This inspection took place on 26 January 2017 and was an announced inspection.

The service provides personal care to people living either in their own home or the home of a family member. At the time of the inspection, approximately 70 people used the service and a registered manager was in post. 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 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People felt safe with the care staff supporting them in their home. Care staff were familiar to them and that they knew. People were supported by the number of staff they expected to support them. Staff working at the service underwent checks of their background to assess their suitability for working with people.

People received care from staff who understood their individual health needs and what was required to support them in a safe way. People were supported to take their medicines where appropriate and regular checks were made to ensure staff supported people to take their medicines as they should.

People received care and support from staff who were regularly supervised and their performance and ability to do the job was checked. People were supported by staff that understood their needs and knew their individual requirements. Staff could request and access training when they needed. Staff training was also reviewed and updated frequently.

People’s consent was obtained by staff. The Care Manager understood the requirements of the law and what action to take if they became concerned about a person’s ability to make decisions for themselves.

People were offered choices in the meals and drinks staff prepared for them. Staff understood people’s dietary requirements and when necessary left snacks or drinks for the person to have later.

People’s health needs were reviewed regularly so that people received the care they needed. Where changes were necessary, people’s care was amended to ensure people received the correct level of care. Care staff understood how they should care for people and about people’s individual preferences.

People liked the staff who cared for them and who they felt understood their needs. Staff understood how to support people with dignity and respect through the manner in which they supported people. People’s privacy and dignity were respected by care staff who understood peoples individual needs.

People understood they could call the administration office and speak to one of the management team if needed. People were confident that they would be listened to and that any action needed was taken. People’s care was regularly checked and reviewed by the Care Manager in order to plan the person’s care. Where changes were needed, people’s care was amended to reflect their preferences.