This inspection took place on 18 and 21 and 23 May 2018 and was announced. The inspection was undertaken by one inspector.

Bridgewater Care provides personal care services to people living in their own houses and flats. It provides a service to adults, people living with dementia, mental health needs and adults with a physical disability and sensory impairment. Not everyone using Bridgewater Care receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.

At the time of our inspection the service provided personal care to 23 people, the majority of whom required help to maintain their independence at home.

There was a registered manager in place. 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.

This was the first inspection of this service since it was registered.

People received care from staff that were kind and who had a caring approach. People we spoke with told us they were positive about the support they received from the service and told us they felt safe.

Staff received training in how to recognise and report abuse. All staff were clear about how to report any concerns.

The service was flexible and responded to people's changing needs. People told us they were able to request their visits at agreed times. People and their relatives spoke very highly of staff and the registered manager’s approach to responding to changing needs and requests.

The registered provider had a system in place to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed. Staff received training to administer medicines safely.

People received person centred care from staff who had the right knowledge and skills to meet their needs. Staff were supported to carry out their roles.

People's needs were assessed and their care was planned to maintain their safety, health and wellbeing. Staff supported people to maintain their independence where possible.

There were systems in place to monitor incidents and accidents.

Staff treated people with dignity and respect and asked for people’s consent before providing care.

Staff told us there was good communication with the management of the service and they felt supported.

The provider had a process in place to enable them to respond to changes in people's needs and any concerns. Staff told us they would respond to any concerns and seek advice from healthcare professionals where necessary.

Staff were knowledgeable about people's needs. Staff were aware of people's preferences and interests, as well as their health and support needs, which enabled them to provide a personalised service. Staff treated people with dignity and respect.

The provider had processes in place to monitor the delivery of the service. People's views were obtained through surveys, one-to-one meetings and meetings with people's families. People and their relatives told us the service was well managed and told us the registered manager would respond to any concerns.

The management team were proactive in identifying continuous learning to drive improvements within the service.