Enter and view: Ashton Lodge

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Ashton Lodge, a 54 bed residential care home, on 24 January 2018 at the request of Central Bedfordshire Council.

The Council made the request following a CQC inspection that rated the home as 'inadequate' and the service was places in special measures. The Council asked that Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire visit the home to conduct an independent review, observe activities within the home, to talk to staff, residents and their families about their experience of the home.

The report states that the majority of residents spoken with, and observed within the home, appeared to be happy with carers all using first names when talking to the residents. The residents spoken with felt that the Carers responded quickly when needing assistance, and they did not feel ignored by the Carers at any time.

The residents are able to receive their meals where they wish and can eat in their own rooms if preferred. There are no menus printed, instead a member of staff sits with the resident and shows them a picture of what is on the menu and the resident can then make a choice. The Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Authorised Representatives noted that all residents appeared happy with the meals.

There are two Activities Co-ordinators, one full time and one part time. Pupils from a local school visit Ashton Lodge regularly and owners bring dogs in to visit the residents. The Grove Theatre and canal trips are part of a robust list of entertainment, residents said they were aware of events and activities coming up because ‘they come and talk to you about what’s on offer’. All residents are offered the opportunity to be involved in social activities organised at the home including organised trips out. Relatives are also included in the planning.

The report also notes that all staff appeared cheerful and were observed dealing with repetitive comments with sensitivity and avoided ‘stock’ answers. In general, visitors and relatives were highly complimentary about the staff and their role.

The report makes four recommendations including moving the placement of name badges on staff uniforms from the waistband to the torso to ensure these can be seen. It was also noted that bibs were put on the residents up to 20 minutes prior to the serving of meals, which can cause anxiety and/or impatience in the residents. It is recommended that staff defer issuing the bibs until just before meals are served.

There was no response received from the provider.