Background to this inspection
Updated
17 March 2022
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
As part of CQC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control.
This targeted inspection was to ensure that the service was compliant with infection control and prevention measures. We also asked the provider about any staffing pressures the service was experiencing and whether this was having an impact on the service.
This inspection took place on 22 February 2022 and was announced.
Updated
17 March 2022
Ashley House is registered for a maximum of 13 people offering accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care and specialises in supporting adults with mental health conditions. At the time of our inspection there were 13 people living at the home.
At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.
The home had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
People were complimentary and satisfied with the quality of care they received. People received care that enabled them to live their lives as they wanted and to make choices about maintaining their independence. People were encouraged to make their own decisions about the care they received and care was given in line with their expressed wishes. People were supported to maintain relationships with people who were important to them.
Care plans contained accurate and detailed relevant information for staff to help them provide the individual care people required. People were involved in making care decisions and reviewing their care to ensure it continued to meet their needs.
For people assessed as being at risk, care records included information for staff so risks to people’s health and welfare were minimised. Staff had a good knowledge of people’s needs and abilities which meant they provided safe and effective care. Staff received essential training to meet people’s individual needs, and used their skills, knowledge and experience to support people effectively and develop trusting relationships.
Medicines were stored and administered safely and as prescribed. Where people were prescribed ‘as required’ medicines, guidance for staff on when these might be required needed to be more personalised.
People’s care and support was provided by a caring staff team and there were enough trained and experienced staff to be responsive to meet their needs. People told us they felt safe living at Ashley House. Staff knew how to keep people safe from the risk of abuse. Staff and the manager understood what actions they needed to take if they had any concerns for people's wellbeing or safety. They took immediate action when we found an incident had not been reported to the local authority.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this approach.
People received a choice of meals and drinks that met their individual dietary requirements at times they wanted them.
People knew how to voice their complaints and felt confident to do so.
People and staff were encouraged to share their views of the service through regular meetings and surveys. The registered manager had an ‘open door’ policy for people, relatives, staff and visitors to the home. This meant there was an open and honest culture promoted in the home.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.