Archived: Rowan Village

We considered our inspection findings to answer the questions we always ask;

Is the service safe?

From our observations and from the information we saw set out in care plans, policies, procedures and audits the provider's safety monitoring systems were robust. The staff showed that they had a clear understanding of their role in providing care and safeguarding the people they supported. The staff demonstrated that they knew the people well and had read and understood the instructions set out in individual care plans.

We saw there were up to date risk assessments for the environment and for people's care and support needs. Staff demonstrated that they understood how to show people respect and maintain people's dignity at all times.

The registered manager told us that there were no deprivations of liberty safeguards in place for the people living at Rowan Village.

We noted that the staffing levels were sufficient to support the needs of the people while they were at Rowan Village and to go out in the community.

There were systems in place to make sure that management and staff learned from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, and concerns. This meant that people were benefiting from a service that was taking on board lessons learnt.

Is the service effective?

People's care and support needs had been assessed and care plans were in place. There was evidence of people and/or their representatives being involved in assessments of their needs and planning their care. Specialist health care needs were always monitored and appropriate actions taken to address these where necessary. Specialist health and social care professionals regularly gave support to people that lived at the service. All care, activity and risk assessment plans were reviewed regularly.

We saw that the people living at Rowan Village were supported to keep active and maintain their independence. We saw and were told about the activities that were provided. The people we spoke to told us how much they enjoyed living at Rowan Village.

Is the service caring?

We observed during our visit and saw in people's care and support plans that people were supported and encouraged to live full and active lives. There was a wide range of leisure and social activities available for people to take part in. We saw that people were accessing the activities they enjoyed.

The staff we spoke with demonstrated to us that they were committed to providing the best levels of care for the people who used the service. They demonstrated they were aware of potential risks, people's rights and their responsibilities.

The people we spoke with said that they were very happy living at Rowan Village and that all their needs were being met. One person told us that the staff had excellent people skills.

Is the service responsive?

We found that care plans were person centred and contained detailed information about each person's support needs and preferences.

We found that people's care needs were being regularly reviewed. We saw and we were told by the registered manager that the people had support from external social care and health professionals when required.

We saw that an annual service satisfaction survey was given to every person who lived at Rowan Village. The results had been analysed and all were very positive.

People who used the service told us that the managers and staff were approachable and they were able to discuss any concerns they had. People told us that they were listened to and any concerns were addressed when needed

We were told about and we saw that staff received regular training to meet the support needs of the people who used the service.

Is the service well-led?

Rowan Village had a clear management structure within the service and the provider organisation. From the discussions with the registered manager and deputy, they were knowledgeable about the service, the people and staff. They met with their managers and peers regularly to maintain up to date knowledge.

The provider had a quality assurance system in place. There were systems in place to provide feedback to staff about changes and developments.

The staff we spoke with had a good understanding of the provider's policies and procedures. The care staff we spoke with said that if they witnessed poor practice they would report their concerns.

Staff we spoke with told us that they enjoyed their work. They told us that there was a good team spirit and everyone joined in and supported one another and the people who lived at Rowan Village. They said that they felt they were supported by the management structure and involved in the development of the service.

People told us they were treated with care and compassion and the staff responded well to their needs. People were happy with the level of care received and everyone spoke well of the staff, one person said, 'The staff are all very nice, pleasant and efficient. I have no qualms with the care.'

Staff received appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. People using the service and staff told us there was sufficient training to ensure people's needs were understood and met.

We saw there were suitable systems in place to monitor the quality of the service.

We spoke with five members of staff, three people who used the service and the registered manager. We also spoke with people in the village who didn't use the services but had witnessed care and support given to their friends and neighbours. We reviewed care records and other documents.

We observed that before people received any care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes when it was in their best interest.

People told us that they were happy and satisfied with the care and support that they received. One person who used the service told us, "I think they are marvellous". Another person told us, "They take me shopping every week. I couldn't do it on my own."

We saw that medication was dealt with correctly. Procedures were followed and records made which kept people safe.

Training, support and supervision enabled staff to deliver care to an appropriate standard. A member of staff told us, "I think the support is brilliant".

There were systems in place to monitor and assess the quality of service provided. People's health, welfare and safety were monitored.