The Laurels Care Home

Francis Way, Hetton-le-Hole, Houghton le Spring DH5 9EQ
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9.4 69 Reviews
  • The Laurels Care Home, Houghton le Spring
The Laurels Care Home provides a range of tailored care plans for short or long-term stays. Care includes general nursing care, residential care, and residential dementia care. The home also has facilities to provide end-of-life care if required. A team of qualified and experienced ancillary staff work hard to provide the best possible round-the-clock care.

With its ideal location in the centre of Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, residents can benefit from the many nearby amenities as well as good transport links to Sunderland and Durham.

This two-storey property has been refurbished to a high standard and features tastefully decorated, single bedrooms each with en-suite facilities. Families are encouraged to bring in personal items for their loved ones to encourage a more homely and familiar environment.

During their stay, residents are assessed by health professionals including occupational therapists and care managers. Referrals are usually made by the care managers or hospital team.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1150 – £1178
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1274 – £1292
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1150 – £1178
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1265 – £1295
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1401 – £1422
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1265 – £1295

Final fees are subject to assessment of the potential resident, the size of the room offered and the facilities needed / available. Additional services such as hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers and excursions are not included in the standard weekly fees.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Laurels Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Emma Taylor (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (50)

The Laurels Care Home Reviews (69)

9.4

The Laurels Care Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.391) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Laurels Care Home has 69 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Laurels Care Home
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Total of 69, showing 1-20
Review from J R (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Most of the staff are friendly but I get the impression that they are sometimes understaffed. Sometimes my mother can be in the same clothes for days, and one have reported this because, as well as the dirty clothes, she also smelled awful. This seems to have improved slightly. One of my biggest concerns
is the lack of activities, this is zero at the minute and know a lot of other residents' families that are saying the same thing.
Reply from Jack Pollard, Administrative Sales & Marketing Support at The Laurels Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. All of the team are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and we are disappointed to hear that you feel this has not happened in your case.Our home manager is aware of your concerns and would like to reassure you that our staffing levels are assessed with a recognised staffing tool to ensure we have the right number of team to support our current residents living in our home. As resident care requirements change, we are then also able to adjust the number of team members accordingly. If you would like to discuss any of this further, please reach out to us directly at the home. Thank you again.

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Review from A G (Son of Resident) published on 18 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very attentive and focused on mothers' wellbeing and specific health conditions, monitoring closely to ensure her safety and comfort. Very friendly and caring staff and management. I feel very confident she is being given the best care, both in general well-being and health.
Reply from Jack Pollard, Administrative Sales & Marketing Support at The Laurels Care Home

Thank you! We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that your experience at The Laurels Care Home was so positive. All of our team are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

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Review from Janette D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleasant, welcoming, clean. Lovely staff, always willing to help. The staff are very friendly, and the nurses are great. The resident would recommend, she has no complaints.
Reply from Jack Pollard, Administrative Sales & Marketing Support at The Laurels Care Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback about our home. We are pleased to hear that your experience has been positive and appreciate all of your kind comments about our team. We hope to see you again soon.

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Review from Brian M (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 8 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In my view everything was top-class! No complaints whatsoever. The staff were welcoming on first arrival. I was well looked after and look forward to my next stay for respite in July.
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Review from J M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic care home that looks after its residents with the utmost respect. My gran feels very safe here and well cared for, with additional help given when needed. The activities that are put on for the residents are exceptional, from dancing, singing, cooking, arts and crafts to day trips
out, all of which provide excellent entertainment. Apparently, they also do the best gravy ever!
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Review from J T (Friend of Resident) published on 23 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Visited The Laurels to see my friend for their open day/ve day. I had a lovely time, the home was clean and had a nice feel to it. The staff were very nice and made me feel so welcome. It was lovely to spend some time with my friend. The activities throughout the afternoon was great and finished off
with a high tea.
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Review from D G (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I find The Laurels to be warm and welcoming. The staff who've been there a long time are outstanding and do a fabulous job of caring. The activities are much better than previous and seem to be always looking for new things to entertain the residents. Sometimes, I find you don't know who to speak to
if you have a question because you don't know all of the new staff and locums who are in charge, so I feel this is an issue.
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Review from B M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Laurels is truly a home from home. The staff, environment and home itself are all welcoming, friendly and warm. I dreaded having to place my grandad in a home but visiting The Laurels doesn't feel like I'm visiting a care home. The staff feel like friends already and the other residents as well.
I
have zero concerns over my grandad's care. It's clean, comfortable and happy which makes me happy.
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Review from Paul L (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Laurels has a good atmosphere and friendly staff. Sometimes a staff shortage makes a little longer waiting times for the buzzer to be answered, but overall it's really good.
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Review from Keith L (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am pleased that we found somewhere for my mam that is local and accessible for all the family. My mam feels safe and secure, and the staff always listen and responds to any concerns or problems my mam has.
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Review from Helen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My parents have been at The Laurels for about six months now. My dad especially loves the activities and the lady who runs them. They have been so helpful with moving both parents into the home. The carers are lovely and are so friendly.
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Review from S T (Friend of Resident) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, caring staff.
Well looked after.
Always something going on.
Staff always friendly.
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Review from Margaret S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since one member of staff in particular became activity organiser there has been a significant increase in activities for the residents. She is doing a fantastic job. Keep it up.
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Review from E C (Sister of Resident) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On visiting my sister on a regular basis I have found nothing to concern me. The staff are very pleasant and she is always clean, well looked after and well fed. I have no concerns when leaving her.
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Review from J L (Sister of Resident) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Prior to this, I had no experience of any members of my family in a care home, however, if this is the state of homes in our area then we are doomed. The care is not to a high standard and leaves a lot to be desired. My sister and her husband are both in this care home and the meals are not very good
at all. After making four formal complaints to which we received no reply, we are no further forward. The rooms are small and not well decorated. I could go on and on - very sad!
Reply from Harriet Sharland, Marketing Assistant at The Laurels Care Home

Thank you, J L, for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We pride ourselves in offering the best possible environment and care to all our residents and we are saddened to hear this may not have been the case for your relative at The Laurels Care Home. We can assure you any feedback made is being actively dealt with and resolved. If you wish to reach out in the meantime please get in touch via feedback@fshc.co.uk. Thank you again for taking the time to leave your review.

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Review from Peter T (Husband of Resident) published on 28 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good and the staff are very helpful and kind. Keep you well informed about care.
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Review from Margaret D (Resident) published on 28 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have only been here for three weeks but we have had bingo twice, we have had a singer and have been to bingo once each week. My son comes and takes me out for a few hours and they always seem pleased about it. If you say you are not well, they keep coming in to see you and make sure you have the buzzer
in your hand and tell you to use it. I have no complaints at present.
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Review from Judith K (Resident) published on 28 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Laurels Care Home is a very warm, friendly and lively place to stay. Staff are very experienced in their different roles and are always going above and beyond their day-to-day duties whilst still being very professional in their roles - it is very apparent that the staff enjoy their various roles
and this shines through with the care that they give every day.
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Review from Patricia M (Partner of Resident) published on 27 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My partner has been at The Laurels for over a year now. During this time, he has been looked after by the wonderful, friendly and caring staff. An excellent activities programme keeps him busy and happy. I take him out regularly, but he is always content to return. This gives me great peace of mind.
Thank you to all the staff at The Laurels.
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Review from C H (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 14 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My stepdad is very happy at The Laurels. The care team did a brilliant job of getting him settled in. He is involved a wide range of activities that are organised for the residents. The team have spent time getting to know him and his personality. They are in regular contact with my mum so she is aware
of everything that happens with him - she feels like they really know, understand and respect him.
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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.391)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.391) out of 10 for The Laurels Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.391 for The Laurels Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (10 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 179 Ratings = 4.391
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Laurels Care Home is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 13 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Taylor

Job Title: Home Manager

Emma is a qualified registered general nurse with over 21 years of experience. First working in the NHS and climbing her way to up to becoming a senior critical care nurse for 16 years. Emma’s career has continued to progress, with a focus on the social care sector, Emma has gone from clinical lead to deputy manager and now Home Manager.


When she is not caring for residents, family-oriented Emma takes pleasure in spending time with her husband and daughter and the rest of their family and friends.


Outside of work, Emma considers one of her biggest achievements to be raising her daughter, who she takes immense pride in.


Some words of encouragement from Emma for someone looking for the right care home would be to look for passionate staff who provide the best possible care and are proud of the home they work in.
Deeply caring, Emma enjoys seeing happy residents in a homely environment away from the clinical settings she had previously been used to.


For those considering care as a career, Emma advises to treat the residents in your care as family and to offer compassion, patience and hard work.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Laurels Care Home

What types of Care is The Laurels Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Laurels Care Home have?

There are 50 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Laurels Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Laurels Care Home to the centre of Houghton le Spring?

1.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact The Laurels Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Laurels Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.