Ashleigh House

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Effective – this means we looked for evidence that people’s care, treatment and support achieved good outcomes and promoted a good quality of life, based on best available evidence.

At our last inspection we rated this key question good. At this inspection the rating has changed to outstanding. This meant people’s outcomes were consistently better than expected compared to similar services. People’s feedback described it as exceptional and distinctive.

This service scored 88 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider always made sure people’s care and treatment was effective by thoroughly assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.

Staff were focused on people’s needs and wishes and went the extra mile to ensure assessments were completed in partnership with them or their representatives. One visiting professional had written, “Staff are proactive in going the extra mile to ensure the individuals views and opinions are heard and upheld in the face of serious and complex issues.”

Staff knew people and their communication methods extremely well. They used pictures and known body language signs to help people to make choices and ensure their wishes were included in care plans.



Care plans gave staff clear information and guidance about the person’s health, wellbeing and communication needs. Family members were aware of people’s care plans and said they had been able to contribute to them. This helped to make sure people’s care plans were truly reflective of people’s needs and preferences which enabled staff to provide individual care and support.

The provider planned and delivered people’s care and treatment with them, including what was important and mattered to them. They did this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.

Staff received training to make sure their practice was in accordance with up-to-date best practice guidelines and legislation. The staff used recognised assessment tools to assess people’s healthcare needs.

People had their nutritional needs assessed by speech and language therapists and received meals in line with recommendations made by these professionals.

People were supported to live a healthy life, and professionals were engaged in reviews and assessments to ensure relevant information was incorporated into people’s care plans.

Staff were very complimentary about leaders and their colleagues. One member of staff said, “There is real teamwork here. Everyone works together.” A new member of staff said how they had been welcomed into the team.

The provider always supported people to manage their health and wellbeing to fully maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported people to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.

Staff were committed to improving healthcare outcomes for people. We heard how people’s physical health had been improved by action staff had taken. This had included supporting a person who had no interest in eating, socialising or leaving the home. This person was now maintaining a stable weight, going out to the hairdressers, shops and even for meals out. When we met this person, they were smiling and tactile with us and staff.

One relative said about their family member, “Since living at the care home they have been much happier and healthier.” Another family member told us, “They actually seem to be improving, which is strange, considering their diagnosis. It’s all because of the good care they are getting.”

The provider monitored all people’s care and treatment to continuously improve it. They ensured that outcomes were positive and consistent, and that they fully met both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.

Family members told us they thought the dedication and commitment of staff and oversight of the registered manager, meant people had exceptionally positive outcomes. One family member told us, “The progress we've witnessed is remarkable, and I firmly believe it’s a direct result of the genuine care provided by the amazing people at Ashleigh House.” They also told us, “The carers at Ashleigh House have not only provided them with the medical care they desperately needed but also created a loving, stable, and engaging environment. They have offered a sense of home, identity, and comfort, which has been nothing short of lifesaving.”

One relative told us, “They [person] have been at Ashleigh House 4 or 5 years now and there’s definitely a big difference. Happy and animated.”

We heard how another person had been supported to attend a church of their choosing and was now doing some voluntary work there. This had enhanced their social circle and improved their confidence.

Staff told us they were focused on supporting people to be able to develop their independence and make sure they had fulfilling and meaningful lives. One member of staff commented, “We promote independence for all. Even things that seem small can be a big achievement for the person.”

People made their own choices and decisions on a day-to-day basis about what they did, what they ate and how they filled their time. Where people were not able to verbally communicate their choices, the staff were able to communicate in different ways to make sure people were able to express their wishes.

Where people lacked the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, decisions were made in their best interests in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act. Records showed how these decisions had been made and who had been involved.