Blackbrook House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 55 older people who may also have dementia. Care is provided in two separate units which are located on the same floor level. At the time of our visit there were 45 people living in the service.

The service had a manager in post that was going through the process of becoming registered. They were being supported during this process by the area manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (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.

Staffing numbers were adequate most of the time. However, during the day of inspection we observed people having to wait too long for their meals. The provider had previously provided an action plan in which it was noted that regular audits will be carried out of people’s meal time experiences we were therefore confident that this would not remain an issue.

There were appropriate arrangements in place for medication to be stored and administered safely.

The provider had some systems in place to manage risks but had not covered all of the risks to people with health needs. We recommended the service update people’s risk assessments that are living with diabetes to include the need for them to be monitored when consuming sugary snacks and drinks.

The service was meeting the requirements of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs). Appropriate mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions had been undertaken by relevant professionals. This ensured that the decision was taken in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, DoLs and associated codes of practice.

People had access to healthcare professionals. A choice of food and drink was available that reflected their nutritional needs, and took into account their personal lifestyle preferences or health care needs.

Staff had good relationships with people who used the service and were attentive to their needs. People’s privacy and dignity was respected at all times.

People and their relatives were involved in making decisions about their care and support.

People were treated with kindness and respect by staff who knew them well and who listened to their views and preferences.

People were encouraged to follow their interests and hobbies. They were supported to keep in contact with their family and friends.

Staff were committed to providing good quality dementia care and people living with dementia were supported to lead a fulfilling life as possible.

There was a new manager in post who was enthusiastic and motivated and committed to ensuring people experienced a good quality of life, they encouraged an open culture and led by example. Staff morale was high and they felt that their views were valued.

The management team had systems in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service provided, and to drive improvements where this was required.