Enter and view: Ashby House

Healthwatch Milton Keynes conducted an Enter and View visit to Ashby House Nursing and Residential Care Home in November 2018. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 6 residents and relatives alongside observations made by the Enter and View representatives. The home offers specialised care for those with dementia in the Memory Lane Unit.

Observations included that the care home was homely with comfortable furnishings in communal areas to encourage social interaction. There was a varied programme of activities including cooking and outdoor excursions. The staff were observed interacting well with residents and in a respectful manner. Visitor parking was difficult as there was limited space and restricted parking on the roads. Residents reported that those who are less mobile often felt that they were unable to move about the home and interact with people, leaving them feeling "left behind." The meals were flexible and there was choice available. However, the restaurant-style lunchtimes were very slow. The Memory Lane Unit took a more friendly and enjoyable approach with music and food served quickly.

Recommendations were made by the Enter and View representatives and included: Monitor response times to the call bells to provide a quicker response in order to assess need. Consider identifying a member of staff to be free to respond during busy periods such as mealtimes; Review the experience of residents confined to their rooms to ensure they are not left for long periods of time but have social contact at regular intervals during the day; and Review the lunchtime process so that meals are served promptly, and long waiting times are avoided. Consider the use of making menu choices prior to sitting at the tables.

The service provider responded positively and thoroughly addressing each recommendation and issue in turn.