Enter and view: The Laurels

Healthwatch Cheshire West conducted an enter and view visit at The Laurels which is an older, purpose-built home operated by CLS Care Services. The Laurels has 18 beds for non-EMI Residents and 22 dementia beds.

The Laurels seemed a bright, clean and tidy establishment, although some of the furniture, fittings and carpets have seen a lot of use. It is surrounded by a secure, bigger than average garden area, with a tarmac footpath, plenty of seating, a greenhouse and a small gazebo.

Most of the Residents that were met and spoken with were not able to communicate very well including those outside of the dementia units and so it was difficult to get feedback. The Laurels does not have formal residents meetings, instead relying on staff, particularly the activities co-ordinators, to consult with residents.

Recommendations

- Suggested improvement to Welcome Desk area: improve security of care plans stored here so that they cannot be accessed by Residents; clearly display complaints/suggestions procedures.

- Make ‘memory boxes’ lockable so that they can be used as intended; consider ‘personalising’ the walls next to Residents’ doors with photographs, etc.

- Protect non-residential third floor and laundry entrances by use of a keypad.

- Display menus on individual dining tables.

- Activities programme - more prominent display and communication to all Residents.

- The CLS website mentions a ‘bowling green’ - this is no longer in use. Likewise, there are no longer any dog visits.

- Consider more bird feeders.

Service response

Minor factual details in the report – corrected prior to publication.