Enter and view: Dr Ashdowns Stockton Lodge

Healthwatch County Durham undertook an announced enter and view visit to Dr Ashdown's Stockton Lodge residential care home on 16 March 2026.

The home is a purpose-built residential care facility for older adults, including those with dementia, with 40 bedrooms and a range of care services. Feedback was gathered from residents, relatives, visitors, and staff through surveys, conversations, and observations during the visit. 

Overall, the report finds that the care home provides a caring, welcoming, and generally positive environment. Residents, relatives, and staff consistently described communication as respectful, supportive, and person-centred, with residents feeling listened to, informed, and involved in decisions about their care. Staff were praised for adapting communication to individual needs and building positive relationships with both residents and families. 

The environment of the home was viewed positively, with residents describing it as warm, comfortable, and homely. Personalised bedrooms and a friendly atmosphere helped residents feel safe and settled. Activities, visits from family and community groups, and the general sense of community were valued aspects of life in the home. 

Social preferences were generally well supported, with flexible food and drink options and a varied programme of activities. The activities coordinator was particularly praised for providing engaging opportunities. However, some residents reported feelings of boredom, isolation, or disorientation at times, indicating a need for more one-to-one interaction and emotional support. 

Staff were widely described as kind, approachable, and committed to residents’ wellbeing. Positive relationships between staff and residents were evident, and relatives expressed confidence in the care provided. Staff also reported good teamwork and job satisfaction, although some concerns were raised about staffing pressures, particularly in the dementia unit. 

The report also identifies several areas for improvement. These include improving access to outdoor spaces, addressing limitations in transport for community outings, increasing opportunities for personalised engagement, ensuring consistent cleanliness, and reviewing staffing levels to allow more time for interaction with residents. 

In response, the provider acknowledged the feedback and outlined actions already taken or planned, such as redecorating the home, improving communication systems, reviewing staffing arrangements, strengthening cleaning procedures, and exploring ways to enhance outdoor areas and activities. They also committed to continuing to improve engagement and emotional support for residents.