Dementia
Nursing
Respite
Bus Stop
Local Pub
Nearby Shops
Train Station
Berkshire
,
South East England
The diverse activity programme at Austen House, curated by the dedicated activity coordinator, encourages residents to explore new interests and continue enjoying their favourite pastimes. From engaging board games to delightful cheese and wine gatherings, every day brings a new experience at the charming Austen House in Berkshire.
Pros:
- Positive Resident and Family Feedback (Generally): Many reviews on platforms like Carehome.co.uk (where it has a 9.7 overall score) are very positive, praising the kindness, professionalism, and attentiveness of the staff. Families often feel listened to and appreciate the communication. Residents have commented positively on the food and facilities.
- Comprehensive Care Services: Austen House provides nursing, dementia (in a specialized Memory Lane Community), and respite care. They also offer services for younger adults and support for conditions like stroke, young onset dementia, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments.
- Purpose-Built Facilities: The home is purpose-built and set in a semi-rural location with landscaped gardens, including a vegetable plot and fountains. Facilities include a hair salon, communal areas (lounges, dining rooms), a bar, and a spa bath. Bedrooms are single and mostly en-suite, with electric profiling beds.
- Engaging Activities Program: The home has an activities program planned with individual tastes in mind, encouraging residents to try new things and enjoy hobbies. Examples include board games, cheese and wine events, and reminisce sessions.
- On-site Nursing Care: The availability of 24-hour nursing care is a key service for residents with complex medical needs.
- Digital Care Planning: The home uses handheld digital technology for care planning and documentation, which they state improves communication, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Part of a Large Group: Austen House is part of Barchester Healthcare, a large care home group with multiple homes and resources.
Cons:
- 'Requires Improvement' CQC Rating (October 2022): The most recent CQC inspection report (October 2022) rated Austen House as 'Requires Improvement' overall. Specific domains rated as 'Requires Improvement' were Safe, Effective, and Well-led. Caring and Responsive were rated as 'Good'. This indicates areas where standards were not being met at the time of the inspection.
- Specific CQC Concerns (October 2022 Report): The October 2022 CQC report noted concerns regarding medicines not always being managed safely, insufficient staffing levels to safely meet needs, fire safety risks not being addressed, inadequate recording of incidents/accidents, issues with supporting people to have maximum choice and control (Mental Capacity Act), and the provider not ensuring systems were embedded for compliance with fundamental standards. The duty of candour was also not always followed.
- Age of CQC Report: The last comprehensive CQC inspection report is from October 2022. While the CQC continues to monitor, a more recent report would provide a more up-to-date picture of the home's performance across all areas, particularly given the 'Requires Improvement' rating.
- Some Negative Feedback in Reviews: While the majority of reviews are positive, some comments mention issues such as inconsistencies in care, clothes going missing, and concerns about communication or specific incidents, echoing some of the points raised in the CQC report.
- Pricing Requires Inquiry: Specific pricing details beyond a starting rate (from around £1,566 - £2,192+ per week, subject to assessment) are not readily available online. The final cost depends on individual care needs and room choice, requiring direct inquiry.
- En-suite Discrepancy: One source (HousingCare.org) states 73 out of 79 rooms are en-suite, while another (Lottie) states 91% en-suite facilities. This slight discrepancy might warrant clarification.
In Conclusion:
Austen House Care Home offers a range of care services in a purpose-built environment with appealing facilities and a generally positive atmosphere, as reflected in many resident and family reviews. The availability of on-site nursing care and a dedicated dementia unit are important services.
However, the overall 'Requires Improvement' rating from the CQC in October 2022, particularly concerning safety, effectiveness, and leadership, is a significant concern. While the home states it has an action plan and is making improvements, potential residents and their families must carefully consider the issues raised by the regulator.
It is essential to review the full CQC report, discuss the findings and the actions being taken to address them directly with the home's management, and ideally visit the home to assess the current environment and care practices firsthand before making a decision.
