Enter and view: The Willows Christian Nursing Home

Healthwatch Cheshire conducted an Enter and View visit to The Willows in Mobberley, Knutsford, a residential and nursing home specialising in dementia, palliative and respite care. Overall, residents, relatives and Healthwatch representatives reported a highly positive experience. Residents described the home as a community rather than simply a care home, while relatives praised staff for being kind, professional and approachable. Healthwatch observed a calm, welcoming environment, with residents appearing well cared for, engaged and comfortable. 

A particular strength of the home was its person-centred approach. Staff were described as knowing residents well, supported by digital care plans that are reviewed regularly with input from residents, families and healthcare professionals. Healthwatch observed respectful and friendly interactions throughout the home and highlighted innovative initiatives such as the “Key to Me” conversation prompts, designed to encourage meaningful engagement with residents. The home also maintained strong links with healthcare services, including a regular visiting GP, therapists, specialist nurses, opticians, dentists and chiropody services. 

Residents benefited from a wide range of activities including quizzes, exercise sessions, baking, music, arts and crafts, themed events, religious services and regular outings using the home's minibus. The in-house chaplain was identified as a particularly valued member of the team, providing emotional, spiritual and social support. The home also offered attractive indoor and outdoor spaces, personalised bedrooms, well-maintained gardens and freshly prepared meals tailored to individual dietary requirements. Residents and relatives were positive about food quality, activities, privacy, dignity and opportunities to remain connected with family and friends.

Healthwatch found no areas requiring improvement and made no recommendations. Instead, the report highlighted numerous examples of good practice, including the caring and knowledgeable staff team, the strong relationship between residents and the chaplain, excellent activity provision, accessible gardens, strong healthcare partnerships and the home's successful response to recruitment challenges through providing staff transport. The report concluded that The Willows offered a high-quality, compassionate and well-run service.