This was an announced inspection that took place on 26 August 2016.

Gentle Folk Community Care provides domiciliary care services to people in their own homes. At the time of the inspection, the service provided care and support to 22 people.

There was a registered manager working at the service. 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. The registered manager was on leave during our visit. We met with two directors of the company.

There were systems in place to minimise risks to people and to help keep them safe from harm. Staff knew what abuse was and they were also aware of how to report any concerns if they had them. There were enough staff to meet people's needs with a regular, consistent staff team and there were robust recruitment practices in place, which meant staff had been recruited safely.

Medicines were managed in a safe way and support was offered by staff when needed. Risks to people and staff had been assessed. People felt safe and when risks to people were identified action was taken to reduce these risks.

People received care in a manner which was in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. People were given the information needed to make informed choices, and their choices were respected.

When needed, people were offered support to eat and drink and to participate in hobbies and pastimes they chose. Staff supported people to make and attend health appointments if requested.

Staff received on-going training which was relevant to the needs of the people they were supporting

People who used the service and the staff thought highly of the registered manager and the organisation. The staff team understood the visions and values of the organisation and said they followed them in their work.

Staff felt they were listened to and were given the opportunity to raise any concerns. Staff were knowledgeable about people's background histories, preferences and routines.

There was a quality assurance system in place to ensure the service was routinely audited and checked. The registered manager and directors used these checks to assess and review the quality of service people experienced. Where shortfalls or gaps were identified these were addressed promptly.