The inspection focused on five key areas integral to the running of the home, including whether the home is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. These key areas surmise the full report, which saw Lavender Fields receive a rating of ‘Good’ out of the possible ratings of ‘inadequate,’ ‘requires improvement,’ ‘good’ or ‘outstanding.’

The CQC inspectors spoke to several of the residents’ family members, who were particularly appreciative of the care staff. The report showed comments from relatives such as, ‘It’s like a family here, [carers] cannot do enough for you… Staff speak to my loved one in a very nice manner’ and ‘[care staff] are very caring, they are lovely to her’ in regards to their loved one living in the home.

Another relative praised care staff, describing how they ‘go the extra mile’ in their approach to their role.

The report touched on how Lavender Fields had adapted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, praising the home manager, Karen Cooper, for having ‘worked in partnership with local health teams during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure people were receiving appropriate care and support’.

In addition, Lavender Fields was noted for admitting people safely, and for using PPE effectively and safely- something that is always important within care homes, but even more so due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The home was further praised on its approach to infection control, with its policies up to date, as well as prevention strategies in place for preventing visitors from spreading COVID-19 through efficient visitation policies.

Home manager, Karen Cooper, said: “I am thrilled that Lavender Fields has received a ‘Good’ rating following this CQC inspection. It is a testament to the hard work of the staff, as well as to the strength and endurance of the residents, as we have all navigated these challenging times together over the last year. To have gained this recognition for the home, and everybody who makes up our Lavender Fields family, is extremely rewarding.”

About Lavender Fields

Lavender Fields in Sevenoaks, Kent, is a purpose-built, 75-bed home catering to older adults in need of residential, dementia or respite care. The home is run by Greensleeves Care, a non-profit care home provider, and it embodies the charity’s ethos surrounding a person-centred, dignified and respectful approach to care.

For more information, visit https://www.greensleeves.org.uk/care-homes/lavender-fields-sevenoaks/

To read the CQC report in full, follow this link: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-5154676354