Archived: Ashglen House

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary describes what people using the service and staff members told us, what we observed and the records we looked at.

If you want to see the evidence that supports our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

People received appropriate care that met their needs based on a thorough assessment. People were cared for in an environment that identified and minimised risk. Staff had received adequate training to quickly recognise and respond to emergency situations, and could provide care and treatment which promoted people's safety and welfare.

The provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening. Staff members had a good awareness of safeguarding issues. Staff had attended relevant safeguarding training and were aware of how to access support when needed.

People using the service were being cared for safely by suitably qualified staff who were competent to carry out their role. Staff members followed a thorough induction and ongoing training process which enabled them to deliver care safely.

CQC monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards which applies to care homes. While no applications have needed to be submitted, proper policies and procedures were in place. Relevant staff have been trained to understand when an application should be made and how to submit one.

Is the service effective?

People told us that they were happy with the care they received and felt settled in the home. It was clear during our visit that staff knew people well and understood their care and support needs. Staff had received training to meet the needs of people living at the home. Positive written feedback from people using the service demonstrated that the service was effective.

Is the service caring?

We found that people's routines were flexible and they were encouraged to make decisions about what they wanted to do. We saw that their choices were respected. We saw that staff gave encouragement and support where needed to people using the service.

We saw staff members interacting with people in a positive way. We saw staff assisting people with activities and joining in with hobbies. The general environment of the home was welcoming and relaxed.

Is the service responsive?

People's individual needs were assessed before they moved into the home. The care records that we looked at during our inspection confirmed that people's preferences, interests, aspirations and needs had been identified and recorded. Care and support had been provided that met their wishes. People were aware of who their keyworkers were and felt that staff members were approachable.

People's preferences were recorded and acted upon and people were actively encouraged to pursue interests and hobbies. People were involved in various activities within the home and trips out. People were encouraged to prepare meals and do their own laundry with assistance or supervision.

Is the service well-led?

The provider had robust quality assurance processes in place and all staff members were involved in undertaking audits. Staff were supported with regular team meetings and we saw evidence of staff receiving one to one appraisals and supervisions. We saw that staff were asked to complete feedback forms on a regular basis.

A member of staff told that they felt supported in their role and that the managers were approachable. We observed that managers were knowledgeable of staff members' training and development needs. We saw evidence that managers consulted staff before implementing changes to the home and their views had been taken into consideration.

We looked at hygiene and infection in the home and found that people were cared for in an environment which was maintained at a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.

All staff members we spoke with were fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding the vulnerable adults in their care. We looked at training records and saw that everybody who worked at the home was trained in this area. The training covered the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (D0LS).

We saw that the home had quality assurance systems to assess their performance and ensure improving standards. This included canvassing the views of patients who were receiving treatment and support, their relatives and visiting professionals.