CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Lucerne House
Rated Good: inspectors found the home performing well and meeting their expectations.
What inspectors found, March 2023
Rated Good; inspectors found safe, person-centred care, with some record-keeping improvements still under way.
This was an unannounced inspection over 24 January, 26 January and 9 February 2023. The inspector spoke with people living at the home, relatives, staff and health professionals. They also reviewed care plans, medicines records, staff records, audits and meeting notes.
The home was rated Good for Safe and Well-led. Inspectors found enough staff, safe medicines systems, suitable risk assessments and prompt action when safeguarding concerns arose. People appeared relaxed and were supported to make choices, stay independent and take part in activities they enjoyed.
The inspection also included a supported living service run by the provider. The overall rating remained Good because the other key question ratings were carried forward from the previous inspection in March 2021. Inspectors found some record-keeping systems needed improvement, and work was under way to address this.
People felt safe
People said they felt safe, and inspectors observed people appearing relaxed and content. Staff understood how to recognise and report abuse.
“People told us they felt safe living at Lucerne House we observed people in both settings were relaxed in the company of staff.” from the report
Safe medicines
Medicines were ordered, stored and given safely. Staff received training and competency checks before administering medicines.
“Medicines were managed safely. In Lucerne House and the supported living service a detailed medicine's audit was carried out monthly.” from the report
Choice and activities
People were supported to make choices, build independence and take part in activities such as swimming, church, theatre, shopping and restaurants.
“People told us they enjoyed what they did and had regular opportunities to attend church, some went swimming and some enjoyed theatre, shopping and restaurants.” from the report
Strong oversight
The management team used a wide range of audits and acted on problems they found. Staff and relatives described good communication and support.
“Audits were comprehensive and were effective in identifying any shortfalls which were then promptly addressed.” from the report
Records needed improvement
needs fixingThe home had identified that its electronic daily records were not easy to analyse. Epilepsy records were detailed but also needed to be clearer for professionals to audit.
“The registered manager felt this was working well but they had identified that the systems for recording and analysing daily records was not working as well as they would like” from the report
- 01What changes have been made to the electronic system for recording and analysing daily records?
- 02How are epilepsy records now being recorded and reviewed, and can families see how this works?
- 03What progress has been made with the planned refurbishment of the garden office and other improvements to shared areas?
- 04How will my relative be supported to choose activities, outings and keyworkers that suit them?
- 05How will the home keep me informed about changes in my relative's health or wellbeing?
This inspection focused on Safe and Well-led; the ratings for Effective, Caring and Responsive were carried forward from the previous inspection, and the report also considered personal care in the provider's supported living service. This explanation was written from the published report of 3 March 2023 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.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Inspected but not rated; inspectors were assured about infection prevention and support for residents during lockdown.
This was an announced, targeted inspection on 18 February 2021. It looked at infection prevention and control at the home during the coronavirus pandemic. The inspection was focused on Lucerne House, not the supported living service.
Inspectors were assured that the home was managing visitors, testing, personal protective equipment, cleaning, social distancing and infection risks. They found that staff had received infection control training and that the home had plans for managing a possible outbreak.
The home supported residents to keep in touch with relatives by phone and social media. Some residents continued to go out for walks, while others were supported with exercise and activities inside or outside the home.
The home was inspected but not rated. This means the visit did not result in a Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate rating.
Infection control
Inspectors were assured that staff used PPE safely and had training in infection control, hand washing, and putting on and removing PPE.
“All staff wore PPE and had received training on infection control, the putting on and taking off of PPE and hand washing.” from the report
Visitor safety
Visitors had safety measures in place, including PPE, social distancing, temperature checks and LFD testing before entry.
“All visitors wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and were advised to remain socially distant from people and staff.” from the report
Outbreak planning
The home had plans for possible Covid-19 infection and had used an earlier suspected case to consider what would need to change during an outbreak.
“The home had remained Covid free but had contingency plans in place should any person or staff come into contact with anyone with Covid 19 or test positive.” from the report
Contact with relatives
Staff helped residents stay in contact with relatives through social media and telephone calls, alongside socially distanced visits and walks.
“Staff supported to maintain contact with relatives by social media or telephone.” from the report
Activities and exercise
Residents were supported with activities such as jigsaws, sand art, laptop use and music. Some also continued to go out independently or with support.
“Three people continued to go out independently for walks and others were supported to have daily exercise outside of the home.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently tested and supported to visit safely?
- 02What happened after the planned conservatory alterations for socially distanced visits?
- 03How often is infection control training refreshed for staff?
- 04What would happen if a resident or staff member tested positive for Covid-19?
- 05How will residents be supported to keep in touch with relatives and continue activities?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control at Lucerne House during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection of all five quality areas and no overall rating was given. This explanation was written from the published report of 16 March 2021 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 Lucerne House
5 rated inspections over 8 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- March 2023Goodcurrent ratingSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Good
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedSafe: Inspected but not rated
- March 2019Goodstayed GoodSafe: GoodWell-led: Good
- April 2017Goodstayed GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- August 2016Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- June 2015Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: Requires improvementResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- November 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- July 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2014
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- November 2010
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 19 November 2010.
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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19 live-in carers within about an hour of East 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 £1,000 to £1,400 a week. 13 can care for a couple. 10 years' experience on average.
“When he point blank refused to go into hospital for a life saving blood transfusion she talked him through the situation and agreed to go in the ambulance with him and stayed until he was settled.”
“Una felt safe, secure and loved in her time with Debbie which is a gift that I am eternally grateful for.”
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.