This inspection took place on 4 March 2017 and was unannounced.

Streets Meadow provides accommodation and personal care for up to 60 people. There were full at the time of inspection. Two of the beds in the home were booked regularly for people who wanted to have a short stay or respite break. The service is located in Wimborne and is a large detached building with bedrooms on both the ground and first floors. All of the bedrooms have their own en suite bathrooms and there are several fully accessible showers and assisted bathrooms available for people. There is lift access to the first floor of the home. The home is separated into four separate units which each have 15 bedrooms, a lounge, dining room and small kitchen area. People have access to a level garden to the rear of the home and use of a sensory garden, sensory room and sensory bathroom.

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 felt that staff were caring and told us that they had choices about their care. Staff understood their role in supporting people to make choices. We observed that people were relaxed with staff and there was a friendly atmosphere.

The service was well led and we were told that the registered manager was approachable and took action if changes were needed. Staff were encouraged to raise ideas and suggestions and felt supported in their roles.

People and relatives told us that the service was safe. Staff understood the risks that people faced and their role in managing these risks and we observed staff supporting people safely. Staff understood the signs of possible abuse and how to report any concerns.

People did not have to wait for support because there were enough, safely recruited staff available to respond when people used their call bells. The service had appropriate emergency plans in place and ensured that any accidents or injuries were recorded and used to identify ways to improve the safety of people at the home.

People received their medicines as prescribed from staff who had the necessary training to administer medicines. We observed that people were consulted where they had medicines which were ‘as required’.

Staff understood and supported people to make choices about their care. People's legal rights were protected because staff knew about and used appropriate legislation.

Training was available in a range of essential topics and other learning opportunities were available to further develop staff skills and knowledge. Staff received an induction into the service and senior staff checked competencies in a range of areas. Staff were supported with regular supervision and appraisals with senior staff.

There were systems in place to ensure people had enough to eat and drink. Where people needed particular diets or support to eat and drink safely this was in place and most people felt the food was good. People had choices about what they ate but some felt the quality of food could be improved.

People were supported by staff who knew their likes, dislikes and preferences. Staff knew their roles and responsibilities and told us that they communicated well.

People had individual care records which were person centred and gave details about people’s history, what was important to them and identified support they required from staff.

Relatives told us that they felt welcomed at the service and people and relatives said that they would be confident to make a complaint or raise any concerns if they needed to.

Quality assurance measures were used to identify gaps or trends and to take actions to improve service delivery.