This inspection was unannounced and took place on 23 January 2018. It was the first inspection of the home since it was registered to the current provider.

The Rectory Care Home 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 Rectory Care Home does not provide nursing care.

The home provides care to up to 25 people who are living with dementia. It is part of Somerset’s ‘Specialist Residential Care’ (SRC) provision and is supported by a specialist care development nurse from the local healthcare trust. At the time of the inspection there were 20 people living at the home.

There was a registered manager in post who was passionate about providing person centred care for people living with dementia. 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 staff placed high importance on ensuring people had opportunities for occupation that enhanced their enjoyment of life. People were animated and engaged throughout the day. There were opportunities for people to take part in activities and to access the local community.

People had access to a range of healthcare professionals to meet their needs. Staff worked in partnership with other organisation to make sure people received effective care and treatment when needed.

People’s nutritional needs were assessed and monitored and people received meals in accordance with their needs and preferences. One person said, “The food is very nice, if I ask for something I get it.” Another person said, “I always enjoy my food.”

Risks of abuse to people were minimised because the provider followed a safe recruitment procedure and made sure all staff knew how to recognise and report any concerns. People felt safe at the home and with the staff who supported them. One person told us, “They [staff] are always very good to you.”

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 had care plans that made sure staff had good information about their needs and individual personalities and preferences. This enabled them to provide care that was tailored to each individual. Care plans were up dated when people’s needs or wishes changed. One person said, “I’ve needed more care recently, so they’ve been helping me more. They don’t make a fuss.”

The provider and registered manager were committed to on-going improvements to enhance people’s quality of life. There were ways for people to share their views and make suggestions about the running of the home. One person said, “You can talk to anyone here.” Suggestions were put into practice where practicable.