This unannounced comprehensive inspection took place on 07 and 08 January 2019. The inspection was undertaken by one adult social care inspector. At the time of the inspection, there were 28 people living at the home.

Ashwood Residential Care Home is registered to provide personal care and support for 36 people. It is situated in the centre of Ashton-in- Makerfield close to all local amenities including shops and bus routes. Accommodation is provided over two floors with lift access to the first floor.

At our last inspection in January 2016 we rated the service good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

People told us they felt safe living at the home and were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible, which we observed during the inspection; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

There were sufficient staff available to ensure people's wellbeing, safety and security was protected. An appropriate recruitment and selection process was in place which ensured new staff had the right skills and were suitable to work with people living in the home.

Staff had a good understanding of systems in place to manage medicines and safeguarding matters.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and audited to identify any trends or re-occurrences. The home had been responsive in referring people to other services when there were concerns about their health. Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people's health conditions.

The provider learned from comments received from people and their relatives and used them to improve the service.

Risk assessments were in place for a number of areas and were regularly updated.

The service worked in partnership with other professionals and agencies to meet people's care needs.

Feedback received from people who used the service and their relatives was overwhelmingly positive and people were encouraged to contribute their views. People were positive about the staff who supported them and told us they liked the staff and were treated with dignity and kindness.

People were satisfied with the food provided at the home and the support they received in relation to nutrition and hydration. Mealtimes were unrushed and calm and dining tables were nicely presented.

There was an open and transparent culture and encouragement for people to provide feedback.

People told us they were aware of how to make a complaint and were confident they could express any concerns and these would be addressed.

Staff told us they enjoyed working for the organisation and spoke positively about the culture and management of the service. They also told us that they were encouraged to openly discuss any issues.

There was a homely atmosphere and due consideration was given to the needs of people with dementia. Extensive links to the local community had ben made.

Audit and governance systems were in place and operated effectively and statutory notifications were sent to CQC appropriately.

There was an up to date certificate of registration with CQC and insurance certificates on display as required. We saw the last CQC report was also displayed in the premises as per legal requirements.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.