Doveridge Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice:

Staff had received infection control training and followed up to date infection prevention and control guidance to help people stay safe. Staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and in accordance with current guidance to minimise cross infection risks to people. Staff and people were regularly tested in line with the government's current testing programme. Staff supported people with social distancing and frequent handwashing to protect against Covid 19. The home was clean and well maintained. Cleaning records showed increased cleaning of frequent touch points such as door handles and light switches.

All visitors were screened for any signs or symptoms of COVID 19 and underwent Covid 19 testing prior to their visit. Staff supported safe practise and made sure all visitors were screened and they wore the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When visitors were restricted, staff supported people to keep in touch with their families. Key workers helped people send loved one's messages via email with photographs, so they could see what each person has been doing. Feedback from families showed they loved receiving these which offered them comfort and reassurance. The registered manager kept people and families up to date with the current situation through regular emails and phone calls.

Staff found individual ways to support relatives to stay in touch. For example, the partner of a person who lived at the home was recruited as a volunteer, so they could safely spend more time with their loved one and support others. Where a relative could not visit because of risks of using public transport, staff took the person to go where their relative lived and arranged a socially distanced visit in the transport bus.

Staff had made adaptations to support effective communication with people because of wearing masks. For example, by speaking more slowly and clearly. They had also taught people simple sign language, for example, to say 'I love you' during visits or video calls with family. To support people's mental and physical wellbeing and prevent isolation, two additional activity co-ordinators had been recruited. This meant people had extra support with small group and one to one activities to meet their individual needs. Also, people who wished to could go out regularly.

Staff said they felt valued and that management support, teamwork and communication was excellent. Due to restricted space for staff breaks, the provider had installed a very comfortable 'pod' in the garden with a coffee machine that staff could use individually to have a break and catch up on record keeping. Staff comments included "Doveridge is doing a fantastic job," "The care here is brilliant" and "Staff are looked after really well, the team has coped incredibly well and supported one another."

The five questions we ask about services and what we found