Enter and view: Wheaton Aston Care Home, Staffordshire

Healthwatch Staffordshire conducted an Enter and View visit on Wheaton Aston Care Home, a nursing and residential care home caring for adults over 65 years old, on 18th July 2017.

The purpose of the visit was to follow up on the findings of a CQC report which highlighted some areas for improvement – in particular the arrangement of outings, staff levels at night and responsiveness to call bells.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported:

- externally, the purpose-built building and large garden are well maintained and adequate car parking is available;

- internally, the building was clean and uncluttered and residents’ rooms are well maintained;

- an extra staff member has been added to assist the night team which had 3 staff members previously;

- agency staff usage is minimal with none being used in the previous 12 months;

- a new activity programme has been introduced with activities scheduled for every weekday; the programme is varied and includes OOMPH exercises, singing, crafting, bingo;

- residents are consulted on activities and outings and residents go out frequently with their families;

- an impressive brand new kitchen has been installed – menu choice was varied and appealing, and residents’ nutrition and hydration was monitored daily;

- the activity coordinator was enthusiastic and impressive;

- overall the home appeared to be well run, and there was a calm and peaceful atmosphere at the home.

Most residents commented positively on their experience with some noting there had been a marked improvement recently with the new activity programme. One negative comment was made regarding drinks being placed out of his reach to which the manager was able to provide an explanation. Some residents commented that they would like to go out more – the activity coordinator responded that this was being addressed.

Family members commented:

- positively on the care received by their relatives;

- they would be happy to raise any problems with the manager;

- that staff levels at night were low (1 family member);

- the activity programme had improved;

- the home was spotlessly clean and resident personal care was very good.

Staff commented that:

- they are well supported by management;

- training was encouraged and they had an intensive training scheme;

- they could happily raise issues;

- there was adequate cover on each shift.

The report recommended that flowering plants and shrubs are added to the garden.

The provider responded positively to the visit and stated a forum has been created for residents to voice how they want the garden to look.