Enter and view: Stone House, Buckinghamshire

Healthwatch Bucks conducted an unannounced enter and view visit to Stone House on 5 July 2016. The home provides nursing care for residents with dementia and those who are physically frail. During the visit, the team engaged with 2 residents and 4 members of staff using survey methods and observed the running of the home to inform the report. The report is part of Healthwatch Buck’s wider enter and view project about dignity in care.

The feedback gathered was largely positive. The home was well-maintained, calm and caring. The staff were described as dedicated and the team observed positive interactions between them and residents. A variety of activities were offered to residents with flexibility for personal choice. The notice board displayed the dates for the residents’ meetings and plans for a summer party for residents. The notices, however, were found to be in small print which the team did not find appropriate for the residents. Residents’ privacy and personal choice was respected. While dietary requirements were considered for mealtimes, it was noted that the food was described as ‘like school dinners’.

The report made two recommendations to the home. It was suggested that services, such as befriending, could be considered to provide more intellectual stimulation. The team also recommended the use of visual aids on the notice boards, such as picture menus etc. for those who cannot easily read or talk.

The service provider responded to the report thanking the team for their constructive feedback. The provider challenged some of the findings and did not respond to the recommendations.