Rivermead Care Home
In this report, we summarise the findings gathered during the visit on 19 August 2022, as well as feedback shared through survey responses gathered before and after the visit.
Purpose of the visit
- To visit and gather views of the residents and their relatives and the experiences of the services provided.
- To observe the ongoing care being provided for the residents and their interaction with staff and their surroundings.
During the visit
Our authorised enter and view representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and nursing home staff. We heard from 16 residents, seven residents’ friends and family members, and 11 members of staff whose feedback forms the basis of this report.
Key findings
We found that at the time of our visit Rivermead Care Home was operating to a good standard. These findings were based on our observations, and reflects the general happiness of residents, family and friends of residents and staff members.
The general feedback from everyone was positive with ratings of more than four out of five being given by residents, relatives, and staff.
The most significant issue raised was about staff and particularly the number of agency staff that the home must use. Permanent staff were praised, and their hard work recognised, but a number of residents were nervous of agency staff or felt they were not known and didn’t share their names with residents. A lack of activities available was also noted
Positive feedback
- Overall, residents, friends and family members, and staff are generally happy with the home.
- The residents felt positive about their personal cleanliness and hygiene and that of the home.
- The feedback from residents and relatives about the food was positive.
- There was good feedback about the permanent staff.
- Staff enjoyed their work and majority would recommend the care home to friends and family.
Recommended areas for improvement: What action has been taken since?
1. Internal signage could be larger and have more colour contrast to support those residents with cognitive impairment.
Some signage has been replaced and further improvements are planned including re-decoration of communal areas which will include further signage.
2. A review of staffing should be undertaken to ensure there is adequate staffing levels at all times and a plan to reduce reliance on agency staff.
Staffing levels are calculated using a resident dependency tool. The dependency tool is reviewed on a monthly basis, as part of a 'resident of the day' process, and is also reviewed as and when any needs change. As general manager, I complete a daily staffing allocation to ensure that all units are staffed safely and that the correct skill mix is used. We have successfully recruited many new care and nursing staff over the previous eight months and the agency use has greatly reduced. When we need to use agency staff, we request the same staff to ensure continuity of care to the residents.
3. Provide more activities for residents to enhance quality of life.
A new activity coordinator has commenced employment. We have a very varied activities programme in place. Activities take place on both units and take into account individual residents needs and preferences. The residents enjoy a weekly outing on the minibus, visits from the pets as therapy dog, entertainers and exercise groups.
4. Ensure the residents are enabled and encouraged to eat in the dining room for meals.
All residents are able to make their own decisions about where they would like to eat their meals. We have three dining rooms and residents are offered and encouraged to use these, however if they make the choice to have their meals in their bedroom, then staff will respect this and take the meal to them.
5. Review communal toilets in the dementia unit and introduce grab rails and colour contrast toilet seats.
All communal toilets on our memory lane community now have grab rails. All our communal toilets are decorated/furbished following dementia research and we use the Kings Fund tool. This states that toilet doors are painted in a distinctive colour and have clear signage and that toilet seats are in a colour that contrast with the wall and floor.
6. Ensure that all relatives are encouraged to contribute to their loved one’s care plan.
All relatives are encouraged to contribute to their loved ones care plan on admission to Rivermead Care Home. All relatives are invited to attend a care review every six months.
