Laurel Lodge Care Home provides accommodation and personal care for up to 27 older people. There were 19 people living in the home on the day of our inspection.

This inspection took place on 25 and 26 January 2017 and was unannounced.

A registered manager was in post at the time of our inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Appropriate systems were in place to guide staff in how to minimise the risk of people experiencing abuse. Staff knew what action to take to ensure people were protected if they suspected they were at risk of harm. The provider encouraged them to raise and report any concerns they had about people so they could be addressed. People received their medicines when they needed them.

The home had sufficient staff to meet the needs and preferences of the people living there. Staff were recruited only after completing the necessary checks to make sure they were suitable to work at the home.

Staff knew about and were following the guidance in people's risk assessments and care plans and the risk of unsafe care was reduced. People's records were up to date and indicated that care was being provided as detailed in people's assessments.

Staff had received enough training and supervision to enable them to provide people with the care they required in a safe manner.

The registered manager and the staff team were aware of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. People were asked to give consent to care, support and treatment. Where people lacked the capacity to do this, staff worked within best interest decision making procedures.

People’s health, care and nutritional needs were effectively met. People were provided with a varied diet and staff were aware of people’s individual dietary needs. The home worked with external professionals to support and maintain people’s health.

People’s privacy and dignity was respected by staff. People, their families and staff were all complimentary about the home. Staff were enthusiastic about working with the people who lived at the home and developed positive relationships with them.

People received the care and support they needed and were encouraged to express their views and opinions about how they wanted to be looked after. People and their relatives were listened to if they were unhappy or had comments to make. Actions were taken where appropriate in order to improve the quality of care provided.