Ashlyn Care Home

This report summarises the findings of a recent inspection at Ashlyn Care Home. The inspection assessed how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the service is, providing an overall picture of the care provided. The report highlights the positive experiences of residents and their families, noting the homely atmosphere and the friendly, responsive nature of the staff. It also details systems in place for safeguarding, risk management, and medicine administration, along with efforts to minimise infection. The inspection acknowledges the transition to a new manager and the support systems in place, as well as the ongoing initiatives to improve the environment and care for residents living with dementia.

On safety, the home has robust systems in place to protect residents from abuse and manage risks effectively. Staffing levels are generally sufficient, though there's an ongoing effort to enhance weekend activity provision. Medicines are administered safely, and practices to prevent and control infection are well-maintained.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff are knowledgeable about residents' needs and provide consistent, person-centred support, leading to positive outcomes. There's a specific focus on enhancing the experience for residents living with dementia through ongoing projects.

Regarding caring practices, residents and their representatives reported very positively on the support provided by staff, highlighting their friendliness and attentiveness. Staff actively support residents' choices and control over their lives, ensuring care is delivered in the least restrictive way possible.

For responsiveness, the home is working to meet residents' diverse needs and preferences. Feedback from relatives indicates that concerns raised are actively addressed, leading to improvements in resident well-being and engagement.

In terms of how well-led the service is, there is a clear management structure focused on quality and safety. The new manager is well-supported, and the provider has effective systems for monitoring quality and driving improvements. The home actively learns from incidents and works collaboratively with external professionals and families.