Aspen Live in Care support people to live independently within the comfort of their own homes. Staff live in with the person they care for. People who receive a service in their own homes include those living with physical support needs and people living with dementia. At the time of our inspection 18 people received care and support in accordance with the regulated activity of personal care.

The inspection took place on 8 March 2017. The provider was given forty eight hours’ notice of the inspection.

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

Staff had a positive and caring attitude about their jobs. People told us that they were happy with the care and support they received. A person said, “Aspen Live in Care do everything really well. There is nothing, in my opinion, Aspen could do better.” A relative said, “Aspen really deliver regarding meeting our needs.” All the staff we spoke with were happy in their work and proud of the job they do.

People received a safe service from Aspen Live In Care. Risks of harm to people had been identified and clear plans and guidelines were in place to minimise these risks.

Staff understood their duty should they suspect abuse was taking place, including the agencies that needed to be notified, such as the local authority safeguarding board or the police.

Staff recruitment procedures were safe. The provider had undertaken appropriate safety checks to ensure that only suitable staff were employed to support people in their own home. They also checked that staff were eligible to work in the UK. Staff received a comprehensive induction and ongoing training, tailored to the needs of the people they supported. There were sufficient numbers of staff who were appropriately trained to meet the needs of the people.

Staff managed the medicines in a safe way and were trained in the safe administration of medicines. Where staff gave people their medicine this was done in a safe way.

Where people did not have the capacity to understand or consent to a decision the provider had followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005). An appropriate assessment of people’s ability to make decisions for themselves had been completed.

People were supported to have enough to eat and drink. People’s dietary support needs were recorded and met by the staff.

People were supported to maintain good health. When people’s health deteriorated staff responded quickly and made sure they contacted the appropriate professionals so people received effective treatment.

People told us the staff were kind and caring and treated people with dignity and respect. A relative said, “They have been beyond my wildest expectations.” People said they received the care and support as detailed in their care plans.

Detailed plans for peoples care were in place, and staff provided the responsive care and support that people needed. People and relatives had been involved in detailing what support was needed.

People knew how to make a complaint. When complaints had been received these had been dealt with quickly and to the satisfaction of the person who made the complaint. Staff knew how to respond to a complaint should one be received. Many compliments had been received about the agency.

The service was managed by a registered manager that had a clear vision and goal for the service. They aimed to keep the service small so they could provide a good standard of care and support for people. They were hands on and made regular checks on the carers living in people’s homes to ensure everyone was happy with the arrangement.

People received a good standard of care and support by a well-ma