Enter and view: Myford House Nursing Home

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin undertook an enter and view visit to Myford House nursing care home.  They spoke to 6 residents in total, 4 relatives/visitors, and 3 staff.

Findings

• Residents and relatives were positive about staff and management.  Management were quick to respond to any concerns. Staff and management were friendly and approachable.
• We were told that care and support provided at the home was “good”. Residents felt safe.
• Residents had plenty to eat and drink. The home had a 5-star food rating. Healthwatch were told that food looked and tasted nice. Snacks were available. But menus on tables were not in picture format and had been written on black boards. These may be difficult to read for some residents.
• Healthwatch found some residents with food down their tops. A relative reported that the nails of their family member resident were too long and that they had a brown substance under their nails most of the time. This had been reported to staff.
• Yellow clinical and general household rubbish bins found in the car park were in full view of visitors.
• Healthwatch found a resident on the toilet with both access doors open.
• Some areas of the home appeared to be cluttered with equipment.
• Call bells constantly sounded during the visit and at times, it proved difficult to hear people Healthwatch spoke to in some areas.
• Residents would benefit from additional staff in the afternoon to help out with activities.
• Residents and staff informed Healthwatch they would like staff to spend more time talking to them.
• The car park and several areas of the home needed repair or maintenance
• Staff Healthwatch spoke to felt well trained and supported by management.

Recommendations

1. To look at the options for improving menus on tables so that residents could make a suitable choice.
2. To ensure personal hygiene and appearance of residents was maintained, especially; nail, hair care and clothing.
3. Privacy and dignity of residents was to be maintained.
4. To move bins or put in place some screening so they are out view of residents and visitors. • To be mindful of any odours around the home and take action.
5. To put in place and review a programme of repairs and maintenance around the home. This to include; resurfacing the car park, replacing windows and general painting.
6. To encourage staff to spend more time talking with residents and allow for more one-to-one activity. Review staffing levels accordingly.
7. To review call bells and carry out audit.
8. Continue to engage with residents, relatives and staff through newsletters, meetings etc.
9. Management to continue to support staff and relatives.