This unannounced inspection took place on 11 February 2017.

Castleman House is registered to provide residential care for up to 48 older people. There were 42 people living in the home at the time of our visit, some of whom were living with dementia as well as other conditions such as a brain injury and on going mental health needs. The home was organised into five areas known within the home as cottages. Each cottage had a communal area with a small kitchen. There was also a large communal area used when people got together for events or large group activities.

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.

People felt safe and well cared for. They were protected from harm because staff understood how to reduce the risks people faced. They also knew how to identify and respond to abuse and said they would be confident to do so.

People had support and care when they needed it from staff who had been safely recruited and understood their needs. Staff were consistent in their knowledge of people’s care needs and spoke confidently about the support people needed to meet these needs. They told us they felt supported in their roles and had taken training that provided them with the necessary knowledge and skills.

People told us they saw health care professionals when necessary. Records and feedback from a healthcare professional reflected that staff responded appropriately to both on going healthcare needs and health emergencies. People received their medicines as they were prescribed.

Staff understood how people consented to the care they provided and encouraged people to make decisions about their lives. Care plans and practice reflected the framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards had been applied for when people needed to live in the home to be cared for safely but did not have the mental capacity to consent to this.

People were able to take part in activities that reflected their preferences, including individual and group activities. Activities and events were planned by people and staff.

Everyone described the food as good and there were systems in place to ensure people had enough to eat and drink. When people needed particular diets or support to eat and drink safely this was in place and care was taken to ensure that this food was appetising.

Quality assurance had led to improvements being made and people, visitors and staff were invited to contribute their views to this process. Staff, relatives and people spoke positively about the management and staff team as a whole.

People were positive about the care and kindness they received from the staff of Castleman House. Staff were cheerful and treated people and visitors with respect and kindness throughout our inspection.