Enter and view: Laurel Court Residential Home

Healthwatch Manchester conducted an Enter & View in Laurel Court Residential home on 14/02/22, in order to:

• Observe the environment and routine of the venue with a particular focus on how well it supports the dignity of residents.
• Speak to residents, family members and carers about their experience in the home, focusing specifically on the care and any treatments provided.
•  Give staff an opportunity to share their opinions and feedback about the service

Two service users and two members of staff were spoken to.

The overall impression of the home was very good. We were made to feel welcome by the staff who were very accommodating and they appeared to have a good relationship with the residents. There is evidence of ongoing training for staff who are encouraged to pursue career progressions, and we also found good methods of monitoring the residents’ health conditions and personal needs. The communal areas felt homely and comfortable and Healthwatch witnessed staff engaging well with residents. The home is current going through a full refurbishment and a number of areas have already been completed. The toilets and washing facilities  were clean and well-maintained. They were unable to speak to any residents as they were engaged with leisure activities during the visit.

Recommendations:

• Ensure that the ground floor environment is brought up to the same standard as the third floor.
• Information leaflets could be given greater prominence around the home, such as the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA). We acknowledge that signposting information is made available in the information pack when a new resident arrives.
• Improved lighting and cosmetic adjustments such as fresh paint would make the ground floor/dementia suite communal areas more pleasant.
• Implement signage to show that residents may ask for food in between meal times if needed.