Cricklade House

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visits to the service were carefully planned and procedures were in place to consider individual needs and keep people safe. On arrival, visitors were required to have a temperature check, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and regularly sanitise or wash their hands.

Relatives had been kept up to date about risks and how people were staying safe at Cricklade House. When face to face visits were not possible, people kept in contact with family members through regular video calls and staff provided updates. Plans were being discussed about how to safely resume face to face contact with families in line with government guidance. These plans considered the needs of individuals and others living at the service.

When people had not been able to access the community or their regular activities, staff supported people in a range of activities at the home. For example, parties, making jam and baking, card making and themed evenings. People had been supported to shop online for clothes and continue to make choices in their lives. This supported people's quality of life and wellbeing while keeping them safe.

Staff had access to supplies of PPE and had received training to ensure they used this correctly. All staff and people living at the service had regular testing for Covid-19, and all had started to receive vaccinations. Where people were unable to make their own decisions, capacity assessments had been carried out and decisions made in their best interests. Information about decisions, testing and vaccinations was clearly recorded to provide assurance and overview.

The service was small, but very clean and well maintained. Staff carried out additional cleaning tasks to help control the risk of cross infection. Staff were confident they would be able to manage a coronavirus outbreak safely and effectively. The local GP practice provided support and guidance where necessary.

The management team spoke highly of the staff and described their 'top priority' as being looking after the people who lived at the service and keeping them safe. Some staff had worked at the service for a long time, and their flexibility and commitment to keeping people safe during the pandemic was appreciated.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found