'Extremely high standard of care' -- CQC watchdog's praise for home in Alford

That is the verdict of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) watchdog after an inspection of The Sycamores home, on South Street in August.

The inspectors’ report, which has just been published, rates the home ‘Good’, both overall and in all five individual categories, judging it to be safe, effective caring, responsive and well-led.

"Staff promoted equality, privacy, dignity, choice and inclusion, supporting residents to be active members of the community,” the report says.

"This included opportunities for employment, shopping, visiting family, attending events such as live music, circus shows, theme parks, drama clubs and church groups, taking part in activities such as gardening, bowling and table tennis, and visiting the local pub.

"One person told us about performing in a show and attending an Abba event where they enjoyed dancing.

"Another was looking forward to a holiday and spoke enthusiastically about going on rollercoasters and go-karting.

"Relatives consistently described residents as leading full and varied lives based on their individual interests and preferences.”

The Sycamores, based in a detached house, is an eight-bedroom home operated by the Linkage Community Trust, which is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autism.

Managed by Lynsey Wheatley, it is one of more than 20 residential care properties run by the charity across Lincolnshire, offering 24-hour supervision.

The CQC was full of praise for the way care is delivered at The Sycamores and is “based on detailed assessments of residents’ needs”.

"Staff understood the importance of seeking consent and supporting residents to make their own choices,” the report goes on.

"Residents were involved in decisions about their care and the running of the home, such as menu planning and how to spend their time.

“The environment was clean and personalised, although action was ongoing to address damp on an outside wall, resolve a wasp infestation and complete planned redecoration work.”

The inspectors praised management for “maintaining a visible presence” and for creating “a warm and welcoming culture where respectful relationships between residents and staff were evident”.

They “responded positively to feedback” and promoted “a learning culture that encouraged staff to develop their skills and identify opportunities for improvement”.

The staff were also hailed for their “warm interactions” with residents and for “spending time, listening and providing reassurance and emotional support”.

"Residents spoke highly about living at the home and the support they received,” the report continues.

"They told us staff were kind and caring, and the residents appeared comfortable, relaxed and confident. The home has an extremely high standard of care.

"Relatives spoke positively about the impact care and support had on residents’ wellbeing.

"One described residents as settled, safe and able to maintain meaningful relationships, routines and hobbies.

“Another told us their family member had lived in care services for many years, but was now more settled than ever before.”