This inspection took place on 22 and 28 February 2017 and the first day was unannounced.

The service is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to 40 older people. There were 29 people living in the service on the day of our inspection. The service provides care and support for older people, with a range of medical and age related conditions, including mobility issues and dementia.

At the time of our inspection 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.

People felt safe at the service; their care needs and any risks to their safety was assessed and reviewed. Enough staff were available to meet people’s needs in a timely manner. Staff and the registered manager were able to explain to us how they maintained people’s safety and protected their rights. Staff had been provided with training such as the Mental Capacity Act (2005), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and safeguarding.

Staff were recruited in a safe way which followed the providers recruitment procedure. The provider employed new staff once appropriate checks had been completed. New staff participated in a thorough induction program which included a period of shadowing an experienced staff member and completing the Care Certificate.

Staff followed the correct procedures relating to medicines management; systems were in place to ensure medicines were safely stored, administered and disposed of. Staff competency was checked in relation to medicine administration procedures.

People received care from staff who had participated in training and who had acquired skills they needed to meet people's individual needs. People's healthcare and nutritional needs were met and monitored; healthcare professionals were appropriately involved when necessary.

People's dignity was assured when they received support with personal care. Staff demonstrated they knew the people well and were aware of the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. Staff were kind, caring and compassionate; people were supported and encouraged to remain as independent as possible. People were individually involved and supported to make choices about their day-to-day care. People’s right to a family and private life was encouraged and respected.

People’s care plans reflected their individual needs and how these were to be met by the care staff. People and their relatives felt involved with their care. There was a complaints procedure in place and people and relatives felt assured concerns would be listened to and action taken. Activities were varied and offered to suit people’s individual needs and preferences.

The service was led by a registered manager who was open, supportive and approachable. Systems and processes were in place to check on the quality and safety of the service; audits of the service were taking place to monitor and review the service. People benefited from receiving support from care staff who were motivated and enthusiastic.