Sydenham House

Updated 16 February 2024

Sydenham House is a care home and provides personal care for older people and those living with dementia. The home can accommodate a maximum of 49 people. The building is divided into two separate units. One unit provides care for up to 9 people living with dementia and the other provides care for up to 40 older people with personal care needs. At the time of the inspection there were 40 people living at the home. This assessment was carried out to check if the service had made improvements following the breaches identified, and warning notices issued, at the last inspection (published 13 January 2023). These breaches were in relation to safe care and treatment, staffing, consent and governance. At this assessment we found improvements had been made and the provider had met the breaches and warning notices. We carried out our onsite assessment on 14 March 2024 and 11 April, off site activity started on 14 March 2024 and ended on 25 April 2024. We looked at 15 quality statements; Safeguarding, Involving people to manage risks, Safe and effective staffing, Medicines Optimisation, Learning Culture, Safe systems, pathways and transitions, Safe environments, Infection, prevention and control, Shared direction and culture, Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders, Freedom to speak up, Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion, Partnerships and communities, Learning, improvement and innovation and Governance, management and sustainability. At our last inspection the service was rated requires improvement. At this assessment the service has improved to good.

Updated 16 February 2024

There was a positive culture within the service. People spoken with were very happy living at Sydenham House. Comments included, “I get all the care you need. Very nice”, “Very happy, no issues” and “Brilliant care. Best you could ever get” During the site visit we saw kind and respectful interactions between people and staff. People were complimentary about the staff supporting them. Comments included, “I am treated with respect from everyone, staff know their job” and “Consistent staff and very nice, staff know what they're doing.” Staff spoke positively about the people they supported, their work and how they were supported by the managers. Staff felt confident to speak up and that they would be listened to. Comments included, “[Registered manager] is brilliant, supportive she is very professional and understanding” People had their needs assessed and received care in accordance with their identified needs. People’s care plans and risk assessments gave staff guidance about people’s needs and preferred routines. Some care plans and risk assessments required additional information to ensure they provided sufficient guidance for staff. The registered manager addressed this during the assessment. People told us there were sufficient staff to meet their needs. Comments included, “Plenty of staff here” and “Always more than enough. Well looked after.” Staff knew how to recognise and report abuse, they told us they would not hesitate to report any concerns to the management team. People lived in a safe, clean and well-equipped environment that met their needs. There were systems in place to monitor the standard of care provided to people. Staff spoke highly of the registered manager and deputy manager and said the management team were visible and supportive. People lived in a home where the management and staff team learnt from mistakes, making improvements to the care and support people received.