Enter and view: The Rowans, Cheshire

Healthwatch Cheshire East conducted an announced enter and view visit to The Rowans care home on 6 May 2015. It was selected as part of their Summer 2015 scheduled visits to care homes. The home provides nursing and dementia care to 33 residents. On the day of the visit, the team engaged with 6 residents and 2 members of staff through survey methods and used their observations of the home to inform their findings.

The team found that the home was proving a high standard of care and person-centred activity for residents. The home was welcoming, clean and well maintained. The team observed some good aspects of dementia friendly signage however, noted that the décor could be refurbished. Although the communal areas were clean, the team found that some of the resident’s bedrooms had a bad odour. The team observed staff positively interacting with the residents, taking their time to meet their needs. There were no relatives or residents meetings, however, the manager assured the team that they have relative meetings as and when. On the day of the visit, there were no relatives present to engage with. All residents that were engaged with on the day of the visit felt that they were well cared for and that staff were always available to help if needed. Residents’ independence was promoted, and the home encouraged mobility both inside and outside of the home. The home was found to provide stimulation and social activity. A number of social activities are available for residents to partake in and a choice is provided at meal times. Resident’s choice and preferences are documented in their care plans.

The report recommended that the bedroom odours are dealt with as soon as possible.

No response from the service provider was included in the report.