Rookwood Residential Care Home

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details an inspection of Rookwood Residential Care Home. The inspection followed a previous one where significant concerns led to the home being placed in Special Measures. This recent visit assesses the improvements made, focusing on how safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led the service is. The report highlights the progress made by the home in addressing previous issues and exiting Special Measures.

On safety, the home now has robust systems in place for medication management and protecting residents from abuse, with staff well-trained in safeguarding procedures. Environmental risks and equipment safety have been assessed and addressed, and infection control measures are effective, contributing to a clean and well-maintained environment. The home also maintains up-to-date safety checks and has plans in place for emergencies.

In terms of how effective the care is, Rookwood now adheres to the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring decisions are made in residents' best interests and with lawful authorisation when necessary. Staff receive appropriate training, including in areas like dementia awareness and managing challenging behaviour, equipping them to meet residents' needs effectively. Nutritional needs are well supported, and necessary healthcare is accessed.

The service is caring, with residents having lived at Rookwood for many years and sharing positive relationships with the staff. Residents feel staff are kind, friendly, and supportive, and their personal information is stored securely to maintain confidentiality.

Regarding how responsive the service is, Rookwood offers activities and opportunities tailored to individual preferences, promoting well-being and community links. Care plans are detailed, reflecting residents' current needs and wishes, and there are systems in place to record and act upon complaints and concerns, ensuring residents' views are heard.

However, the service was not always well-led. While systems are being introduced to monitor quality and drive improvements, there is a recommendation for a sustained period of development to ensure ongoing enhancements to the service. The home has a registered manager and notifies the CQC of significant events as required.