Enter and view: Parkview House

Healthwatch Enfield gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Enfield to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch Enfield visited Parkview House Care Home on 20/04/2014.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. Healthwatch Enfield were very impressed by their visit to Parkview House Care Home. Residents appeared to be generally content and at ease; many of them approached Healthwatch Enfield to have a chat during their visit; several of them spoke highly of the staff and told Healthwatch Enfield they felt safe in this environment. Staff and management appeared to be well-trained to care for people with dementia and demonstrated good communication skills and a kindly attitude. They seemed to know all the residents well, to be aware of their personal history, and to have a warm relationship with them. Healthwatch Enfield found that residents are encouraged to maintain independent skills where possible. The accommodation is spacious and well-designed so as to facilitate personalised care for each resident, and to maximise opportunities for residents to move about freely inside the building or to go outside into the garden. Residents also have opportunities to go outside the care home either for short informal walks or on planned outings. Residents have access to good health care services, and staff make an effort to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions or lengthy stays in hospital, as part of the care home’s commitment to continuity of care. Staff are trained to support 3 residents as they approach the end of life, and most residents are able to die in the home, in familiar surroundings. Healthwatch Enfield overall impression was very favourable. However, there are a number of aspects which could be improved.

There were 9 recommendations in this report which included areas around activities programme, facilitating conversation, administration of medication, signage, reception area and training.