This inspection took place on 9 and 15 June 2017 and was unannounced.

Aspen Lodge Residential Care Home provides accommodation and personal care to a maximum of 25 older people, some of whom may have dementia, mental health conditions or physical disabilities. There were 21 people living at the home when we visited.

A registered manager was in post and present during 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.

People's rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) were not always promoted. Significant decisions about people's care were not always reached and recorded in line with the requirements of the MCA.

The provider had taken steps to protect people from harm and abuse. Staff had received training in, and understood, how to recognise and report abuse. The risks associated with people's care and support had been assessed, managed and kept under review. The management team assessed and organised their staffing requirements to ensure people's individual needs could be met safely. People were supported to take their medicines safely and as prescribed by trained staff.

People were supported by staff who had the knowledge and skills to fulfil their duties and responsibilities. Staff received ongoing training, supervision and support. People had enough to eat and drink and were encouraged to make choices about what they ate and drank. People were supported to access a range of healthcare services.

Staff adopted a caring approach towards their work, and knew people well. People's involvement in decisions that affected them was actively encouraged. People's rights to privacy and dignity were understood and promoted.

People received personalised care and support. Care plans included details of people's personal histories and preferences, and staff referred to these. People and their relatives knew how to complain to the provider about the service provided.

The management team promoted an inclusive and open culture within the service. People, their relatives and staff had confidence in the management team. Staff felt well supported and were clear what was expected of them. The provider carried out quality assurance activities to identify and address areas for improvement within the service.