A care home looking after 89 people with dementia or nursing needs has improved standards after a damning report and gained a “good” rating in its latest inspection.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an assessment of Ashley Gardens Care Centre in Sutton Road, Maidstone in March and April and has just published its findings.

It rated the care home “good” in every category and reported that residents said they enjoyed living at Ashley Gardens and felt safe being supported by staff who knew them well.

The previous CQC inspection in January 2023 had rated the care home overall as “requires improvement” and had rated it “inadequate” in the “safety” category. It had also found three breaches of legal requirements.

The report back then cited concerns over abuse and improper treatment, medicines, falls and choking risks and the level of staffing.

However, this time around, inspectors found that all the previous areas of concern had been properly addressed.

The report said: “Risk assessments were more comprehensive, staffing levels had improved, medicines were well managed, accidents and incidents had been reported and investigated and audit processes were robust.”

It continued: “People told us they had been involved in developing and reviewing their care records and were supported to do as much from themselves as possible.

“We observed people being supported by staff that were friendly and respectful while promoting people’s privacy and dignity.

“Drink stations were sited around the service with a supply of freshly baked cakes that were available to people.

“Health and medication was managed safely by staff who had been trained and followed their care plans.

“The service was clean and tidy and the building was well maintained.”

Ths new rating is a testament to our dedication

The care home is managed by Healthcare Homes.

The home manager Amabele Cheng said: “I am immensely proud of the team at Ashley Gardens for achieving this amazing recognition from the Care Quality Commission.

“This new rating is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional care, and creating a supportive environment where residents can thrive.

“Having joined the home only recently, I feel doubly proud that I can go forward in the knowledge that the team beside me always strives for improvement and takes pride in everything they do."

Healthcare Homes runs 48 care homes across 16 counties in England, but Ashley Gardens is the only one in Kent.