Enter and view: Inglewood Residential Home

Healthwatch Walsall undertook an announced enter and view visit to Inglewood Residential Home on 17 November 2025.  They spoke to 6 people.

Overall, the visit found that Inglewood Residential Home provided a generally positive experience for residents, with good relationships between staff and residents and activities that were well received. The home was described as clean, tidy, and well maintained, although an odour of urine was noted in some areas on the day of the visit. There is no on-site parking, but sufficient on-street parking was available nearby. While the building had some signage, signs directing people to toilets were not clearly visible, and handrails were not present throughout the premises.

The home accommodates up to 20 residents and provides residential and dementia care for older people, including those with mild to complex dementia and sensory impairments. Communal areas were available on the ground floor, including a main lounge and dining space, and residents were supported by staff to move around the building safely. The garden area was reasonably well maintained, but lacked seating and features such as bird feeders that would encourage residents to spend time outdoors or enjoy views from inside.

Staffing levels were outlined in the report and included a manager, deputy managers, senior carers, care staff across all shifts, an activities coordinator, and support staff. Staff described regular handovers, management meetings, team meetings, and opportunities for residents to provide feedback through meetings and surveys. Staff reported feeling supported by management and confident in raising any concerns.

Residents and relatives spoke positively about their experiences. They reported feeling safe, cared for, and generally happy living at the home. Residents said they had choices about daily routines, such as when to get up, when to go to bed, and what to wear, and they were able to take part in activities including singing, quizzes, knitting, bingo, and games. Several residents commented that they enjoyed being at the home and valued the companionship and support provided by staff.

Residents and relatives reported being satisfied with the food and felt there was enough choice at mealtimes. When asked about raising concerns, most said they would feel comfortable speaking to staff or the manager. There were very few negative comments, and most residents and relatives could not identify anything specific they would want to change, although suggestions included having more en-suite facilities and adding a dartboard as an extra activity.

Staff interviews highlighted long service and commitment to residents, with one staff member having worked at the home for over 20 years. Staff described using an online care planning system and prioritising direct care over paperwork. The manager reported spending a significant amount of time interacting with residents and identified staff retention and motivation as ongoing challenges, while also highlighting efforts to maintain activities and community connections.

The report made three main recommendations: to improve directional signage, particularly to toilets; to add benches, bird feeders, and similar features to the garden; and to consider purchasing a dartboard as an additional activity. Examples of good practice included the positive way staff interacted with residents and the range of activities offered.

In response, the service provider accepted the findings and recommendations. They confirmed that clearer signage would be installed, garden features would be reviewed and improved, and a dartboard would be introduced following risk assessment. The provider also explained that the odour noted during the visit was a temporary issue that was promptly addressed and confirmed that cleaning schedules and quality improvement actions remained in place.