Getting ready for an inspection by the Care Quality Commission begins the day following the last inspection. Keeping check on quality of care in a nursing home must be a strong and ongoing process. Care homes should never take their eyes off the ball.
The most common reason for a rapid decline in rating will be a change of leadership or a lack of monitoring of the provider. Here is a checklist for care homes inspections:
Check with your manager if they have any intention to change jobs before the next inspection. Avoid changing the manager before the examination unless it is unavoidably necessary.
Make sure the care plans reflect the actual needs of the residents. For example, if one of the residents is suffering from an infection, ensure you have a treatment plan in place for dealing with such infections.
Regularly check over the accident log to see if there is a pattern. Managers should be investigating all cases as normal practice. The treatment plan should be updated to reflect the type of accident and steps recorded that have been put in place to prevent it from happening again.
Watch the way employees communicate with one other and the residents. Carers should be able to demonstrate dignity, empathy and respect. CQC will not even consider the evidence of your position if they see communication needs improving. Behaviour change takes a long time to instil, so there’s no time like the present.
Check that safeguarding measures are robust. Ensure all documentation is kept together, including notification to the CQC. Check if you have updated plans on any incidents and measures to prevent them from happening again.
Conduct a survey of the residents, relatives and professional staff. Use the feedback to begin to address any issues even before the CQC inspection is due. CQC will be happy to see if you have made improvements after the survey. For information on Dementia Care Homes Taunton, visit a site like https://www.notarohomes.co.uk/care-home/aspen-court-dementia-nursing-home/
Speak to your staff individually to get a temperature check on what’s going on. If they do not open up to you, get a third party to do it on your behalf. You want to ensure all staff are happy about management processes. Remember, CQC will question you about things that you might be reluctant to ask because you are afraid of any unpleasant responses.
Check if you are breaking any of the CQC rules. If yes, put a plan of correction in place as soon as possible. Violation of the rules will not bring you closer to an outstanding rating.
It’s important to remember that these principles will only work they are applied. It is imperative that everyone receives exceptional treatment as they age. So, by applying and sharing these tips for in the care home, you contribute to improving the quality of service for all.