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Archived: Sycamore Lodge Care Home

Overall: Good read more about inspection ratings

2 Burringham Road, Ashby, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, DN17 2BB (01724) 856963

Provided and run by:
Sukhvinder Marjara

All Inspections

02 and 03 October 2014

During a routine inspection

An unannounced inspection was carried out at the service on 2 and 3 October 2014 by an adult social care inspector.

Sycamore Lodge provides personal and nursing care to a maximum of 45 people. It is situated in the town of Ashby on the outskirts of Scunthorpe. There are bedrooms and bathrooms on two floors, which can accessed by a passenger lift or stairs. There is a range of communal areas including a conservatory and a number of lounges.

At our last inspection on 24 September 2013 the service met the regulations inspected.

There was a registered manager at the service at the time of our inspection who had been in post for over 10 years. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are ‘registered persons’. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

During our inspection we looked at six care files. Each file contained a pre admission assessment that was used to develop an individual plan of care. Risk assessments were in place to reduce the risks to the people who lived at the home.

Care staff had been trained to recognise the signs of abuse and were aware of what action to take if they suspected abuse had occurred. A care worker we spoke with said, “I would report anything I saw straight away, but all the staff are really caring and I’ve never seen anything that has concerned me.”

Staff we spoke with confirmed that they had completed training in relation to the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). At the time of our inspection two people who lived at the home were subject to such safeguards. We saw that people were not deprived of their liberty unlawfully.

A care plan we reviewed stated a person who lived at the home was at risk of developing pressure sores. Plans had been developed to minimise the possibility of this occurring. However, the records we saw showed that the plans had not been followed and person had not received the amount of fluids required to reduce the risk them developing pressure sores.

We spent time observing how care workers and other staff interacted with people who lived at the home. We saw that people were treated respectfully and that care workers asked personal questions in a discreet way. When care workers supported people it was done at their own pace and was not task orientated.

Reasonable adjustments had been made to the home to enable people to remain as independent as possible. Grab rails, a passenger lift and other aids were available within the home. One person had a communication book that had been specifically designed to enable them to communicate with care workers.

We saw evidence to confirm that a range of health care professionals were involved in the care and support of people who lived at the home. For example doctors, district nurses, dieticians and social workers.

Team meetings were held regularly and used as a forum to discuss changes to policies and procedures, paperwork and staff training. We saw that handover meetings were held daily to ensure staff were aware of any changes in the needs of people who lived at the home.

Staff confirmed that the registered manager was a visible presence within the home and that they could discuss any issues or concerns they had openly and honestly.

24 September 2013

During an inspection looking at part of the service

This follow up inspection was planned to check progress with two compliance actions that were issued at the last inspection on 25 April 2013. The concerns we had related to recruitment practices and how bed rails had been fitted for some people who used the service.

During this inspection we found improvements had been made in both these areas.

We found bed rails were fitted correctly so people who used them had their safety and welfare protected.

We found that appropriate recruitment checks were made before new staff started employment at the service.

We spoke with one person who used the service and they told us they were happy living in the home.

We observed staff speaking to people in a courteous and professional manner. At lunchtime we observed staff supporting people to eat their meals and this was carried out in a sensitive way.

25 April 2013

During a routine inspection

We found that people were asked for their views and consent prior to any care and treatment. The manager confirmed they would complete an assessment if capacity to make decisions was in doubt and a best interest meeting would be held. Comments included, “They ask your permission and knock on doors.”

People were happy with the care they received and told us they saw a range of health professionals for advice and treatment. Comments included, “I see my GP but not very often. My daughter takes me to see my own optician” and “I’m alright here. The staff are very pleasant with me.”

We found that staff helped to make sure health and social care was coordinated when provided by a range of professionals.

We found that some bed rails were not being used safely. This posed a risk for some people and was mentioned to the provider straight away to address.

We found that not all staff employed in the service had had all the required employment checks prior to starting work in the home.

Appropriate records were maintained of the care people who used the service received and for the running of the service.

12 December 2012

During a routine inspection

People told us that staff treated them with respect and promoted their dignity and independence. They said they were able to make choices about aspects of their lives such as the times of rising and retiring, meals, activities and where to sit during the day.

People told us that staff looked after them well and called the doctor when required. They said they answered call bells promptly. Relatives told us that they were kept informed about health related issues. We found that two people who had pressure sores, which had been acquired before admission to the service, did not have an up-to-date assessment and treatment plan.

People told us they enjoyed their meals, they had choices and the meals were well cooked. They also said they had plenty to eat and drink throughout the day. Comments included, 'You get plenty and it's well cooked' and 'You can make suggestions. At Christmas I don't like turkey so they are making me beef.'

People spoken with told us they always received their medicines on time and they were not left waiting for specific medicines such as pain relief. We observed staff administer medicines to people in an appropriate way.

People spoken with told us they would feel able to complain if they needed to. They told us they spoke to staff and any complaints or niggles were soon sorted out. People said they rarely had cause for complaint. Comments included, 'Yes I know how to complain. They would sort it out.'

20 October 2011

During a routine inspection

People we spoke with were very positive about the care and support they received. They told us they liked living at the home and confirmed they were well cared for and supported to make choices and decisions about the care they received. Comments included 'I can please myself and do what I like. I go out when I want' and 'I need a lot more help now, the staff are very good at coming when I need them, they will do anything for you'.

People told us that they enjoyed the activities in the home and the outings arranged. One person told us they were looking forward to the party on bonfire night. Other comments about the activities included 'There are various things you can do such as games and crafts, I like the outings best'.

People living in the home confirmed they felt safe and said they liked the staff. One person told us 'I feel safe here, they are all kind' and another person said 'If I had any concerns I would discuss them with the staff'.

During the visit we spoke with a number of relatives who expressed their satisfaction with the standards of care at the home. They told us that the staff were very good and that they were kept informed of any changes. Some of the comments we received included 'I am very happy with everything. Mum is well looked after', 'The care is good, staff are very kind and nice with the residents' and 'No problems, we are happy with everything'