Sycamores

Where similar issues had been identified at inspections across some of the providers other homes, there was limited evidence lessons had been learnt.

Risks associated with people's health and welfare were not always considered, reviewed, or reflected a person's current needs. Records and actions that were required to be completed, were not always recorded, so we were not confident risks were managed safely. Oversight and scrutiny of those records through effective checks, went unchecked so staff did not always have up to date information to support people safely.

Safe moving and handling practices were not followed. Our observations showed staff did not always support people safely when transferring them in wheelchairs. Staff conversations showed us it was accepted practice for staff throughout the day, to move some people in wheelchairs or commodes. In 4 examples we saw, staff used wheeled appliances without footplates meaning people were put at unnecessary risk of injury.

People did not always receive their medicines safely and in line with national guidance. People's own medicines were stored in their room, yet we found large stocks of medicines that was not necessary to be kept in people's rooms. One person was not administered a medicine and staff had not identified this as an issue. Topical creams were applied, yet most topical creams we saw had no date of opening, so we could not be confident, those creams remained effective.

Communal areas were clean, however people's individual rooms and equipment were not always clean and hygienic.

People told us they received support from staff when required. The provider had sufficiently trained and suitable staff on shift to meet people's needs. When people rung their calls bells for assistance, staff were on hand to support them with limited delay.

People and relatives told us they felt safe living at Sycamores. People said it felt like home and those staff who supported them were kind and considerate. Relatives were able to attend relatives meetings which gave them an opportunity to be involved in how the care and support was provided.

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.