Larchwood Care Home

Updated 28 February 2025

Larchwood care home is registered to provide personal care and support to up to 64 people, some of whom may be living with dementia. At the time of the assessment, the service was supporting 62 people.

The assessment took place between 5 March 2025 and 19 March 2025. Two inspectors visited the service on 5 March and an inspector and an Expert by Experience undertook a follow up site visit on 19 March 2025. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

This assessment was prompted by information we held about this service, and we reviewed Safe and Well led.

People were supported by a consistent team of staff who knew them well. Staff were visible and we observed appropriate levels of support. Training was provided to staff to ensure that they had the skills that they needed to support people safely. Care was individualised and risk assessments were in place to minimise the risk of harm. Medicines were stored safety and given as prescribed. The service was clean and there were systems in place to ensure equipment was serviced and maintained. Incidents and accidents were reviewed to identify learning and ensure that lessons were learnt.

Staff told us that the registered manager was approachable, and daily meetings were held with senior staff to review care delivery and ensure that any changes to people’s wellbeing were escalated. The provider undertook regular audits as part of their quality assurance processes and action plans were in place to monitor improvement.

Updated 28 February 2025

People told us that they liked living at Larchwood care home and felt safe and supported by staff. One person told us, “I like it here …the carers are pleasant people and look after me well. I couldn't be at home anymore because I forget things all the time.”

Comments from relatives included, “I think my relative is very well looked after here and far safer now than when they were at home on her own. They have a laugh and a joke with all the carers and there's always plenty of them around to keep an eye.”

We observed that staff were available to support people when they needed assistance. Call bells were responded to promptly and when people were supported to mobilise, using the hoist, this was undertaken confidently and calmly by staff.

Mealtimes were a sociable event, and meals looked appetising. People told us and we observed that people had access to a choice of food and drinks as well as a variety of snacks throughout the day. Regular activities were provided which people enjoyed, and there was a good level of participation. External groups such as entertainers and school groups visited the service.

People benefitted from a service which had a registered manager who was visible and approachable. Relatives told us that they were made to feel welcome during their visits to loved ones. One told us, “Overall we've had a really good experience with being here. The reception people and manager are very good. So, I can't think I've ever had any major issues with the place, they are proactive.”

People were consulted about their care and its delivery, but observational audits were also undertaken by the management team to ascertain people’s experience.