18 and 25 February 2015
During a routine inspection
Sydenham House Residential Home is a care home registered to accommodate up to 19 older people. At the time of our inspection 18 people were using the service.
This inspection was unannounced and took place on 18 and 25 February 2015.
There was a registered manager in post. 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.
People were safe because the registered manager and staff team understood their role and responsibilities to keep people safe from harm. Staff knew how to raise any concerns regarding people’s safety. People were supported to take appropriate risks and promote their independence. Risks were assessed and individual plans put in plans to protect people from harm. People were protected from the risks associated with medicine because the provider had clear systems in place and staff had received the appropriate training. Employment checks were carried out on staff before they started work to assess their suitability.
People were provided with effective care and support. Staff had received the appropriate training to meet people’s needs. People were supported to eat and drink to maintain an appropriate body weight and remain hydrated. Arrangements were made for people to see their GP and other healthcare professionals when they needed to do so.
People received a service that was caring. They were looked after by care staff that were familiar with their needs and wishes. People were involved in making decisions about how they wanted to be looked after and how they spent their time. People had positive relationships with the staff caring for them. Staff treated people with dignity and respect.
People received person centred care and support. They were offered a range of activities both at the service and in the local community. People were encouraged to make their views known and the service responded by making changes.
The service was well led. The registered manager provided good leadership and management. The vision and culture of the service was clearly communicated. The quality of service people received was monitored on a regular basis and where shortfalls were identified they were acted upon.