This inspection took place on 23 February and 2 March 2017. The visit on 23 February was unannounced.

The Home of Compassion is a care home providing nursing and residential care for up to 78 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 38 people living at the service.

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.

The registered manager had not notified CQC about some significant events. We spoke to the registered manager and the provider’s representative about this, and was assured this would not happen again.

We found a recording issue in relation to someone’s wishes following an accident they had been involved in. The manager accepted this was an issue and planned to contact the provider to have a prompt put on the organisations accident/incident form, so this did not happen again.

People told us that they felt safe and staff had a good understanding of how to keep people safe. Care records contained up to date risk assessments to keep people safe whilst encouraging independence. Accidents and incidents were documented with actions taken to prevent a reoccurrence.

There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Staff were able to spend time with people, and attended quickly whenever anyone requested support. Nurses were available at all times. The service followed safe recruitment practices.

People’s medicines were managed and administered safely.

People received individualised care from staff who had the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to carry out their roles. Staff had received induction training which included completing the Care Certificate and shadowing more experienced staff. Staff had received refresher training to help ensure they remained up to date with best practice and able to meet the expectations and needs of people. All staff received dementia training.

People were supported by staff who had supervisions (one to one meetings) and an annual appraisal with their line manager.

Staff worked in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). People had mental capacity assessments carried out when needed and best interest decisions were recorded. Staff were able to explain what the MCA is and when it applied.

The staff met people's dietary needs and preferences. Staff were able to explain how they would ensure that people had enough to eat and drink; and how they would recognise when someone was not eating or drinking enough. People’s records contained information on what foods they liked, and their dietary requirements.

Staff were caring and treated people with dignity and respect. Staff knew people well. They were knowledgeable about people’s needs and backgrounds. Records contained very detailed life stories that staff had helped people to write.

People were encouraged to be independent and were involved in the running of their home.

Care plans were clear on what people needed support with, were detailed and contained information on people’s lifestyles and preferences. These were reviewed regularly.

People had a range of activities they could be involved in. People were able to choose what activities they took part in and suggest other activities they would like to complete. These took place seven days a week. In addition to group activities people were able to maintain hobbies and interests.

People knew how to complain and if they complained their complaints were addressed.

People thought the home was well managed. Audits were frequent and thorough and had been used to learn and improve.

Staff were involved in the running of the home. Regular meetings took place where staff received important message