Rowland House Care Home

This inspection report for Rowland House Care Home by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) details their findings from a recent visit. The report focuses on key areas of care provision, including safety, effectiveness, how caring the service is, its responsiveness to residents' needs, and whether it is well-led. Overall, the inspection aimed to assess the quality of care provided to residents with acquired brain injuries and Huntington's disease, building on previous assessments. This summary provides families with an overview of the home's performance in these crucial aspects.

Regarding the safety of the service, staff demonstrated a strong understanding of residents' individual needs and conditions, effectively managing associated risks. Robust recruitment procedures were in place, and staff were well-versed in safeguarding protocols. The management of medicines and infection prevention and control standards were found to be appropriate. The home's quality monitoring systems actively analysed adverse events to promote learning and prevent recurrence, with timely notifications to the CQC.

In terms of how effective the care is, staff possessed the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective support, tailored to each resident's specific requirements. Risks were proactively identified and mitigated through thorough assessments and appropriate referrals to specialists, such as speech and language therapists for swallowing difficulties. Nutrition and diet were well-managed, with staff ensuring balanced meals and appropriate support for residents with specific dietary needs.

The caring nature of the service was evident in how staff supported residents to have maximum choice and control over their lives, applying the least restrictive approaches possible. Communication with families was a strong point, with relatives feeling well-informed about their loved ones' health and wellbeing. Staff were dedicated to understanding individual needs, which was highly valued by families.

The responsiveness of the home to residents' needs was highlighted by the allocation of keyworkers who regularly met with residents to set and review goals. This person-centred approach, particularly focusing on rehabilitation, yielded positive outcomes, with residents showing significant improvements in mobility and speech. Staff demonstrated a deep understanding of neurological conditions and adapted their communication methods effectively.

Finally, concerning how well-led the service is, significant improvements have been made since the last inspection, particularly in regulatory compliance. The provider now consistently submits required notifications to the CQC. Effective quality monitoring systems and regular audits ensure that care remains safe and effective, with a positive "Just Culture" promoting openness and learning among staff. The registered manager provided strong leadership, fostering a supportive environment and positive working relationships with external healthcare professionals.