We carried out a review of the data available to us about Sycamore House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Sycamore House, you can give feedback on this service.
Sycamore House provides personal care for up to five people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of our inspection there were four people living at the service.
The service has been developed and designed in line with the principles and values that underpin Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. This ensures that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes. The principles reflect the need for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful lives that include control, choice, and independence. People using the service receive planned and co-ordinated person-centred support that is appropriate and inclusive for them.
People's experience of using this service and what we found
Systems were in place to ensure people were protected from abuse and investigate any concerns. Risks linked to people's care were considered and monitored. Environmental risks were considered. Staff recruitment was robust and people received care from staff who knew them well and had relevant experience. People were supported appropriately with their medicines.
People's care was based on an assessment of their needs and their choices. Staff had access to a range of training and support. People were supported to regularly access health care service to maintain their wellbeing.
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.
The service had regard for the principles and values of Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These ensure that people who use the service can live as full a life as possible and achieve the best possible outcomes that include control, choice and independence.
People were well supported by staff who had a good understanding of their individual needs and preferences. People were supported to make day to day decisions and given meaningful opportunity to participate in care decisions. People's privacy and dignity were respected and supported.
People's care plans were person centred and contained detail about how they should be supported, and we witnessed staff following this guidance. Staff understood people's communication needs. People were supported to engage in a range of individual and group activities. There had been no recent formal complaints recorded. Information on people's end of life choices were recorded, as appropriate.
Staff and management were focussed in trying to ensure care and support was based on people's individual needs and personal choices. Staff felt supported and said management were always available. Appropriate checks and quality audits were undertaken. People’s views were sought to help improve the service.
Rating at last inspection and update
The last rating for this service was Good (published 19 April 2017)
Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating of the service at the last inspection.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our reinspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.
Sycamore House is a care home without nursing that provides accommodation for up to five people with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of the inspection there was one person staying at the service on a respite basis pending a decision for permanent residency.
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.
We found that people's health care needs were assessed and care was planned and delivered in a consistent way through the use of their care plans. People were involved in the planning of their care. The information and guidance provided to staff in the care plans was clear. Risks associated with people's care needs were
assessed and plans were put in place to minimise risk in order to keep people safe.
The service had processes in place to help ensure people using the service were safe. Staff knew how to recognise signs of possible abuse and knew the correct procedures for reporting concerns. There were enough well trained staff to support people and appropriate recruitment checks were carried out before staff began working in the service.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is required by law to monitor the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and to report on what we find. The manager and staff understood and followed the requirements of the MCA.
People had complex needs and their care was planned in partnership with their relatives. Relatives felt any issues or concerns they raised would be dealt with by the registered manager. Their views were sought and valued.
The staff team worked closely with other professionals to ensure people were supported to receive the healthcare they needed. People received their prescribed medicines safely.
People had enough to eat and drink and enjoyed their meals. Staff were caring and attentive. People were treated with respect and staff preserved people's dignity. People were also encouraged and supported to be as independent as possible and enjoyed activities and hobbies of their choice.
Leadership within the service was open, transparent and promoted strong organisational values. This resulted in a caring culture that put people using the service at its centre. Relatives, staff and external professionals were complimentary about the management team and how the service was run.