The Laurels

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 five questions we ask about services and what we found