Rowan House praised for high quality, person-centred care
Manager, Nicola Cooch and the team at Rowan House is celebrating having been rated as ‘Good’ in all five key areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Rowan House in Brentwood, Essex, which specialises in residential support and accommodation for up to six younger adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, was praised by inspectors, for providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.
Inspectors reported that the service was committed to supporting people to have maximum choice and control of their lives and had a person-centred culture and valued people as individuals.
The inspector also reported that staff were kind, caring and promoted people’s dignity. Staff understood the importance of treating people with respect and ensured they did this.
The inspector observed caring interactions between care staff and people and noted staff they spoke to were passionate about supporting people to get the most out of life. One staff member said, “The best thing about working here is the people, I love supporting them.”
Inspectors also reported staff knew how to communicate with people effectively. If unable to communicate verbally, staff could understand a person’s mood by observing body language or facial expressions. Inspectors also observed staff encouraging and giving praise to a person playing a game which the person responded to positively.
Inspectors agreed that the service provided people with as many opportunities as possible to gain new skills and become independent, noting that, “People were supported to pursue their hobbies and interests both in the service and in the community.”
The inspector found there was strong and effective leadership at the service and that the registered manager and staff team were committed to providing high quality person-centred care. Inspectors also noted staff felt well supported by the registered manager. One staff member said, “[Registered Manager] is very nice to work for, [Deputy Manager] is also really good; they are supportive, available and approachable, this makes staff go above and beyond.”
During the inspection the inspector observed how people received care and support as well as staff interactions. Inspectors spoke to support team members, this included senior staff, and the registered manager as well as the area manager. Two people’s care records and medicine records were reviewed as well as a variety or records relating to the management of the service.
Nicola Cooch, Service Manager at Rowan House, says, “I am extremely proud of our team who are committed to enabling the people we support to make choices and have a great quality of life. We are delighted that the inspector noted our caring and person-centred culture, rating us ‘Good’ across all five key areas.”
Rowan House, located in Brentwood, Essex, comprises of a six-bedroom residential care home, that provide a good standard of accommodation for people using the service. The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.