This inspection took place on 15 March 2017 and was unannounced.

The Newlyn Residential Home is a care home for older people who require residential care. It is registered for 13 people. On the day of the inspection there were 10 people living at the service. The service, in a residential area of Ramsgate, provides residential accommodation and communal areas over three floors. Some bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, with shared bathrooms and toilets for the rest of the rooms. The service is run by the registered provider and a manager. Both were present on the day of the inspection. The registered provider is a ‘registered person’ who has legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

This was the first inspection of this service under this provider.

People were protected from the risks of abuse, discrimination and avoidable harm. Risks to people were assessed and there was guidance for staff on how to reduce risks. People said they felt safe living at the service. Staff were confident that any concerns raised would be investigated to ensure people were kept safe. They knew how to whistle blow and take concerns to agencies outside of the service.

Recruitment processes were followed to make sure staff employed were of good character. There were sufficient staff on each shift and this was regularly reviewed by the provider. There were contingency plans to cover a shortage of staff in an emergency.

People received their medicines safely and on time. Medicines were stored, managed and disposed of safely and in line with guidance. The management team worked closely with their local pharmacist.

People received effective care from staff who had the knowledge and skills to carry out their roles.

The provider was aware that some staff were due to refresh their training, as their training had lapsed, and courses were booked as needed to meet this. Staff were knowledgeable and were able to tell us how they put their training into practice.

Staff knew the importance of giving people choices and gaining people’s consent. Staff understood the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) monitors the operation of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) which applies to care homes. Applications for DoLS had been made in line with guidance.

People were offered a choice of healthy meals. People’s comments about the food were all positive. Staff monitored people’s weights to make sure they remained as healthy as possible. People were supported to maintain good health and were referred to health professionals when needed. People told us that staff helped them with appointments to see the doctor and other health professionals and that they were well supported with their health needs.

People told us they were treated with kindness, compassion, dignity and respect. Their privacy and dignity were respected. Staff knew people well and spoke with them in a patient, kind, and caring way.

People’s confidentiality was respected and their records were stored securely. Staff understood that it was their responsibility to ensure confidential information was treated appropriately and with respect to retain people’s trust and confidence.

People and their relatives were involved in planning their care and support. People received care and support that was individual to them and their needs and preferences. The provider had identified shortfalls with the care plans and sought advice from the relevant health professionals. They were following this guidance and developing new, more detailed care plans. This did not have an impact on people as staff knew people and their needs and preferences very well.

People told us they were supported to follow their interests and take part in meaningful social activities. An activities person