This inspection took place on 17 May 2018 and was unannounced.

The Gateway Respite is a ‘care home.’ People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection. The care home can accommodate up to 28 older people and older people living with dementia in one purpose built building. Accommodation is provided over three floors.

This was the first inspection of the service since it opened in August 2017. When The Gateway Respite home was open the intention was to provide short or long term respite care, however, some people had decided to make it their long term home. On the day of inspection there were 10 people who were living permanently at the service and three people receiving respite care.

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.

Staff were being recruited safely and there were enough staff to take care of people and to keep the home clean. Staff were receiving appropriate training and they told us the training was good and relevant to their role. Staff were supported by the registered manager and were receiving formal supervision where they could discuss their ongoing development needs.

People who used the service and their relatives told us staff were helpful, attentive and caring. We saw people were treated with respect and compassion.

Care plans were up to date and detailed what care and support people wanted and needed. Risk assessments were in place and showed what action had been taken to mitigate any risks which had been identified. People felt safe at the home and appropriate referrals were being made to the safeguarding team when this had been necessary.

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’s healthcare needs were being met and medicines were being stored and managed safely.

Staff knew about people’s dietary needs and preferences. People told us there was a good choice of meals and said the food was very good. There were plenty of drinks and snacks available for people in between meals.

Activities were on offer to keep people occupied both on a group and individual basis. Visitors were made to feel welcome and could have a meal at the home if they wished.

The home was spacious, well decorated, clean and tidy. All of the bedrooms were single occupancy with en-suite toilets and showers.

The complaints procedure was displayed. Records showed complaints received had been dealt with appropriately.

Everyone spoke highly of the manager who said they were approachable and supportive. The provider had effective systems in place to monitor the quality of care provided and where issues were identified they took action to make improvements.

We found all the fundamental standards were being met. Further information is in the detailed findings below.