Ashley Gardens

On this page

• Overview
• Person-centred Care
• Care provision, Integration and continuity
• Providing Information
• Listening to and involving people
• Equity in access
• Equity in experiences and outcomes
• Planning for the future

Responsive – this means we looked for evidence that the provider met people’s needs.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good. This meant people’s needs were met through good organisation and delivery.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider made sure people were at the centre of their care and treatment choices and they decided, in partnership with people, how to respond to any relevant changes in people’s needs.

People and their families were considered and consulted to ensure people’s care met their changing needs. Families told us they were kept involved and updated promptly if there were any changes or reviews of people’s care. One relative said, “I'm forever grateful to Ashley Gardens and the whole staff team for the care, safety and individual consideration and attention with which [relatives name] is provided. I never worry about their wellbeing at Ashley Gardens and feel certain that being there has increased their quality and length of life.”

People were treated as individuals and care was based on the persons needs and preferences.

The home had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Relatives all spoke highly of the personalised care people received and felt staff really knew and understood people. People were able to access all areas of the home and not confined to a floor or area.

The provider understood the diverse health and care needs of people and their local communities, so care was joined-up, flexible and supported choice and continuity.

The manager and staff worked with a number of health professionals, including GP’s, community nurses and health specialists for people with long term health conditions. We observed staff speaking to GP surgeries and following up on changes to people’s medications. The GP surgery carried out a weekly ward round. The Medicines Optimisation in Care Homes (MOCHH) team had been involved to carry out a review of medication practices. The MOCHH team is made up of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who support care homes in all aspects of medicines management.

The provider supplied appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that were tailored to individual needs.

Information was displayed in the entrance foyer and throughout the home, including useful leaflets and results from recent resident/relative surveys. The home also produced The Ashley Gardens Oracle a monthly newsletter detailing recent events and photographs taken at the home, this included activities attended by people, birthdays and staff training updates. Copies of the newsletter were available for people and relatives.

Flash cards were available to assist people to make choices at mealtimes and to help people express if they were experiencing pain or discomfort. These were particularly useful for people to support conversation or for people who were unable to express their feelings verbally.

People and relatives felt they had access to all the information they needed. Relatives had access to information regarding peoples care and support and were involved in updates and reviews. Relatives told us communication was good and they felt well informed.

The provider made it easy for people to share feedback and ideas, or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support. Staff involved people in decisions about their care and told them what had changed as a result.

The home had a complaints procedure which was displayed in the home. There were no current complaints however, the registered manager was clear any concerns raised would be responded to and investigate. Any outcomes or learning identified would be used to facilitate future improvements.

Peoples feedback was displayed in the home following resident and relatives’ questionnaires. Staff, resident and relative meetings had taken place. This gave people the opportunity to share any areas for discussion, make suggestions and share ideas.

The provider made sure that people could access the care, support and treatment they needed when they needed it.

Healthcare professionals were involved in people’s care and treatment. Referrals were completed when needed to ensure people received the right support and specialist care when required.

Staff and leaders actively listened to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes and tailored their care, support and treatment in response to this.

The staff understood the importance of treating people fairly, regardless of any cultural, health or social differences. Some people lived with dementia or short-term memory issues, and we observed staff support them with patience and understanding. People responded positively to staff and seemed very happy and content to chat with staff when support was offered.

People were supported to plan for important life changes, so they could have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.

Staff received bereavement and communication and end of life care training. No one was currently in receipt of end of life care, however, the registered manager told us they had previously provided end of life care supported by other health professionals.

Do not attempt resuscitation (DNACPR) and Recommended Summary Plans for EMERGENCY care AND Treatment (ReSPECT) forms were in place detailing peoples wishes and choices.