Ashley House Residential Care Home

Ashley House Care Home is a detached building set out over two floors. Each floor has their own adapted facilities. There is also a secure outdoor area.

We found the following examples of good practice. ● Systems were in place to prevent people, staff and visitors from spreading infections. Visitors were required to wear a face mask prior to entering the home, hand sanitizers were available in reception for use, staff ensure all visitors sanitize their hands. A health questionnaire had to be completed, that asks about COVID-19 symptoms, by everyone visiting

● Staff had undertaken training in putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene and other COVID-19 related training. Infection control lead staff were in place, they monitored staff practices and provided training to ensure the national guidance was being followed. The provider continuously shared important information about Covid-19 to staff.

● Staff supported people's emotional and social wellbeing. People were supported to keep in contact with friends and relatives through telephone calls, social media and outdoor visits via an appointment system. National guidance was being followed to ensure visits took place at a safe social distance. Future plans were in place to provide visiting pods in the grounds for the winter time.

● The home was following national guidance for people moving into the home. Staff worked with people and their relatives to ensure they were aware of isolation procedures. People were supported by a dedicated staff team who ensured any feelings of isolation and loneliness were reduced. A range of individual social activities, reminiscence sessions and contact with friends and family were provided.

● The home undertook a range of infection control audits and checks. The manager spoke positively about the hard work and dedication which staff had shown, which had helped to minimise the impact of the pandemic on people's health and wellbeing.

● Tests for COVID-19 were carried out weekly for staff and monthly for people living at the service. If a test result was positive, the person was required to isolate in line with government guidance. If staff have a positive test, they were taken off shift and given full salary for 14 days. No staff or service users have been identified with COVID-19.

● The home was clean and there were no malodours. Staff had access to cleaning products and the cleaning of high touch areas such as door handles and hand rails, were cleaned regularly. The laundry,

sluice room and bathrooms throughout the service were clean and tidy.

● The provider had updated policies and procedures to ensure they included COVID-19 issues. Staff we spoke with were knowledgeable about the updates and were working in line with them. We saw staff change PPE when appropriate and wash and sanitise their hands. Staff uniforms were laundered and stored on site and changing facilities had been provided. This minimised the risk and spread of infection.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found