Cedar House provides care and accommodation for up to 33 older people who may be living with dementia. This inspection took place on 12 December 2016 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of two inspectors.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The service was safe. The service’s recruitment process ensured that appropriate checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of people and keep them safe from potential harm or abuse. People’s health and wellbeing needs were assessed and reviewed to minimise risk to health. The service needed to improve management and record keeping of administered medication.

The service was effective. People were cared for and supported by staff who had received training to support people to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough as to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to health and social care services was made when required.

The service was caring. Staff cared for people in a empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people’s preferences of care. Staff always worked hard to promote people’s independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.

The service was responsive. People and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis and also when there was a change in care needs. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints received in a timely manner.

The service was well-led. Staff, people and their relatives spoke very highly of the manager and the provider who they informed to be very supportive and worked hard to provide an exceptional service. The service had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis. The registered manager acknowledged that some of the systems and processes needed to be improved.

Cedar House provides care and accommodation for up to 33 older people who may be living with dementia. This inspection took place on 12 December 2016 and was unannounced. The inspection team consisted of two inspectors.

At the last inspection, the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the service remained Good.

The service was safe. The service’s recruitment process ensured that appropriate checks were carried out before staff commenced employment. There were sufficient staff on duty to meet the needs of people and keep them safe from potential harm or abuse. People’s health and wellbeing needs were assessed and reviewed to minimise risk to health. The service needed to improve management and record keeping of administered medication.

The service was effective. People were cared for and supported by staff who had received training to support people to meet their needs. The registered manager had a good understanding of their responsibilities in relation to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were supported to eat and drink enough as to ensure they maintained a balanced diet and referrals to health and social care services was made when required.

The service was caring. Staff cared for people in a empathetic and kind manner. Staff had a good understanding of people’s preferences of care. Staff always worked hard to promote people’s independence through encouraging and supporting people to make informed decisions.

The service was responsive. People and their relatives were involved in the planning and review of their care. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis and also when there was a change in care needs. People were supported to follow their interests and participate in social activities. The service responded to complaints received in a timely manner.

The service was well-led. Staff, people and their relatives spoke very highly of the manager and the provider who they informed to be very supportive and worked hard to provide an exceptional service. The service had systems in place to monitor and provide good care and these were reviewed on a regular basis. The registered manager acknowledged that some of the systems and processes needed to be improved.

People told us that they had received good information about the service before they moved in. They said that the staff treated them well. One person said, “The staff treat me with kindness and are all very respectful to me.” People’s needs had been fully assessed. The care plans were detailed and informative. They included risk assessments and management plans for all areas of identified risks. People told us that they were very happy with the care they received at Cedar House.

People told us that they felt safe. They said that the manager and the staff were all very friendly, caring and kind. Staff interaction throughout our inspection visit was good. Staff had been given information and training on safeguarding adults and they showed a good awareness of the procedures.

Staff told us that they felt well supported by the management team. The training was good. Staff said that all of their training was delivered face to face. One staff member told us, “You get the chance to ask questions and to test your knowledge, with e-learning you cannot ask questions if you are not sure about anything.”

The provider had good quality assurance processes. Regular audits of the service’s systems and practices had taken place. People received safe, effective and compassionate care from a well led service that responds quickly to their changing needs.