- Care home
Ashdown Nursing Home
Assessment report published 23 September 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
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.
People's experience of this service
People received highly personalised care from kind and compassionate staff who were sensitive to their needs. A relative said, “My husband is always shaved. It was always very important to him; when he lived at home he would shave twice a day. They know how important his appearance is to him, so they shave him every day and take time to help him look nice, clean clothes, brushed hair, etc.”
The atmosphere within the home was energising and vibrant, and this created a positive environment for people to live meaningful lives and maintain their wellbeing.A relative said, “Listen to that laughter. It’s like that all the time. It’s such a happy place to be. All the staff are like that; they are lovely.” Activities were organised in engaging ways, including the use of technology to support participation. This bespoke technology that had been specially adapted by the provider to enable people to participate in a fun and engaging manner.
People told us they felt safe living at Ashdown Nursing Home and that risks were managed well. A relative said, “It’s all absolutely lovely, I have no concerns whatsoever.” People received their medicines as prescribed.
People and their families were involved in assessments before they came to live at the home. One relative said, “Communication with the care home is excellent. I am called whenever there is a change or something to be communicated or consulted on.” People were supported with healthy lifestyles, with the involvement of representatives from the local medical practice and through healthy diets. A relative said, “The food is wonderful and all home-cooked, just like my granny would have cooked. [Person] always enjoys it and there is plenty of it. I am always offered a meal, although I don’t take them up on this.”
People and relatives spoke positively about the management ofthe home and the quality of care they received.