Lowfield House Nursing Home

Lowfield House Nursing Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 18 people, with complex needs relating to a learning disability, at the time of the inspection. The service can support up to 21 people. The home accommodates people in one adapted building. The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.

People were safeguarded from abuse by appropriate systems and processes. Risks to people were assessed and people's independence was promoted. Staff numbers were assessed according to people's needs. Medicines were administered safely by trained and competent staff. Infection control procedures were evident. Processes were in place to analyse and learn when things go wrong. People's needs and choices were assessed to support good outcomes for people. Staff appeared knowledgeable and were provided with training. People were supported to eat and drink and maintain a balanced diet. Staff shared information with colleagues and professionals to facilitate the best support for people. People had regular and appropriate access to health professionals. The service had considered people's needs when adapting and decorating the home. Consent to care was sought. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. People's views were sought wherever possible and considered within their care plans. People's privacy and dignity were respected. Care plans were individual and personalised to the needs and preferences of people. Comments, complaints and compliments were used to improve the quality of care. People's end of life wishes were sought and people were supported in their end of life, where applicable. There was a clear vision for the home and an open culture. There was a governance framework in place which covers all aspects of the service and the care delivered. People, relatives and staff were engaged in the running of the home. There was evidence of continuous improvement by analysing trends, themes and by sharing best practice. The home worked in partnership with the community. The service applied the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence. The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of Registering the Right Support by promoting choice and control, independence and inclusion. People's support focused on them having as many opportunities as possible for them to gain new skills and become more independent.