The inspection was carried out on 3 October 2016 and was unannounced.

Sabrina House is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to a maximum of 14 people. There were 13 people were living at the home during our inspection. Some people were living with dementia.

There was a registered manager in post who was present during our inspection. 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 living at the home as staff were always available to support them when needed.

There were enough staff to meet people’s needs safely and in a timely manner. The provider followed safe recruitment procedures to ensure potential new staff were suitable to work at the home before they started work there.

People were protected from abuse and avoidable harm by staff who were able to recognise and report abuse. Risks to people’s wellbeing were assessed and guidance put in place to support their independence and minimise risks to their wellbeing. Staff took appropriate action to deal with accidents and prevent them happening again.

People were supported to take their medicine when they needed it. Only staff who had received training to administer medicine did so. Medicines were secured safely and accurate records maintained. Staff received annual competency assessments to ensure they continued to manage medicines safely. Staff monitored people’s wellbeing and arranged health care appointments when required.

Staff felt well supported and valued. Staff were provided with training to meet the individual needs of people living at the home and to further their career opportunities.

People enjoyed the food and were offered choice. People’s nutritional needs were routinely assessed, monitored and reviewed. People were provided with equipment to enable them to eat independently.

Staff sought people’s consent before they supported them. People were supported to make their own choices and these were respected. Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and how to protect people’s rights.

Staff treated people with kindness and compassion. People were given choice and felt listened to.

Staff had formed positive working relationship with people and their relatives. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the home which was enjoyed by people and their visitors. Staff promoted people’s dignity and independence.

People received individualised care that was tailored to their needs and preferences. People were able to spend their time as they wished and were provided with opportunities to take part in a variety of activities.

People had not had cause to complain but were confident that should the need arise these would be dealt with promptly. The provider sought the views of people and their relatives to make required improvements.

There was an open and inclusive culture at the home where everyone worked as a team to deliver good quality care. The registered manager had a clear vision for the service which was shared by staff. The provider had a range of checks in place to monitor the quality of the care and to develop the service.