Working at The Thorns Retirement Home
1 Coastal Road, Lancaster, LA2 6DW
Operated by The Thorns Retirement Home Limited
15 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
7.2/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 7.2/10
Key Finding
"Well-managed with a supportive culture, stable staffing and good training, but medication record gaps and basic activities hold it back."
Safety & Risk
6/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Good safeguarding and risks but medicines not always to good practice with missing allergies/photos on records and no stock checks (recommendation). Per 2021: Excellent IPC.
Staff Culture
8/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Staff said 'I love working here... I feel very well supported' and 'We have a good team and we work well together.'
Staffing Levels
7/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: People said 'There is plenty of staff, more than adequate!' Staff were happy with levels, had time for tasks, and staff turnover was low.
Training & Dev
7/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Training provided in variety of formats including e-learning and hands-on, regular supervision, and champion roles to cascade specialist skills.
Management
8/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: People, relatives, staff and professionals all agreed the home was well-managed. They praised the skills and approachability of the registered manager.
Programmes
6/10
✓
Per 2019 comprehensive inspection: Varied activities including singers, quizzes, Tai Chi, choir, concerts, intergenerational nursery visits, and community links.
Points to consider
Some gaps in medication records like missing allergies and no stock checks mean safety isn't fully tight.
medicines administration records did not include peoples allergies or an up to date photograph. The registered manager did not have a system for checking medicines stocks against records.
Varied basic activities but no dedicated coordinator or specialist programmes to make the job more creative and varied.
We have singers, a cellist, quizzes, choir at Christmas, and concerts. We even do Tai Chi... A nursery had started visiting the home.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: October 2019
Good
Safe
✓
Good
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews