Hambleton Grange Care Home

In this 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 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 enter and view representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and care home staff.

We heard from 23 residents, 5 residents’ friends or family members, and 4 members of staff whose feedback forms the basis of this report.

Key findings

We found that at the time of our visit Hambleton Grange 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 overall impression was of a place people could call home with a good amount of space, thoughtfully used and welcoming, and friendly staff.  

However, there were a few issues highlighted and we have made suggestions for review and improvement. As with many care homes currently, some issues with staff numbers were noted. The use of agency staff is welcome but can be difficult for residents and relatives who do not know them.

Recommended areas for improvement and action taken

Ensure signage for communal rooms is visible when doors are open

"We are looking at signage throughout the home to make it clearer for residents and visitors. We are looking at naming the different floor levels and the bedrooms eg The Garden floor will have bedrooms named as flowers and then the residents name and any personalisation they choose."

Consider using different coloured floor coverings on the different floors to make it easier for people to identify where they are in the home

"At the current time we have no plans to change the carpets. We have had professional cleaners in and cleaned all communal areas in the home. We have painted the corridors and have used different coloured paint so the handrails are easily identified for residents."

Encourage agency staff to wear name badges to help the residents interact with them

"We have introduced name badges with agency staff. Agency levels have reduced due to recruiting permanent staff which is much better for our residents. Our staff were name badges when on shift."

Involve residents’ relatives in the development and discussions about their care plans

"All residents are assessed by the manager or care manager before admission, and a care plan and assessments are put in place for staff to read prior to admission. The relatives are involved with this if they are present at time of assessment.

Care plans are then reviewed 4-6 weekly or as any changes occur on a daily basis. Relatives are involved with care of their loved ones and can speak to the management team when they choose to. We have a deputy on each shift from 8am to 8pm and are always available to speak to relatives."

Try to ensure that people so not lose glasses or hearing aids, or that these can be identified and returned to the correct resident quickly

"We have photographs of residents in their care plans and from activities and this helps to identify glasses. We have tried to put names on glasses and hearing aids but the residents do take the labels off them. When new glasses or aids are purchased, we try to get the supplier to engrave names on them but this is not always possible. The home does cater for residents with dementia so they do take their own aids off and place then down in different places so the job is consistent."