Home on 16th November 2018 as part of a programme of announced Enter and View visits to care homes in the Rochdale borough.

Observations and questionnaires were used to evaluate 8 care quality indicators developed by Independent Age including that a good care home should have: strong, visible management; staff with time and skills to do their job; good knowledge of each individual and how their needs may be changing; a varied programme of activities; offer quality, choice and flexible meals; ensure residents can regularly see health professionals; accommodate residents personal, cultural and lifestyle needs; and be an open environment where feedback is actively sought and used.

The report stated that the management team of the care home aim to improve the quality of care provided and that they have sufficient staff training. The staff were observed helping residents in a friendly manner but one family member reported that more carers were needed. Residents' individual care plans were put in place and family members commented that the home responds well when the residents' needs change. A range of food and drink were offered to residents with choice and flexibility. Staff reported that residents had access to regular health care and check ups. The environment was well decorated and the outdoor area featured seating and plants, but there were problems with hot water in some bedrooms. There was also reports of priests visiting the home to read from the bible.

The visit showed that the care home met some of the indicator requirements but some are not fully met. Healthwatch Rochdale suggested the following recommendations: continue to attend the HMR Caring Together Network to learn from best practice; display residents' names on doors to make the home more dementia friendly; provide a range of multi-sensory activities for those with dementia; provide accessible picture board of food choices; and introduce a 'You Said, We Did' board for residents and staff feedback.