The inspection took place on 27 February 2018. This was the first inspection of the home since it was registered under the current providers. The home was previously owned by Guinness Care and Support, but ownership was transferred to Highlands Care Homes Limited in June 2017. This was a comprehensive inspection.

Jack Simpson Residential Home 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. Jack Simpson Residential Home accommodates up to 35 older people, including older people with dementia, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments. At the time of this inspection there were 31 people living there.

There was a registered manager 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 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People and their relatives told us the service was safe. Comments included, “I feel very safe. If I was at home I’d be worried about everything. There’s always somebody here to help.” People and their relatives told us they felt confident they could speak out if they had any concerns about possible abuse. Staff had received training on safeguarding and knew how to recognise and report any suspicions of abuse. Safe recruitment procedures were followed to ensure people were cared for by staff who were entirely suitable for the job.

People told us staff understood the risks to their health and safety and knew how to support them to keep them safe. A person told us, “They know my illness”. Care records contained evidence of risk assessments on all areas of potential health risks, for example, falls, prevention of pressure sores, choking and weight loss. Staff recognised signs of illness or infection and took action promptly. People had access to external healthcare professionals to ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing.

There were sufficient staff employed to meet the needs of people living there, although we received mixed views from people living in the home and their relatives about staffing levels. The registered manager told us they had reviewed people’s dependency levels and staff response times to call bells at the end of 2017 and staffing levels were increased. Shift patterns had been adjusted. The number of permanent staff employed had increased and in the last few months they had not used any agency staff to cover vacant shifts. This had resulted in a stable staff team who knew people’s needs and preferences. During this inspection we saw call belels were answered promptly and staff supported people in a timely way, and did not appear rushed. People received care from staff who were well trained and competent to meet their individual needs.

Medicines were stored and administered safely. A relative told us “They’re looking after it. It’s perfect.” Staff had received training on safe administration of medicines. People held all, or most of their medicines in secure cabinets in their rooms. Records of medicines received into the home and administered by staff were accurate and regularly checked.

People lived in a home that was clean, warm and safe. All areas were clean and free from odours. The provider had a plan in place to decorate and improve many areas of the home. Equipment was serviced and checked regularly.

Before people moved into the home their needs were assessed and a plan of their care needs was drawn up and agreed with them. Care plans contained information on all areas of each person’s needs, and the information was detailed. However, the care plan files were very large, and finding information was not easy. Information was held in