We carried out an unannounced inspection of this home on 3 January 2018. The home is registered to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 16 older people, some of whom live with dementia. Accommodation is arranged over two floors with access to all areas by stairs and a stair lift. At the time of our inspection 16 people lived at the home.

The registered provider of this service was an individual, Mrs Collette Willis. They were not required to appoint a manager as a condition of their registration. This individual was the registered person with legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run. This was the first inspection of this care home under this registered provider.

Risk assessments were in place to support staff in identifying and mitigating the risks associated with people’s care; however some risks which had been identified were not clearly recorded.

Staff knew how to keep people safe and understood how to report any concerns they may have about the care people received.

There were sufficient staff deployed to meet people’s needs and ensure their safety and welfare. Staff recruited to the home had been assessed as to their suitability to work with people.

Where people could not consent to their care, staff sought appropriate guidance and followed legislation designed to protect people’s rights and freedom.

People received nutritious food in line with their needs, likes and preferences.

People were cared for in a kind and sensitive way by staff who had a good understanding of their needs. People said staff were caring and supportive of their needs. Health and social care professionals said staff were caring.

Care plans were individualised, person centred and were mostly up to date. These were being reviewed and a new electronic system of records was being considered.

There was a system in place to allow people to express any concerns or complaints they may have, and people and staff had the opportunity to express their views on the quality and effectiveness of the service provided at the home.

The provider had an effective system of audits in the home to ensure the safety and welfare of people.

The provider promoted an open and honest culture for working which was fair and supportive to people who lived and worked in the home.