HWM Enter and View: Chestnut House

We visited Chestnut House Care Home to observe the environment and routine of the venue with a particular focus on how well it supports the dignity of residents. Moreover, we made a plan to speak to residents and carers about their experience in the home, focusing specifically on the care and any treatments provided. We also gave members of staff an opportunity to share their opinions and feedback about the service.

Overall our impressions of the Care Home were good. The facilities, staff and care we observed was all to a good standard. The Care Home was easy to navigate with both stair and elevator access for residents. The care home also had good signposting information for residents and visitors to observe.

The residents we spoke with felt the care home was quiet and comfortable at night time, informing us that the staff look after them and know their individual needs.

A concern of our was that handrails were only present in certain areas. We recommend that these should be installed throughout the building; this includes upstairs along the walls 
to support the movement of residents as opposed to only having hand rails downstairs. Moreover, there should be a contingency plan in the care home for when agency workers do not arrive at the start of their shift as expected. This was an issue raised by a staff member on our visit.