Homestead House

At our last inspection we found the provider was in breach of regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. This was because we found concerns relating to infection prevention and control. At this inspection, we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of this regulation.

We found the following examples of good practice. • The home and equipment were visibly clean and well-maintained. Cleaning schedules were in place that considered and actioned high traffic areas and touch points such as switches, handles and handrails which reduced the risks associated with infectious diseases. • The risks associated with COVID-19 had been identified, assessed, managed and regularly reviewed. Staff and the people who used the service had individual risk assessments in place and other records, such as a business contingency plan and COVID-19 policy, were in place to help further manage the risks. • Relatives told us the service had communicated well with them throughout the pandemic and supported them to maintain relationships with their family members. One relative described the service's management of COVID-19 as, '"Excellent." • The management team demonstrated a robust understanding of current government guidance and policies and procedures and adhered to this. • Staff told us the provider had supported them throughout the pandemic and that they felt valued through particularly difficult times. They received regular training, supervisions and staff meetings as well as access to emotional support. Through discussion, they demonstrated good knowledge of infection prevention and control policy and procedures. • The service had never had a COVID-19 outbreak and the robust procedures in place, and the staff's commitment and diligence, had contributed to this.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found