Sefton Hall

We found the following examples of good practice.

People were supported to maintain relationships with their loved ones in creative ways. For example, in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic the home introduced 'drive through' visiting, an initiative which was reported by local media. The home also took part in a pilot using 30-minute lateral flow tests to enable people to have close contact visits in the safest way possible.

The staff made efforts to ensure people did not feel isolated by the lack of contact with family, friends and the community. For example, each year the staff and people living at Sefton Hall take part in the local community carnival. Because this had been cancelled staff recreated it within the grounds of the home by building a float, wearing fancy dress and holding games and competitions. Activities were risk assessed and a balance struck to endeavour to keep life stimulating for people, whilst minimising risk. The registered manger told us "staff have tried to replace family as much as they can".

The provider used funding available to create an 'isolation unit' within the building. This included 11 en- suite bedrooms, a kitchen and a wet room. This was part of the homes contingency plans should people living with dementia, who would find it difficult to isolate in their own bedrooms in the main part of the home, test positive for Covid-19.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found