Athenaeum Residential Care Home

The provider had appropriate arrangements for visiting to help prevent the spread of Covid 19. All visitors were required to complete a risk assessment prior to entering the building. Visitors had their temperatures taken on arrival and were screened for symptoms of acute respiratory infection before being allowed to enter the home. 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, at the time of the inspection, non-essential visiting to the home was restricted due to a local area increase in Covid 19 infection rates.

There was specific guidance available for visiting healthcare professionals and maintenance people including specific guidance for lift engineers.

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 PPE. They received guidance on supporting people with dementia to understand Covid 19. Staff wellbeing was supported when they became unwell and when they returned to work.

There were touchless sanitiser points available throughout the building and through cleaning was done daily which included the fluid station, door handles, the lift entrance and visitors' book.

Chairs in the lounge and dining areas had been arranged to ensure social distancing measures were in place.

All people admitted to the home were required to have a test before admission

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

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found