CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at The Laurels (Cumbria)
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors were assured that the home was following safe infection prevention and control procedures. They found suitable arrangements for PPE, testing, visitors, cleaning, admissions and managing outbreaks.
- Effective?
- Good
- This area was not covered by this targeted inspection.
- Caring?
- Good
- This area was not rated in this inspection, although inspectors noted that staff supported people's social and emotional wellbeing.
- Responsive?
- Good
- This area was not covered by this targeted inspection.
- Well-led?
- Good
- This area was not covered by this targeted inspection, although the provider described quality checks for safe care.
What inspectors found, February 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured that infection prevention and control arrangements were keeping people safe.
This was a targeted, announced inspection on 9 February 2021. It checked how the home was prepared to prevent and control coronavirus infections.
Inspectors found appropriate personal protective equipment, safe arrangements for putting it on and taking it off, regular deep cleaning, and infection control training for all staff. They were also assured about visitor controls, social distancing, shielding, testing, admissions and outbreak management.
The home supported people's social and emotional wellbeing and referred people for extra help when needed. This inspection was not rated, so it does not provide an overall quality rating or ratings for most areas of care.
PPE arrangements
Staff and essential visitors used suitable PPE. The home had enough supplies and stored them safely and hygienically.
“All staff and essential visitors used appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).” from the report
Cleaning and hygiene
The home completed and recorded deep cleaning across all areas.
“Deep cleaning of all areas of the home was completed and recorded.” from the report
Staff training
All staff, including catering and housekeeping staff, had received infection prevention and control training.
“All staff, including catering and housekeeping staff had undertaken training in infection prevention and control.” from the report
Testing and outbreak planning
Inspectors were assured that the home arranged testing and had measures to prevent or manage infection outbreaks.
“We were assured that the provider was making sure infection outbreaks can be effectively prevented or managed.” from the report
Emotional wellbeing
Staff supported people's social and emotional wellbeing and referred people for extra support when needed.
“Staff supported people's social and emotional wellbeing. Where people required additional support, they were referred to appropriate services.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are you currently managing visitors to prevent infections spreading?
- 02What testing arrangements are now in place for residents and staff?
- 03How do you make sure PPE is available, stored safely and used correctly?
- 04What is your current plan for preventing and managing an infection outbreak?
- 05Can you explain how you support residents' social and emotional wellbeing and arrange extra help when needed?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not rated and did not assess the other areas of care in detail. This explanation was written from the published report of 26 February 2021 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
What inspectors found, April 2020
Creative Support - The Laurels (Cumbria) is Rated Good; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with heating and building work still being addressed.
This was an unannounced planned inspection on 9 March 2020. Inspectors spoke with 15 people, four relatives and 12 staff. They reviewed care, medicines, staff records, rosters, meetings and quality checks.
The home was rated Good in all five areas: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. People said they felt safe, were treated with dignity, had suitable food and enjoyed activities. Staff supported people's health, choices, independence and relationships.
The Safe and Well-led ratings improved from Requires improvement at the previous inspection, published on 15 March 2019. Effective, Caring and Responsive remained Good.
People felt safe
People told inspectors they felt safe. Staff understood how to protect people from abuse and risk assessments were detailed and regularly updated.
“One person said, "I'm very comfortable and very safe.” from the report
Kind and respectful care
Staff supported people with dignity, privacy and empathy. People were encouraged to make choices and maintain their independence.
“We observed staff treating people with discretion, empathy and genuine affection, which supported them to retain their dignity.” from the report
Good food and health support
People received nutritious food and support with hydration, special diets and health needs. The home worked with health and social care professionals.
“We observed people eating a well presented and nutritious meal.” from the report
Activities and relationships
People had access to activities, entertainment and trips out. Families and visitors were welcomed, and people were helped to maintain important relationships.
“People enjoyed entertainments and activities like music and movement and concerts.” from the report
Improved management
The home had experienced leadership and quality monitoring. The Safe and Well-led ratings improved from Requires improvement at the previous inspection.
“The home is managed by a suitably qualified and experienced registered manager who told us that senior managers gave her regular support.” from the report
Heating needed attention
needs fixingThe heating was not working effectively on the inspection day. An engineer attended and extra risk management was put in place, but further work was identified.
“On the day of the inspection the heating was not working effectively but an engineer visited and further risk management was put in place to ensure people stayed as warm and safe as possible.” from the report
Building work was delayed
minorThe provider had plans for major building and renovation work, but these were put on hold because of the coronavirus crisis. Inspectors asked to be kept informed about progress.
“These plans were put on hold due to the corona virus crisis.” from the report
- 01Has the heating system been repaired or upgraded, and how do you check that people are kept warm?
- 02What is the current staffing level, and has recruitment been completed?
- 03What building and renovation work is still outstanding after being put on hold?
- 04How will you make sure medicines remain safely managed while the system is under review?
- 05How will my relative's personal, cultural, spiritual and activity preferences be recorded and reviewed in their care plan?
This inspection looked at the whole care home and rated all five CQC questions; Safe and Well-led improved from Requires improvement, while the other three ratings remained Good. This explanation was written from the published report of 10 April 2020 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of The Laurels (Cumbria)
4 rated inspections over 4 years: the service has held its Good rating throughout.
- February 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- April 2020Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- March 2019Requires improvementstayed Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- September 2018Requires improvementdown from GoodSafe: InadequateEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- March 2016GoodSafe: Requires improvementEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- March 2015
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 18 March 2015.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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9 live-in carers within about an hour of Cumberland
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
8 can care for a couple. 9 years' experience on average.
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.