Updated 15 July 2026
Date of assessment: 30 July – 10 August 2026. Ashdown Nursing Home is a care home that provides nursing care to people with a variety of health conditions, including frailty of old age and dementia. This assessment was undertaken due to an aged rating.
The home was exceptionally clean, welcoming, bright and airy. Any risk of infection was mitigated through the use of specialist equipment which counteracted the spread of contagious diseases.
People received an exceptional standard of personalised care from staff who were sensitive to their needs,. A relative said, “Staff are so kind, you never hear them raise their voice to anyone.” Healthy lifestyles were encouraged, due in large part to the high standard of cuisine and choice of food on offer. The chef was passionate about ensuring people received their choice of food. A relative told us their loved one was a vegetarian so the chef had taken time to know what their likes and dislikes were. They said, “If I go straight to him, he will order in food that [person] likes.”
The provider had developed a culture of learning when accidents and incidents occurred. Safe systems ensured staff worked collaboratively with a range of professionals to provide consistent and co-ordinated care. Safeguarding requirements were met, and any instances of abuse or alleged abuse were reported as needed. People’s risks were identified, assessed and managed safely. Staffing levels were sufficient to meet people’s care and support needs, and staff completed a range of training in line with their roles. Staff were recruited safely, with many in a sponsorship scheme. Medicines were ordered, stored, administered and disposed of safely.
People’s needs were assessed before they came into the home, and a range of monitoring tools was used to support the care they received from staff. A variety of health and social care professionals supported people to live healthier lives, and to achieve good outcomes. People’s consent to care and support was routinely sought by staff.
The culture of the home shaped the environment, the quality of care and daily life for people and staff. A positive culture had been developed that was person-centred and focused on giving people dignity and choice on what was important to them. A robust system of audits monitored the home overall and was used to drive improvements.