Enter and view: Meadowfields Care Home, Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit on Meadowfields Care Home, a residential home with 65 places caring for adults under and over 65 years with varying needs, on 18th October 2017.

The purpose of the visit was to determine whether improvements had been made following a CQC visit on 3rd May 2017 – in particular to check on:

- staff levels and staff deployment

- provision of safe and consistent care

- safe administration of medicines

- food choices at mealtimes and support to eat/drink

- quality and tailoring of care to meet needs

- availability of activities

- how effectively the quality and consistency of the service is monitored.

The Enter and View representatives reported:

- the building appeared to be in good condition, parking was adequate and the garden area needed tidying;

- they struggled to gain access to the home using the two doorbells on the front door;

- internally a large scale upgrade is in progress with some areas already refurbished to a high standard;

- staffing levels have increased recently allowing for an overlap of shifts to ensure adequate assistance for residents during busier times;

- two agencies are used with the same staff requested to try to ensure continuity of care;

- residents appeared well-dressed and happy;

- interactions between staff and residents were caring;

- the first floor could not be visited due to it being in isolation;

- residents are asked which activities they want to participate in and the home has a hairdressing salon and cinema room on the first floor;

- two food choices were available at lunchtime and care staff were seen assisting residents; no menus were available during the visit; a new system has been introduced to ensure special dietary requirements are catered for;

- they were advised that protocols are in place for the administration of prescribed medicine;

- the Deputy Manager has worked hard to ensure CQC requirements have been met and has carried out her own audits to identify issues.

One resident commented that she was happy at the home and she had improved since arriving at the home.

One relative commented that he was happy with the care provided and had seen an improvement in his wife.

Staff commented that management were very supportive and there was plenty of training.

The report recommended:

- more detailed signs are put up around the doorbells for when entry to the Home is required;

- the garden area is weeded and re-planted in the spring so residents can enjoy the garden in the spring and summer.

A follow up visit in six months was suggested to visit the first floor and to see how the refurbishment is progressing.

There was no provider response in the report.