CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at The Ashurst
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- People told inspectors they felt safe. Risks were assessed, staff were recruited safely, medicines were generally managed safely and the home was clean. However, written protocols were not in place for medicines given as needed.
- Effective?
- Good
- People's needs were assessed and staff had training and supervision. People were supported with food, drink, healthcare and their independence, although communal areas and noticeboards were untidy and crowded.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff were described as caring and respectful, and inspectors observed positive relationships. Care plans were person-centred, but most people did not think they had seen or understood them clearly.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's routines, preferences and needs. People took part in activities and support was adapted when their needs changed. The home had a complaints process and responded when concerns were raised.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The provider and manager were visible and approachable. The home used checks, meetings, supervision and training to monitor quality, and inspectors said it was consistently managed.
What inspectors found, April 2019
The Ashurst was rated Good; inspectors found safe, caring and person-centred support, with some improvements needed to medicines guidance and notices.
This was an unannounced inspection on 21 March 2019. One inspector and an expert by experience spoke with people, relatives, staff, the manager and provider. They reviewed care records, medicines records, accidents, complaints and quality checks.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found people were safe, treated with respect, supported by consistent staff and helped to make choices about their lives.
The inspection also found some smaller weaknesses. There were no written protocols for medicines given only when needed. Communal areas and noticeboards were cluttered, and most people did not clearly understand their care plans. The home had been rated Good at the previous inspection.
People felt safe
People told inspectors they felt safe and well looked after. Staff understood how to recognise abuse and respond to risks.
“It's safe here and we're well looked after.” from the report
Kind, respectful care
Staff knew people's personalities, preferences and abilities. Inspectors observed natural and respectful interactions.
“Staff had developed good relationships with people using the service.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans included people's routines, interests and needs. Staff helped people take part in activities and changed support when this improved their wellbeing.
“Care plans were detailed and contained information which was specific to people's individual needs, the routines they liked and those important to them.” from the report
Strong leadership
The provider and manager were present and approachable. Staff said they could raise concerns and suggestions, and quality checks were in place.
“The provider and registered manager were a visible and active presence in the service.” from the report
Medicines given as needed
needs fixingThe home did not have written protocols explaining when some medicines prescribed as needed should be given. The provider said these would be put in place.
“There were no protocols in place for people who had been prescribed medicines to be administered as required.” from the report
Cluttered notices
minorCommunal areas were untidy and noticeboards were so crowded that important new information might be missed.
“Noticeboards were overcrowded to such an extent that if a new, important notice were added people may not realise it was there.” from the report
Understanding care plans
needs fixingMost people did not think they had seen their care plans and had only a vague understanding of them. The manager said people might use different names for the plans and assured inspectors they were involved.
“Whilst people generally only had a hazy understanding of their care plan and most did not believe they had seen them” from the report
- 01What written protocols are now in place for medicines that are given only when needed?
- 02How do you make sure residents understand their care plans and take part in reviewing them?
- 03What has been done to reduce clutter and make important notices easier to see?
- 04How are staffing levels reviewed when an individual's needs change?
- 05How will you involve families in giving feedback about the service?
This was a planned inspection covering all five CQC areas and checking whether the home remained Good; the previous inspection was also rated Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 11 April 2019 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of The Ashurst
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- April 2019Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- May 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- November 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- September 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 12 January 2011.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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23 live-in carers within about an hour of Suffolk
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 17 can care for a couple. 7 years' experience on average.
“Not only was she professional, polite and efficient but she bought a lovely smile and laughter to my parents home.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.