All inspections: Ashford Lodge - Care Quality Commission

There were nine people using the service and we met and spoke with some of them. People said or indicated that they were happy with the service.

People were taking part in activities and going out into the community. People were encouraged to be involved in the running of the service including taking part in the cooking, gardening and cleaning. One person told us 'I went bowling and I enjoyed it'.

People told us about their recent and forthcoming holidays that they were looking forward to. One person said 'I like doing the housework and my laundry'.

People maintained good health as the service worked closely with health and social care professionals. Staff were supported and supervised and given the training they needed to provide a good quality service. There was enough skilled and experienced staff to meet peoples' needs and staff engaged with people in a calm reassuring manner.

People felt safe and were protected from the risk of harm and abuse. The robust quality assurance and monitoring systems ensured that the service was safe.

We made an unannounced visit to the service and spoke to people who use the service, the assistant and deputy managers and to staff members. There were 8 people using the service. We met and spoke to most of them and everyone we spoke to said or expressed that they were happy living at Ashford Lodge.

People told us or expressed that they felt safe and well looked after.

People said or expressed that they could talk about any problems to the staff who would listen and act. People said that they thought the staff were kind and caring. One person said 'The staff are lovely'.

People looked happy and relaxed in the company of each other and staff. People told us that they took part in a range of community based activities that they enjoyed. One person said that they enjoyed their recent holiday. They said 'I had a lovely time'.

People expressed that the home was clean and that their bedrooms were kept clean. People told us that they had support to take part in the cooking and cleaning. . People had the opportunity to go food shopping and prepare their own meals. One person said 'I like my bedroom, it's really nice'.

People's health needs were supported and the service worked closely with health and social care professional to maintain and improve people's health and well being.

We saw the latest quality assurance surveys completed by people using the service and their representatives. Comments included 'I am very happy with the service provided by Ashford Lodge' and 'I am very impressed by x key worker and her commitment' and 'The standard of care is second to none'.

People who use the service told us or expressed that they were happy living at Ashford Lodge.

People said that they felt safe and that they enjoyed a variety of activities from gardening to college.

People told us that they kept in touch with friends and family members and that their hobbies were supported.

People said that they were satisfied with their bedrooms and that the home was kept clean. People took part in the housework and gardening and were growing vegetables.

People said that the staff were kind and helpful.

Concerns were raised, by a visiting professional, about whether the staff had the skills to support people with challenging behaviour. Also, that a person who moved in was not compatible with the other people using the service.

We found that this person had moved out and people told us that 'It is more settled here now'.

Archived: Ashford Lodge

All Inspections

11 September 2013

During a routine inspection

5 October 2012

During a routine inspection

19 September 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns