We inspected Derbyshire House Residential Care on 8 January 2019. This was the provider’s first rated inspection since it’s new registration in 2017. The service is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Derbyshire House Residential Care is registered to provide personal care and accommodation for up to 31 adults, including people living with dementia. On the day of our inspection there were 31 people using the service.

A registered manager was in place and was available during the inspection. 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 clearly demonstrated the characteristics of providing excellent care in how it was responsive to people’s needs and in the leadership of the service. People were at the heart of the service and staff were clearly committed and compassionate, striving to provide excellent care at all times. The registered manager had developed innovative ways of involving people in how the service developed and was a part of the local community.

People received care that respected their privacy and dignity. Staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs, routines and preferences and encouraged independence. Staff were also aware about people’s social history and pastimes, and the significance and importance of this in how people spent their time. Staff were compassionate and highly committed to their work and went above and beyond in providing good quality care.

Information about independent advocacy services was available. The service also employed an independent person referred to as a ‘worry catcher’ who visited people to act as an independent advocate. This role had extended to include a staff member employed within the service.

Staff had information to support them to understand people’s needs, preferences and diverse needs. People received excellent opportunities to participate in a variety of social and recreational activities and opportunities. These included activities important to people and supported interests and hobbies. The service had many animals that lived at Derbyshire House Residential Care and people enjoyed their company and got great comfort and joy from their presence. People received opportunities to participate in their local community. The registered manager had also developed positive links with organisations and encouraged and welcomed their contribution and involvement in the development of the service.

People received excellent end of life care where they were fully supported in how they received care and support at the end of their life. People’s wishes were respected and met, staff showed great compassion and respect in how they provided care at the end of a person’s life. The service followed the Gold Standard Framework in end of life care and had been recognised by external healthcare professionals for their continued commitment in providing excellent end of life care. The service also had a commitment in providing excellent care to people living with dementia. Great thought and care had been given to providing a stimulating living environment that enabled people to reminisce. Staff had completed specific training in dementia care by a well-recognised training organisation and had fully embraced the culture and approach in how care was delivered.

The provider’s complaints policy and procedure had been made available to people who used the service, relatives and visitors. People, relatives, staff and professionals were positive about the service provided and how the regi