Enter and view: Ashton Court

Healthwatch Rotherham undertook an announced Enter and View visit to Ashton Court Care Home on 24 March 2023. They spoke to 6 residents.

Overall, the residents are happy living at Ashton Court, and staff members enjoy working here. The care home is clean, bright and welcoming, with residents bedrooms made to feel homely. Meal times are relaxed, with a good choice of hot and cold food, snacks and refreshments. The garden is a stand out feature of the care home, with all residents stating they enjoy accessing and using this space in the warmer months. 

Through Healthwatch observations, it was noted that areas of the care home are looking rundown and tired in terms of decorating, and would benefit from more regular maintenance and better storage space, so files do not need to be kept in resident’s communal areas. It is an old building, and this is clear to see. 

After speaking with multiple residents and staff members, it is clear that the care home would benefit from additional staff. Due to staff shortages, residents feel they lack opportunities to take part in activities within the care home. This is particularly apparent for those confined to their bedrooms, as it seems activities that are run, are limited to the communal areas. 

Residents also struggle with communication between themselves and staff due to these shortages, relying on family members to update them. Residents would benefit from more time spent with staff, which is not possible currently due to staffing issues.

The report has three recommendations and a response from the provider.