Enter and View: The Laurels

Healthwatch Cheshire conducted an Enter and View visit to The Laurels Care Home in Winsford on 3rd December 2024 to assess resident experience, quality of care, and overall environment. The visit was announced in advance, and surveys were distributed to residents, relatives, and friends to gather additional feedback.

Key findings

•  Most residents expressed satisfaction with the care they receive, highlighting staff attentiveness and a friendly atmosphere. However, some relatives raised concerns about overall care quality.

• Residents were observed to be well-groomed and appropriately dressed. The home has a good relationship with its linked GP surgery, with a nominated GP visiting weekly.

•  While activities such bingo and invited singers were available, there was feedback requesting a wider variety of activities, including more one-to-one engagement.

• Mixed responses were received regarding meal choices. Some residents wanted more variety, while others found the food satisfactory. Snacks and drinks were available throughout the day.

• The care home was noted to have cluttered areas, and communal spaces in need of deep cleaning. Some residents felt the environment could be made more welcoming.

Recommendations

• Improve hygiene standards, including regular deep cleaning of communal spaces.

• Offer a wider variety of activities, including more one-on-one sessions.

• greater meal options, providing two main choices and a lighter alternative.

• Refresh and update the home’s decor.

• Secure the garden door with a keypad for safety.

• Ensure complaints procedures are clearly displayed in reception.

• Implement a monthly newsletter with updates on activities and care home news.

Next steps

The report has been shared with the care home management, but at the time of publication, no response had been received. Healthwatch Cheshire will continue to monitor and engage with The Laurels to follow up on these findings and recommendations.