Ashley Court

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained good.

This meant people’s outcomes were consistently good, and people’s feedback confirmed this.

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 service made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Assessments were conducted and used to develop care plans for each aspect of people’s care.A summary of people’s needs was available. This was person-centred and included information on what and who were important to the person, their communication needs, likes, dislikes and information on the person’s past.

Relatives confirmed they were included in creating and reviewing people’s care plans. A relative said, “Every time we review the care plan, I could look through it.”

Records showed all care plans were reviewed regularly. People were supported by an established team and staff knew them well.

The service planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

We observed drinks were widely available to people, including jugs of squash in people’s bedrooms. People had access to regular snacks between meals. This was confirmed by relatives. One relative said, “[Person] has put on weight since being here. They give them cup of tea midmorning, and cake midafternoon. Always something, looks nice.” Another relative told us how staff supports their family member with eating and ensuring they have enough snacks throughout the day. A person said, “Food is very good, there is plenty to eat and I get choice, I get a mid-morning and afternoon snack, and staff always check I have enough to eat and drink.”

When required people were referred to the speech and language therapist (SALT). SALT provide assessment of swallowing or communication difficulties for people with medical, neurological and surgical conditions.Kitchen staff were aware of people’s SALT requirements.

We found 1 person’s SALT information was incorrectly recorded after a recent change in their needs. Meals for this person were prepared correctly, and the information was updated on the day to reflect recent changes.

The service worked well across teams and services to support people. They made sure people only needed to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when people moved between different services.

Health and social care professional were complimentary about working with the service. A professional told us, “The nurses are kind and caring at Ashley Court and they appear to have a supportive management.”

Staff demonstrated knowledge of people’s needs. Staff confirmed they regularly contacted external professionals as required. A staff member said, “Healthcare professionals are involved in people’s care plans and wellbeing. As carers, we communicate with them, when necessary, for example with nurses, GPs, or other healthcare staff. If I notice any changes in a person’s health or wellbeing, I report this to my senior or manager so that the appropriate healthcare professional can be contacted.”

Relatives confirmed they were kept informed and involved in their family member’s care.

The service supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. The service supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

People’s care plans contained information about specific health needs.

The service had regular visits from GP and district nurses. This supported continuity of care for people.

The service maintained effective working relationships with a wide range of health and social care professionals, and their input was recorded on the service’s electronic system. GP visited once a month and a Registered Nurse visited weekly.

The service had a garden which was used in warmer months.

The service routinely monitored people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

When required, people’s weight and fluid intake were monitored and recorded on the provider’s electronic system. This was regularly audited and closely monitored by the registered manager who also completed daily walkarounds of the service. This meant the registered manager had an effective overview of people’s needs which required monitoring.

Relatives told us they felt staff knew their family members well.

The service told people about their rights around consent and respected these when delivering person-centred care and treatment.

Consent was sought from people and where necessary in accordance with the MCA.

Staff told us they understood the importance of the MCA and consent. One staff member said, “When a person lacks the capacity to make certain decisions, we follow their care plan and act in their best interests while respecting their dignity and rights. We follow the guidance of the MCA and involve senior staff where required. For example, when providing personal care, I always explain what I am doing, ask for consent where possible, and support the person in a respectful and gentle manner while maintaining their privacy and dignity.” Another staff member told us, “I respect the patient's preferences, involve them in decisions, and support their independence while maintaining dignity and privacy.”

Records showed MCA assessments had been completed for individual decisions.Where appropriate, relatives were involved in making decisions in people’s best interests.

Where necessary, people with legal authority or responsibility can make decisions within the requirements of the MCA.The service had an effective overview of who can lawfully act on person’s behalf.