Life at Kensington Care Home, Northallerton: what people told us
Download (PDF 2.06 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch North Yorkshire undertook an enter and view visit to Kensington Care Home, Northallerton, on 3 March 2026. They spoke to 37 people.
Kensington Care Home gave a very positive first impression. The home felt clean, welcoming and comfortable, with a bright, airy foyer and a fresh, modern feel on the ground floor. Information leaflets and staff identification boards were clearly displayed further down the corridor. The building appeared well maintained, with access to a roof terrace and a garden for residents.
Staff were observed to be kind, caring, considerate and attentive. They showed a strong understanding of individual residents and were open and willing to speak with us.
Residents appeared well cared for, clean and comfortable. Rooms were spacious and personalised, and housekeeping maintained a high standard of cleanliness. Care was consistently rated four or five stars by residents.
The home keeps in touch with residents, friends and relatives through weekly coffee mornings, newsletters, email updates and quarterly meetings. Leaflets on health conditions were available, and albums of visitors’ messages were displayed on a table.
Two volunteers, both with previous family connections to the home, supported activities during the visit. They showed a strong sense of involvement with the home and its community.
Food could be reviewed to improve variety, quality and appeal. There is an opportunity to provide more balanced, imaginative and nutritious options that reflect residents’ preferences. Flexibility around mealtimes could also be improved, for example offering later breakfasts or lighter snacks. Consistency between chefs should be monitored to maintain standards.
Activities should be clearly displayed and easy to access. There is an opportunity to increase one to one and small group activities, particularly for residents with limited mobility or those who are bedbound. Activities should also be better tailored to residents’ needs and preferences to encourage participation.
Some residents reported feeling lonely or experiencing periods of sadness. This suggests a need for more support with social interaction and emotional wellbeing, as well as more opportunities for connection between residents.
The home could benefit from clearer visual cues to support people living with dementia. This includes colour contrast signage and identifiable landmarks to help orientation. Dementia specific training for staff should also be routine and accessible.
Staffing levels should be monitored to make sure they meet residents’ needs. Staff should feel supported in their roles, able to raise concerns, and have access to regular, appropriate training.