Ask Senga 
Senga will try to answer as many of your Scottish Social Care questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Senga Currie is Head of Care Development (Scotland) at QCS, she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a registered mental nurse and registered general nurse for 38 years, working in various areas within the NHS, community nursing, the field of addictions and the private sector. With 21 years of experience working with care homes, starting as a nursing sister and moving into roles of home manager, regional manager, care services manager and regulation manager.
Senga will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Senga cannot offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the Care Inspectorate Scotland.
Latest Questions
Stress Management for staff during Covid-19?
Hello Senga
Our staff are getting really stressed in these trying times due to working long hours and concern about the coronavirus. I thank them daily and they know they are appreciated. I wish I could do more to help them, any suggestions.
Thanks
Fiona
Hi Fiona It is indeed a very stressful time for all. That is commendable that you are concerned for your staff’s wellbeing. Self-care is all important, however at these worrying times...
Resources on infection control and coronavirus
Dear Senga
We are all worried in our care home, visitors have been asked not to visit to try and keep the service users safe. We are all getting refresher training on infection control and coronavirus. I wanted to read up on this, can you advise.
Thank you
Ruth
Hello Ruth Well done caring and supporting for the vulnerable service users and for looking to expand your knowledge. Below are resources which will help you, good luck and stay safe. Coronavirus...
Looking at an environmental audit for the care home, what course should I aim?
Hi Senga
I support people who live with dementia and have been advised to look at an environmental audit for the care home which may improve the outcomes for people, which of course is my aim. I can’t find the audit, are you aware of it?
Bertha
Hi Bertha Yes, I can help you with that. It is surprising how making a few changes to the environment can have an impact on service users lives. I looked at this...
Have the Care Inspectorate changed the way they inspect Care at home?
Hi Senga
I have been told the Care Inspectorate have changed the way they inspect Care at Home, is that correct? I am expecting an inspection soon and I am now worried that they will inspect me under the new regime, and I don’t know about it. Can you clarify for me, please?
Thanks
Jessie
Hello Jessie Firstly, please don’t worry about it, no matter the framework the regulator uses, they will be looking at the same issues and outcomes for the service users, therefore continue...
Caroline
Hi Senga,
I am looking to start a day centre for adults with autism in my area. The centre would have a maximum capacity of 25 service users.
Can you tell me what type of licences and qualifications are required?
Thanks
Hi Caroline You would have to register your service with the Care Inspectorate, information on this can found here. This will tell you what is required prior to starting up your...
Do you offer support in the care inspectorate registration process or just in the running of the service?
Hi Senga,
Do you offer support in the care inspectorate registration process or just in the running of the service
Hi Pete We can support you with the policies, procedures and compliance tools for registration and the whole service provision, why don’t you take advantage of a free trial and see...
What is a SSSC?
What is SSSC?
Hello Gary SSSC stands for Scottish Social Services Council. They are the regulator for the social care workforce in Scotland. If you are working in health and social care you will most...
Hi Senga, I am employed privately to take care of a gentleman in his own home. The money is paid through SDS by the local council. I have been told I have to register for the SSSC. Is this correct? I was led to believe I didn’t because it was through SDS. But also because of the part time hours I work, (17.5pw) that it would qualify me for a Student something or other. I’m 64 by the way. Could you clarify this for me?? Register or not to register?
Hi Senga, I am employed privately to take care of a gentleman in his own home. The money is paid through SDS by the local council. I have been told I have to register for the SSSC. Is this correct? I was led to believe I didn’t because it was through SDS. But also because of the part-time hours I work, (17.5pw) that it would qualify me for a Student something or other. I’m 64 by the way. Could you clarify this for me?? Register or not to register? Thanks
Hello Dawn The answer to registration is yes you must register with the SSSC. It doesn’t matter if you are full or part-time and if you work via SDS all social care...
I want to start my own care agency, would you please point me in the right direction in terms of registration and compliance
I want to start my own care agency, would you please point me in the right direction in terms of registration and compliance
Hello Joseph Yes, I can point you in the right direction with this. There is lots of information and guidance on the Care Inspectorates website, which you can access here: https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/register-a-care-service. Please ensure...
One of our service users refuses to take her medication. We put it in chocolates as her relative told us this is how she took it. At our inspection the service was given a requirement saying it is covert medication. Can you advise?
Hi Senga,
One of our service users refuses to take her medication. We put it in chocolates as her relative told us this is how she took it.
At our inspection the service was given a requirement saying it is covert medication. Can you advise?
Hello Janey, The regulator is correct, it is covert medication and therefore best practice guidance must be followed. Please see this document. After reading the guidance, follow the steps and processes, it...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
