Enter and view: St Joseph's Care Home

Healthwatch Liverpool undertook an enter and view visit to St Josephs Care Home on 8 October 2024.  They spoke to 9 people altogether.

Overall, during the visit, Healthwatch observed that St Joseph’s Care Home has many strengths that make it a good environment for people to live. The building is purpose built, accessible and designed and decorated to a high standard. There is obviously a lot of care and attention given to the care home by staff and every area they saw was spotless with a high level of cleanliness. 

The interactions Healthwatch saw between staff and residents were positive. Staff and residents seemed to have built very close bonds and there were lots of goodhearted banter between residents and staff. Staff appeared to care deeply about the residents, and this was mirrored by some of the residents. That a volunteer continues to attend the home to support residents after working there for many years speaks to a culture of caring staff at St Joseph’s. 

Staff were open about the challenges they face, and staffing levels was brought up as a concern by multiple staff members and residents. Staff and residents seem to feel that their ability to engage in activities and experience life outside the care home is impacted by current staffing levels. This seems to be further impacted by communication challenges with the linked GP Sandringham Medical Centre and The Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Management has advised that new pathways such as the community matron and contract with the GP’s pharmacist is now in place.

The report has four recommendations about staffing levels; integration of services; transport and feedback to residents.