Enter and view: Park House Care

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Park House Care, on 6 February 2015 as part of a planned set of visits to social care services to observe service delivery, talk to staff, and consult with residents and relatives about their experience with the service.

Healthwatch representative found the home to be operating to a very good standard of care with regards to dignity and respect. Residents looked tidy, clean and well cared for and they were all encouraged to bring in a personal possession to help create a familiar environment. There was an impressive range of activities and the daily menu was comprehensive with almost 65% of the food fresh.

The staff spoken to were well trained and seemed helpful, friendly and clearly knew all the residents well. There was a complaints policy in place though none of the relatives or residents seemed to have used it. Healthwatch representatives spoke to several relatives who spoke highly of the care afforded to their relative. Overall the visit highlighted a good practice that satisfied relatives and residents. The report made a few recommendations:

• Considering giving an information pack to residents/relatives.

• Engaging an ongoing Assistant Activities Co-ordinator.

• Some redecoration to be done to some of the bedrooms in the original building.

• This report to be shared with residents and relatives and let them contribute any additional comments if they wanted to.

Park House Care responded saying they are pleased with the report but clarified some details in the recommendations one of which was amended in the report.