This inspection took place on 24 October and the 14 November 2018 and was unannounced. The inspection was undertaken by one adult social care inspector.

This was the first inspection by CQC for the care home since there was a change in the provider on 12 November 2017, and therefore a first rating under the new ownership.

The Elms is a purpose-built home, built some years ago in the Coppenhall area, approximately 1 mile from Crewe town centre. The Elms is a care home, people in care homes receive accommodation and personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The Elms is registered to provide personal care for up to 41 people, on the day of the inspection 34 people were residing in the home.

There was a registered manager at The Elms. 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 were protected from the risks of abuse. Risks were identified and managed effectively to protect people from avoidable harm. Recruitment processes were in place to make sure, as far as possible, that people were protected from unsuitable staff being employed.

People told us they were treated with care and kindness. They were consulted about their support and could change how things were done if they wanted to. People were treated with respect and their dignity was upheld.

People received care and support that was personalised to meet their individual needs. People were encouraged and supported to maintain and increase their independence by staff who knew them well and were well trained. People told us staff had the training and skills they needed when providing their care and support.

People's rights to make their own decisions were protected. People were supported to have maximum choice and control over their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People's right to confidentiality was protected and their diverse needs were identified and incorporated into their care plans where applicable.

People were given their prescribed medicines in a timely and safe manner.

People benefited from a service which had an open and inclusive culture and encouraged suggestions and ideas for improvement from people who use the service, their relatives and staff.

People knew how to complain and knew the process to follow if they had concerns.

Staff were happy working for the service and felt well managed and supported.