Aliwal Manor Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors could visit their family member/friend by appointment. The separate area to the home had a window as a screen, an intercom system, and a bell that could be rung in emergencies. There were gaps between each visit to stop people encountering other visitors, staff or people from the home and to clean. End of life compassionate visits were also in place when needed.

Staff supported people to use computer tablets and phones to video call and/or speak to family and friends. People isolated in their rooms if they had been to an external health appointment or were recently admitted into the home. They remained in their rooms for 14 days.

External visitors including a health or social care professionals entered the home in line with government guidance. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was available if needed.

Staff socially distanced from each other when on their break. Staff changed into their work clothes in the staff room and put on their PPE before starting work. Staff had internal COVID-19 training which included putting on and removing PPE safely and handwashing. Handwashing and PPE spot checks were completed on staff. Staff were bare below the elbow and were wearing a minimum amount of jewellery that promoted good infection control practice.

There were three infection control leads within the home.

Frequently touched areas such as handrails, chairs, tabletops, handles and furniture were cleaned regularly. Communal areas seen appeared uncluttered to aid with effective cleaning. Furniture in communal areas where possible, had been spread out to promote social distancing. Windows were opened to promote good ventilation.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found