23 May 2022
During an inspection looking at part of the service
The Sycamores is a residential care home providing support and accommodation for older people who require nursing or personal care for up to 56 people. At the time of our inspection there were 49 people using the service. The care home provides accommodation across two floors.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
Systems were in place to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Staff understood their responsibilities to protect people from avoidable harm. People we spoke with told us they felt safe. Risks to people were assessed and up to date. However, records did not always clearly indicate how staff should use hoist slings appropriately. Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Medicines were managed safely. Infection prevention and control measures were in place. The registered manager monitored incidents in the service and took action to reduce risks to people.
Staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs and how these should be met. Staff received regular appraisals and supervisions to support them in their role. People were supported to make choices for their meals and where they would like to eat. The service had strong links with local healthcare services and weekly GP visits were facilitated to meet people’s healthcare needs.
People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Staff treated people with compassion and kindness. People told us they felt cared for and well looked after. The registered manager promoted dignity and respect in the service. People’s views were obtained to drive improvements. Relatives told us staff were friendly and people’s wishes were met.
Individualised assessments and care plans detailed how to meet people’s day to day needs. People were involved in choosing daily activities, which were meaningful to them. Complaints and concerns were recorded and fully Investigated with lessons learned and action taken appropriately. End of life care plans were individualised and respected the wishes of people.
The registered manager had systems in place to improve quality in the service. Staff felt supported in their roles and relatives told us they felt able to speak to the registered manager if they had any concerns. Complaints were dealt with effectively and lessons learned when things went wrong.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 23 June 2021). The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.
Why we inspected
This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.
We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.