Enter and view: Sundridge Court

Healthwatch Bromley undertook an enter and view visit to Sundridge Court on 18 October 2016.  They spoke to 26 people. The purpose of the visit was to gather residents’ feedback, observe care practices, identify good practice, and highlight any areas for improvement. 

Overall, the findings show that most residents were satisfied with the care provided. Nine out of eleven residents said they liked living at the home and felt well supported by staff, describing them as caring and helpful. However, two residents expressed a preference to live in their own homes, reflecting some emotional adjustment challenges. 

Residents generally reported positive experiences with daily life, including meals, activities, and personal care. Food was described as good quality, and individual dietary needs were met. Most residents took part in organised activities such as bingo, crafts, and quizzes, and observations during the visit showed residents enjoying social interaction. 

The report found that personal choice and autonomy were supported. Residents said they were involved in care planning and could make decisions about their daily routines, such as wake-up times, food preferences, and participation in activities. Staff were observed offering choices and respecting residents’ preferences. 

In terms of community access, residents had opportunities to go on outings or spend time with family and friends, and many made use of these options. The home also provided a pleasant garden space, which residents particularly enjoyed in warmer weather. 

Feedback about staff was largely positive, with residents describing them as friendly and attentive. Observations confirmed good interactions between staff and residents, although one resident mentioned concerns about a specific staff member’s behaviour. Staff surveys showed that while training was available and experience levels were generally good, some staff felt that teamwork could be improved.

The physical environment of the home was observed to be clean, safe, and welcoming, with good facilities, appropriate security measures, and a comfortable atmosphere. Staffing levels during the visit appeared sufficient, and staff were attentive to residents’ needs. 

Despite the largely positive findings, the report identified areas for improvement. These included ensuring all residents are aware of their right to influence their care and addressing concerns raised by staff about inconsistent teamwork. 

In summary, Sundridge Court was found to provide a generally high standard of care, with positive resident experiences and a supportive environment, while also having some opportunities to strengthen communication and teamworking.