Enter and View: Parklands Nursing Home

The purpose of this Enter and View programme was to engage with residents, their relatives, or carers, to explore their overall experience of living in Parklands Nursing Home. As well as building a picture of their general experience, we asked about experiences in relation to social isolation and physical activity.

Summary

Parklands is registered for a maximum of 30 residents requiring personal or nursing care, at the time of our visit there were 23 residents at the home. Four bedrooms rooms could have twin beds to accommodate couples, however this is rarely offered.

What we found

"All staff were met with smiles from residents with a few staff in particular mentioned by residents with genuine fondness. This was evident when we observed interactions with some of the less mobile residents and how they ‘lit up’ when chatting and laughing with these staff members. 

Staff retention is good, with some staff having been at the home since it opened in 1990. The few agency staff that are used are from a regular pool of staff which means residents are familiar with all staff on duty. Family members told us that their loved ones are safe, well cared for, and that they no longer worry about them. The stress of caring for their loved ones at home has been eased. They can visit whenever they want, they get regular updates about any, even minor, changes in their loved one’s health."

What people told us:

"They work hard here, very obliging, well organised and really nice."

"They are really good to me, so polite, really nice."

"I choose to stay in my room, they are so kind to me, always trying to get me to join in, I might one day."

Our recommendations include:

• There are a few small recommendations: The first impression on entering the home could be improved by replacing the currently blocked skylight, this would give a bright light look to the reception area.
• The Manager's suggestion of adding an additional notice board in reception to show activities and information is a positive one.
• Considering fitting handrails in the bedroom corridors could be helpful for those less mobile residents. Research ways of adding simple signage to bedroom doors to enhance the very limited decor.

We found these examples of best practice:

• Staff retention is to be admired, and the low waste of food is an achievement, particularly when people are not feeling their best.

Response

Parklands responded in full to our recommendations, including: 

1. Skylight – we are looking to replace or block the skylight and add additional lighting. We have recently added two bright wall lights to the area. Given the increase in temperature during the summer months we are considering the impact the skylight has on the reception area and whether additional artificial light may be a better way forward.