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.