Epworth Grange is owned by a national company called Methodist Homes. It is situated near a main road in a residential area approximately one mile from Bury town centre and is close to bus stops and local shops. It is a detached purpose built home set in its own grounds with gardens. There is car parking to the front of the building. The home is divided into five wings and is registered for a maximum of 41 people.

A registered manager was in place. 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.

At the last inspection the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

This inspection visit took place on 14 September 2017 and was unannounced.

During this inspection comments from people who lived at Epworth Grange demonstrated people were satisfied with their care. The management team and staff were clear about their roles and responsibilities. One person who lived at the home said, “The staff are really good and look after us very well.”

Records we looked at indicated staff had received safeguarding from abuse training. Staff we spoke with told us they were aware of the safeguarding procedure and knew what to do should they witness any abusive actions at the home.

People who lived at Epworth Grange told us they had choices of meals and there were always alternatives if they didn’t like what was on the menu. We observed at lunchtime people who required support were attended to in a sensitive manner. One person said about the quality of food, “The food is really good [cook] is an excellent baker.”

People who lived at the home had access to healthcare professionals and their healthcare needs were met. We saw the service had responded promptly when people had experienced health problems.

The management team had sufficient staffing levels in place to provide support people needed. We found by our observations staff members could undertake tasks supporting people without feeling rushed. This was confirmed from our discussions with staff members.

Medicines were stored in a clean and secure environment. We observed staff followed correct procedures when they administered medication and fully completed records.

The service had safe infection control procedures in place and staff had received infection control training. Staff wore protective clothing such as gloves and aprons when needed. This reduced the risk of cross infection. The management team also had an ‘infection control champion’. This was a staff member responsible for keeping staff up to date with the latest legislation and any guidance that came out for residential homes.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff support them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service support this practice.

We found from checking documentation and discussion with staff people were recruited safely. They also received ongoing training and, were supported by the management team. They had the skills, knowledge and experience required to support people in their care.

We looked around the building and found it had been maintained, was clean and hygienic and a safe place for people to live. We found equipment had been serviced and maintained as required.

Risk assessments had been developed to minimise the potential risk of harm to people during the delivery of their care. Care records showed they were reviewed and any changes were recorded

People who lived at the home told us staff were all caring, kind and respectful. This was evident by comments we received from people who lived at the home and visitors.

Staff knew people they supported and provided a personalised service in a c

During our inspection visit we spoke to five people who lived at the Epworth Grange. They spoke positively about the care and support they received. They commented “It’s super. Five star!” “It is an excellent place” and “I can’t grumble because I have nothing to grumble about”.

Everyone appeared well cared for, wearing well laundered clothes and their hair brushed. Interactions between staff and people living at the home were frequent, friendly and polite. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. People we spoke with told us that staff members were “supportive and helpful” and “everything was done to time and how it should be done”.

Everyone we spoke with said that they were happy with the food and that it was "very good". One person commented “The chefs are very good and are always ready to oblige if I want anything”.

There was a member of the domestic staff on duty every day. We saw that the home was clean and tidy and no malodours were detected.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines.

There was enough equipment to promote the independence and comfort of people who use the service.

We spoke with three people who lived at the home and a visiting relative. One person living there told us "everybody is lovely". Another said that they were "very happy" there.

The relative told us they were "very impressed" and thought Epworth Grange was an “absolutely wonderful home”.

We looked at three peoples' care records. We saw that people and their families were involved in planning the care and support they needed. Care plans were regularly reviewed and were person centred. They took account of peoples' individual needs and choices.

We found that effective processes were in place to ensure people were asked for their consent to care and treatment.

We saw that there were opportunities for people and, where appropriate, their relatives to express their views about the service. People had choices about where and how they spent their days. They were encouraged to pursue their own interests and a wide range of activities were available if they wished to participate.

The home was well maintained and furnished throughout. The design and layout of the premises were fit for purpose to safely meet the needs of people receiving care there. Procedures were in place to identify and address risks to safety.

There were sufficient staff on duty to meet peoples' care and support needs.

Epworth Grange had a clear procedure in place for dealing with complaints.

We visited Epworth Grange on the 17 of January 2012. The people that we spoke with told us that they though they were well care for and that they thought that staff met their needs. One person told us "I like the church services in the home. I have always gone to church".

We also heard "It's very comfortable here" and " The staff are very nice". One person told us " The food is very good. If I don’t like something they will bring something else for me". Another person said " I am treated with respect and you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to".

We also spoke with two relatives who were visiting. They told us "We are very impressed by this home. The care is excellent and the activity co-ordinator is very good. There is always something going on". Another visiting person told us "This is the care home where I want to live when I am older".

This inspection took place on 21, 22 and 27 July 2015 and was unannounced. We had previously carried out an inspection on 25 January 2014 when we found the service had complied with all the regulations we reviewed.

Epworth Grange is owned by a national company called Methodist Homes. It is situated near a main road in a residential area approximately one mile from Bury town centre and is close to bus stops and local shops. It is a detached purpose built home set in its own grounds with gardens. There is car parking to the front of the building. The home is divided into five wings and is registered for a maximum of 41 people who require support to meet their personal needs.

The service had a manager who was registered with us. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People who used the service said, "I feel safe. I've only ever seen a little bit of a shmozzle between two residents", "I think the place is good. I'm quite happy. I feel safe here" and “I definitely feel safe here. There’s nothing to worry about in that way.”

Staff had received safeguarding vulnerable adults training and knew what action they must take if they witnessed abuse or poor practice.

The service had a robust recruitment and selection process to protect vulnerable people from staff who were unsuitable.

There were sufficient staff available to support people safely and effectively. The home also had a volunteer co-ordinator and a team of twenty eight volunteers worked alongside carers and the activities co-ordinator.

Effective systems were in replace in relation to the medication practices and prevention and control of infection. The home was clean, tidy and well maintained. The gardens were user friendly, well-kept and included raised beds which enabled people who used the service to garden if they so wish.

The food served was home cooked and appetising. People told us that, "The food is quite good. There's lots of choice", "They like you to eat your food because it is good for you. You have a choice of two meals at lunch and in the evenings” and “We eat well. The food is very good"

Relationships between people who used the service and staff were very warm and respectful. There was a good deal of reassuring tactile contact and conversation. People who used the service we spoke with were highly complementary about the caring staff. They said "They look after me and we have some nice times. It's good here. It's a very nice place." "It was the best decision I ever made to come in here. They are just kind" and "It's great here. Patience is their middle name."

There was an activities programme in place which sought to meet the needs of all the people who used the service. People told us about the activities. They told us "We do all sorts; concerts, lectures, we play on DVDs and go to church for coffee mornings." "There's plenty [activities] that goes on. They have quizzes and musical things going on. This morning I've been to the church" and "You can see why we smile [member of staff was singing]. She works hard."

Prior to our visit we contacted the local authority commissioner and safeguarding teams. They did not raise any concerns with us about Epworth Grange.

A person who used the service said "I was thrilled to bits to come here. I was so pleased to get in." A member of staff said, "It's brilliant, I have to say. I would put my mother in this home, without doubt."