Enter and view: Ruskin Lodge Care Home

This was an unannounced Enter and View visit, on 6 May, 2015, by the Healthwatch team to get a general feel for the environment and care being delivered at Ruskin Lodge Care Home. The home provides care for old age, dementia, physical disability and sensory impairment. It originally provided care for ex-Pilkington’s employees and their families but now accepts all guests requiring respite or day-care.

The team found the home provided a clean and attractive environment with no unpleasant smells. All guests looked happy and well cared for and staff were obviously happy in their work. One guest told Healthwatch, “I call it my little holiday”… Staff turnover was low and they had a good relationship with the guests. Regular activities were offered on site and minibuses were used for outings. The report states that the menu had several choices and one lady commented she is, “getting spoilt with all the nice food”. The team found toilets and bathrooms were clean, fresh smelling and well maintained. Despite the visit being unannounced and the manager being on leave at the time of the visit, the staff were not phased and were confidently able to show the team around. The conversations with guests led the visiting team to believe that Ruskin Lodge is fully meeting their needs and they look forward to their time there. According to one guest, “Nothing’s too much trouble, day or night”…

The Pilkington Family Trust responded to the report saying they found it to be a fair reflection of the service being provided.