Enter and view: Risedale at Lonsdale and St. Georges

Healthwatch Cumbria carried out an Enter and view visit on Risedale at Lonsdale and St George, a privately owned residential care home in Barrow-in-Furness on the 28th February 2017.

The visit was arranged as part of Healthwatch Cumbria's engagement programme of Enter and view visits to care homes in south Cumbria.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported that:

The home was very clean throughout. The general appearance of all residents was good and clothes were clean, well fitting and appropriate with personal name tags to ensure residents were wearing their own clothes. There were no odours, or noise pollution in the residents lounge and the televisions were at a level that did not make conversation difficult. Chairs were arranged in a style to enhance interaction.

Residents commented that:

3 residents spoken to said that they felt they had “got better” since been in the home, citing the range of activities, staff attentiveness and the companionship of other residents as helping lift their spirits.

Another resident said that they had previously been in another home where they felt uncomfortable but now feels settled; their visiting family member agreed that she was very happy with the care and surroundings that her loved one now experiences. Regarding activities, one resident said “I enjoy the “oomph” fitness class. I can do it sitting in my chair.”

Two recommendations were made, one regarding medicines being left on a trolley unattended during the visit and another about the reception desk being unattended at one point.

The service responded saying:

All shift leaders on site have been issued with a memorandum that medications must not be left unattended. In addition on the very rare occasion the receptionist has to leave the reception area a sign will be placed on the desk signposting as to where they can receive assistance.