Enter and view: The Old Rectory – Hevingham
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Healthwatch Norfolk undertook an Enter and View visit of The Old Rectory – Hevingham on 15 February 2023. They heard from two residents, two members of staff, and two family members of residents.
The Old Rectory is a residential care home set in a large old rectory, part of which is the house of the manager/owner and her husband, who have been operating it as a care home since 1996. The home is registered to look after people from 18 to 65 years of age, but the home does not have any residents in this age bracket because they have all aged since they arrived. At the time of the visit the home had eight residents.
Voice, choice and personalisation: There are regular meetings with each resident to discuss activities they might like to do and any changes they might like to see in the home. Residents did not seem to be involved in everyday tasks such as laundry and cooking. Relatives were happy with how their family members were treated in the home.
Premises: The home was in a fairly remote rural location, and it was large, pleasant and clean. There was good outside space, ponies and a cat. Rooms were personalised and people said that they were happy with them. The communal spaces could have been more personalised and some of the carpeting could do with being updated.
Activities: People undertook a range of communal and individual activities inside and outside the house. People said that they were happy with the range of activities which were often personalised and they were encouraged to try new things.
Relationships and community: Many staff and residents had been in the home for many years which meant that relationships were strong; former staff would visit residents on their birthdays. People spent time in the community at local pubs and cafes.
Food and health: People said that they were happy with the food and were looking forward to their lunch that day. They seemed active and were able to go on regular walks even during Covid restrictions due to the nearby farmland.
Relations with the broader health and social care system: The manager had a good relationship with the local surgery and had weekly calls with them. All of the residents have an NHS dentist. She also reported good relations with Norfolk County Council.
The report contains recommendations and a response by the service provider.