Ipswich care home wins approval of national care inspectors

Company news

Jul 25, 2016

Asterbury Place care home has been given the seal of approval by a national care watchdog, with relatives and residents praising the home’s kind and caring team members, and friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Following an unannounced inspection of the care home on 24th February 2016, Asterbury Place has been given a ‘good’ rating in a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The inspector found that residents were treated with dignity and compassion, and that the experienced team, led by home manager Christine Da Silva, showed commitment to understanding and responding to residents’ needs. The inspector also found that robust staff recruitment processes are in place and appropriate staff training is carried out.

Christine Da Silva, home manager at Asterbury Place, said: “We are all delighted to receive a ‘good’ rating from the CQC. Not only are the CQC’s findings an important benchmark for those looking at future care for loved ones, but they also give existing residents and their families even more confidence in the care services we provide.”

In order to assess service standards at Asterbury Place, the CQC’s inspector spoke with team members, residents and their visiting relatives as well as visiting healthcare professionals. They also reviewed the records and procedures in place at the care home.

The inspector noted that the Asterbury Place team supported residents to maintain their independence around the home. Lifestyle coordinator Lee Oliver plans a range of activities each week based on residents’ interests, such as arts and crafts, games and trips out. There are also themed areas within the home which promote relaxation and reminiscence for residents living with dementia, such as a dressmaker’s area with a traditional sewing machine, an old fashioned pub and a dining area laid out with vintage crockery.

The inspector also praised the quality of food available at Asterbury Place. Head chef Garry Newman prepares an extensive menu of healthy meal choices for residents every day, and always asks for residents’ opinions and ideas for meals to add to the menu. Mealtimes are a lively, sociable occasion and the home is flexible to allow residents to eat and drink whenever they like, whether it’s an early breakfast or a midnight snack.