Enter and view: Spennymoor Care Home

Healthwatch Bolton undertook an Enter and View visit to Spennymoor Care Home on 30 November 2018.

The visit found that the home provided a warm, welcoming and homely environment for 19 residents. The home was clean, well decorated and had a calm atmosphere, with residents generally reporting that they were happy living there and felt well cared for. Staff were observed interacting positively with residents, and relatives spoke highly of the care provided, describing residents as safe, happy and well supported.

Residents were positive about the food, the choices available and the freedom to make decisions about their daily routines. A range of activities was provided, including arts and crafts, chair aerobics, music sessions, hair and beauty treatments and seasonal events. However, some residents felt there could be more mentally stimulating activities and more opportunities to go out. A small number of residents raised concerns about the behaviour of other residents, not feeling fully safe at night, or feeling that some staff occasionally spoke to them in a way that felt directive rather than respectful. 

Healthwatch Bolton concluded that the home was operating to a good standard and identified many positive features, including strong relationships between staff and residents, a caring atmosphere, high levels of staff satisfaction and positive feedback from relatives. Recommendations included considering a pest control inspection, providing additional mentally stimulating activities beyond television, and reviewing communication styles to ensure residents do not feel they are being dictated to.