Abbey Lodge - Coulsdon is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. Abbey Lodge - Coulsdon does not provide nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The service supports up to nine people with mental health issues. There were nine people using the service at the time of our inspection. This was our first inspection of the service since they registered with us in November 2017.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The provider managed risks relating to people’s care, including their mental health needs, through suitable risk assessment processes.

People were protected from abuse and improper treatment as the provider trained staff to understand how to safeguard people and staff were aware of their responsibilities. People’s risk of discrimination was reduced in relation to gender reassignment and sexual orientation and the provider trained staff to understand equality and diversity.

The provider checked staff were suitable to work with people and there were sufficient numbers of staff deployed to work with people.

People’s medicines were managed safely and processes were in place to check people received their medicines as prescribed.

The premises were maintained safely with a range of health and safety checks and the premises and met people’s support needs.

The provider trained staff to understand people’s needs and staff were supported with suitable induction and supervision.

People’s care needs were assessed though consultation with people and the professionals involved in people’s care. The provider created care plans to meet people’s assessed needs and preferences. People’s care plans reflected their physical, mental, emotional and social needs, their personal history, individual preferences and interests.

The registered manager and staff understood the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and people received care in line with the Act. The provider applied to deprive some people of their liberty as part of keeping them safe.

People were positive about the food they received and food was provided according to people’s choices. People were supported with their day to day health needs and to access professionals they needed to maintain their mental and physical health.

Staff knew people well and developed positive relationships with them. Staff treated people with dignity and respected their right to privacy. People were involved in decisions about their care.

People were supported to maintain and build their independent daily living skills and the provider encouraged people to do voluntary or paid work where possible.

People were provided with activities they were interested in and told us they had enough to occupy themselves. People were supported to maintain and develop relationships to reduce social isolation.

The provider had a process in place to respond to concerns and complaints. Records relating to people and the management of the service were accurate and well maintained.

The service was well-led by a competent and experienced registered manager and leadership was visible across the service. The provider had good governance systems in place to check the quality of the service and to gather feedback from people, staff and professionals. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities.