The home provides accommodation with personal and nursing care for up to 39 older people. There were 38 people living at the home at the time of the inspection. At the last inspection, the service was rated Good overall. At this inspection the service remained Good overall.

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’s care needs were assessed, but care records needed to reflect their views on how their care was planned and delivered as an individual. Where needed to aid planning, people’s relatives felt they were involved in the care and were asked for their opinions and input. People told us there were occasional entertainers visit which included music and exercise. Staff did not have time to carry out activities when the activities people were not available. We have made a recommendation about activities to ensure people remain engaged and stimulated.

People told us that they felt safe in the home and were supported by staff to maintain their safety. All staff told us about how they kept people safe and how they knew what to do if they suspected the risk of abuse. During our inspection staff were available for people and were able to support them by offering guidance or care that reduced people’s risks. People told us they received their medicines as needed and at the correct time.

Care staff told us their training supported them in their knowledge to care for people and the management team were on hand to offer guidance and advice. 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.

People told us they enjoyed the meals, had choices and drinks as often as they wanted to keep them healthy and free from the risks of associated illnesses. We saw where people needed additional support from healthcare professionals their treatment was provided by care staff who followed any advice and guidance.

People received support to have their choices and their decisions were respected. Staff were considerate of promoting their privacy and dignity. People choices and decisions were listened to and respected by care staff when providing care and support in the communal areas.

People were confident to approach the manager if they were not happy with the care. The provider had reviewed and responded to all concerns raised.

People’s views and opinions of the care they had received had been sought and reviewed to look at how improvements could be made. The management team ensured people and their relatives were kept informed of any changes or improvements planned. People and care staff told us the management team were easy to talk with and always available within the home which people and relatives liked. The registered manager provided assurance to review and address the area for improvement.

This inspection took place on 19 January 2015 and was unannounced.

The home provides accommodation for people who require nursing care for a maximum of 40 older people some of who have a dementia related illness. There were 38 people living at the home when we visited and 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 told us that they felt safe and well cared for. Staff were able to tell us about how they kept people safe. During our inspection we observed that people received their medicines as prescribed and at the correct time.

The provider acted in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The provisions of the MCA are used to protect people who might not be able to make informed decisions on their own about the care or treatment they receive.

We found that people’s health care needs were assessed, care planned and delivered to meet those needs. People had access to other healthcare professionals that provided treatment, advice and guidance to support their health needs.

People were supported to eat and drink enough to keep them healthy. People had access to drinks during the day and had choice of meals. People’s likes and dislikes had been considered alongside any specialist dietary needs and these were known by the kitchen staff.

The atmosphere was calm and staff responded to people’s request. Staff also recognised people’s needs by looking at visual clues. Relatives said that they were very happy with the care of their family member. Our observations and the records we looked at supported this view.

Staff had received training which they felt reflected the needs of people who lived at the home. People, their relatives and staff told us that they would raise concerns with the registered manager and were confident that any concerns were dealt with.

The management team had kept their knowledge current and they led by example. The management team were approachable and visible within the home which helped to look at culture of the service. The provider ensured regular checks were completed to monitor the quality of the care that people received and look at where improvements may be needed.