Enter and view: Park Farm Lodge Care Home, Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit on Park Lodge Farm Care Home, a nursing home with 80 places caring for adults over 65 years old, on 23 May 2017.

The purpose of the visit was to:

- To observe the physical environment of the home, and the interactions of staff and residents, and to capture the experiences and observations of residents, relatives, staff and managers; and

- To follow up on recent intelligence received regarding prescribed medication, staffing, meals, activities and also the findings of the March 2017 CQC inspection report.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported:

- externally, the building appeared to be in good condition but the garden was in urgent need of improvement - for which a refurbishment plan was in place;

- the interior was in reasonable condition though worn areas/furniture were noted - extensive refurbishment has been undertaken with further improvement in progress and planned for the future;

- the Manager and Owner's explanations of the progress being made with regard to staffing including increasing staffing levels, improving staff training, investing in staff uniforms and badges, reduced reliance on agency staff;

- the positive attitudes of staff towards residents;

- staff training on the new PassCare electronic care planning system was viewed on the day of the visit;

- no group activities were observed during the visit which took place at lunch time, but the Manager explained that a programme of activities is in operation with plans to expand external activities and to recruit a second activities coordinator;

- the recent change in catering supplier had been well received by residents, families and staff, and the meals observed by representatives were described as appetising;

- the home was clearly in a transition phase following the recent change in ownership.

Residents commented that:

- help was offered on an ongoing basis;

- there was not enough to do.

Relatives commented positively on the care provided by the home with one noting that staff were frequently overworked.

Staff commented that:

- they had confidence in the new owner and appreciated her positivity and clarity;

- they felt appreciated and supported each other;

- communication on what was happening at the home had improved.

No specific recommendations were made in the report but Healthwatch Staffordshire stated it would follow up on the progress of the home's existing plans on staff recruitment, garden refurbishment and activities. A further visit in 6 months time was implied.