Retirement and nursing homes 2.1.7 Positive observations As in previous years, some examples of good practice are mentioned here. Biography work The comprehensive animation programme in a home in Styria that involved residents suffering from dementia drew attention. Their life stories, routines and preferences were documented together with their relatives as part of a biography project. Three animators employed in the home tried to activate those in need of care and accommodate their needs throughout the day. Commission 2 also observed that the psychosocial care of persons with dementia is not only mentioned in the care plan but also actually put into practice in a home in Salzburg. Hygiene measures Increased strict hygiene measures are essential in the fight against COVID-19. A positive observation made by Commission 1 in a home in Vorarlberg was that not only regular mini training sessions were held by the head of the nursing staff but the sessions themselves and participation therein were always documented. The staff who are not responsible for care were also trained in the correct use of PPE and know what they have to do in the case of an outbreak of infection. Special activities during the lockdown A geriatric day centre in Vienna that was closed in March 2020 still offered clients “remote care”. The staff maintained daily contact with them by telephone and informed mobile services in cases of emergency, which then carried out house visits. Once or twice a week a letter with information, recipes, puzzles, activity and health tips was sent to the clients. There was also an immediate and effective reaction to a suspected case of COVID-19. All of the contact persons were tested in a test bus belonging to the Samaritans. A home in Salzburg purchased a rikshaw during the lockdown with which trips were made nearly every day thanks to the dedication of volunteers. A home in Tyrol conducted a survey of the residents after the first lockdown on how they had felt and what they had missed most. A gala dinner was organised by the home management in August 2020 to celebrate having coped during this difficult time together. 43