Ash Cottage

Ash Cottage, in Lancashire, is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to 24 older people, including those living with dementia. At the time of the assessment, 12 people were living there. The CQC rated the service Requires Improvement overall, with safety rated Inadequate.

Inspectors found risks were poorly managed, including choking risks from inappropriate diets, unsafe medicines handling, and unresolved fire safety and environmental concerns. Care planning lacked family involvement, activities were not person-centred, and some staff lacked kindness and dignity in their interactions. Governance was weak, with audits failing to identify or act on problems, and the provider was found in breach of several regulations.

Many relatives, however, praised the staff and felt their family members were safe and well cared for.