We undertook an inspection of Jasmine Court on 5 January 2017. The inspection was announced, which meant that the provider knew we would be visiting. This is because we wanted to ensure that the provider, or someone who could act on their behalf, would be available to support the inspection. When the service was last inspected in January 2014 no breaches of the Health and Social Care (Regulated Activities) Regulations were identified.

Jasmine Court provides personal care and support to older people in their own flats which are all located on site. At the time of our inspection there were 9 people receiving personal care and support from Jasmine Court.

A registered manager was in post at the time of our 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 was safe. Risk assessments were in place to minimise identified risks whilst supporting people to remain independent. Staff knew how to identify and report safeguarding concerns. Where necessary the service had reported these concerns to the local authority and the Commission. People’s medicines were stored and administered safely by trained and competent staff.

Robust recruitment procedures were in place to ensure the relevant checks of staff had been completed. Staff undertook an induction programme when they began work and received regular on-going training. Staff had training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and could apply their knowledge within their roles.

The service was not always effective as staff did not receive regular supervision to support them within their role. People and relatives were not always clear on who key staff members were such as the registered manager and senior staff members.

We observed good relationships between people and staff. Staff knew people well and ensured there was a friendly and positive atmosphere within the service. Positive comments were made by people and relatives about staff’s caring approach and attentiveness.

Staff were responsive to people’s care and support needs. Care records were person centred, showing people’s personal preferences and choices. People said they privacy was respected. People said they felt well supported whilst remaining independent.

The service was well-led. Regular audits ensured that the quality of care was monitored and reviewed. Areas that were identified as needing further action were completed. Opportunities for people to socialise were provided by the service. Feedback was sought from people in the form of a questionnaire. Communication was effective amongst the staff team through meetings, records and handovers.

We spoke with three people who used the service. One person told us "The staff are friendly, they always take their time to support me." We saw people's independence was promoted by receiving the support needed. One person told us "I’m quite independent and they (the staff) respect that." We saw people were treated with dignity and respect and were promoted to make choices.

We read care plans for people who used the service. Care plans contained detailed information of people's medical, social and support needs. Care plans were reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they reflected people’s needs. We saw relevant risk assessments were undertaken and recorded to reduce the likelihood of injury of harm.

We looked at recruitment checks for members of staff. We saw the provider had a robust system to ensure all appropriate checks where undertaken prior to undertaking employment. We saw all staff had Disclosure and Barring checks (DBS) to ensure their suitability to work with vulnerable adults.

We looked at staff supervision records, appraisals and training records. Staff members were supported appropriately within their roles through ongoing training and supervision. One member of staff told us "I love working here." Another staff member told us "I find supervision very helpful and useful." We saw appraisals were undertaken yearly on the anniversary of staff members’ start date.

The people we spoke with told us that the staff were very good. They said the staff were available when they needed them. People said staff provided the care and support they needed and were always pleasant.

People said the staff helped them to maintain their independence. One person who had recently moved into accommodation said that staff dropped in to their flat occasionally for a chat. Two people told us they felt safe and secure at Jasmine Court. There was always a member of staff around to talk to.

Another person also said the staff were very supportive. However, they said it was difficult to avoid feeling lonely at times and they wished there were more activities. They also said they would like to go to Church but would need help with that. The service provided one meal a day at lunchtime. Other meals were cooked in people’s own accommodation. One person told us they’d like “Less mince”. A number of people could not recall meeting the manager but did know the staff team co-ordinator.

We found people’s needs were assessed and their care was provided in line with their care plan. People were protected against the risk of abuse. Staff supported people in the safe administration of medicines. Staff were supported in providing care and support to people. The provider had a system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of the care people were receiving.