Shining a Spotlight on Care Homes: Healthwatch Greenwich's Reflective Review.

A comprehensive reflective review of Enter and View visits carried out by Healthwatch Greenwich has unveiled valuable insights.  The review aimed to draw out common themes across some or all of the care homes visited and identify opportunities for improvement, with a strong focus on the well-being and quality of life for residents.

The review highlights the need to address the under-representation of racially minoritised groups within care homes, urging a collective effort to dismantle systemic disparities and foster an environment of inclusivity and belonging. As Joy Beishon, CEO of Healthwatch Greenwich emphasised, "While the care homes we visited provide high-quality, compassionate, and personalised care, more could be done to ensure that care home environments are welcoming for all communities”.

The review also shed light on the challenges faced by care home residents in accessing NHS dental services. Kiki Bourcha, Healthwatch Greenwich Engagement Manager, noted, "We must ensure equitable access to NHS dental care, regardless of ability to pay, to safeguard the holistic well-being of all care home residents."

Shining a spotlight on the vital role of activity coordinators in shaping the well-being of care home residents, the review highlights the need for continued investment in training and support for activity coordinators, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to create meaningful and tailored activities for residents.

The findings of the review offer a unique opportunity to reflect on current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement meaningful changes that will have a lasting impact. Healthwatch Greenwich is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders, care providers, and policymakers to turn these insights into tangible actions.