About the service: Ayletts provides care for up to 27 people. The people who use the service are older people, some of whom may have dementia related needs. On the day of inspection there were 19 people using the service.

People’s experience of using this service:

The environment had recently been decorated. We have made a recommendation about improving the environment for people living with dementia.

Systems and processes were in place to keep people safe and risks associated with people's care needs had been assessed. There were sufficient staff to meet people's needs and recruitment processes and procedures were robust. Medicines were managed safely.

Staff received appropriate induction, training and supervision to provide safe and effective care. The manager worked in partnership with other organisations to support people's needs. People's nutritional and healthcare needs were met. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff respected people privacy and dignity and encouraged people to remain independent. A concern had been identified on the day of inspection about people not being responded to appropriately at night. The manager had taken appropriate action and had started an investigation.

People and relatives could express their views about the running of the home. Complaints and concerns were managed appropriately and outcomes were actioned. People and relatives knew how to make a complaint. A range of activities were available for people to take part in.

Staff said the manager was approachable and listened. There was evidence of effective checks being carried out to assess and monitor the quality of the service provided.

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published 13 August 2016).

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. The service remained rated Good overall.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.

This inspection took place on the 3rd of May 2016 and was unannounced. This meant the staff and provider did not know we would be visiting.

Ayletts House provides care and accommodation for up to 27 older people with care needs. On the day of our inspection there were 16 people using the service.

The registered manager was 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.

Accidents and incidents were appropriately recorded and investigated, and risk assessments were in place for people who used the service

Staff had been trained in how to safeguard vulnerable adults and was able to describe potential risks and the safeguards in place.

People lived in an environment that met their needs and they were provided with the food they enjoyed. Premises were properly maintained with a clean, bright and inviting environment. All living areas were clean and well looked after.

There were sufficient numbers of staff on duty in order to meet the needs of people who used the service.

We saw that people had developed caring relationships with the staff that supported them. Relatives told us that there was a positive atmosphere in the provider and people were encouraged to take part in tasks around the provider if they wanted. We found that people’s independence was promoted.

The registered provider was working within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and was following the requirements in the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Staff treated people with dignity and respect and helped to maintain people's independence by

encouraging them to care for themselves where possible.

Staff were appropriately trained and skilled and provided care in a safe environment. They all received a thorough induction and fully understood their roles and responsibilities, as well as the values and philosophy of the service. Staff had completed extensive training to help them to provide care to people who use the service was safe and effective to meet their needs.

People had their needs and requests responded to promptly. People told us that there was enough staff to meet people’s care needs.

Medication was managed safely. Staff members clear and understood their responsibilities. The Registered Manager conducted regular audits and improvements were carried out when these had been identified. The quality was monitored and assessed consistently.

Activities were arranged for people who used the service based on their likes and interests and to help meet their social needs.

People who used the service, family members and visitors were made aware of how to make a complaint and there was an effective complaints policy and procedure in place.

The service regularly used community services and facilities and had links with the local community. People who used the service, family members and staff were regularly consulted about the quality of the service they received.

Each person was noted to have a support plan in place detailing their specific care needs and how they were to be supported by staff. Records showed that people who use the service were supported to maintain their healthcare needs. People told us they liked living at Ayletts and found the staff to be kind and caring. People we spoke with said they were happy with the way the service managed their medicines.

The atmosphere within the service was calm and relaxed and staff interactions with people who lived there were noted to be positive. Staff were able to demonstrate a good understanding of people’s care and support needs.

Records showed that the provider had an effective recruitment and selection process in place and this involved all relevant checks being carried out prior to the member of staff commencing employment at Ayletts.

There was an effective complaints system available. Comments and complaints people made were responded to appropriately.

The people we spoke with who live at Ayletts were all very positive about their experiences.

People confirmed that staff were supportive and helpful. One person told us that the staff were "Very attentive and efficient. They go out of their way to help."

People confirmed that they felt safe and that staff were gentle in their approach.

People felt the choice and quality of the meals were very good. People were aware of the range of alternatives available if they did not choose something from the daily menu. One person said that they could always change their choice of meal and it was always accommodated with.

People told us their rooms were comfortable and had been furnished with their own personal possessions. They were proud of the newly decorated areas and stated they were involved in some of the decretive choices made.

One person told us they had no concerns about the care and support their relative was receiving. They said everything was very good and the family were kept informed if there were any changes they needed to be made aware of.