'Luxury' care home inadequate and over capacity - CQC

Residents waited for help for long periods and were left in bed until late in the morning at a care home in West Sussex, according to a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Drumconner Care Home in Lancing has been downgraded from good to inadequate following an inspection in August and placed into special measures.

The CQC noted that the risk of people falling in the areas around stairs was not managed, and that there were more people living there than the registered capacity of the home.

The care home released a statement saying they "believe that there are several inaccuracies within the report" but accepted that there are "areas where we can endeavour to do better".

The care home, which is described as 'luxury' on Drumconner Ltd's website, was found to be housing 67 people when the inspection took place.

The home's maximum registered capacity is 60.

The report said "injuries to people were not reviewed or investigated" and that the service was in breach of six regulations related to safe care and treatment, safeguarding, staffing, dignity and respect, person-centred care, and good management of the service.

Amy Jupp, CQC's deputy director for West Sussex, added: "When we inspected Drumconner Lancing, we saw the impact that poor leadership and disorganised care had on the people living there.

"People told us they often waited long periods for help when they pressed their call bells, leaving them anxious and uncomfortable.

"Some were left in bed until late in the morning, which restricted their freedom and independence."

However, the report also noted that "people and their relatives were positive about the staff and described them as kind and caring".

The statement from the care home said: "Our priority has always been, and will continue to be, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of our residents.

"We have already begun implementing an action plan to ensure improvements are made swiftly and effectively."

The home has now been placed in special measures and will be closely monitored, the inspectorate says.

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