Scorton Care Village
In our report, we summarise the findings gathered during the visit, as well as feedback shared through survey responses gathered before and after.
Purpose of the visit
- To 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 representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and care home staff. We heard from 18 residents, 45 residents’ friends or family members, and 41 members of staff whose feedback forms the basis of this report.
Key findings
We found a mixed picture at the time of our visit to Scorton Care Village. Representatives had a different experience in the nursing wing compared to the residential area. Our representatives’ impressions didn’t always tally with the views of residents or most of the responses from family and friends. Our findings reflect this. These findings were based on our observations and the comments and reflections of residents, family and friends of residents and staff members.
Positive feedback
- Staff were friendly and were good at encouraging and supporting residents to eat at mealtimes.
- Both Elizabeth House and Archery Bower House were clean and tidy.
- Archery Bower House had a positive atmosphere with a great energy and interaction between staff and residents.
- Relatives’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive and praised the care and consideration given to loved ones living at the home.
- Relatives found the staff helpful and that they are kept up to date with developments (including during COVID-19) and find it easy to contact the home.
- Many relatives said that they were happy with their relative living in Scorton Care Village if they couldn’t be at home and they were very confident they were being well looked after.
Recommended areas for improvement and action taken
Update the decoration in Elizabeth House and include dementia friendly elements, including colour contrast on toilet seats, switches, and rails.
"We try to create a balance within our residential service as not all residents have dementia.
Elizabeth House has an existing action plan in place to create five new bedrooms, a laundry section, staff/training room, administration office, maintenance section. This was delayed due to the pandemic, but work has almost been completed and subsequent re-decoration is due to take place as part of our cyclical maintenance and development. Discussions/opinions have taken place as to how residents would like their new environment to assist them within their everyday lives and some bathrooms will include contrasting colours of toilet seats/rails/switches."
Learn from the positive elements of Archery Bower House to introduce these into Elizabeth House.
"There are four separate sections to our nursing services which are Archery/Bower/Sycamore/Willow. The building is relatively new having been commissioned in 2006, therefore does have a more modern feel than Elizabeth house which was originally commissioned in the 1970’s. Each resident is individual and has differing needs which may and will affect elements of positivity which the staff team encourage daily."
Provide more activities and stimulation to engage residents and encourage interaction in Elizabeth House.
"The people we support vary in terms of their individual needs and personal choices/capabilities and it is not always easy to encourage interaction, although staff ensure that opportunities are available. One to one sessions’ take place for those who make this choice and their choices/communication skills are detailed within the personal care plans. These plans are reviewed and updated on a monthly basis."
Ask for feedback on food provided to see if any improvements could be made to encourage residents to eat more, where appropriate.
"We do have a feedback book which is managed by the chef and the team. Encouragement is always afforded to residents’ and advice from the speech and language team is followed to ensure a nutritious dietary intake which suits individually needs, taken into account physical/mechanical disabilities is documented and monitored via our care plan and associated electronic system."
To review and include signage in corridors, increase the font size and improve signs from the car park to the building entrances.
"We have a cyclical maintenance plan which details, /reviews and monitors improvements needed both internally/externally which includes décor/facilities and signage for our residents/visitors. This is subject change as necessary."
