Ashwood Residential Care Home

This report details the findings of a comprehensive inspection of Ashwood Residential Care Home conducted in January 2019. The inspection focused on assessing the quality and safety of care provided, building upon previous positive evaluations. Overall, the home consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to its residents, with staff actively involved in their well-being and care planning. The report highlights the home's dedication to providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led environment for all who live there.

On safety, residents feel secure and are supported in making choices about their lives with staff acting in the least restrictive way possible, supported by effective policies and systems. Sufficient staffing levels ensure residents' well-being, and the recruitment process helps bring in suitable staff. Staff understand medication and safeguarding procedures, and accidents are reviewed to prevent recurrence. The home also effectively refers residents to other services when their health requires it.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff possess the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver good support, with a thorough induction process for new employees. Regular supervision and appraisals ensure ongoing professional development. The home also adheres to the Mental Capacity Act, with appropriate safeguards in place, and residents consistently give consent for their care. Residents are satisfied with the food, with attention paid to individual preferences and dietary needs, and the home received a good food hygiene rating.

When it comes to caring, residents consistently praise staff for their polite and respectful approach, involving them in decisions about their care. Staff treat residents with kindness and dignity, understanding their human rights and taking time for individual conversations. The home promotes equality and diversity, with staff trained in areas like LGBT awareness and actively championing inclusivity.

Regarding responsiveness, the home ensures thorough needs assessments are completed before admission, involving residents and their relatives in care planning. They effectively meet the Accessible Information Standard, using various communication methods to suit individual needs, such as large print menus and visual aids. The home is proactive in responding to residents' health conditions, with staff implementing recommendations from visiting healthcare professionals.

Finally, in terms of being well-led, the home fosters an open and transparent culture where feedback is encouraged and complaints are addressed confidently. Staff feel positive about their work environment and are encouraged to discuss any issues. The home has a homely atmosphere and maintains strong links with the local community. Robust audit and governance systems are in place, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met and statutory notifications are sent appropriately.