An Angus care home has been given a glowing report for how staff cared for elderly residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Independently-run Tarriebank House, north of Arbroath, was praised by inspectors following a recent visit, receiving “very good” and “good” evaluations for all categories.
Care Inspectorate assessors visited the 24-bed home on July 15, as part of unannounced coronavirus checks.
A report said the elderly residents had been helped to stay in touch with family through social media and had been kept occupied with barbecues and vegetable growing.
It said: “We observed warm and compassionate interactions between staff and residents.
“People benefited from regular interactions and engagement from staff as there was sufficient staffing in place to allow for lots of meaningful contact and discreet support.
“Although staff told us that it was challenging at times, people continued to have access to a range of activities and opportunities adapted to social distancing.
“A number of people had particularly enjoyed being out walking in the garden and tending to the raised vegetable beds.
“To try to reduce the impact on residents of restricting non-essential visitors to the service, a range of methods were in place to facilitate contact. As well as the telephone, the service used video calls and social media to support people to stay in touch with their families.
“In particular, social media photographs were valued by relatives.”
The home was also praised for infection control measures and cleanliness.
The report said: “Important communal spaces, such as the lounge, were spacious and free from clutter.
“This is important to enable thorough cleaning of the home and meant that people were protected as staff were taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
“All staff had a good understanding of infection prevention and control, particularly around COVID-19 and their role in ensuring guidance was being followed.
“We found that staff practice was supporting a safe environment both for people experiencing care and staff, as the service had systems and processes in place to guide practice and provide assurance on the cleanliness of the environment and care equipment. We observed staff following these systems.
“We observed good practice, by all staff in relation to personal protective equipment and hand hygiene.”
