Garland House

Garland House in Southborough is a residential care home that provides personal care for up to 20 older people, including those living with dementia and physical disabilities. At the time of the inspection in March 2021, there were 15 residents living in the adapted two-floor building. This specific inspection was a targeted review focused primarily on how the home prepared for and managed infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic, rather than a full comprehensive rating review.

When it comes to safety, the home demonstrated effective use of personal protective equipment and maintained good supplies across readily available stations throughout the building. Staff and residents were regularly tested for COVID-19, and the premises were kept clean, clutter-free, and subject to enhanced cleaning on high-touch areas. The provider successfully implemented clear isolation plans and safety measures for new admissions to minimize transmission risks.

For effectiveness, the staff ensured that residents' overall health and welfare were actively maintained through regular testing protocols and updated infection prevention policies. The service strictly followed shielding and social distancing rules while adequately assessing health needs during the pandemic.

In terms of being caring, the home maintained residents' emotional well-being by supporting safe contact with friends and family through telephone, internet, garden visits, and indoor meetings utilizing protective screens. Staff also provided dedicated one-to-one support with activities for individuals who needed to self-isolate.

Regarding responsiveness, the service adapted its routines to ensure residents did not feel isolated, facilitating socially distanced activities such as creative sessions and storytelling to stimulate discussions. Visitors were properly managed through health screening, hand sanitization, temperature checks, and lateral flow tests before visits were permitted.

As for being well-led, the provider maintained an up-to-date infection prevention and control policy and ensured that all staff received proper training on how to keep people safe during the pandemic. Management successfully coordinated visitor protocols and maintained organized safety measures across the facility.