CQC report explained · a nursing home
What the CQC found at Laxfield House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, October 2018
Rated Good; inspectors found the home safe, caring and well led, with some individual comments worth asking about.
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection on 11 September 2018. Inspectors observed care, looked around the home, spoke with people, relatives, staff and a health professional, and reviewed care records, recruitment files, audits and policies.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found that people were protected from abuse, risks were assessed, staffing levels met people's needs, medicines were managed safely and staff had suitable training.
People were treated with kindness and respect. Care plans were detailed and personalised, people received support with food and healthcare, activities were available, and complaints and feedback were acted on. The overall Good rating continued from the previous inspection published in January 2016.
Protection from harm
Staff knew how to recognise and report abuse. Risk assessments were described as comprehensive and personalised, with plans to reduce risks while supporting people's independence.
“Records demonstrated that there were comprehensive risk assessments in place for people.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Inspectors found positive relationships between staff and people. Staff supported privacy, dignity, choice and independence.
“Staff had positive relationships with people. They showed kindness and compassion when speaking with them.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans included people's preferences, hobbies, interests, life history and communication needs. Staff knew the care plans and used them in daily support.
“The service continued to ensure that people's care records were personalised to include information about them, such as their hobbies, interests, preferences and life history.” from the report
Good management
The registered manager was visible and approachable. Quality checks identified shortfalls and records showed that action was taken promptly.
“The registered manager continued to promote a caring, positive, transparent and inclusive culture within the service.” from the report
Busy times
minorOne relative felt staff were under pressure at certain times, although inspectors found that staffing levels were maintained and met people's needs. Ask how the home manages busy periods.
“A relative told us, "I think staff are a bit pushed at certain times of the day, they work very hard.” from the report
Understanding medicines
minorOne person said they did not know what their as-needed medicines were for. Inspectors otherwise found medicines were managed safely, but families may want to ask how people are given this information.
“A different person said, "I have pills as and when required but I haven't a clue what they are for.” from the report
- 01How do you make sure there are enough staff at the busiest times of day?
- 02How are residents told what their regular and as-needed medicines are for?
- 03How do you involve people and their families when reviewing personalised care plans?
- 04What activities would be available for someone whose interests are quiet or individual?
- 05How would you support a resident and their family during end-of-life care?
This was an unannounced comprehensive inspection covering all five CQC questions, and the home and the care provided were both considered. This explanation was written from the published report of 25 October 2018 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Laxfield House
2 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- October 2018Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- January 2016GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- December 2013
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 23 December 2013.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
Weigh the report against the rest
Fees, photos and reviews from families
How to read CQC ratings and reports
What to check when you visit
23 live-in carers within about an hour of Suffolk
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,260 a week. 17 can care for a couple. 7 years' experience on average.
“Not only was she professional, polite and efficient but she bought a lovely smile and laughter to my parents home.”
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.