Barchester Laurel Bank Care Home

I didn't feel happy about going to a care home till I got here. The staff are friendly, and it's no different from being at home. I'm comfortable, well-fed and I could not have chosen a better place to be in. I would definitely be back.

Taking into account the difficulties caused by the Covid pandemic, the person-centred care promised in the promotional material and in-person when choosing this home has never materialised. Particular problems have arisen through poor management of hearing aids - taking into account visual impairment. Garden, activities and communication have not been accessible to my mother. It has been a prison due to lack of sufficient staffing/management and communication - or lack of with relatives.

My close friend has been living at Barchester Laurel Bank Care Home for several months now. I visit most days. The staff could not have been more helpful and caring. They've been remarkably flexible in adapting to his individual needs and ensuring we can keep in regular contact. Even when busy and under pressure, he is always treated with respect. His health has improved noticeably, due to a consistently high standard of care. The staff work hand in hand with me to make sure his needs are met.

My Mother was admitted for end of life care due to pancreatic cancer. She was extremely ill and unable to communicate so we were visiting daily. My Aunt had to request several basic things were rectified such as my Mum being dressed in her own clothes, the return of her missing clothes, the blood in her mouth being cleaned, the fact she had found her sat in reception in an open back nightdress. Then Covid hit the home and we were unable to go in. I understand this, but the communication all but stopped completely. I rang 5 times in one day asking for an update and each time was told someone would call me back. I finally got through only to be told by the nurse that calling me "wasn't a priority" as he was busy and he had cancelled the Dr's visit as "she's end of life - we know what's wrong". I was told he would call me the next day with an update and the call never happened. I am now in the position of my Mother there dying and I have no way of knowing if she's being cared for.

Since becoming a resident at Laurel Bank my brother has gained so much more independence. He is cared for 24/7 and nothing is ever too much trouble. The food is of excellent quality and of restaurant standard. I am so pleased that my brother is in Laurel Bank it has put me at ease as I know he is more than cared for. From the management to the nursing, caring, and support staff, I cannot recommend highly enough. As for the chef, he is great.

I spent six weeks in Laurel Bank Care Home in March 2021 following an operation. Covid restrictions were still in place, which meant isolation in my room for part of the time. The carer was always kind, respectful and acted professionally. The kitchen staff adapted menus to cater for individual tastes and got to know the residents by serving in the dining rooms and taking meal orders from residents individually. Housekeepers cleaned the rooms and communal areas daily, and the activity coordinators made a significant contribution to the life o the residents by managing visits and online contact with families. Daily activities were provided within the confines of Covid restrictions, and it was impressive to see them including the most vulnerable in their programmes. During the day, the residents are given the choice of remaining in their rooms (TV's provided) or joining others in the lounges. The home is well managed, and I would recommend it to anyone considering short or long term care.

After just over a year, I was finally able to visit my sister in her bedroom. The visit was perfect, and as always, the staff were brilliant in how they coordinated and managed my "very safe" visit. My sister has recently been very ill (not Covid related); however, I have nothing but admiration and praise for the staff at Laurel Bank and how they helped nurse my sister back to her old self. Well done, Laurel Bank, you're great!

I find the care given to residents is of a high standard.

Very pleased with the care taken to enable visits after such a long time.

Mum is very happy and settled and gets on well with all the staff. I am happy with her care and the facilities.

I do not have an issue with Barchester Laurel Bank Care home in all aspects of care, which I find excellent in all fields.

Whenever we visit the home, we always find the staff to be very pleasant, helpful and friendly. The entrance area is welcoming and well maintained and the bistro area is a nice touch. Our relative seems to be happy and comfortable in the home. She appears to know all the staff by name and they are always popping in to ensure she is okay. All in all the experience of visiting the home is a pleasant one.

Lovely home, decor is outstanding. Mum's room was fresh, bright and very clean. The staff were welcoming and supportive towards mum care and we could not fault it.

I highly recommend Laurel Bank Care Home. The home itself is pleasantly presented and has a real homely atmosphere. It is light and airy and just feels comfortable. The staff are brilliant and very helpful and friendly whilst maintaining high standards of care and efficiency. My dad has thoroughly enjoyed his stay so far. So much so, he has decided he wants to stay permanently.

The personal care and attention is excellent. The carers show genuine compassion and knowledge of our aunt. Thank you so much. This knowledge was clear from our chat with one particular member of staff in Pine Ward.

The administration staff were unfailingly helpful.

They are also aware when problems arise (i.e. sore bottom, etc.)

My mother was in Laurel Bank for approximately 9 years. Her care was more than satisfactory in every way. I would highly recommend this nursing home. She died there on 3rd June 2019. Thank you to all staff who worked here.

Outstanding care towards my nana. Always checking she was comfortable and not in any pain. Room was lovely and welcoming. Outstanding care from all staff.

The home is always clean, it provides nutritious tasty good and is presented lovely. There is always a variety of activities for residents, the rooms are bigger than most care homes with furniture that looks new and not cheap looking. Home kept furniture and equipment as to a high standard. My nana is always treated with dignity and is never rushed. Staff try to do personal centred care for her. The nursing care is to a very high standard. Management is always available to talk to. Staff seem well looked after. I couldn't speak more highly about Barchester Laurel Bank Care Home. If anything, I don't think they promote the highlights of the home enough, like the parker baths, activities, large rooms and lovely food. The staff, all of them are very caring, hardworking, supportive to residents and timely. I would highly recommend this home. I think its the best in the area.