Astell Care Centre

Updated 12 June 2024

Date of assessment 18 June – 3 July 2024. Astell Care Centre is a care home registered to provide nursing and personal care for 96 people and at the time of the assessment, 80 people were living at the service. The service is spread over 6 units and provides care to people with complex mental health needs, including those living with dementia and people with physical disabilities. This was a responsive assessment undertaken in response to information received about the care being provided and staffing concerns. We looked at all 33 quality statements. At our last inspection published on 9 May 2023 which was inherited from the previous provider the service was rated requires improvement overall, with a breach of regulation in relation to governance. The service had improved and was no longer in breach of regulations, but there remained some areas for improvement. These included; medicines management, staffing, mealtime experiences, updating care plans and how audits were able to make sustained improvements. The provider acted in response to our feedback, but needed to continue to ensure these improvements were embedded within the service. We found evidence of good outcomes for people. Recruitment was safe and staff were supported. Staff worked well with other healthcare professionals and communication was generally good. The staff were kind and caring and a range of activities took place. The management team were passionate about providing the best possible care to people. The service was generally, clean and tidy and followed infection control procedures. New flooring was required in parts of the building. This was being addressed as part of the redecoration programme and actions plans in place.

Updated 12 June 2024

People felt safe and well cared for at the service and were treated in a kind and compassionate manner. People told us they received their medicines on time with no issues noted. People said the food and drinks they received were adequate. People generally thought there was enough staff, and the staff team were kind and very caring. One relative said, “It is all the same regular team, they know my [person] so well; it is amazing. It is really good and comforting. They have a lovely relationship with [person]” People and relatives felt safe. They also thought the building was safe, but in need of decoration in places, including flooring to be replaced. One person said, “The place is a bit outdated, but they are working on it.” People and relatives told us they were asked for consent and were able to make their wishes for care and treatment known. One person said, “Yes I have made my wishes known and they act on this.” People told us they received person-centred care. They said the activity staff were very good and they were able to take part in activities they liked if they wanted to. People said the culture at the service was good. People said staff respected their dignity and privacy. One person said, “They knock on my bedroom door and yes, they treat me as an individual.”