Archived: Ashbourne Lodge

People told us that they were extremely happy with the service and felt staff went the extra mile to provide them with a service. We were told that people were ''Highly satisfied with the home'', ''You wouldn't even get this level of care if you were being looked after by your relatives, as the girls are so much more patient'' and ''The girls are very helpful and kind''. People and relatives told us that they felt confident to raise concerns and found these were always looked into, and action was taken.

People felt they led quite rich lives and were able to continue with hobbies they had previously enjoyed. People said ''You can really do as you please here, get up when you want and go out when you want'' and ''I still go walking everyday and into Redcar to visit friends''. People told us that there were a range of activities going on throughout the home. Relatives told us about the recent meetings and how the manager was very approachable. People really appreciated the support staff offered.

A relative of a person who had recently moved into the home, told us they had visited several care homes before choosing Ashbourne Lodge. They had been shown round the whole unit and felt staff genuinely took an interest in their relative and what their needs were. They had discussed their relatives care, including what they liked and disliked in terms of food, drinks and social activities. They said that staff were very helpful and had no worries about the safety of their relative.

Another relative that we spoke with, told us that things "were not right"and it took staff a long time to answer when people called for assistance. A person who used the service said "it's okay, I suppose".

Another person, who was asked if they had agreed to the care they received said 'not really'.

One person commented that 'the staff seem nice, always chatty'. People said they had been involved in activities such as bingo and celebrations for the royal wedding.

During our visit we also talked to a user of the service about the medicines they received. This person told us that they received their painkillers when they required them and staff applied prescribed creams at times that suited them. A number of people in the home could not tell us directly about their care due to a variety of complex needs. We therefore looked at their records about medication and talked to care workers and observed their practice.