Ambleside Nursing Home Enter and View Report

Approach Used

Group of six volunteers met with the Clare Mudge, Manager, to outline the purpose of the visit, go through the Visit protocol and gain information about the home.
The group then split into three teams of two (CB+LW, MR+DA and SR+SJ) to visit the outside area, the ground and upper floors of the home. (Nursing, dementia care and standard care areas.)
A brief post visit meeting, to give feedback, was held at the end of the visit.

Summary of Findings

• Intelligence received was not substantiated on the day.
• Modern building. Good layout. Warm, light and airy. Decorated empathetically with respect to dementia. Well maintained. No overriding odour in the building. Clean and tidy throughout.
• Good sized accommodation over the four units. Each unit has 15 en-suite rooms, communal bathroom, a lounge and dining area. Relatives may stay overnight.
• Large well maintained pleasant garden. Residents can walk in the garden; dementia residents are always accompanied by staff. Several outdoor events are held each year; some with neighbouring care homes in the same group. Wide variety of activities. Shared minibus on two weekly rota.
• Residents appeared well looked after and were given dignity and respect by the staff. Staff knock on bedroom door before entering, announce themselves and inform/seek permission of residents before moving/assisting them – give encouragement when needed.
• Residents appear happy and relaxed – enjoy the meals, entertainment, trips out and activities.
• Some residents on the nursing units have complex and challenging conditions to treat.
• The nursing team across the nursing units is very cohesive and they support each other with their expertise and experience and we observed them supporting each other.
• Assistance is given to residents who have difficulty or cannot feed themselves.
• Currently the menu works on a three weekly cycle. Special diets are catered for and a substitute meal provided when necessary.
• Good staff retention - one bank employee at present.
• The ReSPECT form is being rolled out to residents. This form is a record of resident’s wishes concerning medical intervention following a major health event e.g. heart attack, stroke or end of life (EOL).

Recommendation

Keep up the good work.