This inspection took place on 10 and 12 May 2017 and was unannounced. Seaswift House is registered to provide accommodation with personal care for up to 15 older people, 14 people lived there when we visited. This was first inspection of Seaswift House Residential Care Home since the legal entity changed from a limited company to a partnership in March 2017. A lead partner worked closely with the registered manager in the day to day running of the home.

The service has a registered manager. 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.

Staff developed positive, kind, and compassionate relationships with people. People appeared happy and content in their surroundings and were relaxed and comfortable with staff that were attuned to their needs. There were lots of smiles, good humour, fun and gestures of affection. People's care was individualised, staff knew people well, treated them with dignity and respect, and were discreet when supporting people with personal care. The service had enough staff to support people's care flexibly around their wishes and preferences.

Staff demonstrated a good awareness of each person's safety and how to minimise risks for people. Personalised risk assessments balanced risks with minimising restrictions to people's freedom. Accidents and incidents were reported and included measures to continually improve practice and reduce the risks of recurrence. Staff understood the signs of abuse and knew how to report concerns, including to external agencies. They completed safeguarding training and had regular updates. People knew how to raise concerns and complaints , and were provided with information about how to do so. Any concerns raised were robustly dealt and further improvements made. A detailed recruitment process was in place to ensure people were cared for by suitable staff. People received their medicines safely and on time from staff who were trained and assessed to manage medicines safely.

People experienced effective care and support that promoted their health and wellbeing. Staff had the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their role. People praised the quality of food and were supported to improve their health through good nutrition. Staff encouraged people to eat a well-balanced diet, make healthy eating choices and to exercise and maintain their mobility. People had access to healthcare services, staff recognised when a person's health deteriorated and sought medical advice promptly. Health professionals said staff were proactive, sought their advice and implemented it.

People and relatives were happy with the service provided at Seaswift House. The culture of the home was open, friendly and welcoming. Care was holistic and person centred, staff knew about each person, and their lives before they came to live at the home. They understood people's needs well and cared for them as individuals. People pursued a range of hobbies, activities and individual interests such as reading, arts and crafts and organised quizzes and games such as Bingo and Scrabble. Where people chose to remain in their rooms, staff spent time chatting with them to keep them company.

People's rights and choices were promoted and respected. Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and involved person, family members and other professionals in 'best interest' decision making.

People received a good standard of care because management team set high expectations of the standards of care expected. There was a clear management structure in place, staff understood their roles and responsibilities, and felt valued for their contribution. Staff were motivated and committed to e