WHY IS CQC COMPLIANCE IMPORTANT? 

THE FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

1.  Is Your Care Safe?

• Ensure residents are protected from avoidable harm.

• Regularly review risk assessments for hazards like falls, medication errors, or infections.

• Implement robust safeguarding policies.

2. Is Your Care Effective?

• Train staff to meet residents' health and wellbeing needs.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with healthcare professionals (e.g., GPs, dietitians).

• Monitor outcomes such as recovery times and improvements in residents' quality of life.

3. Is Your Care Caring?

• Demonstrate empathy and respect in every interaction.

• Gather feedback from residents and families to improve services.

• Offer personalised care plans tailored to each resident's needs.

4. Is Your Care Responsive?

• Adapt services to residents’ preferences and changing health conditions.

• Maintain clear procedures for handling complaints.

• Track response times for requests or concerns.

5. Is Your Care Well-Led?

• Ensure managers have the necessary skills and experience.

• Create a culture of accountability and transparency.

• Use audits and self-assessments to identify areas for improvement.

STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST FOR COMPLIANCE

Step 1: Registration

• Register your care home with the CQC before starting operations. This includes registering the provider and manager as appropriate.

• Identify the "regulated activities" your care home will provide (e.g., personal care, nursing care)

Step 2: Policies and Procedures

• Develop policies on key areas like infection control, fire safety, and medication management.

• Update these policies annually to reflect current regulations.

Step 3: Staff Training and Recruitment

• Train all staff on mandatory topics such as safeguarding, first aid, and dementia care.

• Conduct thorough pre-employment checks, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) screening.

Step 4: Risk Management

• Perform regular health and safety audits.

• Maintain detailed records of incidents and how they were resolved.

Step 5: Resident-Centric Care

• Design care plans that are regularly reviewed with input from residents and their families.

• Encourage residents to express preferences, fostering a homely environment.

Step 6: Documentation

• Keep detailed records of care delivered, complaints resolved, and inspections completed.

• Prepare for inspections by organising evidence in line with the five key questions.

PREPARING FOR A CQC INSPECTION

Pre-Inspection Preparation

• Use mock inspections to identify and address weaknesses.

• Ensure staff understand the CQC's expectations and feel confident in their roles.

On the Day

• Welcome inspectors warmly and provide them with a designated workspace.

• Be transparent and proactive in sharing documentation and answering questions.

COMMON CHALLENGES AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM

Rising Costs

• Use budgeting tools and financial planning to manage operational costs.

• Seek advice on tax efficiencies to free up resources for compliance-related improvements.

Staff Shortages

• Retain staff through competitive pay, professional development, and supportive work environments.

• Use technology to reduce manual tasks and improve efficiency.

Staying Updated

• Subscribe to updates from the CQC and professional bodies like Skills for Care.

• Attend webinars, workshops, and networking events for ongoing learning.

(c) Warren Davies, December 2024

HOW WE CAN HELP

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