This was an unannounced inspection carried out on 6 November 2017.

This was the first inspection of Melton House since it was registered with the Care Quality Commission in November 2016.

Melton House accommodates a maximum of 67 older people, including people who live with dementia or a dementia related condition, in one purpose built building. At the time of inspection 44 people were accommodated at the service.

A registered manager was 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.

The home was well maintained and provided a pleasant, spacious and bright living environment for people. We have made a recommendation about the service following best practice for equipping the environment for people who live with dementia to help them remain orientated.

People and staff appeared happy in the home. There were sufficient staff on duty to provide individual care and to respond to people’s needs in a timely and patient way. Activities and entertainment were available for people

People were protected as staff had received training about safeguarding and knew how to respond to any allegation of abuse. Staff received other appropriate training and they were supervised and supported. When new staff were appointed, thorough vetting checks were carried out to make sure they were suitable to work with people who needed care and support.

Staff had an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and best interests decision making, when people were unable to make decisions themselves.

People were involved in decisions about their daily care requirements. People were 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 the service supported this practice.

Staff upheld people's human rights and treated everyone with respect and dignity. Efforts were made to help people communicate their needs and wishes, if they did not communicate verbally.

People had access to health care professionals to make sure they received appropriate care and treatment. Staff followed advice given by professionals to make sure people received the care they needed. Systems were in place for people to receive their medicines in a safe way. People received a varied and balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs.

There were some opportunities for people to engage with the local community and all people were supported to maintain relationships that were important to them.

Relatives and staff spoke well of the registered manager and said the service had good leadership. There were effective systems to enable people to raise complaints, and to assess and monitor the quality of the service. People told us they would feel confident to speak to staff about any concerns if they needed to. The provider undertook a range of audits to check on the quality of care provided.