Larkrise

The service had adapted areas around the home to accommodate visits from friends and relatives while reducing the risk of infection. This included an internal room with plastic screens that could be used flexibly to accommodate visits from family or health care professionals, in addition to a garden pod for use in warmer weather. People were encouraged to meet up with family members in the community and each person was given an infection protection pack with a mask, alcohol gel and wipes to take with them. When people were not able to meet with their relatives directly, staff supported them to use video calls to contact their family.

Staff used social stories to help people understand what the symptoms of COVID-19 were and how it may make them feel. There was clear pictorial and easy read guidance in place to explain to people why the use of personal protective equipment was so important to keep them safe.

Staff understood the importance of people's routines and supported people to take part in alternative activities during COVID-19 when some community activities were restricted. When people were isolating staff came up with creative ways to support people including converting an office space into a lounge area for one person to watch television and spend their leisure time away from their room.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found