Grantown care home praised for its work to safeguard residents during pandemic
An NHS Highland owned care home in Grantown has been rated as very good by inspectors for the way it has been looking after its elderly residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Care Inspectorate officers visited Grant House which is operated by NHS Highland on December 4 and praised the way residents were being cared after.
NHS Highland chiefs have welcomed the positive report.
Interim chief officer Louise Bussell said: "We’re delighted with the report that has been published on Grant House in Grantown.
"It highlights a number of positives including good relationships with residents, communication and support for relatives, and the right knowledge and skills in relation to Covid-19.
"The positive feedback is testament to the work that has been, and continues to be put in by our teams.
"Our thanks to them for all their hard work during what has been a very challenging year for all."
There were nine people living in the facility at the time of the inspection at the home which can accommodate 20 older people.
Inspectors stated in their findings that people's health and wellbeing was supported and safeguarded to a very good standard during the Covid-19
pandemic awarding the home five marks out of the maximum of six.
Infection control practices were deemed to be good (four marks).
Inspectors said that people were being cared for with a 'high level of compassion' and 'there were warm and nurturing relationships between staff and the individuals they supported'.
The report continued: "It was apparent staff had taken time and care to find out about people's past histories, likes and dislikes. We saw very good examples of when staff used this information to sensitively support people who were in distress.
"This helped the individuals feel safer and alleviated their anxieties."
Some of the comments received from relatives included:
* "We could not have wished for a better care home for my relative. It is apparent when we visit, my relative has really good relationships with the staff."
* "The atmosphere at Grant House is not only welcoming, it is genuinely caring and friendly."
* "The level of care is exemplary, often going above and beyond the expected."
Personal plans clearly reflected people's rights, choices and wishes. They were used to guide staff on how best to care and support people in line with their wishes.
Grant House residents benefited from regular interactions and engagement from staff. Activities had focused on the individual throughout the pandemic with restricted group activities.
This promoted an active life for people and helped them to feel included in their day-to-day lives.
The report states: "The residents we spoke with told us they were happy in the care home and that the staff looked after them well.
The relatives told us staff had supported their loved ones to keep in touch with them during the pandemic."
The home's management of infection prevention and control was of a good standard. People were living in a safe, well-maintained, and clean environment.
Staff carrying out housekeeping and cleaning were confident and competent and followed relevant guidance.
To further reduce the risk of contamination and allow for easier and more effective cleaning some furniture needed replaced as it was old and worn. There also needed to be a further de-cluttering of some areas.
There was a good supply of PPE. Staff were wearing PPE appropriately to keep people safe. They had a sound knowledge of and followed COVID-19 information and guidance.
Areas for improvement indentified in an earlier inspection had all been acted upon well and in a timely manner.
Local Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn said: "I am pleased that the Care Inspectorate report has noted improvement. This has been achieved by hard work by all involved in the delivery of health.
"It also provides a level of comfort and reassurance for family and friends particularly during the worries regarding Covid-19."
