The Laurels & Pine Lodge

It would be good practice if the review of the care plan with relatives is more specific with times and dates, and could email be used, particularly if relatives live away from the care home?

Since my mother moved to this new home, we have all been treated with courtesy by professional, caring staff at all levels. From management to auxiliary level. Even though my mother is bed bound and unable to participate in activities, she is always considered for light therapy, music and CD and is read to. She is also included with holy communion and regularly seen by visiting chaplaincy staff and other services as appropriate. We are always advised of changes in her condition or interventions by the medical team and generally supported as part of mum's excellent care and seamfree transition from her previous home. Well done.

Good value with warm understanding staff. Convenient location in the Parkstone/Poole area. Modern rooms with TV (some with washroom).

Staff always polite and friendly and happy to accommodate.

Of numerous care homes I audited prior to my mother's placement, the Laurels was by far the best overall care home.

The bedrooms are a little small and are in need of some uplifting.

The Laurels has improved my parent's quality of life.

It is a great relief that he is being so well looked after. It has taken a lot of pressure off of the family.

Mother has been at the Laurels for nine months and has been happy. Her health is not so good now, but all the staff have risen to the challenge of providing the right care for mother's extra needs. Mother has put weight on, which must speak well of the catering. All the staff and I do mean all the staff, are genuinely friendly and helpful. The interaction is natural, jovial and genuine, while always respecting the needs and wants of their residents. They have good activities, with quizzes, games, craft, trips out and entertainers that come into the home. The Laurels has had a makeover that has been carried out sympathetically, making it look modern, while not losing that homely feel. That point is important, Homely! Any concerns that you always have when deciding on when and where your relative will be looked after, has been totally dispelled. We are kept well informed and can now relax knowing that mother is being well looked after in a friendly and homely environment.

The Laurels has a pleasant and personal feel to it and the rooms are comfortable and neutral. My dad has been a resident for some months now and his needs are well cared for. The staff are patient and kind to dad (and to me) and I appreciate this. I would recommend this home to other families.

Friendly people to talk to. Comfortable, warm and homely. Easy access. Good food and cheerful, helpful staff. I attend three days a week and have slept overnight when my wife was not well. I was well looked after and everybody was very kind and patient.

My husband enjoys going to this Day Centre three times a week. The staff are very cheerful and welcoming. He has coffee on arrival and a three-course meal at lunch time which he always says is delicious, especially the soup! There is entertainment which he can join in if he wants to. I feel that he is very safe and well looked after here and the homely atmosphere suits him.

The staff are always friendly and helpful and able to provide information on dad's current health with no problems. They care for the clients extremely well. Dad has Alzheimer's and they are able to cope with him perfectly. He gets on well with the carers.

Would recommend the home due to the diligent care provided by all staff. The home and the facilities are of a high standard, and activities provided are perfect for all residents. Could not fault the support provided to the family members.

A friendly welcome into a pleasant room. Staff are helpful at all times. I felt that at times they were undermanned. Particularly at night.

Communication between management and family is very poor.

No problems and any concerns have been dealt with satisfactory outcome and sympathy.

The home felt friendly but a little cramped and tired, I don't know the comparative cost of care but in comparison, another care centre in Poole has a much larger communal area although building (outside) in general state of repair.

I have always found the staff to be helpful. I think it is kept very clean here.

All staff are very helpful.

Warm and friendly atmosphere there. Homely and comfortable. All the staff are very helpful and kind to residents. Very good entertainment organiser.

The staff are friendly and I know my nan is safe there. I would welcome the facilities for visitors to make their own refreshments. General refurbishment would be nice as some things seem a little dated.