Scarborough Hall 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 authorised representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and care home staff.
We heard from 19 residents, 23 residents’ friends or family members, and 17 members of staff whose feedback forms the basis of this report.
Key findings
We found that at the time of our visit Scarborough Hall Care Home was operating to a generally good standard. These findings were based on our observations, and reflect the general happiness of residents, family and friends of residents and staff members. The home had just undergone refurbishment of communal areas and was well decorated and clean.
The dementia floors had good features designed to best support people with dementia and more initiatives were being planned.
However, there were a few issues highlighted and we have made suggestions for review and improvement below. We found that improvements are needed to ensure residents can eat and drink enough and with support when needed, some signage could be improved, and we agreed with the care home manager that new carpeting was needed to address some smells.
Positive feedback
- The home was clean and welcoming. Staff were friendly.
- A lot of thought had gone into the decoration and layout of the dementia floors including good wall and floor colour contrast, animal-themed wall decoration and good signage on doors.
- Refurbishment was ongoing to ensure the home was at the highest standards.
- There were many activities including outings and activities for residents who cannot leave their rooms.
Review mealtime protocols and staffing levels to ensure sufficient staff are available in the dining room throughout the meal to help residents who need additional support, while other staff members serve and support residents eating in their rooms.
"We have looked at rotas at lunchtime and now ensure no staff have dinner breaks over this time, we also utilise the host staff to help out over these times."
Ensure every resident has fresh water in their room, that water jugs are refilled, and residents are encouraged to drink water regularly.
"Jugs are replaced daily in bedrooms ensuring residents have fresh water. We do have fluid charts in place for residents who are at risk of dehydration."
Ensure external signage for the reception is clearly visible and not obscured.
"We have moved the plant pot so sign is visible."
Refresh carpets as outlined and look at other ways to ensure smells are kept to a minimum and dealt with as quickly as possible.
"Since your visit we have replaced a further nine bedroom carpets, three further rooms are currently been renovated. We have a plan in place to refurbish bedrooms this year as they become vacant. Any particularly bad carpets in rooms that are occupied are replaced."
Ensure cleaning procedures are in place and followed. Prioritise safe disposal of used continence pads and pants immediately.
"We have stringent and clear cleaning procedures in place which staff follow, we did hold a staff meeting with the housekeeping team about been vigilant for incontinence pads particular on the dementia floors."
Investigate opportunities for more discussions with relatives in the early weeks of a person’s stay at the care home. Also, look at opportunities for more structured contact (perhaps twice a year) with relatives/friends in the longer term to discuss a person’s care.
"We are introducing a catch up after two weeks with new residents."
