We undertook an inspection of Allingham House Care Centre, referred to as Allingham House, on 27 and 28 September. The first day of inspection was unannounced which meant the provider did not know we were coming.

We last carried out an inspection at Allingham House on 19 November 2014. We rated the service as good overall and the service was meeting legal requirements.

Allingham House provides nursing and personal care and accommodation for up to 86 older people, some of whom are living with a diagnosis of dementia. The home accommodates people over three floors with 82 single and two double rooms. There were 85 people living at the home on the day of our inspection.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of this inspection. 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 registered manager had kept us informed of safeguarding incidents and other notifiable events which had occurred in the home in line with their statutory obligations. Staff were confident in describing the different kinds of abuse and the signs and symptoms that would suggest a person they supported might be at risk of abuse. They knew what action to take to safeguard people from harm. All of the staff received regular training that provided them with the knowledge and skills to meet people’s individual needs in an effective manner.

People’s safety risks were identified, managed and reviewed and the staff understood how to keep people safe. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to meet people’s needs and promote people’s safety. Systems were in place to ensure the correct administration of medicines.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. We found that the registered manager understood when an application should be made and was aware of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff sought people’s consent before they provided care and support. However, some people who used the service were unable to make certain decisions about their care. In these circumstances the legal requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) were being followed. Where people had restrictions placed upon them to keep them safe, the staff ensured people’s rights to receive care that met their needs and preferences were protected.

The service supported a high number of Jewish people and ensured all meals were Kosher in order to follow their beliefs. The layout of the kitchens supported the preparation and production of Kosher food in conjunction with the Jewish faith. All crockery, tableware and table linen reflected the type of meal being served and this ensured people’s cultural and religious needs were met with regards to the preparation of food.

The environment was designed to enable people to move freely around the floor of the home where they lived. There were lounges and dining areas on each floor of the home and a large activity room on the ground floor, with access to a large secure garden space. These areas were also used to enable people to participate in social events.

People were treated with kindness, compassion and respect and staff promoted people’s independence and right to privacy. Mealtimes were pleasant experiences for people, and those who needed assistance were helped by staff in a discreet and calm manner.

People, relatives and other healthcare professionals involved with the service said that the support staff were caring. On the day of our visits we saw people looked well cared for. There was a relaxed atmosphere in the home. We saw staff engaging with people, speaking calmly and res