The inspection took place on the 24 and 26 October 2017 and was unannounced. Court Lodge provides accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care for up to 43 older people. At the time of our inspection there were 38 people living at the home. Accommodation at the home is provided over two floors, which can be accessed using passenger lifts. There is a large garden and patio area’s which provide a secure private leisure area for people living at the home.

There was a registered manager in place. 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 living at Court Lodge and risks to people were minimized through risk assessments. There were plans in place for foreseeable emergencies.

People and their families felt there were enough staff to meet people needs. The provider was actively recruiting to fill staff vacancies and agency staff had been used appropriately to ensure all planned shifts were covered.

Relevant recruitment checks were conducted before staff started working at Court Lodge to make sure they were of good character and had the necessary skills. Staff had received training in safeguarding adults and knew how to identify, prevent and report abuse.

People were supported to take their medicines safely from suitably trained staff. Medication administration records (MAR) confirmed people had received their medicines as prescribed.

People received varied meals including a choice of fresh food and drinks. Staff were aware of people’s likes and dislikes and went out of their way to provide people with what they wanted.

Staff received regular support and one to one sessions or supervision to discuss areas of development. They completed a wide range of training and felt it supported them in their job role. New staff completed an induction programme before being permitted to work unsupervised.

Staff sought consent from people before providing care and support. The ability of people to make decisions was assessed in line with legal requirements to ensure their rights were protected and their liberty was not restricted unlawfully.

People are 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 place in the service supported this practice.

People were cared for with kindness, compassion and sensitivity. Care plans provided comprehensive information about how people wished to receive care and support. This helped ensure people received personalised care in a way that met their individual needs.

People were supported and encouraged to make choices and had access to a range of activities. Staff knew what was important to people and encouraged them to be as independent as possible.

A complaints procedure was in place. There were appropriate management arrangements in place. Regular audits of the service were carried out to assess and monitor the quality of the service.