This was an announced inspection carried out on the 11 and 20 December 2018. This was the first inspection of the service since registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in May 2017.

Abbeyfield House offers supported living to older people wanting to retain their independence whilst still being part of a social and active community. The service provides two levels of support, Care at Home Stockport, which provides support with personal care and medication and High Lane, which provides more social support and help with cleaning. Not everyone living at Abbeyfield House receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’. Where they do we also consider any wider social care provided.

Accommodation comprises of two two-bedroom flats, 19 en-suite flats and one studio flat. People also have access to a communal lounge and dining room and kitchen, where all meals are provided. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. At the time of the inspection there were 10 people receiving care and support from the service. Hours of support varied depending on the individual needs of people. The provider was also looking to expand the service providing care and support to people in the local and wider community.

The service had a manager who was registered with the CQC. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the CQC 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 management team had clear oversight of the service. Opportunities had been provided for people and their relatives to comment on their experiences. Information gathered was to be consolidated to inform the services business improvement plan.

We found the system for managing and administering prescribed medicines was safe.

Suitable arrangements were in place to help safeguard people from abuse. Guidance and training was provided for staff on identifying and responding to the signs and allegations of abuse. Staff were able to demonstrate their understanding and were aware of their responsibilities in ensuring people were protected from the risk of abuse.

Appropriate fire and environmental risk assessments had been completed for the communal areas to promote the safety of people who used the service, members of staff and visitors. Risks were also assessed in relation to general safety issues within people's own homes. Procedures were in place to deal with any emergency that could affect the provision of care.

We found sufficient suitably trained staff, who were safely recruited, were employed to ensure people received the support they required. We saw that staff received the essential training and support necessary to enable them to do their job effectively and be able to care and support people safely.

Staff received on-going training, development and support. This helped to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific needs of people who used the service.

Care records provided good information to direct staff in the support people wanted and needed. Where risks had been identified, plans had been put in place to help protect people. Records were stored securely ensuring confidentiality was maintained.

People were consulted and consented to their care and support. Where people needed help to make decisions, relevant lawful authorisations were in place. This helped to ensure people’s rights were protected

People were provided with healthy and nutritious food. People had access to healthcare agencies so that they received the care and treatment they needed.

People told us they considered staff were kind, had a caring attitude and felt they had the right skills and knowledge to care for them safely and properly. People