Enter and view: Wood Court

Healthwatch Barnet conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Wood Court Extra Care Housing in Edgware on 4 September 2018. Wood Court is a purpose-built scheme providing 39 self-contained flats for people aged 55 and over with care and support needs. At the time of the visit, 36 residents lived at the scheme, with 34 receiving care. Residents had a range of needs, including physical disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and some mild to moderate dementia. 

Wood Court was found to be a welcoming, well-maintained and accessible environment with good transport links and nearby amenities. Residents had access to communal facilities including a lounge, dining area, garden, laundry facilities, hairdressing room and visitor room. The accommodation was wheelchair accessible and equipped with safety features such as emergency alarms and intercom systems. 

The scheme operated through a partnership between Catalyst Housing Group, which managed the housing, and Metropolitan Housing Association, which provided care services. Residents received personalised care plans developed with Barnet Adult Social Care Services and reviewed regularly. Care needs could be met for up to around 40 hours per week, but residents requiring continuous nursing care or advanced dementia support would usually need alternative accommodation. 

Staff were available on site 24 hours a day and received regular supervision and training, including safeguarding, medication management, dementia awareness and health and safety. Although residents generally praised staff and management, some felt that more care staff were needed and suggested that medication timings could sometimes be improved. 

Residents had good access to healthcare, with many registered at a nearby GP practice. Additional services included pharmacy deliveries, chiropody, hairdressing and beauty treatments. Staff also assisted residents with appointments, benefits, correspondence, shopping and tenancy-related matters.

A daily lunch service was highly valued by residents. Meals were provided seven days a week at a modest cost, with options including vegetarian and vegan choices. Residents appreciated being able to eat together and relatives could also join meals if booked in advance.

Wood Court offered a variety of activities, including exercise classes, yoga, bingo, quizzes, afternoon teas, barbecues and seasonal events. The wellbeing coordinator actively encouraged participation, including visiting residents in their flats. While most residents were satisfied with the activities available, some wanted greater involvement in planning events, more outings and trips, the return of art activities and access to a communal computer. 

Feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive. Residents described Wood Court as a safe, friendly and supportive community, praised the staff and management, and valued the location near shops, healthcare services and public transport. Many stated they would recommend Wood Court to others. 

Healthwatch concluded that Wood Court was a well-run service providing good quality accommodation, support and care. Recommendations included ensuring residents understood their assessed care levels, improving communal area decoration, exploring funding opportunities for external activities, increasing resident involvement in planning activities and considering the provision of a communal computer. The organisations managing Wood Court accepted the recommendations and outlined actions to address them.