Ashton House

This was a risk-based assessment prompted in part by the age of the current rating and concerns raised to us about people’s safety and how the service was managed. This service has been rated good. The inspection found 1 breach of regulation in relation to safeguarding.

People were not always supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives or to receive care in the least restrictive way possible. People living with dementia did not always receive care in a dignified way or in an environment that provided opportunity for meaningful engagement or independence. The provider did not always have effective systems in place to respond to people’s immediate needs or to identify, monitor and respond to risks.

Incidents were used to identify learning and improve practice, and important information was shared with other services to support continuity of care. People received care from staff who understood safeguarding procedures. There were enough safely recruited staff to meet people’s needs safely and in a timely way. Medicines were managed safely.

The provider effectively assessed and reviewed people’s health, care, wellbeing and communication needs to ensure care was personalised and responsive. Staff worked with health and social care professionals to support people’s wellbeing and respond to changes in their health. People were supported to stay healthy and received a varied and nutritious diet, with hydration appropriately monitored during periods of hot weather.

Care plans for people with a learning disability reflected national best practice guidance, including the principles of Right support, right care and right culture, and staff worked effectively with health and social care professionals to promote people’s wellbeing, independence and meaningful experiences.

People, relatives and professionals spoke positively about the caring relationships and welcoming atmosphere within the service. Care was responsive to people’s individual needs, with people and those important to them involved in decisions about their care. Information was provided in accessible formats, and people knew how to raise concerns and provide feedback.

Leaders were visible, open and approachable, and staff felt able to speak up and seek support. Staff worked well as a team and spoke positively about senior leaders, describing a positive culture where the provider’s values were reflected in day-to-day practice. A staff member told us, “There are so many amazing things about this place, staff are incredibly supportive, the management, my team. I have amazing people around me, the residents. Every day is different and I learn so much. I love it here.”

We have asked the provider to submit an action plan in response to the concerns identified during this assessment.