Ashford Lodge

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Ashford Lodge, a care home for up to eight autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities. The inspection focused on evaluating the safety, effectiveness, caring nature, responsiveness, and leadership of the service. It highlights areas where the home has made significant improvements since the last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality care and support. The report details specific findings within each of the five key areas assessed by the CQC, offering insights into the daily experiences of residents and the operational practices of the staff and management.

Regarding safety, staff demonstrated a strong understanding of how to protect residents from harm and abuse, working effectively with external agencies to ensure well-being. Risk assessments were well-managed, guiding staff to minimise restrictions while maximising choice and control for residents. Although medication management for "as and when" prescriptions showed a minor area for improvement in recording effectiveness, the service generally ensured safe storage, management, and disposal of medicines, adhering to principles like STOMP. Infection prevention and control measures were also in place and being actively monitored.

The service was found to be effective in delivering care that achieved good outcomes for residents. Comprehensive assessments ensured that individual needs and aspirations were met through personalised, strengths-based care plans, which were regularly reviewed. Staff received good quality training in a range of relevant areas, with ongoing support and development opportunities. Residents were supported to maintain balanced diets, access healthcare services, and live healthier lives, with effective collaboration between health and social care professionals.

In terms of caring practices, staff treated residents with dignity, kindness, and respect, fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Residents were well-matched with their support workers, leading to positive and engaged interactions. Communication needs were well understood, and residents were supported to express their views and be involved in decisions about their care in ways that suited them, often with input from relatives or advocates.

The service demonstrated responsiveness to residents' needs and preferences. Staff ensured residents were empowered to make choices and participate in activities of their choice, and they were supported to maintain relationships with people important to them. The home actively worked with residents and their families to develop the service, ensuring feedback was sought and acted upon.

Finally, the service was well-led, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Staff morale was noted as good, and they felt valued and supported by the management team. Quality monitoring systems were in place and regularly reviewed, with shortfalls identified and addressed. While there wasn't a registered manager in post at the time of inspection, a manager was overseeing operations and had applied for registration, indicating a proactive approach to leadership.