Enter and View: Dovecote Manor care 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 Dovecote Manor care home. As well as building a picture of their general experience, we asked about experiences in relation to social isolation and physical activity.

Summary

In respect of demographics: 

Participants ranged in age from 67 to 94 years.
• 5 were females and 4 were males
• 5 had been in residence for 12 months or less, one resident had been in the home for almost 12 years.
• 3 residents were accompanied by friends and family, whilst the remainder were alone.

Dovecote Manor is registered to provide nursing and personal care for up to 42 residents, with a particular focus on people living with dementia. The home also endeavours to provide care for couples if required. The staff were well liked and appreciated by residents and their families.

People told us:

"The room feels like her own, lots of personal items, carers are lovely to her when she sees them.”

"I’ve got a wheelchair but never get to go out! Staff don’t have any time to take me out."

"Lounge gets very busy; I often can’t find anyone to help me take my husband back to his room."

Our recommendations included:

• For those residents with mobility issues, particularly those with wheelchairs, finding the opportunity to allow them time to go out more often with care staff to help enrich their stay in the home.
• Explore the possibility of planned time in the garden with small groups of residents for short periods of time (this may require the help of volunteers).