Enter and View: Barton Brook Care Home

Summary of report

This was an announced Enter and View visit. On first arriving for the visit, we approached a member of management before we spoke to anyone in the care home and took their advice on whether any residents should not be approached due to their inability to give informed consent, or due to safety or medical reasons. During the time of our visit, there were 83 residents living at the home. Authorised representatives conducted interviews with 11 members of staff at the care home, plus the Manager. Topics such as quality of care, safety, dignity, respecting and acknowledging the resident’s and families’ wishes and staff training were explored. Authorised representatives also approached 17 residents and 3 visiting relatives, to ask them about their experiences of the home and, where appropriate, other topics such as accessing health care services.

Findings

During our visit, we heard from residents and relatives who spoke fondly of the home itself and staff, expressing that they felt valued and listened to. Activities within the home were varied and enjoyed by residents though some of them missed the trips outside of the home which were curtailed during the COVID-19 pandemic and are yet to resume Mealtimes were made sociable with food and drink choices being in plenty and residents always encouraged to stay hydrated and nourished. Residents seemed to get the appropriate healthcare as and when they needed it, though there were some issues around access to dentistry and oral health checks.

Following our visit, we were informed that the manager at the time has now left the care home. We have, however been reassured by the interim manager that responses given still remain accurate and relevant.