Reviews for Lucerne House Care Home

"We found Barchester Lucerne House Care Home after a somewhat traumatic period where another home was unable to cope with Dad as he kept trying to escape. From the moment he arrived at Lucerne House, he was treated with dignity and respect and surely felt settled there as he didn't try to escape once. The staff were wonderful with him (and all the other residents living with dementia), demonstrating a real understanding of the disease and almost instinctively knowing how best to manage Dad and how to cajole him into doing the things he needed to. I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff. From our first contact with the deputy manager, who totally put us at ease at what was a difficult time for us, to our last contact with the head of the dementia unit, who always had time to chat and reassure us, and the carers who stayed behind after the end of their shift to say goodbye to us when we arrived to say our final goodbye to Dad, they were all, without exception, special people."

Denise P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"We found Barchester Lucerne House Care Home after a somewhat traumatic period where another home was unable to cope with Dad as he kept trying to escape. From the moment he arrived at Lucerne House, he was treated with dignity and respect and surely felt settled there as he didn't try to escape once. The staff were wonderful with him (and all the other residents living with dementia), demonstrating a real understanding of the disease and almost instinctively knowing how best to manage Dad and how to cajole him into doing the things he needed to. I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff. From our first contact with the deputy manager, who totally put us at ease at what was a difficult time for us, to our last contact with the head of the dementia unit, who always had time to chat and reassure us, and the carers who stayed behind after the end of their shift to say goodbye to us when we arrived to say our final goodbye to Dad, they were all, without exception, special people."

Denise P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"I came in, in a terrible way from hospital after being told I can only manage with pain medication, but after being at Lucerne for the past 3-weeks, and being so well looked after, the pain is under control and I am starting to feel like myself again. The staff are so wonderful, and I have started partaking in activities that go on every day. The personal care that I receive and the help from the physio are also exceptional."

Iris T
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My husband was in Lucerne House in the dementia wing for 5 months until he died. He was treated with dignity throughout. The staff always showed loving kindness to him and other residents. There is a culture of respect, kindness and good humour that is displayed by all staff. During my husband's final end of life care he, and I, were treated really well. He could not have been cared for any better in a hospice. I am so pleased he was able to spend his final months of his life at Lucerne and didn't have to die in hospital."

Maggie B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"Staff always friendly and cheerful. Always make you feel welcome when you visit your relative. Always come and say hello when passing and fill you in on your loved one."

Sally L
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.92 out of 5

"My dear wife has been a resident in "Shillingford Unit" of Lucerne House for just over 3 years now. I myself having cared for her at home from 2007 to 2013 and I would say with "Excellent" help from both Dr's who gave really good guidance from written reports on our visits to him and our own doctor. Lucerne House again "Excellent advice". In April 2013 was assessed as "critical" and I just had to give in for her to go into care. I could not wish for her to be at anywhere other than Lucerne House where everyone is always ready to speak to you, answer any questions, help in any way over the 3 years (except for one length of time) when everyone seemed to behaving (about 6 mnths) just prior to the manager coming. It has got better and better even better than before. Well done again to everyone a great team and a great captain. Nobody ever seems to have a bad day. Always a smile on their face. I do not feel you can ever achieve excellent in many ways when dealing with Alzheimer's but in the case of the 3 boxes that is just so."

John C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.10 out of 5

"Believe me when I am looking for a place to look after my mum I am watching for any crack or failing in the service. I can honestly tell you that Lucerne House Care Centre has been fantastic from the first greeting to yesterday, from management to care assistant to cleaners, all smile and say hello each time and nothing is too much trouble for them. I have watched them with other people's family residents and you couldn't wish them to be anywhere else. FIGHT to get your relative here, it is worth it!!"

Richard E
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Dad was a resident at Lucerne House for almost a year until he passed away in August. From the moment he arrived, he was cared for with such kindness, tenderness and dignity. Dad's nursing needs were very high yet everyone made time to chat with him and to enable him to join activities as much as possible. There was always a friendly smile. Family and friends were equally welcomed at all times and although it was so sad when he passed away we were so happy he could spend his final days in such a caring, wonderful home. Thank you, everyone!"

Sue B
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My wife is suffering from dementia and was a resident at Lucerne House Care Centre for over three years. I estimate that I visited her over 600 times she hardly ever spoke and rarely smiled and I frequently left her feeling heart broken with tears in my eyes. The manager and staff were understanding and helpful throughout."

David C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.71 out of 5

"Staff are very caring and welcoming. They have been very caring looking after my husband through a recent bout of illness and have looked after him as a member of the family."

W M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"My mother has been a resident for 16 months. During that time, she has been treated with care, kindness and dignity. The staff are always professional, patient, friendly and I always feel she is safe and her needs are met."

Maureen W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"My mother recently passed away at Lucerne House after living there happily for over a year, The support, care and friendship which she and our family received has been amazing. The staff managed mums complex and often challenging needs with expertise, fun and kindness. It truly felt like her home, surrounded by people who cared about her, liked her, laughed with her, were sensitive to her individual needs, he likes and dislikes and brought our her love of singing. We got a sense that everybody's role is equally regarded and valued and specialist dementia training for staff is a priority. Mum looked forward to her meals and always ate well. Her clothes were looked after and carefully chosen and activities were thoughtful and fun, including external musicians such as a harp player. I will miss being part of such a caring and fun place."

Sue C
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My husband was wonderfully cared for at Lucerne, I will always be grateful to every single member of staff for the overwhelming kindness shown to him and to my family as we faced the declining health of a very much loved husband and dad. Nothing was too much trouble. There was a smile and cheery word from everyone and great sensitivity."

F Y
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"My father came to Lucerne in late February. He was covered in cuts and bruises from his last home. He had lost so much weight and was quite frankly a mess. Since being at Lucerne, he is a changed man. The staff here are so caring and attentive. They have responded totally to my Dad's needs and the best bit is he has no new cuts, has not fallen and is putting on weight. He is signing again, is alert and happy. Thank you Lucerne."

Patsy T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"My sister came to Lucerne House for a short while. Her care that she received from all of the staff was excellent, very caring, jolly and professional. The home was lovely, friendly and very homely. I only wish she had longer with them all."

S H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.78 out of 5

"My 98-year-old mother became a resident at Lucerne House for the last 3 months of her life. She suffered from dementia and had distressing periods of mental confusion. From the beginning, the staff treated my mother with infinite patience and understanding. They comforted her and gave her back some dignity. Her room was light and airy and always clean. All the facilities were of a high standard. Each time I visited my mother, a friendly member of staff made me a cup of tea - and showed concern for me, as well as my mother. The nurses in charge were very professional and approachable - they kept me well informed of my mother's medical condition at all times. All the staff at Lucerne House - carers and administrators - were excellent. I shall always appreciate the exemplary care they gave to my mother."

Jeremy S
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Lucerne House is a wonderful home. Always made to feel very welcome and the family are all very happy with the loving care and attention our loved one receives (he has a brain tumour), from all the nursing staff who are absolutely brilliant. Nothing is too much trouble. All the family have found this since he became a resident in December 2016. We feel it has given our loved one dignity and the independence (until recently) and has made sure he had a good quality of life and is comfortable. All the nursing staff, we know, are well aware of the effect a terminal illness has on the family and they are always there for you too if you need to talk or ask any questions. As a family, it was the hardest, but the right decision we have had to make for our loved one, giving us peace of mind, knowing he is comfortable and well cared for. We have nothing but high praises to sing for Lucerne House."

P D
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"My daughter was admitted to Lucerne House Young Persons Wing, Alphington in November. It took some time for her to settle, a combination of ill health, Christmas and being away from home. During this time the staff were extremely kind and did all they could to make her feel that it was her home. Visiting is unrestricted and I can bring the family pet in. The room and surroundings are clean and the choice of food is good. Excellent activities are offered during the week."

E P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"My mother in law has been looked after for over a year. Her care has been exemplary and the staff genuinely enthusiastic and caring. I can't speak highly enough."

Neil F
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.33 out of 5

"My wife spent over 3 years at Lucerne Nursing Home suffering from Alzheimer's. During that time the love and care she received was wonderful. I visited her every day and was always given a lovely welcome. I cannot speak highly enough about the management and staff of this first class home. Sadly my wife passed away on 1st November 2017."

R P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My experience with Lucerne Care home has been one of extreme gratitude for the care of my husband, who has dementia. I cannot thank them enough for the kindness and understanding they give. I know from experience of looking after my husband for six and a half years and then became too hard for me to cope. How hard this job must be. This home is full of smiles and laughter due to the fact they all work well together with love and understanding of these people with dementia. If you yourself are worried about anything, they are only too pleased to help you too. Just go and have a look."

J H
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My mother received exemplary care at all times during her 12 month period at Lucerne house. She was treated with dignity and respect, at all times. The staff I cannot express how caring respectful and nothing was ever too much trouble, very approachable and happy to spend time with any updates that were needed. The last few days of my mother’s life the family were all made welcome to stay and accommodated us with refreshments. During our last days spending time in Lucerne House watching staff with residents I cannot express the exemplary care they gave and treated each individual to their needs. Myself and my family would like to say if anyone is looking for care for their loved ones then Lucerne House is exceptionally outstanding and first class. Myself and my family would like to say a huge thank you to you all as from the beginning of our journey to the end with our mother in your most capable hands you are all fantastic. Thank you"

Christopher B
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Without exception, the nursing and caring staff are cheerful, professional and supportive of both my husband and myself. The other staff that I have met, be it housekeepers, laundry, kitchen or maintenance are similarly cheerful and polite. My only problem would be if my husband had, for any reason to leave. The manager has an "ever open door" and is never too busy to speak to relatives."

S D
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.82 out of 5

"Our father's care at Lucerne House was exemplary."

Lin B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"My Mum came to Lucerne House four months ago at the age of ninety-eight with dementia. She has been treated so well in the specialist unit. There are plenty of staff and the day room is very pleasant with activities and entertainment to keep residents interested. The food is varied with a choice of three hot meals a day and cups of tea whenever you want!"

L E
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"Our mother resided at Lucerne House during the above period until her death. The level of care was excellent and was carried out with kindness and warmth. The atmosphere at the home was loving and peaceful. The activities team put such a lot of effort in to provide an interesting range and were very encouraging to our mother. The last two days when we realised that our mother was soon to leave this world staff were fantastic treating mum with dignity and giving space to the family all the while dealing with her nursing needs and making her last hours comfortable."

C S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"My mother has been at Lucerne House for two years in which time her condition has gradually deteriorated as expected. The staff are so kind and treat residents with respect, they are caring and always cheerful even in the most challenging of circumstances which demonstrates how well trained and professional the nurses and carers are. Nothing is too much trouble. Family and visitors are always welcome and I have personally found communication channels always to be open in updating me on my mother's well being and changes in health; this is invaluable to me as I live away from Exeter and gives me peace of mind knowing she is being cared for and in safe hands. A strong management team ensures Lucerne House runs smoothly and are to be applauded for their professionalism."

Malcolm P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Upon release from hospital after a seizure, my husband, who had spent 5 months there, then went to Lucerne where he has his own room and opportunities to go outside where he uses a wheelchair, or to mix in with others in a lounge. He is happy to see his visitors and we have added other items to the room and many photos."

J H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.60 out of 5

"Care staff are excellent. They obviously do care and are so friendly, patient, happy and helpful. This applies equally to the catering and nursing staff. The ambience of the building is fresh and clean (most important - no urine smell!). Entertainment staff also work tirelessly to keep the residents occupied. The food is wholesome and varied. Can't praise them highly enough."

S L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My husband had dementia and died recently. He had been cared for in the Shillingford unit at Lucerne House for over 3 years. I have visited 4 times a week during this time and all the staff, whatever role they fill, are approachable, helpful and friendly. It has been easy to discuss any aspect of his care and they have supported me as well as caring for him. You are made to feel part of the Shillingford family and welcomed as such. Everyone with dementia presents different challenges, but the staff handle all these, often demanding, differences with professionalism, understanding and kindness. While at all times ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing. His death was very unexpected, but the care and love given to him and my family at this very difficult time was all you could wish for. The care at Lucerne House is outstanding with staff often going above and beyond what might be expected."

S S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"My brother has received fantastic care in the few months he has been at Lucerne and has made great progress, mainly due to staff interaction and care. Myself and my sister would recommend highly Barchester Lucerne Care Centre and their staff. In fact, my brother is moving to a Barchester centre nearer to us and hopefully, his great care will continue."

Sarah M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"This care home is without any doubt outstanding. Our biggest fear was to put our mum into a care home, but Lucerne are the most supportive, caring and professional organisation that we have come across in the care sector. From day one the compassion and understanding of family was exemplary and the love and care our mum has received has been above and beyond by all staff involved with her care. It is clear that Lucerne have the best interests of the residents as number one, yet always supportive and empathetic towards the hard feelings that family goes through in this transition. A strong management team is evident with an exceptional Deputy Manager who is always available to assist with questions and communicates with family in the most caring and supportive way. Our mum is very well cared for and part of a fantastic care home that gives 100% in all aspects. We miss our mum dearly and the decision was not easy but we can be absolutely sure she is in the right place here at Lucerne."

Saren I
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"We chose Barchester Lucerne House Care Home on the basis of the then CQC rating of 'outstanding' and following visits where we saw the lovely care environment and met the home manager, receptionist and staff. Mum had dementia and certainly had some lovely staff looking after her."

Gillian H
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.42 out of 5

"My friend had been there since the start of Covid and I found the care he received was lacking in some areas because I had to inform the staff and the Manageress that he had a UTI he had suffered from for many years. He had a catheter and bag fitted and was prone to get infections. I visited approx once a week until I was laid up with a bad hip but when I started visiting again I could not get anyone to open the door. On my last visit which was in November 2023 I noticed that the catheter bag had been removed. I tried to speak to someone but no one was available. Next, I heard he had passed away so on the 19/12/23. I collected the death certificate, then phoned the manageress and was told by her I was not next of kin which was lies as she had known from the start I was named as such with the lady from social services."

William R
carehome.co.uk rating: 2.00 out of 5

"My mum suffers dementia, she has been at Lucerne House for fourteen months... I cannot fault the love and care that the staff provide. It is such a sad and cruel disease. Everyone at Lucerne are so welcoming. They always have time for us. I know Mum is safe and looked after. It's like a home from home. The staff go above and beyond, always with a smile. They are all very special people, I cannot thank them enough. I strongly feel they deserve better pay and sick pay. The high rates we pay should enable this."

Ginette H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"I couldn’t have been happier with how my grandad was cared for. All of the staff were on it and went above and beyond in my opinion. I would happily recommend it to anyone. Thank you for caring, it made a real difference."

M R
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Our wonderful 98-year-old mum was a resident at Lucerne House for seven months before passing away peacefully just after Christmas. The care Mum received at Lucerne was impeccable. The facilities are excellent, but it's the love, care and compassion of all the staff that make Lucerne House a very special place. Mum struck up bonds with so many of the staff, and from the moment she arrived, we knew that Mum was in safe hands. It's striking that so many of the staff have worked at Lucerne for a long time, and I think that tells a story in itself. We're a large family, so there was a procession of visitors to see Mum on a daily basis, and we were always made to feel very welcome. Mum was clearly very happy at Lucerne, participating in the activities and generally experiencing the best possible quality of life given her deteriorating health. We have nothing but praise for the general manager and her amazing team, and we will forever be grateful for the care and love that Mum received at Lucerne House."

Mark S
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"I visited my friend recently after his move from another care home and I was so happy that the move had been made. My friend wasn't well but the genuine love, care and compassion from the staff made me feel so at ease, knowing that he was getting the best possible care. Staff were so attentive. There were drinks and snacks within his reach and staff checked on him regularly; asking if he needed anything. I could tell that the staff had a genuine passion for the roles that they have and I cannot thank you all enough for making his last months the best they could be."

Sarah T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.17 out of 5

"I am so pleased to have found a care home with such wonderful staff and facilities. You hear such terrible stories about care homes. So I am lucky to have found you."

P R
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Moving Mum, who has dementia, out of her home of 50-plus years was a traumatic experience for our whole family. However, the transition to her living in Lucerne House couldn't have gone better. The management is helpful and friendly, and the staff are absolute angels! Mum loves them, and to know she is safe, less lonely, and so brilliantly cared for is a huge comfort to us all."

Ian T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.73 out of 5

"Grandad moved here for end-of-life care from the hospital, he was 98 years old and the improvement he made in 6 weeks was amazing, even though he wasn’t mobile he was included in all activities which were great fun. The staff and level of care given at the time he was there were exceptional. I genuinely cannot fault a thing about this care home."

Katie W
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Mum went into Lucerne for respite care, she has now decided to stay permanently. The staff are all lovely and very caring. We are able to visit whenever we can together with great-grandchildren. It's a lovely family environment. They have activities every day but also her room is lovely if she wants more quiet time."

C M
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Lucerne was fantastic, with excellent facilities, the standard of care and liaison with families. The manager and deputy manager were delightful, they went above and beyond to be as helpful, supportive and caring as possible. Separate dementia 'Memory Lane' unit is an excellent idea and ensures care is delivered in a bespoke and safe environment. Fantastic extended team and activities manager, they all work together to make the experience of moving into a care facility as seamless as possible."

L T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"My mother has been at Lucerne House for six weeks, having been transferred from another care home. The difference is like chalk and cheese, and she has settled very quickly, which had been a worry as she is so frail. The wonderful welcome we received and the outstanding care and genuine interest from the whole team, from the manager and administrators to the lovely reception staff, activities staff, carers, nurses and catering staff, is outstanding, and it is a genuine pleasure to visit her in such a pleasant environment and to see the residents are all receiving wonderful treatment delivered with humour and genuine warmth."

Lindsey N
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My uncle was admitted for end-of-life care. Three months of constant attention with kindness, consideration and dignity to the very end, even the maintenance staff used to pop in and ask about his stay. The nursing care was administered with genuine compassion. I cannot thank the whole team for such marvelous support in his last days."

Peter C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"My dad took rather a lot of persuasion to leave his home and try a care home and initially agreed only to having a month respite care. However, within a week of living in Lucerne House, he was completely converted. His health and his outlook have improved immensely, he has more strength and more positivity. We would highly recommend Lucerne to anyone considering a care home."

Elizabeth F
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Exceptionally happy with the standard of care at Lucerne House. Excellent facilities, lovely atmosphere, supportive and happy staff who couldn't do more to help. My dad was understandably reluctant to go into care, but agreed to try short-term convalescence after a minor op and liked it so much he asked to stay. He's well looked after and staff have a full understanding of all his medical and dementia needs. In fact, when he had a medical need to be taken to hospital they acted swiftly, sent a carer with him, and kept me informed constantly. The manager is always happy to answer my concerns and I am able to do Skype calls as well as phone calls with Dad. He loves the food and is involved in activities, movie afternoons etc, but can choose to be alone when he wants to. I have seen other homes and can honestly say Barchester is the best."

Valerie P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"I can tell people that my mum received exceptional care within Lucerne and the staff were all very caring, including the reception and other staff within the unit. Nothing was too much trouble and calls were dealt with care towards the resident and callers. I recommend Lucerne because I do not think we could have chosen a better place for mum to be cared for. The facilities are like a 5-star hotel and Mum had a lovely room looking onto the garden, which gave her peace at a time when she needed it."

Elizabeth H
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Excellent care, the staff have become an extension of our family. They show Mum love, kindness and respect and a positivity and zest for life. This year has been so difficult and not being able to see Mum face to face during the main lockdown was very hard but the staff went out of their way to ensure we had phone/video contact. We never were worried at any time about Mum's wellbeing, we knew she would be protected and well looked after."

Jacqueline H
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Our Mum went into Lucerne in August 2020. We were very pleased with the professional approach of management which at the time led a great team. Sadly management changed and so did Lucerne. This care home had an inspection in October 2019 which is very out of date. The care was great and that never changed as most of the staff are so dedicated and genuinely lovely to the residents. We experienced very poor communication with the Manager, late responses to emails, errors on bills and a lack of transparency on more than one occasion. The outstanding CQC report must not be used as an accurate reflection of this care home as many things have changed or don't even exist that are contained in the report. We suggest if you are considering the home that family visit at various hours of the day and night and do not rely on empty promises from Management. The rooms are very small and old fashioned with poor quality furnishings that are desperately in need of replacement."

S I
carehome.co.uk rating: 2.08 out of 5