Archived: Rowena House

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our discussion with and looking at the medication store which had been improved since our last inspection.

If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly therefore not putting people at unnecessary risk. We found repairs had been undertaken to the medication room to ensure it was a safe and fit for purpose.

Below is a summary of what we found. The summary is based on our observations during the inspection, discussions with seven people using the service, three relatives, and the staff supporting them and looking at records.

If you wish to see the evidence supporting our summary please read the full report.

Is the service safe?

Systems were in place to make sure that the manager and staff learn from events such as accidents and incidents, complaints, concerns, whistleblowing and investigations. This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

People were protected against the risks associated with medicines because the provider had appropriate arrangements in place to manage medicines. One person we spoke with said, 'Staff help me with my medication, I know what I am taking and the tablets keep me going.'

Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly therefore not putting people at unnecessary risk. However, we found the room used to store medication required attention to ensure it was suitable for this purpose.

Is the service effective?

People's needs were assessed and staff provided effective care. Staff we spoke with knew the people they cared for and we saw staff engaging with people in a positive manner. People we spoke with told us they were happy at the home and enjoyed joining in activities. Relatives we spoke with said they were impressed with the care of their relative who was staying on the rehabilitation unit.

Is the service caring?

The manager had ensured that staff had a good understanding of how to meet people's needs. Staff had attended a basic awareness course to care for people living with dementia. Staff had also an awareness of the Mental Capacity Act and would be able to assess if people required assistance in making decisions about aspects of their daily life.

People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes. For example, staff ensured they provided activities that were appropriate to the needs of people who used the service.

Is the service responsive?

Relatives we spoke with told us that they felt involved in decisions about their relatives care. They said they were able to give their views on the service and were encouraged to discuss any concerns that they may have had.

People knew how to make a complaint if they were unhappy. They told us they would speak to the manager and they were confident she would listen to their concerns. Complaints were investigated and action taken as necessary.

Is the service well-led?

The manager had been in post for a good period of time and has been registered with The Care Quality Commission since September 2013. Relatives were confident in her ability to deal with problems and provide a good service.

This report shows that a second manager is registered at this service. We have received information from the provider that confirms the person is no longer employed at the organisation. The Care Quality Commission are currently de-registering this person.

Staff told us they were clear about their roles and responsibilities. Staff had a good understanding of the needs of people who used the service. They told us they enjoyed working at the home, and had confidence in the manager.

People who used the service told us there was always enough to eat, and that fresh fruit and refreshments were always available. We found that people's weight was recorded and action was taken when they were seen to lose weight.

People who used the service told us they felt the home was clean. We found that people were protected against the risk of infection.

People who used the service told us they felt staff knew what they were doing. We found that staff were given appropriate training, supervision and appraisal.

People who used the service told us they knew how to make a complaint and who to complain to. There was a complaints procedure in place and staff were aware of their responsibilities to report verbal complaints so they could be formally investigated.

Following this visit we found the home to be compliant. People told us they were asked for their opinions and involved in their care. We spoke with a dedicated activities coordinator who showed us how they involved people in activities both in the home and in the local community.

People told us they liked the food they were given and felt they were given choices as to what they could eat. We also found that snacks, including fresh fruit was always readily available.

We found that information provided by people who used the service was analysed and changes made to improve the care provided. Changes had also been made following inspections undertaken by the local authority.