Enter and View: Oak Lodge Care Home

In January 2020, Healthwatch Somerset carried out an unannounced Enter and View visit to Oak Lodge Care Home in Chard. The visit included observations of the service, discussions with staff and management, and conversations with 11 residents and four relatives or friends.

The visit found a clean, welcoming and well-managed home where residents, relatives and staff spoke positively about the quality of care and support provided. Healthwatch observed strong relationships between staff and residents, a personalised approach to care and an extensive programme of activities and outings. Recommendations focused on improving signage for visitors, exploring volunteer support for residents who may benefit from additional one-to-one interaction and reviewing staffing arrangements during busy periods to minimise delays in responding to call bells. The provider welcomed the report and praised the thoroughness of the visit and the opportunity for residents, relatives and staff to share their views.