Frequently Asked Questions

Ash Lodge is in Sandwell, Smethwick, just a 15–20 minute drive from Edgbaston, Harborne, Quinton, Bearwood, Oldbury, and Halesowen

Yes, the team at Ash Lodge would be very pleased to show you around. You are welcome to view our home at a time to suit yourself. Residents and other family members enjoy seeing new faces and we are happy to answer your questions. We would request that you call and make an appointment.

The home has 70 residential beds available

Ash Lodge offers general nursing, EMI nursing, respite care, step-down beds, dementia, palliative, residential, and care for adults both under and over 65.

Visiting closing hours are from 07:30- 19:30. If these hours don’t suit you please contact us on 0121 558 9808.

The majority of our rooms are en-suite but not all potential residents require this. We do have a number of toilets/shower rooms and bathrooms in close vicinity to all bedrooms.

Yes. Ash Lodge is a purpose-built nursing care home and there is a passenger lift and stairs to all levels.

The manager, staff and residents look forward to children visiting. We have lots for children to do whilst visiting their relatives; we have the garden, activity boxes, games, etc. Children bring the sunshine into our home.

Ash Lodge values ongoing staff training, team satisfaction, and empowerment. We believe that a strong, well-supported team underpins residents’ quality of life.

We encourage representatives from all religions to visit. It is the resident’s choice whether they join in any services that are delivered.

Yes. It is a legal requirement that all staff undergo DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks before starting employment.

Staff training is very important to us. We have a fully qualified trainer working three days a week to deliver training. All staff have an individual training program.

We have a mixture of male and female carers. Residents have a choice of who delivers their care.

Staffing levels average Nurse, Unit Manager, seniors + 12 care staff in total during the day and a nurse and five care staff during the night. The Manager ensures safe staffing levels and that they match the dependency of our home.

Yes. From nursing to dementia care, activities to concierge, our staff collaborate across roles to deliver personalised care and support.

Yes. We have a great laundry service that operates 7 days a week. Laundry staff are always happy to speak with the residents about any concerns they may have.

This would depend on the dependency, choice and capacity of our residents.

Yes. We recognise special diets and cultural preferences such as vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, gluten free and low salt/sugar. All meals are tailored.

Charges are based on levels of need and duration of stay if choosing Respite Care. Please visit the Financing Care Page or call on 0121 558 9808.

Yes. We accept both Local Authority and privately funded residents.

Yes. Residents are encouraged to bring personal belongings to personalise their rooms and create a feeling of comfort and familiarity

Free Wi-Fi, modern ensuite rooms (majority), a lift, gardens with House of Tranquillity, quiet areas, plus a warm, welcoming atmosphere

Yes. We have portable telephones that can be used in the privacy of the bedrooms.

Each resident has a pre-assessment to understand their individual needs before admission, helping tailor a care package. All discussions are no-obligation.

Yes. Residents help choose menus and are involved via a residents’ committee, including decisions about events and staff interviews

Yes, of course. We welcome visitors and respite guests. Join us for a meal, experience an overnight stay, and plan the bedroom. You will be met by the manager, nurse, care teams, maintenance, laundry and the domestic team giving you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like.

Yes, but we would ask that this is kept in a lockable draw. We have a safe on site that you are more than welcome to use.

Yes. There is a newsagent opposite the home who is more than happy to deliver preferred reading material.

Yes, but we ask that you liaise with the maintenance operative to put pictures up on your behalf.

Yes, but we ask that you liaise with the maintenance operative to put pictures up on your behalf.

Yes. Our residents are encouraged to bring in their own belongings. We have a trained PAT tester who can test the equipment before use.

No. All linens, towels and flannels are provided by the home. There is no need to buy anything, unless the resident has a preference.

We ask a maximum of 3 persons per resident to enable staff to accommodate space,. Numbers can be increased with notice.

Given notice, yes we could accommodate overnight stays.

Yes, every resident has a pre-assessment before coming into our home. Pre-assessments are used to ensure the care needs of the potential resident can be met. This gives you peace of mind to know that when a resident arrives, the care package will meet their individual needs and will be delivered by our qualified team of staff. We do not offer dementia assessment.

Yes. We care for people living with dementia as well as mental health conditions, physical disability, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, acquired brain injury and younger adults over 18.

We emphasise privacy, dignity, and residents’ rights to make choices and participate in their care. Everyone has the right to live with dignity and independence.

Ageing is seen as a natural process, and residents are supported to live life to the fullest through self-determination.

Rigorous assessments and tailored care plans are at the heart of our approach to care. These are delivered with warmth and joy in community settings.

Ash Lodge provides general nursing, EMI nursing (elderly mentally infirm), and step-down bed placements.

Yes. Both adult residents under and over 65 are accommodated with tailored nursing support.

Yes. Including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and mental health conditions.

We are working toward accreditation with the Gold Standards Framework (GSF), a recognised best-practice end-of-life care programme.

Ash Lodge is a specialist in palliative care, working toward implementing the Gold Standards Framework to deliver high-quality end-of-life nursing

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) recognises best practice in end-of-life care and offers accreditation in this area. We are proud to be working towards to this standard.

Families can engage with staff, have open conversations, and receive compassionate support as loved ones approach end-of-life.

We monitored by CQC and strive to maintain high standards through assessment systems and ongoing quality improvements

Yes. We offer respite care, with a minimum stay of two weeks

Yes. Emergency respite is available subject to availability as needed alongside planned short-term stays

Arrange a care needs assessment via a phone call or visit. Staff will determine suitability and availability

Yes. Respite care is accessible via private funding, local authority, and NHS funding, depending on eligibility

The modern, well-appointed facilities, including ensuite rooms, Wi-Fi, communal areas, gardens, and quiet spaces, offer comfort and flexibility suitable for younger adult needs

Yes. Ash Lodge provides care for adults with physical disabilities, including specialist nursing services

Yes. Mental health conditions are part of the care expertise offered, with appropriate nursing strategies. Please be aware that dementia is not considered a mental health condition.

Yes, respite and step-down beds are available regardless of age, supporting short-term care needs