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
At our last inspection we were advised to further develop our nutrition care plans and I don’t know where to start?
Hi Senga,
At our last inspection we were advised to further develop our nutrition care plans and I don’t know where to start. Our care plans were not detailed enough to fully support the people in our care. Can you give me some hints and tips?
Hello Priscilla, I can understand the need to have a comprehensive nutrition care plan as so much of our quality of life involves good nutrition. The Care Inspectorate developed an excellent tool...
How can the SBAR method be used to assist with communication?
Hi Senga, I have recently started in a senior position and a colleague told me I should use the SBAR method when communicating with teams and external professionals. I didn’t want to ask her to explain, do you know what this is?
Hi Basset, Yes, I am aware of Situation Background Assessment Recommendation (SBAR). It is a technique that can be used to facilitate communication. This communication model has gained popularity in healthcare settings. It...
I work in Care at Home and I have been told that I must be registered with SSSC by end of the year, is this correct?
Dear Senga,
I work in Care at Home and I have been told that I must be registered with SSSC by end of the year, is this correct? I thought I had until next year to register.
Hello Dotty, That is correct, you need to apply for registration with SSSC by 13 December 2019 to guarantee your application is processed before the mandatory date for registration. SSSC guarantee...
I work in care at home and noticed there was a camera recording my visit in a new client’s home, is this allowed?
Hello Senga,
I work in care at home and last week I noticed there was a camera recording my visit in a new client’s home. It made me feel very uncomfortable, can people record me?
Hello, You should immediately escalate to your line manager, who should either contact the local authority funding the support or alternatively if the person is self-funding speak to the family or...
I am keen to help people with incontinence problems, do you have any advice?
Dear Senga,
We, at our care home have toileting rounds where we help residents to the toilet and change people’s incontinence pads. I am keen to help people with incontinence problems do you have any advice?
Hello Paula, That is good to know that you are trying to support people with their independence and help with continence. There is lots we can do to help people such as...
I have been asked by the Care Inspectorate to do a development plan for my service and I am unsure where to start?
Dear Senga,
I wonder if you can advise me please? The Care Inspectorate have asked me to do a development plan for my service and I have never done this before and I am unsure of where to start, I operate a Care at Home service, do you know of one or can you advise please?
Hello Alexander, No problem at all I can help with that. Previously the Care Inspectorate would ask the service to complete an online Self-Assessment Form. This has been suspended temporarily until...
When will the new framework for Care at Home be released?
Dear Senga,
I work in Care at Home and we are eagerly awaiting the new framework which has already been released for care homes. Do you have any idea when this will be released as we are keen to get on board and become familiar?
Hi Katie, Please don’t be anxious, the feedback I have had from care homes is the new framework has been good and easy to implement. I attended the recent Care at Home...
I recently had an inspection and was advised to improve pureed diets, can you advise on this?
Dear Senga,
I recently had an inspection and was advised to improve pureed diets but my chef although good has no experience of pureed diets prior to coming to the care home to work as he previously worked in a hotel.
Hello David, I can signpost you to a few resources David. Firstly, I would ensure your chef is familiar with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative which can be accessed here. These...
What communication methods would you suggest when informing service users of the new Health and Social Care Standards?
Dear Senga
It was recommended at a recent inspection that I support service users and their families to be aware of the new Health and Social Care Standards. I have put up a poster, but can you advise of others communication methods I can use to inform all?
Hello Chloe, Yes, I can think of a few ideas. Why not put on the agenda of your next resident/relative meeting? You could go through the roadshow presentation the care inspectorate produced, which...
I currently work in a Care Home but I am considering moving to Care at Home, is it different from a Care Home?
Dear Senga,
I currently work in a care home, but I am considering moving to Care at Home as the idea of looking after people in their own homes really appeals to me. Is it different from a care home? Any advice would be grateful
Hello Margaret, Good Luck in your forthcoming interview. In relation to care delivery, in both services the principles are the same: dignity and respect
compassion
be included
responsive care
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