Laxfield House

Updated 25 October 2018

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection checked whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, to look at the overall quality of the service, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.

This comprehensive inspection took place on 11 September 2018 and was unannounced.

The inspection team consisted of three inspectors. One was observing as part of their induction. We also had an expert by experience. An expert by experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Before the inspection, we reviewed previous reports and notifications that are held on the CQC database. Notifications are important events that the service has to let the CQC know about by law. We also reviewed safeguarding alerts and information received from a local authority. Before the inspection the provider completed a Provider Information Return (PIR). This is a form that asks the provider to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. In preparing for this inspection we looked at the information we already held about the service.

During our inspection we observed care and support in communal areas and looked around the premises. We spoke with 10 people, three relatives, one visiting health professional, the registered manager and eight staff from different departments within the service. We reviewed four care files, three staff recruitment files and their support records, audits and policies held at the service.

Updated 25 October 2018

Laxfield House is a care home with nursing for adults and older people. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Laxfield House can accommodate up to 34 people. At the time of our inspection there were 23 people using the service. The accommodation is a converted and extended family house in a rural setting. Accommodation has been updated to enable couples to reside together. The service describes itself as more traditional nursing care and convalescence.

At the last inspection published on 14 January 2016 the service was rated Good. At this inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of Good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

The service was safe and people were protected from harm. Nurses and care staff were knowledgeable about safeguarding adults from abuse and knew what to do if they had any concerns and how to report them. Safeguarding training was given to all staff.

Risk assessments were thorough and personalised. Nurses and care staff knew what to do in an emergency situation.

Staffing levels were meeting the needs of the people who used the service. Nurses and care staff demonstrated they had the relevant knowledge to support people with their care.

Recruitment practices were safe and records confirmed this. Medicines were managed and administered safely with a new audit system introduced.

Newly recruited nurses and care workers received an induction. Training was provided on a regular basis and updated when relevant. Nurses and care workers demonstrated an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how they obtained consent on a daily basis. Consent was recorded in people's care plans.

People were supported with maintaining a balanced diet and the people who used the service chose their meals and these were provided in line with their preferences.

People were supported to have access to healthcare services and receive on-going support. Referrals to healthcare professionals were made appropriately and a multi-disciplinary approach was adopted to support people.

Positive relationships were formed between nurses, care workers and the people who used the service and staff demonstrated how they knew the people they cared for well. People who used the service and their relatives told us all staff were caring and treated them with respect.

Care plans were detailed and contained relevant information about people who used the service and their needs such as their preferences and communication needs.

Concerns and complaints were listened to and records confirmed this. People who used the service, their relatives and support workers spoke highly of the registered manager and told us they felt supported by them. Quality assurance practices were robust and taking place regularly.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.