Highbray Residential Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice. All care was provided by the registered manager, supported by one other family member as required. Both lived on site. The registered managers trips outside the home were limited, to minimise any risk of them contracting Covid 19. Shopping and medicines were delivered. Programmes for regular testing of people and staff were in place. All people and staff had received their first Covid 19 vaccination.

Procedures were in place to ensure the risk of any visitors to the service introducing infection were minimised. Clear signage was in place to advise visitors they must wear a mask, use hand gel and where to go on entering the home to minimise visits to other parts of the house. Hand gel and personal protective equipment (PPE) was available on entry.

Visiting was due to be reintroduced in line with government guidance on 8 March 2021. In the meantime people had been supported to keep in frequent touch with families using video and phone calls. The service was proactive in supporting people to socialise with each other. People ate together and enjoyed watching the manager baking in the kitchen. A Christmas carol service had been held in a gazebo in the garden, as people had been unable to attend their local church. Plans were in place to support people to go out safely into the community. A minibus had been purchased so people could go out on trips and remain in their social bubble. The outside space was being prepared to enable people to enjoy spending time outside in the better weather, while socially distancing.

People new to the service were tested for Covid 19 before arrival, and supported to adhere to an isolation period. People were assessed regularly for the development of a high temperature or symptoms of Covid 19.People continued to be supported by health professionals throughout the lockdown, and through video consultations with their GP.

The registered manager had not yet had formal training in infection prevention, although this was scheduled. In the meantime they kept their knowledge up to date by following government guidance. PPE was available at strategic points throughout the home and was disposed of safely.

The registered manager frequently explained to people why they had to wear PPE, and about the importance of social distancing. One person became distressed and refused support when masks were worn. Following the inspection the manager completed a risk assessment regarding the risk of them not wearing a mask when supporting the person, and the actions needed to keep them safe.

The registered manager had a robust cleaning schedule. This included the frequent cleaning of touch points, the shared bathroom, telephones, garden furniture and cushions. There was a system in place for minimising risks due to laundry. A room where relatives could visit their family members had been refurbished to make it a pleasant space which could be easily cleaned. It was close to the front door so there was no need for them to enter other parts of the home.

The registered manager had not completed any audits as they provided all the care and support themselves. They had a clear understanding of when and how to access local infection prevention and control (IPC) resources if they needed advice and support.

There was no written IPC policy or contingency plan, which would be required in an emergency or if the registered manager was unable to continue for any reason. We signposted the provider to resources to enable them to develop their policies.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found