CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Homelands
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
- Safe?
- Good
- Inspectors found that risks were assessed, staff knew how to protect people from harm, medicines were managed safely and infection controls were in place. Some relatives said staffing could be lower at weekends.
- Effective?
- Good
- People's needs were assessed before they moved in. Staff had training and supervision, dietary needs were supported, and people had access to healthcare professionals.
- Caring?
- Good
- Staff were kind, caring and patient. People were involved in decisions, their privacy and dignity were respected, and they were encouraged to remain independent.
- Responsive?
- Good
- Care plans reflected people's lives, wishes and preferences, and staff knew people well. Families were welcomed, but one person said there was not much to do and they sometimes felt bored.
- Well-led?
- Good
- The home had an open, person-centred culture. Audits, meetings and feedback were used to monitor care and identify improvements.
What inspectors found, July 2022
Homelands was rated Good in all five areas; inspectors found safe, kind and personalised care, with some limits on weekend staffing and activities.
This was the first inspection since the home registered in May 2021. It was unannounced and took place on 14 and 16 June 2022. One inspector spoke with people, relatives and staff, observed care, and checked care plans, medicines, recruitment files and other records.
The home was rated Good for Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led. Inspectors found that people were protected from harm, received their medicines as prescribed, and had their health, food and communication needs supported. Staff knew people well and treated them with kindness, patience, dignity and respect.
Care was personalised and people were supported to make choices, stay in touch with relatives and remain as independent as possible. The home had been redecorated and had an accessible garden. Inspectors also noted that activities were limited for some people and that staffing could be lower at weekends, although they found no impact on people's care.
Safe care and medicines
Inspectors found that risks were assessed, staff were trained in safeguarding, and medicines were ordered, stored, given and recorded safely.
“There were sufficient numbers of trained staff to meet people's care and support needs.” from the report
Kind and respectful staff
People and relatives described staff as kind and caring. Inspectors saw staff respond calmly when people became upset and support their dignity.
“People were treated well and supported by kind, caring and patient staff.” from the report
Personalised support
Care plans included people's histories, families, wishes and preferences. Staff used this information to provide individual support.
“People received personalised care that met their needs and preferences.” from the report
Good family involvement
Relatives were encouraged to visit, give feedback and attend meetings. Complaints were recorded and followed up.
“Complaints were logged and the outcomes were recorded to the satisfaction of the complainants.” from the report
Pleasant surroundings
The home had been redecorated and had a garden with seating, shade and easy access from communal rooms.
“Communal areas had been redecorated and provided a comfortable, light and airy environment for people to enjoy.” from the report
Limited activities
minorActivities such as karaoke, exercises and games were provided, but outings were only starting again and one person said they sometimes became bored.
“There's not a lot to do and I do get bored sometimes, but I'm not keen to go out or anything.” from the report
Lift repair
minorThe lift was being repaired during the inspection. Most people upstairs could use the stairs, but ask about the lift if your relative has mobility difficulties.
“A relative told us, "It is safe, except when the lift wasn't working, but they did seem to get the lift repaired very quickly".” from the report
- 01How many care staff are normally on duty at weekends, and what happens if someone is off sick?
- 02What activities and outings are currently available for people who may become bored or prefer individual activities?
- 03Has the lift repair been completed, and what arrangements are in place for anyone who cannot safely use the stairs?
- 04How will you support my relative's specific health, dietary, communication and mobility needs?
- 05How are relatives involved in care reviews, residents' meetings and feedback about the home?
This was the first comprehensive inspection of the newly registered home and covered all five key questions, including infection prevention and control. This explanation was written from the published report of 7 July 2022 by an AI system and checked against the report text: every quoted line appears in the report. It is a guide to the report, not a substitute for it. Read the full report on cqc.org.uk.
Every inspection of Homelands
4 rated inspections over 6 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- July 2022Goodcurrent ratingstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- June 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- October 2016Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- February 2016Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Inadequate
- May 2021
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 5 May 2021.
Ratings and report dates from the Care Quality Commission, Open Government Licence v3.0. A home can also be visited without a new rating being published, so the timeline shows published inspections.
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28 live-in carers within about an hour of West Sussex
These are self-employed carers on PrimeCarers, the introductory agency that runs this directory. Each has a profile with their own rates and reviews from families, and you choose who to talk to.
Most charge £1,020 to £1,170 a week. 23 can care for a couple. 11 years' experience on average.
Every carer has had an enhanced DBS check in the last 18 months, ID and right-to-work checks and an online interview. Their skills and training are for you to check with them. Carers set their own rates, and who is free changes week to week.