Ashridge Home Care

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.

Care workers had training in key skills. Bespoke training was provided to meet the individual needs of people. Staff spoke highly of the ethos of the service and the support they received. This included regular supervision, staff meetings and out of hours back-up. Staff felt respected and valued and were clear about their roles and accountabilities.

Staff assessed risks to people and kept records up to date. Where people were supported with their medicines, this was managed safely. We saw improvements had been made to medicines practice since the last inspection.

Staff provided a high standard of care and supported people to eat and drink. Healthcare needs were met effectively. People were supported to be as independent as they could be. People's equality and diversity needs were well met at the service.

The registered manager and other leaders ran the service well and supported staff to develop their skills. Managers monitored the service to make sure it met people's needs in a safe and person-centred way. The provider kept us informed of any significant events. Action was taken when things went wrong or people made complaints. There was a commitment to continuous learning and developing the service to improve people's lives.

The service worked well with external agencies to improve people's care and raised awareness in the community about dementia and live-in care. Community professionals spoke well of the service. One described it as "Professional and caring," another commented they had "Always been very impressed with

their dedication to improving the lives of people with dementia."