This inspection visit was unannounced and took place on 25 October 2017. This was the first inspection since the provider registered with us in May 2017. The service was registered to provide accommodation for up to 29 people. People who used the service had physical health needs and/or were living with dementia. At the time of our inspection 28 people were using 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.

People were supported to make choices and when required decisions had been made in people’s best interest. Any restrictions had been referred to the authorising authority. There were sufficient staff to support people’s needs and staff had undergone a range of checks to ensure they were suitable to work in the home. Staff felt supported by the manager and they were provided with suitable training for their role.

People had established positive relationships with the staff and they respected people’s choices and offered a range of choices in relation to their daily living. Staff maintained people’s privacy and dignity at all times. Staff had received training and the provider had invested time to expand the staff knowledge in end of life care which was provided in a dignified and respectful way.

People enjoyed the meals on offer and people’s dietary needs had been considered. Any concerns had been referred to health care professionals for guidance. People received regular drinks and had the opportunity for snacks or an alternative from the set menu.

The manager and provider completed a range of audits to support the improvements within the home. Improvements to the environment had been made; some of this was following feedback from the relatives and people using the service.

Medicines were managed safely and administered in line with people’s prescriptions. Referrals had been made to health care professionals and people had access to a range of health care professionals to maintain their health needs.

The care plans covered all aspects of people’s care and their preferences. There was a clear process in place to cascade information about the service and the needs of people. People were able to choose how they spent their time and were encouraged to join activities. Any complaints had been addressed and responded to.

The manager understood their responsibility of registration with us and notified us of important events that occurred at the service; this meant we could check appropriate action had been taken.