Rowan House

Rowan House is a residential care home supporting up to six younger adults with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders. The service is designed to promote independence, choice, and control, allowing residents to live as full a life as possible. This report details findings from a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

In terms of safety, Rowan House has effective safeguarding systems and robust procedures for managing risks, including those associated with mental health and community access. Staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns, and a relative expressed confidence in the home's safety measures. While the service has experienced staff turnover, initiatives to improve recruitment and retention have been successful, ensuring adequate staffing levels and responsiveness to residents' needs. Medication is managed safely, adhering to best practice guidelines, and infection control procedures are in place with excellent food hygiene ratings.

Regarding effectiveness, care plans are detailed, person-centred, and regularly reviewed to meet residents' changing needs. Staff receive comprehensive training, including the Care Certificate, and ongoing support through supervision and competency checks. Residents are supported to maintain a balanced diet, with specialist diets catered for, and appropriate referrals made when needed. The home works collaboratively with external health and social care professionals, ensuring timely and effective care. While the property has been adapted, some areas are due for redecoration and modernisation, with plans already in place to undertake these works with resident input. The service operates within the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, ensuring residents' consent is sought and decisions are made in their best interests.

The service excels in caring for its residents. Staff interactions are observed as kind, compassionate, and respectful, with a genuine passion for supporting residents to live fulfilling lives. Communication is tailored to individual needs, and staff are adept at understanding non-verbal cues. Residents are actively involved in decisions about their care wherever possible, with relatives and professionals involved when needed. Privacy, dignity, and independence are actively promoted, with staff encouraging residents to do as much for themselves as they can.

In terms of responsiveness, Rowan House provides personalised care plans that clearly detail residents' needs, preferences, and routines, with a strong emphasis on person-centred support. Communication is adapted to suit individual needs, including the use of symbol-based languages. Residents are supported to maintain relationships, pursue interests, and participate in community activities, with the home providing transport to facilitate this. The home has a clear complaints procedure, developed with residents in mind, and concerns are addressed promptly and openly by the registered manager.

Finally, the service is well-led, with a committed registered manager and staff team focused on delivering high-quality, person-centred care. The provider's systems ensure that care is tailored to individual needs and preferences. Staff feel confident in their understanding of their responsibilities, including the duty of candour, which guides honesty and openness when things go wrong. Regular audits and quality checks are used to drive continuous improvement, fostering a culture that promotes high-quality care.