The Turrets Residential Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

People we spoke with told us, "I feel safe. I am not frightened" and "I stay in my room at the moment by choice due to the outbreak. I feel safe in here" and "When I am able to go out, I wear a mask in public to try and keep us all safe". The staff that were spoke with told us, "Yes I am ok. We just have to pull together like we are doing and support each other" and "We have a good team and support each other. I do feel supported".

Staff followed safe infection prevention and control procedures, including the safe wearing and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). The home had a good level of cleanliness and was hygienic throughout. Domestic and care staff were following an enhanced cleaning schedule and there was good ventilation. The atmosphere of the home was cheerful and calm. We observed staff were attending to people's needs throughout our visit.

There was a clear process for visitors. Visitors were required to wash their hands as they entered and left the home. Visitors were required to have their temperature taken and were asked if they had any symptoms. A Covid risk assessment was completed. They were asked to wear PPE which included a face mask.

Visitors were required to sign in and they had to show a negative lateral flow test. The vaccination status was checked for health and social care professionals and contractors. This was in line with legislation that had come into effect in November 2021.

People were supported to see friends and family in accordance with government guidance. At the time of the inspection the home was closed due to a Covid outbreak. Five people were isolating in their rooms. People were supported to maintain contact with relatives by the telephone and video call. The home used a social media messaging system which people could access. Some people had their own mobile phones and tablets.

The registered manager told us people's significant others had been asked if they wanted to become the essential carer giver for their relative. This meant they will still able to visit during an outbreak at the home. In order to become an essential care giver, set procedures were to be followed. This included participating in regular testing for Covid.

Lounge chairs were distanced from each other. The middle seats on lounge sofas had been taped up so people were not able to sit close to each other. These social distancing measures were in place to help

protect people.

Staff had received training in COVID-19, and infection prevention and control. Information and ongoing government guidance in the management of COVID-19 was shared with staff.

Admission to the home was completed in line with COVID-19 guidance. People were only admitted following a negative COVID-19 test result and supported to self-isolate in line with current guidance to reduce the risk of introducing infection. People's health and well-being was carefully monitored during this time. A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for staff and people living in the home. This meant swift action could be taken when any positive results were received.

The registered manager told us they were not experiencing any workforce pressures and that staffing was manageable. The home was advertising for support staff. We were told the staff team picked up extra hours as overtime, but this was monitored to ensure staff were not over worked. The registered manager and deputy worked flexibly to ensure shifts were covered.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found