Castle Brook Care Home Enter and View Report

This Enter and View visit to Castle Brook observed a well-managed, welcoming care home with a strong ethos of independence, respectful staff-resident interactions, and notable staff satisfaction. Safety is supported through innovative monitoring technologies, and the home provides a wide range of in-house facilities. Improvement opportunities include broadening activities and further aligning them with the interests of residents.

Summary of Findings:

Castle Brook is a large, modern, purpose-built care home in Kenilworth offering residential and respite care to up to 88 older people, including those with dementia. It is divided into six ‘households’ across three floors, each with a domestic-style kitchen and open-plan lounge, promoting a homely and independent lifestyle.

Key observations:

• The environment is warm and welcoming, from both residents and staff.
• The home is clean, safe, and supportive of independence and comfort.
• The ground floor is lively, while the upper floors are quieter.
• There is a strong ethos of normality and independence, with access to shops, a cinema, and shared kitchens.
• Ground floor facilities require the use of lifts, so residents with more advanced dementia may need reminders or assistance to access them.
• The home is well-staffed, with no agency staff and low turnover.
• Staff report high job satisfaction, with training and career progression opportunities.
• Innovative tools are used to enhance safety and staffing efficiency.

Recommendations

1. Broaden Activity Options
   Increase the range of activities, particularly during quieter afternoon periods, to reflect the size and diversity of the resident group.
2. Use Surveys to Identify Resident Interests
   Conduct regular resident and family surveys and utilise existing information to align activities with residents' interests and staff skills (e.g., forming a cooking club to encourage the use of the shop, household kitchens, fresh fruit and vegetables, and staff and residents eating together).
3. Participation in Resident Life
   Explore structured and informal opportunities for staff to engage with residents' routines that are familiar to them, especially those with advanced dementia, for example, reading their preferred newspaper. 

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