Rodwell House

Risk assessments, care plans, medicines and incident records were generally managed safely. The provider had acted on the previous breach relating to risk knowledge.

“Risk assessments were clear, comprehensive, and up to date.” from the report

People and relatives said staff were kind and caring. Inspectors observed patience, reassurance, respect for privacy and support for independence.

“People told us staff were kind and caring and treated them respectfully.” from the report

The home had made significant environmental improvements, including clearer signs, different-coloured doors and memory boxes to help people recognise their rooms.

“People's doors were different colours and memory boxes had been put up outside people's rooms.” from the report

People, relatives and staff reported improvements since the new registered manager started. Relatives were invited to meetings and received updates.

“Relatives said they now felt more informed for the first time, and they believed this was the start of something long term and positive.” from the report

There was only one activity coordinator and no daily activity plan. People who stayed in their rooms or needed care in bed had particularly limited choices and some said they were bored.

“For people who spent a lot of time in their rooms or needed to be cared for in bed, there were limited activity choices.” from the report

Some meals, especially those delivered to people's rooms, were not hot enough because they were transported in a non-heated trolley.

“Some people told us their meals were still not always hot enough.” from the report

Inspectors found examples where recorded preferences were not followed, including preferences about staff gender, food and showers. The home's checks had not identified these problems.

“Sometimes people's preferences were not adhered to, for example, one person who had requested only female staff, had care given by male staff on occasions.” from the report

Some mental capacity assessments and best-interest decisions were not used consistently. Some staff did not fully understand the Mental Capacity Act and related applications.

“Although care was provided in the least restrictive way, there was some confusion around mental capacity assessments and DoLS applications.” from the report

Inspectors were only somewhat assured about some infection-control arrangements because sluice rooms were not being used correctly. They gave feedback and recommended further guidance.

“Sluice rooms (dirty utility rooms) were not being used correctly.” from the report