Glencoe Care Home

A survey completed by a relative recorded; "During COVID-19 staff worked twice as hard to keep people safe." People looked happy and comfortable with staff supporting them. Another recorded; "We are very happy with the care given at these difficult times." Staff were caring and spent time chatting with people as they moved around the service.

The service had sufficient supplies of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) available. Signage was in place throughout the service regarding the requirements for wearing PPE and included doffing and donning of PPE safely. Additional information was provided on what PPE needed to be worn when a person was assessed as being at higher risk of infection.

Staff came to work wearing their own clothes then changed into their uniforms in a designated room. Staff completed appropriate training and support to enable them to carry out their role safely, including PPE and dementia care training.

There were supplies of anti-bacterial wipes around the service to enable staff to clean surfaces and any areas, including bathrooms, they had used. There were posters around the service to prompt and remind staff about the infection control procedures in place. All high contact areas were cleaned regularly throughout the day and night.

The environment was safe, with upgrades and redecoration ongoing when possible due to the COVID-19 restriction. People had access to equipment they required.

Procedures were in place regarding self-isolation for people and staff, if they showed symptoms of COVID- 19. Specific COVID-19 policies had also been developed to provide guidance for staff about how to respond to the pandemic and the outbreak.

New COVID-19 visitors' policy had been updated since new guidance was released by the government. This included two designated visitors for each person living in the service. All visitors were required to make appointments and a designated room was made available for visitors and people living in the service. Friends and families were provided with the updated policy detailing the new restrictions. Where visiting

was required for compassionate reasons, suitable infection control procedures were in place. Visitors were screened for COVID-19 prior to entering the service. Visitors were required to wear PPE at all times.

People were supported to speak with their friends and family using IT and the telephone as necessary.

Appropriate testing procedures for COVID-19 had been implemented for all staff and people who used the service and followed national guidance regarding the frequency and type of testing. Arrangements had been made to enable people and staff to access the vaccine.

Infection control policies and procedures had been updated in line with the national guidance relating to COVID-19. Staff had completed online infection prevention and control and COVID-19 training. The registered manager worked with all staff to ensure infection prevention and control measures were followed.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People were supported by a staff team who completed an induction, regular training and were supervised. Staff were recruited safely in sufficient numbers to ensure people's needs were met. There was time for people to have social interaction and activities with staff. Staff knew how to keep people safe from harm.

People were supported by a service that was well managed. Records were accessible and up to date. The management and staff knew people well and worked together to help ensure people received a good service. Agency staff were not used, and staff covered and supported each other when shifts required filling to cover leave or other absences during the pandemic. People and staff told us the management of the service were hands on, approachable and listened when any concerns or ideas were raised.

People were supported to access healthcare services, staff recognised changes in people's health, and sought professional advice appropriately.

Records of people's care were individualised and reflected each person's needs and preferences. Risks were identified including additional risk to people if they were vulnerable to catching COVID-19. Staff had guidance to help them support people to reduce the risk of avoidable harm.