Astor Lodge

Updated 13 February 2025

Date of assessment: 11 March 2025 to 20 March 2025. Astor Lodge is a care home providing accommodation with personal and nursing care to younger adults, older people, and people who may live with dementia. The service provided permanent care and rehabilitation to people discharged from hospital, to help prepare them to return home. The service can accommodate up to 29 people, at the time of our visit 28 people were using the service. A registered manager was in post. At our last inspection we identified a breach of legal regulation in relation to staffing, as a system of supervision and appraisal was not in place for staff. At this inspection improvements had been made, and the service was no longer in breach of legal regulations. However, other improvements were required to staff deployment, activities and entertainment, and care records to ensure people received safe and person-centred care. Risks to people had been assessed and care plans were in place to help mitigate risks as far as possible. We advised care plans should contain person-centred guidance for staff on how people were to be supported so consistent care was provided. Accidents and incidents were investigated, action taken, and lessons learned. There were sufficient trained staff who worked with other professionals to ensure people's needs were met in a safe way. However, as staff were busy, people were not always engaged and, if they wished occupied with activities, and they did not always receive timely care. People received a varied and nutritious diet. Staff spoke positively about working at the service, management and the people they cared for. They were attentive and treated people with kindness and compassion. People, relatives and staff were regularly consulted and asked to give their feedback about service provision. A mostly effective governance system was in place, however we advised some improvements to include more frequent audits, to ensure and maintain the quality of service provision.

Updated 13 February 2025

People and relatives were complimentary about the care provided by staff. Their comments included, “Staff are so kind, they are so gentle, they do not hurt [Name] as they move them”, “Staff are helpful and obliging” and “It is kindness from staff, all the way.” People told us they felt safe, staff knew them well and they felt confident to raise any concerns. Comments included, “I have every confidence in the staff”, “I am safe and comfortable” and “It is 100% safe here, no hazards.” There were enough competent staff to meet people’s needs safely. However, as staff were busy, they did not have time to interact with people, except when they provided care, and some people told us they had to wait for assistance. Peoples’ comments included, “I use the buzzer, I do not always wait long for staff to come”, “It depends what staff are doing, how long I wait” and “They are short staffed and pushed most of the time, it is not the staff’s fault.” Staff treated people with kindness. Some people told us activities and entertainment were usually available. Their comments included, “[Name] does some activities, but they have been a bit bored” and, “Singers come in.” People received a varied diet. Where people were at risk of poor nutrition/hydration their intake was monitored. People and relative’s comments included, “[Name] had a little roast dinner it smelt delicious”, “The food is good, it is homemade” and “I cannot eat meat. They [staff] have bent over backwards, and I have salads, very, very nice.” People told us they were listened to; they were supported to make choices and were involved in decision making about their care and support. A person commented, “Staff do what they can to support me, they do listen to me.” People were supported to maintain their independence and positive risk taking was promoted. People’s comments included, “Physiotherapy has been helpful" and “It has been very positive being here, I am going home, staff have helped me to walk again."