Enter and view: Simonsfield Care Home Report, Halton

To enable Healthwatch Halton to see how the service is being provided in terms of life and quality care principles, to capture the views of residents, family, friends and staff and to consider the practical experience of family/friends when visiting the service.

Simonsfield is a two-storey Residential Home with 62 residents. The home provides residential and dementia care. It has a warm and welcoming environment and staff were patient, kind, caring and respectful. Residents appeared relaxed and comfortable.

All 63 rooms are en-suite. Residents may decorate their rooms to reflect their own taste. There was good signage throughout the home and handrails around the corridors. Décor was fresh and to an excellent standard.

Residents were being actively listened to. There was a timetable of structured activities and posters showing events for the coming weeks. All residents are encouraged to access social activities.

Medication is administered by Senior Care Assistants who wear ‘Do Not Disturb’ bibs. Chiropodist and opticians visit the home to see residents.

Family resident meetings are held every other month, though they are not particularly well attended. The Manager hold Open Surgery on Tuesday evenings to engage with residents families who are encouraged to contribute to care plans.

Recommendations: to engage with Healthwatch Halton when any health or social care issues arise for staff or residents, to make sure external signage is clearly visible.