We carried out a review of the data available to us about The Laurels on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about The Laurels, you can give feedback on this service.
The Laurels is registered to provide accommodation and personal care to eight older people. At the time of our inspection six people were receiving support at the service.
The home had a large communal courtyard and communal areas within the home where people could sit and relax.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ The provider and registered manager recognised safe visiting guidance and had set up a visiting ‘screen’ to accommodate scheduled visits. Additionally, alternative ways, including the use of technology, had supported people’s ability to remain in contact with their relatives. At the time of our visit, indoor visiting had been suspended, which had been communicated with people and their relatives.
¿ Admission to the home was completed in line with COVID-19 guidance. People were only admitted following a negative COVID-19 test result. The provider and registered manager had also tested people on arrival at the service and supported them to self-isolate following admission to reduce the risk of introducing infection.
¿ People’s health and wellbeing was monitored. People were observed for symptoms of COVID-19 and other potential infections. Healthcare professionals had continued to provide clinical support to people when this was required, including assisting people with COVID-19 vaccinations. Technology was used to enable clinical support where a visit to the home was not necessary.
¿ Action had been taken to reduce the risk of infection spreading which had included the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff had received training and support in relation to infection control and COVID-19. The registered manager observed staff practice ensuring they were following the correct use of PPE.
¿ The registered manager and provider had clear plans in relation to the isolation of people affected by COVID-19 and the cohorting of staff to reduce the spread of infection. The building had several doors which could be used to enable people to access outdoor spaces without moving through the home.
¿ People and staff were tested in line with national guidance for care homes.
¿ As part of full infection control measures laundry and waste arrangements had been correctly implemented to reduce the spread of infection.
¿ Cleaning schedules had been enhanced and were followed by care staff. This included the additional cleaning of frequently touched surfaces to reduce the risk of infection spreading. Care staff carried out laundry and cleaning tasks. The registered manager explained this promoted staff knowledge and enabled them to maintain the cleanliness of the service.
¿ People told us that the home was clean and that staff wore PPE as required. While people discussed that they missed the frequent physical contact with family, they were happy in the home and enjoyed the company of staff.
¿ The provider’s policy for managing COVID-19 and related infection prevention and control procedures had been reviewed and kept up to date. COVID-19 guidance was also kept up to date for staff reference. The registered manager had identified and supported people and staff who may be at increased risk if they contracted COVID-19. Risk assessments of staff movements and support bubbles had been created to identify and manage the risk to people.
¿ People were being supported with activities and engagements which met their wellbeing needs, in a safe manner. The provider and registered manager had tailored activities so that people could continue to enjoy activities that were meaningful to them. This included going for drives around the local area.
The Laurels is a residential care home that is registered to provide personal and nursing care for up to eight people. At the time of our inspection six people aged 65 and over lived at the home.
People’s experience of using this service:
Staff ensured people’s care needs and personal wellbeing was at the heart of this service. Staff provided care which ensured people’s requests, wishes and aims were met. The provider’s values and expected standards of care were consistently demonstrated by staff. People received a service which was exceptionally responsive to people’s needs and requests.
People's needs and wishes were met by staff who knew them well. We saw and were told of many examples of staff going 'above and beyond' to help people to achieve their aims and wishes such as visiting the countryside and going on boat trips. The registered manager and staff were passionate about providing high quality care. People and their relatives confirmed the care they received was outstanding and focused on their needs. One person said “I’m very happy here. The staff are amazing, the food is wonderful. I have no complaints at all.”
People and their relatives told us the home had a ‘homely feel’ about it and staff treated them like family. They felt they were listened to and were part of an organisation that genuinely cared for them and acted on their views. People told us they were treated with great respect and dignity and their privacy was always respected. The Laurels was an inclusive service which met people’s individual requests and needs and protected their human rights.
An established staff team was in place. They had been supported and trained to carry out their role and were aware of how to report any concerns about neglect or abuse and were confident they would be acted on.
People were supported safely, and risks regarding their care were assessed, met and recorded. People's care plans were detailed and provided staff with the information they required to support people. People’s medicines were administered and managed safely.
The service organised many community and individual activities, social events for people to enjoy. Staff ensured people lived a meaningful and active life and helped them to access the local groups and overcome barriers. The registered manager was praised by staff and people for their commitment and passion for care. This had resulted in a positive workplace culture. Staff told us they were proud of working for the home.
Systems were in place to monitor and audit the care people received to ensure the high-quality care was sustained. The registered manager valued people’s feedback and acted on their concerns and requests.
Rating at last inspection: Good (Last report was published on 14 December 2016). At this inspection we found evidence that sustained the rating of good.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Why we inspected: The inspection was prompted in part due to information of concern and by the previous CQC inspection reports, ratings and the time since the last inspection were also taken into consideration.
Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our inspection programme. If any concerning information is received, we may inspect sooner.
There were seven people were living in the home at the time of our inspection. People’s bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges and dining rooms were set over the ground floor of The Laurels.
People had access to quiet areas to sit and relax as well as a secured court yard and garden area.
A registered manager was in place as required by their conditions of registration. 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.
People were cared for by staff who were passionate about improving people’s quality of life. People and their relatives overwhelmingly praised the staff for their kindness and support. The registered manager had sought and had positively acted on people’s views and personal wishes to improve their life at The Laurels.
People’s rights were protected. They were supported to make decisions about their care and support. The level of support provided was varied and tailored to people’s needs. People’s care records provided staff with detailed information about their support needs, personal histories and social interests. Their individual risks had been identified and assessed. Whilst staff supported people to minimise their risks, there was not always clear recorded guidance for staff to follow. We have made a recommendation about the recording of the management of people’s risks.
People were supported by staff who were kind and compassionate and knew people well. They supported people to attend health care appointments as required. The management and administration of their medicines was based on people’s individual support needs. Staff understood their responsibility to safeguard people and report any concerns. People enjoyed the meals provided. They were being consulted about their likes and dislikes
People’s daily concerns were listened to and acted on. The registered manager had not received any complaints since being in post. They were clear about the actions they would take if a complaint or allegation of abuse was made. There was sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Additional staff were provided if people needed extra support such as attending appointments or events in the community.
People benefited from staff who had been trained and supported to carry out their role. Plans were in place to monitor, observe and update the training of staff. A clear recruitment process was in place to ensure people were supported by staff of good character. However conversations about any discrepancies in their employment histories were not always recorded.
The home was well-led. The registered manager had a good understanding of their role and how to manage the quality of the care provided to people. Quality monitoring systems were developed to check and address any shortfalls in the service. Where concerns had been raised by people and their relatives these had been addressed immediately. There were sufficient numbers of staff to ensure people’s needs were being met.