Listening, learning and improving care at Leeming Bar Grange Care Home
At Healthwatch North Yorkshire, our mission is simple: to make sure people’s voices shape the health and social care services they use. One way we do this is through our visits to social care settings, where we spend time in care homes to see and hear what life is really like for residents, their families, and staff.
Recently, we visited Leeming Bar Grange Care Home in Northallerton to understand what’s working well and where improvements could make a big difference.
Why these visits matter
Every person living in a care home deserves to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of wellbeing. By visiting in person, Healthwatch can observe the environment, talk to residents and staff, and gather honest feedback from families. These insights don’t just stay on paper. They’re shared with the care home, the Care Quality Commission, and local decision-makers to drive positive change.
Healthwatch's aim isn’t to inspect, but to listen and learn. Listening to people’s experiences is the first step toward making services better for everyone.
What we found is working well
During our visit to Leeming Bar Grange Care Home, Healthwatch saw many positives that contribute to a caring and supportive environment:
- Strong leadership and management: Residents, relatives, and staff spoke highly of the general manager, praising her passion and commitment to high-quality care.
- A welcoming, well-maintained home: The building was clean, comfortable, and homely. Residents appreciated being able to personalise their rooms.
- Friendly and caring staff: Staff were approachable, kind, and engaged warmly with residents. Many residents described feeling safe and well looked after.
- Food and dining: Meals were described as tasty and varied, with options to suit preferences. Lunchtimes were sociable, and residents appreciated being able to choose where and when to eat.
- Activities and social contact: There was a regular programme of activities, from pamper sessions to outings, which residents enjoyed. Many valued the opportunities for social interaction and time outdoors.
Overall, residents and families rated the home highly, with average scores of 4.3 out of 5 and 4.4 out of 5 respectively.
Areas for improvement
While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Healthwatch identified a few areas where changes could enhance residents’ experiences:
- Staffing levels in the dementia unit: Staff and relatives highlighted that the needs of residents in the dementia unit are higher and may require more support than current ratios allow. We recommend reviewing staffing to ensure timely assistance and more opportunities for meaningful engagement.
- Activity provision for less mobile residents: While activities were plentiful on the ground floor, there were fewer tailored options for residents upstairs. Increasing one-to-one and sensory-based activities would help ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy stimulation and social contact.
- Opportunities for outings: Some residents expressed a desire for more trips outside the home, even short visits to local shops or cafés.
Response from the care home
The care home has taken proactive steps in response to Healthwatch’s recommendations to enhance staffing and activities provided.
Staffing ratios in the dementia unit
Following the visit, the manager reviewed the dependency tool and requested additional staffing for the first floor, where residents have more complex needs. This request was approved by the Managing Director, and staffing levels on the first floor have now been increased.
Activity provision on the first floor
The activities team has reviewed the weekly planner to incorporate Healthwatch’s recommendations. In addition, plans are in place to make better use of the additional lounge on the first floor by creating a sensory room to support more one-to-one and sensory-based activities for residents who are less able to join group sessions.
Why asking and listening matters
The voices of residents, their families, and the staff who care for them are invaluable. They highlight not just what needs to change, but also what’s already working well. By listening, Healthwatch ensure care homes can celebrate successes while focusing on areas that matter most to those who live and work there.
Healthwatch North Yorkshire will continue to visit care homes across the county and share what we learn. Together, we can make sure every resident enjoys a safe, happy, and fulfilling life.
