There has been much comment recently around what your care should include and what rights you, or your relative, have a right to expect. In some cases, there have been reports of people who complain, being barred from visiting the home to spend time with their relatives and even, in extreme cases, being asked to move their relative to another home.

It is likely to be a very small minority of homes where this has taken place and, by far, the majority of homes, with which we have contact, have exemplary policies in place to make sure that this doesn’t happen. The CQC have a published set of standards, called “The Fundamental Standards”, below which your care must never fall.  It is so important that, when you are searching for a care place, you ensure that the homes you are considering fully commit to these fundamental standards, although this is not always easy for someone, without the correct knowledge, to achieve.

Here at Care Home Finder, we do understand how important security and peace of mind is for both people requiring care, and their relatives. We can help you find your way through the maze, providing the detail you need to make an informed decision on your, or a loved one’s care.

If you would like to talk to us about any aspects of the standards, or concerns you may have, please call us on 0345 853 0300. We are here to help.

The fundamental standards are:

Person-centred care

You must have care or treatment that is tailored to you and meets your needs and preferences.

Dignity and respect

You must be treated with dignity and respect at all times while you’re receiving care and treatment.

This includes making sure:

  • You have privacy when you need and want it.
  • Everybody is treated as equals.
  • You’re given any support you need to help you remain independent and involved in your local community.

Consent

You (or anybody legally acting on your behalf) must give your consent before any care or treatment is given to you.

Safety

You must not be given unsafe care or treatment or be put at risk of harm that could be avoided.

Providers must assess the risks to your health and safety during any care or treatment and make sure their staff have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep you safe.

Safeguarding from abuse

You must not suffer any form of abuse or improper treatment while receiving care.

This includes:

  • Neglect
  • Degrading treatment
  • Unnecessary or disproportionate restraint
  • Inappropriate limits on your freedom.

Food and drink

You must have enough to eat and drink to keep you in good health while you receive care and treatment.

Premises and equipment

The places where you receive care and treatment and the equipment used in it must be clean, suitable and looked after properly.

The equipment used in your care and treatment must also be secure and used properly.

Complaints

You must be able to complain about your care and treatment.

The provider of your care must have a system in place so they can handle and respond to your complaint. They must investigate it thoroughly and take action if problems are identified.

Good governance

The provider of your care must have plans that ensure they can meet these standards.

They must have effective governance and systems to check on the quality and safety of care. These must help the service improve and reduce any risks to your health, safety and welfare.

Staffing

The provider of your care must have enough suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff to make sure they can meet these standards.

Their staff must be given the support, training and supervision they need to help them do their job.

Fit and proper staff

The provider of your care must only employ people who can provide care and treatment appropriate to their role. They must have strong recruitment procedures in place and carry out relevant checks such as on applicants’ criminal records and work history.

Duty of candour

The provider of your care must be open and transparent with you about your care and treatment.

Should something go wrong, they must tell you what has happened, provide support and apologise.

Display of ratings

The provider of your care must display their CQC rating in a place where you can see it. They must also include this information on their website and make the latest report on their service available to you.

If you would like to chat about any of the above standards, or any concerns you may have, please call us on 0345 853 0300. We are here to help.