Aldersmead Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The service was clean and hygienic and there were cleaning schedules in place for people's rooms and shared spaces. We observed cleaning taking place during the inspection in line with best practice guidance. 'High touch' areas were regularly cleaned, and cleaning records reviewed daily to ensure schedules had been met and any concerns could be addressed. The building was generally well maintained and easy to keep clean. The registered manager told us how they were in the process of replacing carpets in the home with washable flooring.

There were robust laundry systems in place to ensure contaminated laundry was kept separate from other laundry and was washed at a suitable temperature to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. The registered manager told us staff uniforms were laundered in the home in a designated washing machine. There were personal protective equipment (PPE) stations throughout the home. We observed staff using PPE appropriately. Staff had received training and kept up to date with changes in guidance.

The home was following current visiting guidance. During the recent outbreak of COVID-19 relatives were kept informed and staff supported people to use video and audio call to keep in touch. Essential Care Giver and end of life visits continued in line with guidance through the outbreak.

Staff supported people to be vaccinated. Everyone had had both vaccinations and the vaccine booster. All staff had been vaccinated. We observed people confidant to be supported by staff wearing PPE.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found