Ashurst Lodge

We have made a recommendation to the provider about reviewing protocols for PRN medicines so they contain sufficient information about how and when to administer them in line with best practice.

Staff had the knowledge, skills and support they needed to support people effectively. They knew how to recognise signs that a person may be unwell and how to promote healthy living. People received the support they needed to meet their healthcare needs and to eat and drink well. The service worked well with other agencies to support this. However, the individual support people needed to maintain healthy lifestyles was not always explicit in their care plans although staff were knowledgeable about their needs.

We have made a recommendation to the provider about ensuring records are clear enough to ensure people receive consistent support to follow medical advice about their healthcare needs.

People received support from staff who knew how to keep them safe. Risks were assessed and managed appropriately. The provider agreed to improve their written information about these as there was a minor risk that staff who did not know people well would not otherwise have sufficient information to support people safely at all times. There were enough staff to care for people safely and staff understood how to recognise and report abuse.

The provider carried out safety checks around the premises and most of these were effective. One window was not appropriately restricted at the time of our inspection, but the provider addressed this immediately. There were some issues with kitchen hygiene, which the provider said they would resolve with a more robust night cleaning regime. We will revisit this at our next inspection to ensure health and safety checks are effective enough to identify problems more proactively. Other infection prevention and control measures, including those designed to reduce risks associated with the COVID-19 virus, were in place.

People's needs were thoroughly assessed so the provider had enough information to plan their care and support according to their needs and preferences and in line with current guidance. People were fully

involved in this process and had ongoing input into planning and reviewing their care. Care plans took into account people's goals and expectations, issues related to equality and diversity, and the care and support they received in the past. The service supported people to meet their social and cultural needs.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. The home environment was set up in a way that promoted these things. People were involved in making choices about their home such as the décor.

Staff were caring and empathetic. They treated people with respect, made them feel valued and understood, and promoted privacy and dignity. The service supported people in a way that focused on building and maintaining independence, to enable people to work towards being able to live outside of a care home environment.

The service was responsive to people's complaints and concerns and the provider used a range of tools to continually review and improve the quality of care. Managers were supportive and approachable and promoted an open, inclusive culture. People and staff were valued and involved in the running of the service, were able to give feedback and felt listened to. The provider promoted equality and had established links with the local community.