Enter and view: Samuel Close 1
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Healthwatch Greenwich are carrying out a series of visits to learning disability care homes, supported living, and respite facilities in Greenwich to understand the quality of life, and views of those using the service and the experience and perceptions of relatives and carers.
Samuel Close 1 is a care home in a secluded and quiet area, close to public transport. It has 6 bedrooms and currently has 4 residents. The care home is a purpose-built, one-story building designed to accommodate residents with mobility issues. On the day of the visit, we experienced the daily life and activities of residents. Healthwatch also had the opportunity to talk to staff and interview family members about their relative’s care. Using the PORT1 Tool, Healthwatch made key observations about each resident’s well-being, including their interactions with staff. Residents showed trust in their care workers, smiling and enthusiastically playing with them during different activities. Families also expressed their satisfaction with this care, saying that they felt “…the staff could not do any better”. Residents can enjoy a range of activities, including painting, football and watching films. If residents don’t want to take part in an activity, care workers quickly provide them with an alternative, tailoring support to their individual needs and interests. Residents are also given the option to take part in activities outside the care home, including visiting neighbouring care homes to meet with friends. One of the highlights of Healthwatch's visit was seeing the commitment of the management and support staff to the personal care of residents, paying close attention to their hygiene and oral health.
Based on these findings, they have made the following recommendations:
1. Complaints information to be on display and available in the reception area.
2. Establish a regular method for group communication and feedback with families, such as a newsletter and group meetings.
3. Review the support offered by POhWER advocates to ensure that is more consistent and better aligned with residents' best interests. POhWER should enhance engagement and improve communication to deliver continuity of care.