CQC report explained · a residential care home
What the CQC found at Prideaux House
Rated Requires improvement: inspectors found the home was not performing as well as it should and told it what to change.
What inspectors found, March 2021
Prideaux House was inspected but not rated; inspectors found strong infection-control arrangements during the coronavirus pandemic.
The inspection took place on 4 March 2021 and was announced. It was a targeted inspection looking at infection prevention and control in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors were assured that the home managed visitors, testing, personal protective equipment, social distancing, cleaning and infection outbreaks safely. Staff had infection-control training, and the home had enough protective equipment.
The home also supported contact between residents and relatives through phone and video calls. Inspectors found activities, cleaning arrangements and changes to the building that helped reduce infection risks.
Managed visits
Visits were planned for each person, with routes through the home and cleaning arrangements after visits. Staff supported visitors with lateral flow tests.
“There were clear processes in place to support the safe return of visitors to the home.” from the report
Protective equipment and training
Staff used protective equipment in line with government guidance and had training in putting it on and taking it off. The home had sufficient supplies.
“The registered manager had ensured that the home had sufficient PPE supplies throughout the pandemic.” from the report
Clean environment
The home was clean and hygienic. Cleaning schedules covered frequently touched surfaces, and changes to floors and radiator covers made cleaning easier.
“Cleaning schedules were thorough and included the regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.” from the report
Contact with relatives
Staff helped residents keep in touch by phone and video calls. Relatives could also join some activities remotely, supported by improved Wi-Fi.
“People who were able to, were supported by staff to keep in touch with their loved ones through video and phone calls.” from the report
Inspectors raised no specific concerns in this report.
- 01How are visitors currently tested and taken through the home to reduce infection risks?
- 02How do you make sure staff continue to use personal protective equipment safely?
- 03How often are frequently touched surfaces cleaned, and how is this recorded?
- 04What arrangements are in place if there is an infection outbreak?
- 05How can residents currently keep in touch with relatives by phone or video call?
This was a targeted inspection of infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic; it was not a full inspection of the other areas of care. This explanation was written from the published report of 13 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.
What inspectors found, December 2018
Prideaux House was rated Good overall; inspectors found kind, safe care and outstanding support that was tailored to people's needs.
Inspectors visited on 29 and 30 October 2018. The first day was unannounced and the second was announced. They spoke with people, relatives, staff and health professionals, observed care and checked care plans, medicines, staff records, rotas, training and complaints.
The home supported up to 20 older people living with dementia, with 13 people living there during the inspection. Inspectors found good standards in safety, effectiveness, caring and management. They rated the home's response to people's needs Outstanding.
The report says there had been significant improvements since the previous inspection in August 2017, when the home was rated Requires Improvement. Improvements included medicines management, mental capacity records, care records, falls prevention and the complaints process.
Personalised support
Staff knew people's communication needs, preferences and histories. Care plans and activities were built around each person's needs and interests.
“Staff were extremely knowledgeable of people's individual communication needs and ensured that these were always met in a person-centred way.” from the report
Quick response to changing needs
Staff acted promptly when people became anxious, unwell or less mobile. They worked with health professionals and used individual approaches to improve people's wellbeing.
“Staff were very responsive to changes in people's needs and were proud of the way they supported individuals.” from the report
Dignified end of life care
People's wishes, spiritual needs and personal preferences were given great importance at the end of their lives. Relatives gave very positive feedback about this support.
“People were treated with the utmost dignity and respect at the end of their lives and their preferences and wishes were the forefront of all support needs.” from the report
Meaningful activities
The home offered a wide range of activities linked to people's past interests and abilities. It also promoted links with local groups, schools and community venues.
“Activities were varied and suited to people's physical abilities so that everyone could take part.” from the report
Minor medicines recording issues
minorMedicines safety had improved significantly, but inspectors recorded two minor recording issues. Families should ask what these were and how the home checks that records remain accurate.
“since this process had been implemented, the number of medicine concerns had significantly dropped to two minor recording issues.” from the report
- 01What were the two minor medicines recording issues, and what checks are now in place to prevent similar errors?
- 02How is the registered manager's time divided between this home and the other service they manage?
- 03How do you assess and update each person's care plan when their needs, anxiety or mobility changes?
- 04What activities are currently available, and how are people involved in choosing them?
- 05How are people's end of life wishes and spiritual preferences recorded and shared with staff?
This was a comprehensive inspection covering all five key questions, with care, records, medicines, staffing, the environment and management systems examined. This explanation was written from the published report of 19 December 2018 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. The report was longer than we could read in one go; the later sections may not be reflected.
Every inspection of Prideaux House
3 rated inspections over 3 years: the service has improved, from Requires improvement to Good.
- March 2021Inspected but not ratedcurrent ratingSafe: Inspected but not rated
- December 2018Goodup from Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: GoodCaring: GoodResponsive: OutstandingWell-led: Good
- August 2017Requires improvementstayed Requires improvementSafe: GoodEffective: Requires improvementCaring: GoodResponsive: GoodWell-led: Requires improvement
- April 2016Requires improvementSafe: Requires improvementEffective: Requires improvementCaring: Requires improvementResponsive: Requires improvementWell-led: Requires improvement
- December 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- February 2013
Report published without a new overall rating.
- April 2012
Report published without a new overall rating.
- January 2011
Registered with the Care Quality Commission on 18 January 2011.
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.