The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Merrivale

90 East Road, Burnt Oak, Middlesex, HA8 0BT (020) 8952 7639

Provided and run by:
The Fremantle Trust

All Inspections

13 July 2011

During a routine inspection

One person who used the service summed up living in the care home by saying 'it's a nice place to live, very pleasant'. We saw different activities taking place in the dementia care units and with the number of staff on duty this allowed for small groups of people to take part. Activities such as pairing socks were used as an opportunity to engage people in conversation. One person told us that they had been to Southend and to the Imperial War Museum. Another person said that they 'liked to sing' and that singing was one of the activities offered. People were involved in the day to day running of the home by giving feedback on applicants who had applied to work as volunteers in the care home. They had also been involved in discussions about colour schemes when redecoration took place.

Members of staff talked to people using the service and explained what they wanted to do before providing care and people gave their consent by saying 'alright' or 'yes'. Although people were unaware of their care or support plan, they were generally satisfied with the care received and told us that members of staff listened to them. They said 'the staff do what is wanted, 'I get as much support as needed' and 'it's a good service'.

People told us that they felt safe and comfortable with the members of staff supporting them and with the other people that they lived with. Comments included 'there is always someone to talk to if I am worried', 'I do feel safe living here' and 'there's nothing to worry me here'. When asked about the manner of the staff members giving them support peoples said 'they are kind and caring and they always try and do things for you'. When asked whether there were enough people on duty to meet their needs they said 'sometimes they are very busy and sometimes not. As far as I know there are enough'. When talking about Merrivale in general and about their own bedrooms people expressed satisfaction and said that it was comfortable. They told us 'I have a nice room' and 'it's a nice place to live. It's kept clean'.

People were aware of who the managers were in the home and were confident that they could talk with them to tell them about any concerns or problems. When we asked about the quality of the service provided people said 'I am satisfied'.