Ashlands Manor Care Home

Ashlands Manor Care Centre offers residential and nursing care for up to 57 residents, including those living with dementia. This report summarizes findings from a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), highlighting the home's performance across key areas. The inspection focused on ensuring residents receive safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led support.

On safety, residents were kept safe, with staff knowledgeable about safeguarding procedures and risk mitigation. While medicines were generally managed well, some minor improvements were noted regarding medication stock reconciliation, which the home has begun addressing. Sufficient staffing levels were in place, supported by robust recruitment practices, and infection control measures were effective, with the home maintaining a high score in its most recent audit. Visiting policies were in line with best practices, allowing residents to receive visitors freely.

In terms of how effective the care is, residents had access to necessary healthcare services, and staff effectively managed acute illnesses. Care plans were personalized and aligned with best practices. Staff received appropriate training and supervision, with opportunities for further qualifications. The home also adapted its environment to meet residents' needs, particularly for those with dementia, creating a homely atmosphere with clear navigation aids. There was a notable recommendation for further collaboration with local healthcare partners to ensure continuity of care.

Regarding how caring the service is, residents were treated with kindness, compassion, and respect, with staff demonstrating a good understanding of individual needs and preferences. Families expressed positive feedback about the staff's dedication. Residents were encouraged to maintain their independence, and their privacy and dignity were respected. Residents' views were actively sought through meetings, and their input was valued in care planning.

In terms of how responsive the service is, residents received personalized care that met their individual needs and preferences, with care plans kept up-to-date. The home effectively supported residents' communication needs, adhering to the Accessible Information Standard. A focus was placed on supporting residents to maintain relationships and participate in meaningful activities, avoiding social isolation. Concerns and complaints were handled promptly and used to improve the quality of care.

Finally, on how well-led the service is, governance systems were in place for regular review and oversight. Despite recent changes in registered managers, a new manager has been appointed and received positive feedback. The provider learned from incidents, with systems in place to share lessons learned. The home is actively working on refining medication administration protocols to ensure precision and prevent future anomalies.