Delves Court is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Delves Court Care Home accommodates 64 older people across three separate units. At the time of our inspection there were 40 people living at the home.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of 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 continued to receive care in ways which helped them to remain as safe as possible. Staff understood risks to people’s safety and supported people receive their prescribed medicines safely. Staff understood the need for good infection control to keep people safe from cross contamination. All staff had been subject to employment background checks before being able to work in the home. There was enough staff to provide support to people to meet their needs.

Staff received training which matched the needs of people who lived at the home, so they would develop the skills and knowledge to care for them. People made day to day decisions about their care and staff used their skills to make sure people were agreeing to the care offered to them. People were supported by staff if they needed help making key decisions about their life. People were cared for so they had enough to eat and drink and their food preferences were met. Staff supported people to see health professionals so they would remain well.

People liked and enjoyed spending time with the staff that cared for them and were treated with dignity and respect. Staff spoke warmly about the people they cared for and encouraged them to make their own day to day decisions and maintain their independence. People were treated with respect and dignity.

People's care was planned in ways which reflected their preferences and wishes. Relatives’ and health and social care professionals’ views and suggestions were taken into account when people’s care was planned. People, relatives and staff were confident if any complaints were made these would be addressed. Systems were in place to manage complaints.

People were encouraged to stay active. The provider had a comprehensive activities and entertainment programme for people to join in and enjoy.

People, their relatives and staff were encouraged to make suggestions to develop the care they received further through open communication with the senior management team.

People knew and liked the registered manager. Staff spoke positively about working at the home and understood their role within the team. Staff felt able to seek help and guidance as well as contribute ideas to care planning. Regular reviews of people’s care ensured people’s care planning was timely and up to date. The registered manager reviewed and updated people’s care regularly and sought advice and guidance to improve the care people received.