The inspection took place on 5 January 2017 and was unannounced.

Blackbrook House Care Home provides care and accommodation for up to 28 people and there were 26 people living at the home when we inspected. These people were all aged over 65 years and had needs associated with old age and frailty.

All bedrooms were single although there was one room which could accommodate two people. Each bedroom had an en suite toilet facility. There was a communal lounge and dining areas which people used. A passenger lift was provided so people could access the first and second floors. The service was decorated and furnished to a high standard, which promoted the comfort and dignity of people living there.

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.

The service used an electronic system for recording medicines administered to people. These records did not always reflect the medicines people were prescribed which meant there was a risk people may not receive the correct medicine.

Staff were trained in adult safeguarding procedures and knew what to do if they considered people were at risk of harm or if they needed to report any suspected abuse. People said they felt safe at the home.

Care records showed any risks to people were assessed and there was guidance of how those risks should be managed to prevent any risk of harm.

There were sufficient numbers of staff to meet people’s needs. Staff recruitment procedures were adequate and ensured only suitable staff were employed.

Staff were trained and supervised so they provided effective care to people.

The CQC monitors the operation of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. Staff were trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). People’s capacity to consent to their care and treatment was assessed and applications made to the local authority where people’s liberty needed to be restricted for their own safety.

There was a choice of food and people were generally complimentary about the meals. The food was wholesome and nutritious. People were consulted about the food and meal choices.

People’s health care needs were assessed, monitored and recorded. Referrals for assessment and treatment were made when needed and people received regular checks such as dental and eyesight checks.

Staff were observed to treat people with kindness and dignity. People were able to exercise choice in how they spent their time. Staff took time to consult with people before providing care and showed they cared about the people in the home.

People said they were consulted about their care and care plans were individualised to reflect people’s choices and preferences. Each person’s needs were assessed and this included obtaining a background history of people. Care plans showed how people’s needs were to be met and how staff should support people.

Activities were provided for people who said they were satisfied with the activities.

The complaints procedure was available and displayed in the entrance hall. People said they had opportunities to express their views or concerns. There was a record to show complaints were looked into and any actions taken as a result of the complaint.

Staff demonstrated values of treating people with dignity, respect and as individuals. People’s views about the quality of the service were sought. Staff views were also sought and staff were able to contribute to decision making in the home. The culture of the service was focused on meeting peoples’ needs and preferences. People and their relatives said they felt able to a

We spoke with the registered manager who told us that the day to day running of the home had been allocated to a senior member of the staff. The registered manager told us that he was going to cancel his registration as manager and the senior member of staff told us that she was going to submit an application to the Commission to register as manager of the service.

We spoke with two people who used the service who commented highly about the support and care they received. They were supported to make their own decisions about their daily routines, activities and were able to make their own healthcare decisions.

Individualised care plans detailed the support and care each person required. People confirmed they received the support and care they needed and liked. The home ensured relevant health care professionals were contacted when needed.

The quality of the service provided was monitored by an effective quality assurance processes.