The inspection took place on 13 October 2016 and was unannounced. This was a comprehensive inspection.

Ridgeway Manor Residential Care Home is a residential home providing support to older people, some of whom are living with dementia. The home is registered to provide care for up to 43 people. At the time of our inspection there were 26 people living at the home.

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.

There were sufficient staff present to safely meet people’s needs. Staff had undergone checks to ensure that they were of good character to be working with people. Staff had appropriate training and support to meet the needs of people living at the home.

People’s legal rights were protected as staff provided care in line with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Correct procedures were followed when depriving people of their liberty.

People’s medicines were stored and administered safely and staff worked alongside healthcare professionals to ensure that people’s health needs were met. Staff responded quickly to changes in people’s healthcare needs.

Accidents and incidents were recorded and measures were taken to prevent a reoccurence. Staff routinely carried out risk assessments and created plans to minimise known hazards whilst encouraging people’s independence. Staff understood their responsibilities in safeguarding people and knew what to do if they suspected abuse had occurred.

Systems were in place to keep people safe in the event of an emergency. A contingency plan was in place to ensure people’s care could continue in the event of evacuation.

People told us that they enjoyed the food and we saw evidence of people being provided with choice and also being consulted on food during meetings and reviews.

People lived in an inclusive atmosphere in which they had access to a range of meaningful activities and were involved in making decisions about their home. Staff provided care in a way that was personalised and caring.

Staff felt well supported by the registered manager and had input into how the home was run. Systems were in place to ensure care at the home was of a good quality. People’s feedback was regularly sought and complaints were responded to appropriately.

We spoke with three people who live at the home. They were all satisfied with the care and support they received, how it was delivered and were happy living at Ridgeway Manor Residential Care Home. One person told us, "I do like being here. It's not the same as being at home but it's the next best thing". We also spoke with a visitor who said, "The care here is outstanding".

We noted that there were a variety of social events and opportunities provided, in both group and individual settings. The home also operated it's own minibus, used for the purpose of outings. The people we spoke with were happy with the number and types of activities on offer.

We saw that people's consent was obtained where possible before care and treatment was undertaken. We observed that the care given was safe and appropriate and based on effective care planning and risk assessments. This meant that people's individual needs were met and preferences were taken into account.

People were protected from abuse and cared for in a safe and inclusive environment. There were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff to meet people’s needs. We also found that systems were in place for people and relatives to make a complaint about the service if necessary and that complaints were dealt with in a timely and satisfactory manner.

This inspection was undertaken to look at two outcome areas. This was to support the previous inspection that was undertaken on 12/06/2012 when we looked at four outcome areas. (1, 4, 7, and 13)

During out inspection we looked at medication administration. and how the service monitors quality assurance.

We spoke to representatives of people using the service and also noted through our observations that people using the service appeared comfortable and content.

Representatives of people using the service told us that their relative’s care needs were being assessed, planned and delivered in line with their care plans and that any changes to care plans were discussed with them.

People told us that care plans were being reviewed regularly and that assessments by other healthcare professionals were undertaken if the needs of their relatives had changed.

Representatives of people who used the service told us that they were very happy with the care their relatives received. Two representatives told us staff and management were “brilliant”, another representative told us the home had “a philosophy of inclusion” and that staff were very caring.

Representatives told us that they felt the home to be a safe and secure environment for their relative.

We spoke to staff who told us that they liked working in the home and some had been employed there for a number of years. One staff member told us that there was a “good team” of staff in the home. Another member of staff said that “its hard work…but the best I’ve worked in” and “I wouldn’t hesitate to put my parents in here”.

The people we spoke to were very satisfied with the care and support they received, although a number of people who used the service were not able to give their view due to issues of mental capacity. A carer visiting the home said the service their relative received was, “exemplary”.

Staff spoken with were generally very happy working in the home and some had worked

there for a number of years. Some staff said it was becoming very hard work and another

pair of hands at busy times would be welcome.