This announced inspection took place on 22 and 23 November 2017. We visited the office on 22 November 2017 and carried out phone calls to people who used the service and their relatives on 23 November 2017. The service was registered in November 2016 and this was the first inspection.

Abide Home Care is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. It provides a service to older adults. Not everyone using Abide Home Care receives regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of this inspection 16 people were receiving personal care from the service. People who use the service live in Brixham and the surrounding areas.

The service had a registered manager. 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 happy with the way staff supported them. Each person and relative we spoke with told us care staff were kind, caring and compassionate. Comments included, “I cannot fault my carers, they are marvellous”, “Care is in their name and actions” and “It’s always a pleasure to see them.”

All staff told us they enjoyed their role and were passionate about achieving high quality care for each person. People told us staff were always respectful and polite. Staff said, "It could be me, I give the care that I would want” and “It’s really rewarding.” A healthcare professional told us, “The staff themselves are very patient and empathic.”

People told us they felt safe and comfortable when staff were in their home and when they received care. People were provided with a copy of the staff rota so they knew who was due to visit them. Staff knew how to recognise signs of potential abuse and understood how to report any concerns in line with the service's safeguarding policy.

Safe staff recruitment procedures were in place. This helped reduce the risk of the provider employing a person who may be unsuitable to work in care. People told us staff knew how to meet their needs. People commented, “Everything I need they do for me”; “They do whatever I want” and “They’re wonderful, every one of them.” Staff told us they were happy with the training they received. Staff told us they felt well supported and had regular opportunities to discuss their work.

Staff knew people well and were able to tell us how they supported people. Care plans were developed with each person. They described the support the person needed to manage their day to day health needs. People’s communication needs were met. The service was complying with the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). The AIS applies to people using the service who have information and communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss. Staff explained how one person was able to use their tablet to communicate by typing what they wanted to say. This ensured the person was able to communicate with staff and their needs were met in the way they wanted. At the time of our inspection, each person had capacity to make decisions relating to their care. Staff told us they gained consent from people before carrying out personal care and respected people's choices.

Risks had been assessed for each person and were safely managed. Risk assessments had been carried out in relation to falls, nutrition, skin care, and mobility. Risk assessments relating to each person's home environment had been completed. Where concerns were identified, action had been taken to reduce the risks to people. People were supported safely with