We inspected Orby House on 24 November 2016. This was a short notice announced inspection, because people take part in activities in the local community. We wanted to ensure they were available to speak with us on the day. The service provides care and support for up to 7 people. When we undertook our inspection there were 7 people living at the home.

People living at the home were of mixed ages. Some people required more assistance either because of mental health needs or because they were experiencing difficulties coping with everyday tasks.

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.

CQC is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and to report on what we find. DoLS are in place to protect people where they do not have capacity to make decisions and where it is considered necessary to restrict their freedom in some way, usually to protect themselves. At the time of our inspection there was one person subject to such an authorisation.

We found that people’s health care needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in a consistent way through the use of their care plans. People were involved in the planning of their care. The information and guidance provided to staff in the care plans was clear. Risks associated with people’s care needs were assessed and plans were put in place to minimise risk in order to keep people safe.

People had been consulted about the development of the home and quality checks had been completed to ensure the home could meet people’s requirements. Lessons which had been learnt from audits had been passed on to staff at meetings and staff supervisions.

We found that there were sufficient staff to meet the needs of people using the service. The provider had taken into consideration the complex needs of each person to ensure their needs could be met through a 24 hour period. Each person had their own accommodation and were encouraged to take part in housekeeping tasks and cooking their own meals, with the help of staff. People were supported to maintain their independence and control over their lives and accessed a number of events in the local community.

People were treated with kindness and respect. The staff in the home took time to speak with the people they were supporting. We saw many positive interactions and people enjoyed talking to the staff in the home. The staff on duty knew the people they were supporting and the choices they had made about their care and their lives.

The provider used safe systems when new staff were recruited. All new staff completed training before working in the home. On-going training was available for all staff.

People who used the service told us they were happy living at Orby House. They told us their views were respected and staff asked them what they wanted to do each day. One person said, "Staff respect me for who I am."

People knew staff kept records about them and had access to them. The care plans were person centred and reflected the needs of people who used the service. Staff had recorded when other health and social care professionals had been contacted. One person told us, "I can see my records, any time." Another said, "Staff ask me what I need, they know my problems and help me everyday."

Polices were in place to instruct staff on how to give medicines safely. The records showed people were receiving their prescribed medicines. The storage of medicines was safe.

People who used the service told us there were always sufficient staff available to meet their needs. One person told us, "When I want to go out or to the day centre, staff take me." Another person told us, "I have little road sense but staff are always available to escort me."

The provider had a complaints policy which was on display. Staff and people who used the service told us they had every confidence in the management team in dealing with concerns. One person said, "I speak up at group meetings and I can talk to the care staff." There were no formal complaints listed in the complaints log.