The Lavenders

•The provider had appropriate arrangements for visiting to help prevent the spread of Covid 19. All visitors were required to complete a risk assessment and a checklist, prior to entering the building. Visitors had their temperatures taken on arrival. They were supported to wear a face covering and maintain hand hygiene during their visit. The service had a garden area to facilitate safe visiting for families. However, people were not currently receiving any visits from families due to the tier 2 restrictions in place.

•The provider had appropriate arrangements to test people and staff for Covid 19 and was following government guidance on testing. There was a designated team of staff that carried out all testing on people and staff at the home. This ensured that people and staff were tested for Covid 19 in a consistent way.

•The provider ensured that staff received appropriate training and support to manage Covid 19. All staff had received training on Covid 19, infection control and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They received guidance on supporting people with autism to understand Covid 19. Staff wellbeing was supported when they became unwell and when they returned to work.

•There were sanitiser points available throughout the building and thorough cleaning was done daily, this included cleaning of all door knobs, hand rails and wheelchairs.

•Mealtimes were staggered, and meals served in different rooms to facilitate social distancing

•All people admitted to the home were required to have a test before admission and appropriate systems were in place to ensure safe transfer.

•The provider ensured that people using the service could maintain links with family members and friends. People were supported to keep in touch by phone and virtual technology. The service was preparing a room with a separate entrance to facilitate safe visiting for families in the future.

• The provider had a named clinical lead who was providing regular weekly surgeries at the service.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found