Archived: Rowan Lodge

Below is a summary of what we found.

Is the service safe?

People were treated with respect and dignity by the staff.Safeguarding procedures were robust and staff understood how to safeguard the people they supported.

Systems were in place to make sure that managers and staff learnt from events such as accidents.This reduced the risks to people and helped the service to continually improve.

The home had policies and procedures in relation to the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, although no applications had been submitted since our last inspection.Both nursing and care support staff had been trained to understand when an application should be made, and how to submit one.

People were receiving a balanced diet and had their nutritional needs monitored by the staff with advice from a dietician.

The service was safe, clean and hygienic.Infection control procedures were in place, led by a team on-site and supported by an infection control lead.Equipment was well maintained and serviced regularly and did not therefore put people at unnecessary risk.

People's care needs were taken into account when deciding on numbers, qualifications, skills and experience required from the staff group.This helped to ensure that people's needs were always met.

Recruitment processes were safe and thorough.Policies and procedures were in place to ensure that unsafe practices were identified and people were protected.

Is the service effective?

Staff had the skills and knowledge to meet people's needs.Key staff had received training in end of life care. Managers gave effective support to staff, including induction, supervision and a comprehensive training programme.

Specialist dietary, mobility and equipment needs had been identified in care plans.People's needs had been taken into account by displaying picture menus.The layout of the home enabled people to move around freely and safely.The premises had been sensitively adapted to meet the needs of people with physical impairments.

Is the service caring?

People were supported by kind and attentive staff.We saw people were cared for sensitively and given encouragement. People's preferences, interests, aspirations and diverse needs had been recorded and care and support had been provided in accordance with people's wishes.

Is the service responsive?

People regularly undertook a range of activities in and outside the service.Transport was provided and had been adapted, helping people to remain involved with their local community.No complaints had been received since our last inspection.The provider was planning to introduce a revised satisfaction survey to improve responsiveness to the views of people using the service, relatives and health care professionals.

Is the service well led?

The service worked positively with other agencies and services to ensure a co-ordinated approach to people's care.

The service had a quality assurance system.Records showed that any adjustments required were actioned promptly.Consequently, the quality of the service was continually improving.

Staff told us they were clear about their role and responsibilities.Although relatively new in post, the service manager demonstrated a good understanding of the needs of the service.A member of the nursing team said her manager "Was supportive and very approachable".

Rowan Lodge provides nursing care, and we saw in the care plans and care delivery that people's nursing needs were taken into account in the care delivery.

Many of the people who live at the home have communication difficulties, and we saw that staff were making efforts to break down communication barriers and involve people in their daily lives.

We found that staff were being well supported and there were good training opportunities available. The records showed that staff were well trained and had received the training related to their work and role that they should.

Our observations during our visit to Rowan Lodge showed that people were being cared for in a professional manner. The people who lived at the care home who we saw, were relaxed and appeared comfortable in their surroundings.

We also spoke with the registered manager and two members of staff, one of whom was fairly new in post. They said they were very happy working at Rowan Lodge and that there was a positive feel about working there. All three members of staff talked about how the people who live at the home are at the centre of everything that happens.

We found procedures in place to ensure an in depth assessment of each persons preferences prior to their admission.

None of the people living in the home were able to share their experiences with us. During our visit we observed members of staff interacting with people who use the service, who appeared relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings. There were no relatives or carers visiting at the time of our visit. However, we saw a recent letter from relatives (November 2012) stating 'We are extremely grateful for all the commitment put into X's care', 'and do appreciate that X is genuinely being really well cared for by all the staff.'