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.

We completed an unannounced inspection of Laxfield House on 7 and 12 October 2015. Laxfield House Residential and Nursing Home is registered to provide accommodation for people who require nursing and/or personal care. The service provides places for up to 34 people. At the time of our visit 28 people were resident. This care home was purpose built.

There was a registered manager in place and they were present on the day of our inspection. 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.

We found a care home that was well run for the benefit of the people who lived there. Everyone spoke highly of the service offered and felt appropriately cared for. People told us that their needs were assessed, they were involved with their care and were consulted about changes. People experienced good nursing care with ongoing monitoring of health needs and prompt access to health services. There was varied, needs led social stimulation and people liked the variety and quality of food on offer.

Staff had the skill to support people and were well trained. There was a good team approach and collaborative working. Staff felt supported by management and liked where they worked. There was little staff turnover.

Management was open, approachable, inclusive and regularly listened to people who used the service. The provider was visible to people and visited on a daily basis. There were systems in place to monitor and respond to events that occurred and feedback from people was used to develop the service further.