Care home staff across Bucks have been hailed as “kind and caring” following an annual inspection – however more work needs to be done to improve communication at some homes, according to a health watchdog.

This week Healthwatch Bucks released its annual Dignity in Care Report – which revealed 19 of the 24 homes visited as part of an “unscheduled” inspection were awarded four or five stars.

However inspectors have called on Bucks County Council (BCC) and care homes to ensure all staff are trained in non-verbal communication skills – including sign language.

Austenwood care home in Chalfont St Peter was awarded five out of five stars, and staff were praised for “interacting well on a personal and professional level” with residents.

Bury Lodge in Beaconsfield was rated four stars – and was recognised for providing a wide range of activities for residents, while staff provided “good standards of care” with dignity and respect.

Three stars were awarded to White Leaf Support in High Wycombe, which provides care for people with learning disabilities, where inspectors advised that all staff should be trained in British Sign Language or Makaton – another form of symbol communication.

Project manager at Healthwatch Bucks, Alison Holloway, said:

“We visit and review care homes from a lay person’s point of view. We feel it is important that all services pass the Mum Test - is this good enough for my mum or any other member of my family - so that people can be confident that quality matters and will be delivered.

“Our goal is to encourage positive changes within care homes and share good practice. Our reports also help local residents to find a care home for themselves or a loved one.”

BCC commissioned the health watchdog to assess adult care homes in the county from April 2017 to March 2018.

Inspectors identified “poor” examples of care during some visits, according to the report, which was blamed on inexperienced staff and a high turnover of staff.

Chief executive of Healthwatch Bucks, Thalia Jervis, said many of the care homes visited have taken on board recommendations made following inspections.

She said: “We are really pleased that many of the care homes we visited have taken on board our recommendations to enhance their residents’ care.

“We will continue to work with BCC and care homes to understand what difference our recommendations are making.”

Healthwatch Bucks plans on visiting every home inspected again by June 30 to investigation what actions have been taken following the report.

To view the full report visit https://www.healthwatchbucks.co.uk/dignity-care-reports/