Enter and view: Kirklees

Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire conducted a semi‑announced Enter & View visit to Kirklees Care Home following local feedback. The purpose was to understand residents’ experiences, observe care delivery, and gather staff and resident views. They spoke to 13 people.

Management & Staffing

• Staffing levels were described as stable; the home does not use agency staff, relying on regular and bank staff.
• A cook vacancy means care staff are currently preparing meals.
• Training is provided via an online platform and periodic face‑to‑face sessions.
• The home recently received funding for new lounge furniture, dining room furniture, and replacement flooring.

Quality & Safety

• Risk assessments for all residents are completed on admission, including falls risks.
• Infection prevention and control audits have taken place, with improved scores (though not shared with Healthwatch).
• Safeguarding or safety concerns were not observed during the visit.

Resident Experience

Residents appeared relaxed and comfortable; staff were observed as kind, respectful, and supportive.

Resident feedback (limited due to capacity of residents)

• Most said they liked living at the home and felt safe.
• Activities mentioned included drawing, colouring, knitting, music, and attending day centres.
• Some residents reported feeling lonely at times.

Food & meals

• Residents generally said meals were “alright” and they had choices.
• Weekly menus exist but are typed and not accessible for people with communication or cognitive needs.

Family contact

• Few visitors were present due to relatives’ age or distance; contact happens mostly by phone.

Staff Views

Staff reported enjoying working with residents, supporting their comfort, and building relationships. Some suggested improvements included:

• More activities for residents who don’t attend day centres.

Environment

• The home environment was described as tired, with some areas needing repair, redecoration, or better cleaning.
• Issues observed included peeling wallpaper, black mould in an independent living area, and a stair trip hazard (reported and awaiting repair).
• Bedrooms were personalised, although one had a strong smell of urine.
• Communal areas were generally clean with no unpleasant odours.

Activities and Social Engagement

• No activity planner was observed.
• Residents were seen colouring, watching TV, or chatting.
• Regular bus outings occur every few weeks.

Conclusions

Healthwatch concluded that Kirklees provides a caring, welcoming, homely environment with staff who know residents well and treat them respectfully. However, improvements are needed in the physical environment, activity provision, menu accessibility, and dementia-friendly design.