About the service: The service provides care to people living in specialist ‘extra care’ housing. Extra care housing is purpose built or adapted single household accommodation in a shared site or building. The accommodation is rented and is the occupant’s own home. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for extra care housing; this inspection looked at people’s personal care service. At the time of our inspection, 20 people were receiving a regulated activity.

People’s experience of using this service:

People felt safe using the service and were satisfied with the support they received from staff. Staff were kind and caring and treated people with dignity and respect. People's independence was promoted and, where possible, they were encouraged to do as much as they could for themselves.

People received their prescribed medicines by trained staff, however some improvements were required to ensure the safe management of medicines. We have made a recommendation about the safe management of medicines.

Care plans and risk management plans were in place and were reviewed regularly.

Recruitment procedures were safe. Staff had been recruited following relevant checks being completed.

Staff received the required training to develop their skills and knowledge. Staff were well supported and worked effectively as a team.

People were supported to maintain good health and access health care professionals. Where appropriate, referrals to health care professionals were made and recommendations were followed by staff. Where required, people were supported with their nutritional needs.

People were consulted over their care and support needs and were actively encouraged to make decisions for themselves.

People had access to a range of social activities to take part in if they wished.

People, their relatives and professionals spoke positively about the staff team at Dobson House.

Systems were in place to check the safety and monitor the quality of the service.

Rating at last inspection: This is the first inspection of the service since registration with CQC.

Why we inspected: This was a planned comprehensive inspection of the service.

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.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk