Tipperary nursing home residents describe staff as 'angels' during HIQA inspection
A HIQA inspection of Acorn Lodge nursing home, carried out in March of this year was recently published online.
An inspection of Acorn Lodge, located in Cashel, was recently carried out by Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), in March of this year. The result of this report have been released this week.
Acorn Lodge is a single storey, purpose built centre established in 2001 , the centre is registered to accommodate 50 residents both male and female. The aim of the centre is to provide person centred care and services to residents, and caters for residents of all dependencies.
Inspectors found residents receiving a high standard of care during a HIQA inspection, with staff praised for their kindness, responsiveness and personal approach.
Over the course of the inspection, inspectors spoke with 14 residents and one visitor, all of whom were highly complimentary of the nursing home, its staff and the quality of care provided. Residents described staff as "angels" and "lovely", saying they felt safe in the centre and were free to choose how they spent their day.
Inspectors observed warm, respectful interactions between staff and residents throughout the inspection, with no delays in responding to residents requests or care needs.
The 50 bedroom centre was found to be clean, comfortable and personalised, with each single en suite bedroom containing residents own photographs, artwork and personal belongings. Specialist equipment, including pressure relieving mattresses, cushions and falls prevention aids, was available where required.
Residents also had easy access to secure, well maintained gardens featuring raised flower beds, seating areas and decorative ornaments. Staff told inspectors residents were encouraged to make use of the outdoor spaces.
The dining experience received particularly positive feedback, with residents praising the home cooked meals and the variety of food on offer. Inspectors noted that two main meal options were available each day, while homemade scones were served between meals.
Residents also expressed satisfaction with the centre's laundry service.
Inspectors found there was a varied activities programme catering to different interests, including seated exercise classes, music sessions, dog therapy, games and mindfulness.
Residents who preferred quieter pursuits had access to books, newspapers, radios, televisions and the internet. During the inspection, residents were observed enjoying a film in the drawing room.
Residents said they felt comfortable raising any concerns with staff and confirmed they were regularly consulted through residents meetings and satisfaction surveys. Information on advocacy and safeguarding services was clearly displayed throughout the centre.
Inspectors also found staffing levels and the skill mix to be appropriate, with residents receiving assistance promptly, including during mealtimes.
Staff training was up to date across all mandatory areas, including fire safety, safeguarding, manual handling and infection prevention and control, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of the procedures.
HIQA found robust management systems were in place to monitor the quality and safety of care. A comprehensive programme of audits covered areas including infection control, falls, medication management and care planning, with findings used to drive continuous improvements. The annual review outlined completed improvements during 2025 and plans for further developments in 2026.
The centre performed strongly in the inspection, with all regulations found to be compliant except one, which was assessed as substantially compliant.