Altham Meadows is registered to provide 24-hour care for up to 22 people. The home is a single level, purpose built premises in Morecambe, close to local amenities. Bedrooms have en-suite facilities. At the time of our inspection, 10 people were staying at the home. The service is a step-down or intermediate care facility. The aim of the service is to reduce pressures on hospitals by providing care and rehabilitation support for people who are well enough to leave hospital, but are not yet well enough to return home.

Altham Meadows 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 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.

This inspection took place on 23 July 2018 and was unannounced. This was the first time the service had been inspected since registration in September 2017.

The provider had systems to safeguard people against abuse or improper treatment. Staff had received training to spot abusive or inappropriate practices and knew how to report them. The service followed a robust recruitment process to ensure only suitable candidates were employed.

The service ensured a sufficient number of staff were deployed at all times. Staff retention had improved and more staff were available to cover shifts at short notice, if required. The registered manager reviewed staffing levels against people’s needs to ensure there were always enough staff.

Staff assessed risks to the health and well-being of people who used the service and plans were put in place to lessen these risks. Environmental risk, for example around fire safety, had been assessed and appropriate plans put in place to lessen risks. The service promoted positive risk taking in order to help people maintain as much independence as possible.

The service followed best practice guidance in relation to the management of medicines. Regular checks were undertaken to ensure people received their medicines as prescribed. People were able to manage their medicines themselves if they wished.

Staff had received training to reduce the risks related to the spread of infection. We observed staff follow good practice guidance whilst undertaking their duties. The home was clean and tidy during our inspection.

The provider had systems which recorded any adverse incidents or events. We saw analysis of accidents and incidents was undertaken in order to make positive changes to reduce the risk of recurrence.

People’s needs and choices were assessed and care and treatment provided in line with current legislation and guidance in order to achieve effective outcomes for people who were staying at the home.

The service ensured staff had the skills, knowledge and a good level of support in order to meet people’s needs effectively. Staff received a thorough induction when they began working at the home, alongside additional training and regular supervision form senior staff.

People’s nutritional needs had been assessed and care planned in order to meet them. People’s specific dietary needs were monitored and catered for appropriately.

The service followed good practice guidance in relation to obtaining consent from people. Where people lacked capacity to consent, the service followed best interests processes, as outlined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 code of practice. 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 practic