Enter and view: Sycamore Lodge
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Healthwatch North Lincolnshire visited Sycamore Lodge, a 45-bed residential care home for older people and people living with dementia. Overall, the home was found to be warm, welcoming and well managed, with residents generally positive about the care they received. Residents described staff as caring, friendly and supportive, and staff reported feeling valued, supported and able to provide person-centred care.
The home demonstrated strong systems for risk management, staff training, family involvement and resident activities. Residents enjoyed the food and felt safe living at the home, although feedback on activities was mixed, with some residents saying there was not always enough to do. Healthwatch identified a small number of environmental issues relating to safety and comfort.
Key Findings
- Residents generally felt safe and spoke positively about staff, describing them as caring, friendly and approachable.
- Staff reported good management support, strong teamwork and positive working conditions.
- The home offered an extensive programme of activities, community engagement and family involvement, including regular events and outings.
- Food was highly rated by residents, with good choice and accommodation of dietary and religious needs.
- Most residents did not feel lonely, although a small number said they did.
- Some residents reported delays in call bell responses and limited awareness of available activities.
- Healthwatch observed trip hazards from hoists left in corridors and identified unstable dining tables.
- The conservatory lacked blinds, resulting in discomfort for some residents during sunny weather.
Conclusion
Healthwatch concluded that Sycamore Lodge provides a positive, person-centred environment with committed staff, strong leadership and good resident care. Recommendations focused on improving resident comfort and safety by addressing heat in the conservatory, reviewing hoist storage arrangements and ensuring dining room tables are secure. The provider responded positively and outlined actions already taken or planned to address the recommendations.