This inspection took place on 17 September 2018 and was unannounced.

Pear Tree Lodge is a care home without nursing that provides a service for up to 36 older people living with dementia and/or a physical disability. On the day of our inspection visit there were 18 people living in the service. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection

This was the first inspection of this service since Hellendoorn Healthcare Limited registered to operate Pear Tree Lodge. When they registered to provide services at Pear Tree Lodge they gave us an action plan as to how they intended to improve the quality of the service provided. At this inspection we found that they had followed the action plan keeping to timescales and improving the quality of care people received.

There was a registered manager as required who had registered when Hellendoorn Healthcare Limited had taken over the service. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the 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.

Extensive building work had been carried out and was still underway during our inspection. This had been planned to provide the minimum disruption to people living at Pear Tree Lodge. People were complimentary about the standard of the improvements.

People felt safe living at the service and were protected from risks relating to their care and welfare. Staff knew how to recognise the signs of abuse and were aware of actions to take if they felt people were at risk.

People were protected by the provider's recruitment processes. Safe recruitment practices were followed before new staff were employed to work with people. Required checks were made to ensure staff were of good character and suitable for their role.

People received care and support from staff who knew them well. Staff training was up to date and staff felt they received the training they needed to carry out their work safely and effectively. People received support that was individualised to their personal preferences and needs. Their needs were monitored and care plans were reviewed monthly or as changes occurred.

People received effective health care and support. Medicines were stored and handled correctly and safely. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Meals were nutritious and varied. People told us they enjoyed the meals at the service and confirmed they were given choices.

People were treated with care and kindness. People's wellbeing was protected and all interactions observed between staff and people living at the service were respectful and friendly. People confirmed staff respected their privacy and dignity.

People and relatives were aware of how to make a complaint. They told us they could approach

management and staff with any concerns and felt they would listen and take action. They benefitted from living at a service that had an open and friendly culture and from a staff team that were happy in their work.

People living at the service and their relatives felt there was a good atmosphere and thought the service was managed well. Staff also felt the service was well-managed. They told us the management were open with them and communicated what was happening at the service and with the people living there.

The management team had a clear vision for developing the service which was demonstrated by the actions they had taken since registering to run the service and plans in place for future improvement.